Sri Lanka & The Maldives, From Colombo to North Male Atoll

Discover Sri Lanka with an extension to the Maldives 4^*

Arrival at Colombo airport.

You will be met at the airport and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the Dambulla region.

Your tour begins with a walk in the village of Sigiriya: this authentic immersion in the heart of the Sri Lankan countryside takes you through lush green rice fields, luxuriant forests and traditional villages. Guided by a local expert, you will discover the rural way of life, meet the locals, observe their daily activities and enjoy a pirogue ride on a tranquil lake.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Note: This activity is only included for morning arrivals in Sri Lanka.

Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch at leisure.

Ascent of Sigiriya Rock Fortress: better known as the Lion Rock, this impressive monolith is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses the remains of an ancient royal palace dating back to the 5th century, offering breathtaking views over the landscape.

Safari in Minneriya National Park: Renowned for its impressive gatherings of elephants, this national park offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Sri Lanka's wilderness. During a three-hour safari (at dawn or late afternoon depending on the day), you will travel through lush landscapes to encounter a rich and varied wildlife: free-roaming elephants, exotic birds, deer and other emblematic animals.

Dinner and overnight in Dambulla.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Kandy. Lunch at leisure.

Visit to the cave temple of Dambulla: This emblematic UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to five caves adorned with magnificent Buddhist frescoes and over 150 Buddha statues. Carved into the rock face, the sanctuary is as impressive for its spiritual significance as it is for the artistic richness of its murals.

Visit to a spice garden: Embark on a guided tour through lush, fragrant gardens and discover the secrets of spice cultivation. Sri Lanka has been renowned for its spices since medieval times, attracting European conquerors and Arab traders from the 14th century onwards. Prepare for a sensory journey through the island's rich aromatic heritage.

Visit to the Temple of the Tooth: The temple houses one of the country's most precious Buddhist relics: a tooth of the Buddha. This iconic site, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brings together religious fervour and historical heritage within a remarkable architectural setting.

Dinner and overnight in Kandy.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure with your driver or by panoramic train from Nanu Oya to Ella to enjoy panoramic views of tea plantations, misty mountains and charming villages (subject to availability). Lunch at leisure.

Visit to the Nine Arches Bridge: Nestling in the green hills of Ella, accessible with a walk of around an hour (or a 15-minute tuk tuk ride), this emblematic bridge impresses with its majestic stone architecture and its harmonious integration into the surrounding landscape. A must-see stop on one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful railway lines.

Dinner and overnight in Ella.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Yala.

Lunch at leisure.

Discover the Ravana waterfall: nestling in the lush green hills of Ella, it cascades down the rocks to a height of around 25 metres, creating an impressive spectacle in the heart of a lush tropical landscape.

Yala National Park Safari: Embark on an unforgettable safari through one of Sri Lanka's most iconic wildlife sanctuaries. In an all-terrain vehicle, travel through diverse landscapes, from grassy plains to dense forests and wetlands. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, leopards, deer, crocodiles and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

Dinner and overnight in Yala.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Galle. Lunch at leisure.

Stopover at Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa: This promontory, lined with tall coconut trees, offers spectacular views of the Indian Ocean bathed in the golden hues of sunrise and sunset. Just a short stroll from Mirissa Beach, Coconut Tree Hill is a picturesque and iconic spot exuding the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere typical of Sri Lanka's southern coast.

Stilt fishing demonstration: Stilt fishing is a unique fishing method practised by Sri Lankan fishermen, who perch on large poles in shallow waters to catch fish.

Sightseeing at the Dutch Fort of Galle: Overlooking the turquoise waters of the ocean, the Fort is a real time capsule. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to iconic landmarks such as the Dutch Reformed Church, the Galle Lighthouse, the Clock Tower and the ramparts. The fort is also home to many local shops, which are ideal for picking up handcrafted souvenirs.

Dinner and overnight in the Galle or Bentota area, depending on your flight schedule the following day.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Colombo airport.

Flight from Colombo to Malé, then welcome at the airport.

Transfer by seaplane and/or speed boat to your hotel.

Lunch and dinner at leisure. Night in the Maldives.

Breakfast, then a free day to fully enjoy the idyllic setting of the Maldives: white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and crystal-clear lagoons.

Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

Overnight in the Maldives.

Breakfast and a day at leisure.

Take advantage of the idyllic setting of the Maldives to indulge in diving among the colourful reefs, relax with an open-air massage on the beach, or enjoy a romantic sunset on a cruise in a traditional dhoni.

Lunch and dinner on your own.

Overnight in the Maldives.

Breakfast and free day. Lunch and dinner at your leisure.

Overnight in the Maldives.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

ACCOMMODATION

Minimum occupancy: 1 adult

Maximum occupancy: 2 adults

Babies and children under 12 not permitted

The accommodation included in this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Any specific request concerning the type of bed (double/separate beds) and any other request or special condition concerning the accommodation is subject to availability and may incur a supplement.

Some hotels offer air conditioning as an option at an additional cost payable directly to the hotel by travellers.

For technical reasons, hotels in Sri Lanka may be replaced by similar accommodation and itineraries may be reversed.

If certain days are shortened due to late arrival or early departure caused by airline schedules, no reimbursement will be made. Similarly, meals included in the meal plan that cannot be taken due to these timetables cannot be reimbursed.

TRANSPORT / TRANSFERS

The flight between Colombo and Malé takes approximately 1? hours. Please note that the maximum weight authorised for hold luggage is 20kg.

1 piece of hold luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage per person are included; for any additional luggage added at the time of booking, a supplement will be applied.

This programme assumes arrival in Sri Lanka on the morning of the first day and departure from the Maldives on the afternoon of the last day. If your flight schedule is different, this programme may be modified and some services may be omitted to adapt to your arrival and departure times.