DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: UK to Colombo
Fly overnight from the UK to Colombo.

Day 2: Colombo to the Cultural Triangle
On arrival you will be met by your driver/guide and transferred approx. 3 hrs inland to the Cultural Triangle to spend 3 nights at Roo Mansala, an independently owned eco-hotel that offers mesmerising views of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and fantastic hospitality. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool this afternoon! Welcome to Sri Lanka! 

Day 3: Cultural Triangle
This morning you will be collected after breakfast and head to the iconic Rock Fortress of Sigiriya for a guided tour of this fascinating UNESCO complex and a hike to the top to marvel at the stunning scenery. After, you could choose to head to a fruit and vegetable market for an incredible local experience and to fully immerse yourself into the hustle and bustle of traders selling their goods. 

In the afternoon, you’ll be taken on a private safari in Minneriya National Park – the Park is home to a huge range of wildlife, including monkeys, spotted deer and macaques, but it is most famous for elephants! Want to see more wildlife – talk to us about other national parks in Sri Lanka. 

Day 4: Cultural Triangle 
Today you will head to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa with its impressive array of well-preserved ruins including grandiose palaces, intricately carved Buddha statues, and well-preserved towering stupas, offering a captivating glimpse into the island’s glorious past and architectural prowess. You will have the afternoon free to explore more local sights with your driver or, if you fancy some down time, head back to the hotel to relax by the pool!

Day 5: Cultural Triangle to Kandy
Today you will be collected and transferred approx. 2 hrs to Kandy. En-route you will stop at the Dambulla Rock Cave Temples. a remarkable complex of five cave temples adorned with stunning Buddhist murals and over 150 statues, nestled atop a massive granite outcrop. Keep an eye out for monkeys.

In Kandy, you will stay at Villa Rosa for 2 nights. This is a real Sundowner favourite, with stylish rooms and one of the best views in Kandy! The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore under your own steam. 

Day 6: Kandy
You will visit the UNESCO Temple of the Tooth and Royal Palace today. The Buddhist Temple is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, and is a great piece of Sri Lankan culture. There’s also time to take in the local markets, or take in the sights of the city on an Old Kandy walking tour. Pick-up some lunch for a picnic in the Botanical Gardens. Or you could head out to explore Uddawattakele Rainforest, a lush rainforest located in the heart of Kandy, or for foodies, there’s a fantastic street food tour. Let us know your favourite things to do or see on holiday and we can incorporate them for you. 

Day 7: Train from Kandy to the Tea Hills
This morning you will be taking the train into the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country. The route renowned for its breathtaking scenery as it winds through misty mountains, verdant tea plantations, and cascading waterfalls, offering a picturesque and unforgettable journey to the hill station of Nuwara Eliya. On arrival, you will be taken to Oliphant Bungalows, where you will spend the next 2 nights at this tranquil retreat surrounded by lush tea estates, beautifully kept gardens, providing an idyllic base for exploring the region’s tea estates, waterfalls, and natural wonders. 

Day 8: Tea Hills
Full day to explore this beautiful region with your guide and vehicle at your disposal. No trip is complete to this region without a visit to a tea factory and if you are feeling active we definitely recommend a nature hike in the Horton Plains National Park to the “Worlds End”!

Day 9: Tea Hills to Negombo
This morning you will be transferred back towards Colombo Airport perhaps stopping for lunch at the spot where “The Bridge Over The River Kwai” was filmed. You will spend your last night at Villa Hundira a boutique hotel overlooking the picturesque Negombo Lagoon. Later this afternoon, for your last Sri Lankan sunset, you will take a serene boat trip through mangrove-lined waterways, bustling fishing villages, and vibrant birdlife offering a unique perspective of Sri Lanka’s coastal ecology and traditional livelihoods.

Want to see more of Sri Lanka or explore the idea of staying in Sri Lanka rather than the Maldives? Ask us to tailor this holiday to you.

Day 10: Sri Lanka to the Maldives 
Today you will head 30 minutes to Colombo Airport to catch your flight to Male. On arrival into Male, you will be met and transferred by speedboat to the OBLU Ailafushi where you will spend your next 4 nights on an All Inclusive basis. Settle in this afternoon to your new surroundings – this idyllic resort is surrounded by beautiful beaches, and is the perfect place for a few nights of utter relaxation. Want more time to relax or a different resort – give us a call on 01273 923100. 

Days 11-13: The Maldives
Three full days to relax and enjoy some beach time! Offering guests a blend of luxury and adventure, OBLU Ailafushi features beautifully designed villas, exquisite dining options, and a range of exciting activities including snorkeling, diving, and sunset fishing. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and warm hospitality, OBLU Xperience provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable Maldivian holiday.

Day 14: The Maldives to UK
Today you will be transferred approx. 45 mins by speedboat to Male International Airport to check in for your flight back to the UK. Welcome Home!