Classic Sri Lanka & The Maldives
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

This holiday explores the culture and natural beauty of Sri Lanka incorporating some of the “must-see” sites with some of our best insider secrets. It’s a fantastic way to experience the island and get a feel for how it ticks.

It’s just a 1 hour flight from Sri Lanka to The Maldives so after 8 days discovery you’ll hop over to the atolls for 5 days of relaxation in paradise.

Highlights include

• Getting a feel for Sri Lanka beyond the usual tourist trail
• Exploring the magnificence of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle – Sigirya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla
• Discovering a beautiful and less-explored corner of the hill county with amazing views and ambiance
• Experiencing the cultural heritage of Kandy
• Taking a walking tour of Colombo to discover its vibrancy with a history expert 
• Relaxing in the Maldives. Swimming, snorkelling, diving and beach-time in paradise

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers 
• Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
• Meals as described
• 24 hour in-country backup whilst away
• Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK 

For more on our pricing policy read here.  

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

 Fly from the UK to Colombo overnight.

 DAY 2 GAMPAHA

On arrival meet your chauffeur guide and transfer to your nearby hotel in rural Gampaha. This rural area with its coconut farms and pineapple plantations is the perfect base to recover from jet lag and relax into Sri Lanka.

DAY 3-5 THE CULTURAL TRIANGLE

Your chauffeur- guide will drive you to the Cultural Triangle today where you’ll begin your exploration of its many interesting and important sites.  Your hotel will be a great base from which to explore the surrounding sites. 

You’ll explore the famous historical sites of Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave temples. These are, with good reason, a must when visiting Sri Lanka, we will take you to some of our favourite secret sites along the way too, interesting places to eat such as a local farm with a home-cooked lunch. We keep the finer details under wraps here – call us on 020 7924 7133 to find out more.

DAY 6-8 The Knuckles Mountains – Tea & Kandy

You’ll travel from the Cultural Triangle towards the edge of the Knuckles Mountain Range. Here you’ll stay at Ashburnham Estate which is off-the-beaten-track, surrounded by hills and waterfalls with amazing views. Despite the rural location you’re within proximity of both Kandy (Sri Lanka’s second city) and the tea country.

During your stay you will explore Kandy’s Botanical Gardens and hidden temples, enjoy a tea experience with the estate manager of Ashburnham and there will be plenty of time to simply relax and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.  

DAY 9 Colombo

Drop out of the hills down to Colombo. The journey is a scenic one – passing from the tea clad hills, to the thick jungle covered hills and finally coming out to the verdant paddy fields below.

Your last night in Colombo will give you chance to experience first-hand this vibrant city. Our walking tour of Colombo is a great way to explore the histories and sites of this rapidly changing city.

DAYS 10 - 15 THE MALDIVES

Transfer to the airport this morning for the short flight to Male. On arrival you will transfer by speedboat to your island resort - home for the next 5 days. Enjoy!

The indicative price for this holiday includes all-inclusive accommodation at Adaaran Club Rannalhi in the Maldives as it complements the Sri Lanka tour well. However, all Experience Travel Group holidays are tailor-made so please feel free to discuss your Maldives requirements with your travel expert who will ensure the accommodation is suited to you.

DAY 16 FlY HOME

Today you depart The Maldives for your flight home.