Private - 16 Day Sri Lanka & Maldives

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Today begins your magnificent tour through one of this year’s top travel destinations. Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel.

This trip offers just a glimpse of Colombo's highlights. If you wish to further explore this fascinating city we recommend that you stay one or two extra nights either side of the tour. See "Extra Services" for pre or post-trip accommodation and transfer prices. 

Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.

In the morning we'll head out south towards Galle. On the way we will enjoy a brief sightseeing tour of Colombo. Grab a glimpse of the extravagant metropolitan lifestyle of Colombo from the comfort of your bus. The city offers you a beautiful mingle of western and authentic Sri Lankan elements at every corner. Some of the top Colombo attractions you may sight are the Old Parliaments, President’s House, Gangaramaya temple, Galle face green, Pettah, Viharamaha Devi park and Independence square.

We then leave for Galle. Enroute, visit a Turtle Hatchery. There are only seven species of marine turtles in the world and five are found in the warm, clear waters off Sri Lanka’s coast. The five species are Hawksbill turtle, Loggerhead turtle, Green turtle, Leatherback turtle and the Olive Ridley turtle and so you will get to see the variety of turtle Sri Lanka has to offer. Continuing further south, we visit a small town called Balapitiya where you will take a boat trip on the Madu River and its 64 scattered islands. Cinnamon Island, locally known as “Kurundu Doowa” is one of the islets enthusiasts could visit. On your visit here you will get an informative experience of Cinnamon Production. Sri Lanka is the largest producer of pure cinnamon in the world! Overnight in Galle.

Today set on a tour of the Galle Fort and its Fortifications. This is a city that exudes an essence with a perfect blend of past and present. Declared an UNESCO heritage site in 1988, the presence of Portuguese, Dutch and English is very evident in the fascinating architectural styles of the Galle Fort.

In the morning we leave for Yala National Park. On arrival, spend your afternoon on a guided game drive exploring the dynamic wildlife and the most luxuriant plant life in Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to sight the rare leopard!

Please note that Yala National Park closes for a period between the months of September and October. The exact closure dates are made clear closer to the time. The closure is due to the prevailing dry weather prior to this time and taking into consideration the well-being of the wildlife in the reserve. For departure dates that fall over this period, as defined in the departure dates listed below, Yala National park will be replaced with a visit to Udawalawe National Park, while still being able to visit Block 4 or 5 of Yala National Park.

This morning, enjoy another safari in the Yala National Park by jeep to spot the diverse wildlife which calls the park home. After, we leave Yala behind us and continue the journey to Nuwara Eliya. Often referred to as ‘Little England’, this genteel highland community does have a rose-tinted, vaguely British-country-village feel to it, with its colonial-era bungalows. On arrival, check in to your Inspiring Stay for the next two nights, the incredible Grand Hotel. It may be the 21st century, but colonial splendour still reigns in all its past glory at the Grand Hotel. Built in 1891, this was the palatial residence of the former Governor of Sri Lanka, Sir Edward Barnes; today we offer the ultimate in comfort and the best of traditions from the ‘good old days’ to all who seek the charms of our famed hill country landmark.

Please note: Dress code applies for dinner at all restaurants and bars - All guests are requested to in be smart casual wear. Guests in short trousers and sleeveless Shirts and rubber slippers will not be permitted to enter the restaurants.

Please note: Sections of Yala National Park close due to conservation efforts each year between September and October. The closure dates are advised by the Sri Lankan government 1-2 months prior and differ each year. As Yala National Park is made up of multiple sections, if one section is closed due to conservation works we will visit one of the open sections.

Today you will visit a Tea Plantation and Factory. Here you will enjoy the absolute tea experience, taking you to the moment the young tea leaves are plucked from the plantation to being processed in the factory to make a steamy cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is the best place to purchase good quality tea.

This afternoon, enjoy an Inspiring Taste at probably the most talked of outlet in Nuwara Eliya, the Grand Tea Lounge. Here we enjoy an iconic High Tea at Grand Hotel.

In the morning leave for Kandy on the famous train journey which is supposed to be one of the most scenic and beautiful journeys in the world. Apart from the breathtaking sceneries of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls, it is a chance for you to mingle with the local people.

