Summary
Short description
An exotic and cultural journey taking in two Indian Ocean gems
Highlights
- Explore Sri Lanka's UNESCO-listed treasures - Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa
- Head into verdant tea plantations from your lakeside Kandy base
- Relax in indulgent style with a stay at Baron Maldives
In Brief
- 1 Night Minuwangoda
- 2 Nights Sigiriya
- 2 Nights Kandy
- 2 Nights Hatton
- 1 Night Minuwangoda
- 5 Nights Maldives
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Beach | History & culture | Honeymoon | Natural world
The idyllic islands of the Maldives are what beach holiday dreams are made of, while exotic Sri Lanka offers scenic splendour and great cultural encounters. Together they bring the best of the Indian Ocean. Begin with Sri Lanka's 5th-century rock fortress, Sigiriya, often described as the eighth wonder of the world. Then, visit the giant recumbent Buddhas of Polonnaruwa, before touring Kandy's ancient relics and grand palaces, all set around a tranquil lake. Lastly, indulge yourself with a luxury stay in the Maldives, swimming and snorkelling in azure waters peppered by the palm-fringed islands of the Malé Atoll.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Colombo
Relax in style before your flight with included VIP airport lounge access before your overnight flight to Colombo.
Day
2
Arrive in Sri Lanka
After arrival, journey to The Wallawwa in Minuwangoda – an evocative colonial manor house just north of the city – where you will have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure.
Stay: The Wallawwa Hotel, Negombo (Superior)
Days
3-4
Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa
After breakfast, a scenic drive brings you to the Jetwing Vil Uyana. The next day, head for the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sigiriya Rock, a truly unique palace with 5th century roots. Rising 200m from the scrub jungle, climb the rock and enjoy the vast views all around. In the afternoon, visit Polonnaruwa's ancient city – another UNESCO site – which formed part of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa between the 8th and 14th centuries and is widely regarded as one of the most well-planned ancient sites in the country.
Stay: Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sigiriya (Superior)
Meals: B
Days
5-6
Dambulla & Kandy
Begin day five with a trip to the 1st-century Dambulla rock temples before a spice garden visit in nearby Matale where you'll learn about Sri Lanka's prominent role in the global spice industry. Afterwards, transfer to Kandy to enjoy a day of independent exploration, or to simply relax at your hotel. In the morning you'll head to Peradeniya to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. Built by a Sinhala king and later expanded by the British, the gardens cover almost 150 acres and feature manicured lawns, grand pavilions, an octagon conservatory, a fernery and a spectacular orchid house. Finally, return to Kandy for a tour of the city. Packed with historical treasures, this UNESCO site was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings. Legends and folklore are kept alive – you'll bear witness to it as you tour through the city. In the evening, enjoy a cultural show, demonstrating traditional Sri Lankan entertainment.
Stay: The Kandy House (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Days
7-8
Hatton
Head for Hatton, found over 4,000ft above sea level. It is situated on the Colombo-Badulla railway line, as well as the Nuwara Eliya (A7) road, meaning it serves as a gateway to Adam's Park pilgrims and Nuwara Eliya – often referred to as 'Little England'. Famed for its Ceylon tea plantations, you'll learn how tea is made, starting right at the beginning – picking two leaves and a bud. You'll then have the opportunity to taste different grades of tea of the region's famous black tea.
Stay: Ceylon Tea Trails, Hatton (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
9
Minuwangoda
Head back to Minuwangoda as you return to The Wallawwa to relax before you make your flight the next day.
Stay: The Wallawwa Hotel, Negombo (Superior)
Meals: B
Days
10-14
Maldives
Linger over breakfast before a private transfer brings you to the airport for your flight to the Maldives. Like a string of pearls scattered across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are the embodiment of an idealised island paradise: turquoise water, sugar-white sand and verdant bowing palm trees. Stay for a week at the Baros Maldives, enjoying luxury living, swimming, sun bathing, snorkelling and diving in this idyllic Indian Ocean location.
Stay: Baros Maldives (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Days
15-16
Depart Maldives
Depart the Maldives on an overnight flight, via Colombo, Sri Lanka, to the UK.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
16-day tailor-made holiday
from £5,725 pp incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £5,725 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £10,385 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights from London to Colombo and from Colombo to Male
- Private guide and driver in Sri Lanka
- Return speedboat transfer in the Maldives
- 11 nights accommodation in typically 4* (Superior) or 5* (Deluxe) hotels on a B&B basis
- 2 nights accommodation in a 5* (Deluxe) hotel on a full-board basis
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0613
Meet the team
You might also like
Visit Sri Lanka's most impressive ancient monuments and beautiful beaches in utter luxury, enjoying the services of a private driver throughout and staying in only the finest hotels. Think beach villas and palatial country manors.
This spectacular itinerary will see you travel in traditional style on the RV Kalaw Pandaw as you explore the incredible Lower Ganges.
