Sri Lanka's temples & the Maldives

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Colombo.

Day 2 : Sigiriya

After your arrival you will be met by our friendly representative who will drive you to Vil Uyana, a stunning property right in the heart of the Cultural Triangle not far from the ancient capital of Sigiriya.

Day 3 : Sigiriya

Today you will head north to visit Anuradhapura, the island's ancient capital and a present day holy city. You can then visit nearby Mihintale, the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism.

Day 4 : Sigiriya

Your driver will meet you at your hotel and take you for a visit to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress followed by an excursion to see the fascinating ancient city of Polonnaruwa. For three centuries this was the royal capital of both the Chola and Singhalese kingdoms. You will be able to climb Sigiriya Rock, which can be a bit tiring, but we are sure you will appreciate the spectacular views of the surrounding area! Later in the afternoon you will proceed to the Minneriya National Park for a safari searching for the wild Indian elephant.

Day 5 : Kandy

You will drive south towards the hill country, stopping en route to see the atmospheric cave temples at Dambulla. After your arrival in Kandy you will attend an early evening performance of traditional Kandyan dance.

Day 6 : Kandy

Visit Sri Lanka's most revered Buddhist temple today, the Temple of the Tooth to witness the puja ceremonies. Later relax in the peaceful Botanical Gardens.

Day 7 : Hatton

You will take the morning train through fantastic mountainous scenery to the hill station town of Nuwara Eliya, where you can stop for lunch (not included) at one of its very British-style colonial establishments. You will then continue to Hatton by car. En-route you will visit a tea factory in the area. After your arrival at your Tea Trails bungalow you have some time at leisure to enjoy the outstanding services and amazing location.

Day 8 : Hatton

Today is a day to relax and to unwind. Let yourself be spoilt by the unrivalled service and excellent food and enjoy what is possibly the most beautiful part of Sri Lanka. Feel free to ask the manager to show you the tea estate that you are in. Your stay here may well be the highlight of your time in Sri Lanka.

Day 9 : Colombo

The drive from the Tea Country today is a long one, but it is a scenic drive out of the hills and back to the coastal plains and Colombo. Here you will spend one last night in a nice property north of the city and not far from the airport.

Day 10 : Maldive Island

An early start as your driver will meet you for the last time and drive you to the airport. The flight to Male is a short one and after your arrival you will meet the resort representative who will bring you to the speedboat that takes you to the resort.

Day 11 : Maldive Island

Today is free to relax. You might like to snorkel out to the house reef just off shore, which tends to get visited by turtles and manta rays.

Day 12 : Maldive Island

To explore the clear Maldivian waters around the island, you might like to join a boat excursion. It's a wonderful place to dive - if it's your first time, fully qualifies instruction is available.

Day 13 : Maldive Island

You might like to make the most of the spa facilities today or try a spot of yoga or meditation. It's possible to book a treatment in your on room or on a secluded section of the beach.

Day 14 : Maldive Island

To make your last day special, you might like to book a private dinner on the beach, surrounded by torches. A private chef can be on hand to cook your dinner on a beachside barbecue.

Day 15 : International return flight

Your holiday is coming to an end. The speedboat will take you back to the airport to catch your flights home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.