Kandy, the Hill Capital (1514 – 1815 AD). Originally known as Senkadagala, the city eventually came to know as Kandy. Kandy was declared an UNESCO heritage site in 1988. The style and character of the Sri Lankan civilization at the time is well articulated in the heart of the city itself, with its lake, the temples including the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the well preserved ruins of the royal palaces. On arrival in Kandy the afternoon is at leisure.

Full day at leisure to relax and explore the city of Kandy. Late afternoon saunter around the Kandy Lake, the atmosphere alone will intrigue you to spend a few moments here. This evening we visit the Temple of Tooth, with its guardian elephants is a deeply significant Buddhist site that contains a tooth of Buddha collected from his funeral pyre and this draws thousands of pilgrims from across the world.

This evening enjoy a typical Sri Lankan Cultural Performance.

Today, leave for Sigiriya. Enroute, enjoy a private Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park. Located in the districts of Matale and Polonnaruwa and bordered by the 'Mahaweli' and 'Amban' rivers, this park stretches an impressive 36,948 hectares. It was declared a National park in 1984, making it the only one in the Central Province. It's a paradise for nature lovers and one of the best places to observe elephants. Continue to Sigiriya for check-in.

Please note: Since elephants are migratory animals, we may visit Wasgamuwa National Park on this day instead, based on the elephant locations.

This evening enjoy an Inspiring Taste with some sundowner pre-dinner Arrack (a local cocktail) or something else to suit your tastes with some canapes.

This morning we climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion’s Rock), one of the most extraordinary artistic complexes of its time (477 – 498 AD). Declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982, this magnificent citadel allures artistic and architectural curiosity from around the globe.

For lunch today, take part in an Inspiring Taste Cooking Demonstration of Sri Lankan rice and curry preparation (5-6 curries) and enjoy the typical Sri Lankan lunch overlooking the gardens. 

This evening enjoy another Inspiring Taste with some sundowner pre-dinner Arrack (a local cocktail) or something else to suit your tastes with some canapes.

This morning is at your leisure.

In the afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Medieval Capital City of Polonnaruwa. This was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982. After the demise of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the middle historic capital of Sri Lanka (1017 – 1235 AD).

Welcome to Paradise! A visit to the Maldives is truly a dream come true. This stunning tropical nation lies within the Indian Ocean and is composed of 26 colourful coral atolls composed of hundreds of idyllic islands. The Maldives is world famous for it’s beautiful beaches, sapphire blue lagoons and extensive coral reefs. Upon arrival you will be welcomed and then transferred to your hotel by speed boat. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, taking in the gorgeous tropical landscape.

This morning enjoy a delicious breakfast while admiring the surrounding low-lying islands that make up the utopian Maldives. Every atoll here is formed by centuries of coral reef growth, and each is encircled by a shallow lagoon, protected by the surrounding reef systems. The islands here have tropical castaway qualities: tall coconut palms, white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons. Today you may enjoy an entire day of leisure, participating in some of the many exciting activities that the islands have to offer.

Our hotel offers some phenomenal snorkeling opportunities, where you can explore the shallow oases at the islands edge. You may also choose to enjoy some exciting optional water sport activities, such as catamaran sailing where you can experience the thrill of riding the winds and speeding through the crystal waters. Canoeing may also appeal to those who seek tranquility while they enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Windsurfing is also an activity available to the more adventurous. There really is no end to the adventures you may seek as you explore the wonderful Maldives - jet-skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving may also be on your list.

Following another delicious breakfast this morning, you may enjoy yet another day of leisure in the dreamy Maldives. Enjoy any number of the incredible activities available to you, and make the most of your fantastic adventure here. Alternatively, relax on the beach and take in the picture-perfect surroundings while dipping your toes in the warm, luscious waters of the Indian Ocean. You will have never known true relaxation until you set foot on this luxurious white sandy beach.

Enjoy your morning today with a scrumptious breakfast while taking in the fresh breeze as you are serenaded by the sound of the waves lapping the beach. Admire the view beyond the horizon of the Indian Ocean and prepare for another day of leisure and exciting optional activities in the Maldives

Following breakfast this morning we must leave our island paradise as we check-out from out hotel and proceed to the airport via speed boat.  We hope your tour has ended with sweet and happy memories of worlds beyond your wildest dreams.