Relaxed Kerala & undiscovered Maldives

Day 1 Depart UK

Fly to India.

day 2 – 4 Cochin explore the colonial city

Discover colonial Cochin, the oldest European settlement in India. After settling into your hotel, enjoy an evening sunset cruise around Cochin's harbour with beautiful views over the famous Marine Drive, Bolgatty Island and Willington Island. Finish at the famous Chinese fishing nets and enjoy a sundowner before going to a converted boatyard with stunning views over the harbour.

The following day, explore with your local expert guide the various quarters of the city. It's a cultural smorgasbord and architectural delight with Portuguese, Hindu, Jewish and Chinese influences. Finish the day with a visit to the city's cultural centre for a classical Indian dance performance.

 Finally explore the city like a local, by tuk tuk with an expert guide. Visit colourful markets and explore beautiful jewellery and textile shops. 

day 5 & 6 Thattekad Relax in the rural countryside

Spot wildlife in Thattekad countryside. Enjoy a village walk, go bird watching or hire a kayak and explore the waterways at your leisure. 

Day 6 & 7 Kerala's backwaters away from the crowds

Cruise Kerala's waterways on a houseboat day cruise. You will stay in a superb resort in the peaceful backwaters, with idyllic swimming pools and traditional style rooms. 

Day 8 – 11 Maldives guesthouse local island stay

Arrival in the Maldivian capital Male and enjoy a tour of the city's highlights. 

Transfer by speedboat to Guraidhoo island where you can get a sense of everyday Maldivian life. Take some time to settle into your guesthouse and swim in the warm turquoise waters before having dinner with a local family. 

After breakfast, go coral reef swimming and a spot of snorkelling. With expert swimmers joining you, they'll be able to spot extraordinary marine life and let you know interesting facts about it. 

After lunch, enjoy a relaxed island tour. Visit the local mosque and boatyard where locals make the iconic curved fronted Dhoni boats. Stop by a cafe to sample traditional hedikaa served with black tea or non-alcoholic beer. 

As the sunsets, enjoy a performance of Boduberu drumming and join in if you're feeling brave. 

day 11 – 13 luxury Maldives The classic experience

Relax at your luxury resort. There are various activities on offer, snorkel over the house reef surrounding the island, indulge in a spa treatment or tow, swim in the luxury swimming pool, dine at one of the various island restaurants and enjoy a sundowner at one of the beautiful bars. 

For diving enthusiasts, enjoy excursions to find whale sharks or manta rays. There are also tennis and badminton courts available and water sports instruction. 

Day 14 return to the UK

Return home to the UK.