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Sri Lanka & Maldives: Island Hopping in Style
Ancient Kingdoms, Tea Country, Wildlife & Over-Water Luxury
11 Night / 12 Day Itinerary
Experience two remarkable worlds in one seamless journey: Sri Lanka’s cultural heartlands, highland scenery and wildlife-rich national parks, followed by pure island tranquillity in the Maldives. Begin in the shadow of Sigiriya’s ancient rock fortress, explore medieval capitals and cycle between centuries-old ruins. Continue into the mist-swept tea country for gentle hikes, scenic train rides and plantation visits before descending toward the coast for leopard-filled safaris and time among the storied streets of Galle Fort.
Your journey then shifts to the Maldives, where three nights of barefoot luxury await. Settle into an elegant over-water villa at Baros, snorkel vibrant house reefs, drift across turquoise lagoons on dolphin cruises and enjoy unhurried evenings suspended above the ocean.
A private chauffeur-guide accompanies your Sri Lankan adventure, while swift speedboat transfers and curated excursions complete your Indian Ocean finale. This itinerary combines culture, wildlife and beachside serenity with carefully chosen hotels and a smooth, connected route.
This 11 Night / 12 Day Itinerary Includes:
- 2 nights in Water Garden Sigiriya – Deluxe Villa, Bed & Breakfast
- 2 nights in Nine Skies, Ella – Demodara Bedroom, All Inclusive
- 2 nights in Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala – Cocoon Suite, All Inclusive
- 1 night in Fort Bazaar, Galle Fort – Banyan Room, Bed & Breakfast
- 3 nights in Baros Maldives – Water Pool Villa, Half Board
- Private chauffeur-guide throughout Sri Lanka
- 1 hour 15 minute scheduled flight from Colombo to Malé
- Return speedboat transfers in the Maldives
- Experiences and touring: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa heritage cycling, scenic blue-train cameo over Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak hike, tea-factory visit, Yala dawn and dusk leopard safaris, guided Galle Fort walk, Maldives dolphin cruise and house-reef snorkelling
- International flights from London
Prices from £6,880pp
Day 1 – 2
Day 1 – Overnight Flight from London to Colombo
Depart London on an overnight flight, arriving refreshed for your Sri Lankan adventure.
Overnight: In flight
Day 2 – Arrival in Sri Lanka & Transfer to Sigiriya
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and meet your private chauffeur-guide. Travel into the Cultural Triangle, where the afternoon is yours to unwind with views of Sigiriya Rock rising above the plains.
Overnight: Water Garden Sigiriya – Deluxe Villa, Bed & Breakfast
Day 3 – 4
Day 3 – Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Polonnaruwa by Bicycle
Climb Sigiriya at dawn, exploring frescoes, gardens and summit ruins in the soft morning light. Later, cycle through Polonnaruwa’s medieval capital, discovering stone temples, royal pools, colossal Buddhas and the celebrated Gal Vihara carvings.
Overnight: Water Garden Sigiriya – Deluxe Villa, Bed & Breakfast
Day 4 – Into the Hill Country: Transfer to Ella
Check out after breakfast and journey into Sri Lanka’s highlands. As altitude rises, the landscape shifts to misty valleys, waterfalls and tea-covered hills before reaching the colonial-era charm of Nine Skies.
Overnight: Nine Skies, Ella – Demodara Bedroom, All Inclusive
Day 5 – 6
Day 5 – Ella’s Scenic Highlights
Ride the iconic blue train across the famed Nine Arches Bridge for an unforgettable rail cameo. Hike to Little Adam’s Peak for wide valley views, then visit a local tea factory to learn about the craft behind the island’s signature brew.
Overnight: Nine Skies, Ella – Demodara Bedroom, All Inclusive
Day 6 – Descent to Yala National Park
Leave Ella’s highlands and descend toward Sri Lanka’s southeast coast. Check in at Wild Coast Tented Lodge, where luxury tents curve into the dunes beside the edge of Yala National Park.
Overnight: Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala – Cocoon Suite, All Inclusive
Day 7 – 8
Day 7 – Yala Leopard Safaris
Enjoy morning and evening game drives in Yala, home to one of the world’s highest densities of leopards. Look for elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and 130 bird species as your expert ranger reveals the park’s varied landscapes.
Overnight: Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala – Cocoon Suite, All Inclusive
Day 8 – Coastal Journey to Galle Fort
Spend a relaxed morning at the lodge before travelling west along Sri Lanka’s coastline. Arrive within the atmospheric ramparts of Galle Fort, a UNESCO-listed enclave of cafés, boutiques, galleries and lantern-lit streets. Explore the fort with your private guide.
Overnight: Fort Bazaar, Galle Fort – Banyan Room, Bed & Breakfast
Day 9 – 10
Day 9 – To the Maldives
Transfer to Colombo for your short flight to Malé. On arrival, board a speedboat to Baros Maldives and check into your over-water pool villa set above crystal-clear lagoon waters.
Overnight: Baros Maldives – Water Pool Villa, Half Board
Day 10 – Island Bliss in the Maldives
Snorkel the house reef, join a sunset dolphin cruise or simply unwind by your private pool. Baros offers warm hospitality, excellent dining and calm seas ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Overnight: Baros Maldives – Water Pool Villa, Half Board
Day 11 – 12
Day 11 – Over-Water Serenity
Spend another day enjoying island life – sunrise yoga, sandbank dining or exploring coral gardens beneath your villa. Evenings are unhurried, marked by lantern-lit pathways and soft ocean breezes.
Overnight: Baros Maldives – Water Pool Villa, Half Board
Day 12 – Departure from the Maldives
Take a speedboat back to Malé for your international flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast
Additional Inspiration
Browse our other destination itineraries and blog posts for insider tips, personalised recommendations, and advice on avoiding tourist traps – helping make every journey smoother, smarter, and more memorable.
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