Classic Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives

Day 1 depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Colombo.

Day 2 – 3 Rural Gampaha relax in a colonial estate

Upon arrival at Colombo airport, be greeted by your private chauffeur guide and get in your air-conditioned vehicle to your first hotel. Situated North-East of Colombo, the rural region of Gampaha is beautiful and is home to many coconut farms and pineapple plantations. 

After settling in, enjoy several activities including a tour of a coconut estate, exploring nearby local villages or take a ride on the leisurely bullock cart. You may instead relax by the idyllic pool with a G&T; the choice is yours. 

day 4 - 6 Cultural triangle Experience Sigiriya and beyond

Explore the Cultural Triangle, roughly the area between Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa. With the world-famous rock fortress of Sigiriya and the cave temples of Dambulla in the center, we've specially designed our experiences in this region to get you away from the crowds where possible. This region is also famous for its abundance of artificial lakes built by civilisations over 1000 years old. How's that for ingenuity?

While in the area, visit local farms and learn about the life of villages, you can even have a go and learn their traditional techniques. Ride on a tuk-tuk to reach these areas and explore the rural streets with your guide on foot. 

day seven tea plantations experience hill country life

Stay in a restored planter's bungalow and visit the beautiful emerald hill country, famous for its tea. Have a guided tour of a tea factory and have a taste of some deliciously brewed leaves with a well-earned cake too. 

day eight Kandy train rides and the temple of the tooth

 Experience the contrasts of Kandy on a tour that includes the famous Temple of the Tooth. You'll also visit Kandy's Garrison cemetery before enjoying a train ride through the spectacular hill country to Polgahawela. 

Day 9 – 10 male & Local island meet Maldivians

Transfer back to Colombo where you'll hop on a one hour flight to the extraordinary city of Male, capital of The Maldives. Enjoy a quick tour of this high-rise city erupting out of the ocean. Gain better insight into the unique heritage of Maldivians and see the Moroccan design Mosques that date back to King Charles I. 

Hop on a speedboat to Guraidhoo island where you'll experience Maldivian everyday life on this local island. Have time to settle in, have a swim in the idyllic waters, and enjoy dinner with a local family. 

After breakfast with the locals, enjoy a coral reef trip and a spot of snorkelling. With local Maldivians joining you, they'll be able to let you know about the various fish that call the coral their home, and you'll be in with a good chance of spotting turtles. 

After lunch, have a short tour of the local island, including the Mosque and a boatyard where they make the iconic curved fronted Dhoni boats. Stop by a local cafe to sample traditional 'hedikaa' served with black tea or non-alcoholic beer. In the evening, enjoy a performance of Boduberu drumming and join in if you're feeling brave.

Day 11 – 13 resort Maldives indulge and relax

Transfer back to Male and onward to your resort to indulge in some true luxury. 

Day 14 depart for the UK

Return home from Male. 

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK