18 Day Private Sri Lanka Adventure & The Maldives

Welcome to Sri Lanka! On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you will be met in the arrivals hall by a local representative and escorted to your waiting private transfer who will transfer you to your Negombo hotel. Check in and relax after your international flight. Special Information:Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport by a representative who will escort you through immigration, and be transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel. Please note: that the included mileage applies only to the scheduled sightseeing. If you would like your private driver to take you to sights outside the planned itinerary, we can provide additional transport only within a 5 km radius.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then meet with your private chauffeur guide for a welcome meeting prior to your Negombo city tour. Visit the local fish market and understand the traditional methods of catching and drying fish. See the remains of the 17th-century Dutch Fort and Negombo Lagoon, lined with fishermen's huts which feeds into the Dutch-era Hamilton Canal. Following your morning tour, we drive approximately 3 hours to Sigiriya arriving mid-afternoon at the beautiful Sigiriya Jungles resort. Take time to relax and unwind in the hotel grounds, take a dip in the pool or venture to the hotel lookout for incredible views of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Exclusive to Inspiring Vacations guests is a complimentary Ayurvedic treatment at the resort spa. Enjoy a relaxing 20 minute foot, shoulder or head message or upgrade to one of the indulgent treatments using traditional herbs and ancient healing methods. This evening, enjoy dinner overlooking the hotel gardens. Inspiring Highlights Negombo Fish Market Negombo Lagoon Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Your complimentary 20 minute treatment is available for use at the Sigiriya Jungles Ayurvedic Spa. Treatment can be redeemed at any time during your stay and is subject to availability, The value can be used to upgrade to another treatment of your choice. Unused vouchers are non refundable.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel before we travel approximately an hour to visit the UNESCO site and ruins of Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka and is known for its well-preserved ruins. Visit the sacred Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for Anuradhapura's great buildings. The ruins themselves are spread over quite a large area, some in woodland settings and others appearing park-like with columns and ponds dotted about. Travel back to Sigiriya where the afternoon is a leisure. Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional tour of Minneriya National Park. Enjoy dinner at your hotel in the evening.Inspiring Highlights Anuradhapura Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

After breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and climb the monolith, one of the most extraordinary artistic complexes of its time (477 – 498 AD). Declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1982, this magnificent citadel allures artistic and architectural curiosity from around the globe. Return to the hotel late this morning with time to relax before we head out this afternoon to visit the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982. After the demise of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the middle historic capital of Sri Lanka (1017 – 1235 AD). In comparison to Anuradhapura, here your private chauffeur guide will show you well preserved remains of temples and ancient homes and describe the meaning behind the relief and carvings that can still be seen today. Following our tour, travel back to Sigiriya in time for dinner at your hotel.Inspiring Highlights Sigiriya Rock Fortress Polonnaruwa Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

After breakfast, we leave Sigiriya and proceed to Kandy via the Dambulla Cave Temple. Built in the first century BC, it is recognised to be the largest cave sanctuary in the world, with its 2000 m² of walls and ceilings painted with more than 150 Buddha images. The largest engraved in the rock reaches 14 metres. Following this, we visit a spice garden in Matale. Enjoy a tour through the garden as you learn about the different spices that have shaped Sri Lanka's trade history. Learn of the harvesting process and the use of each spice in Sri Lankan cooking and herbal medicines. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then continue our journey to Kandy, The Hill Capital (1514 to 1815 AD). Originally known as Senkadagala, the city eventually came to be known as Kandy, derived from the word "Kanda" meaning "the Mountain." Kandy was declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1988. The style and character of the Sri Lankan civilisation at the time is well articulated in the heart of the city itself, with its lake and well-preserved ruins of the royal palaces. Arrive at the hotel late this afternoon where the rest of the day is at leisure. This evening, you may wish to join an optional cultural performance followed by dinner. Inspiring Highlights Dambulla Cave Temple Matale Spice Garden Kandy Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

After breakfast, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, this venerated temple is a deeply spiritual and sacred Buddhist site that contains a fragment of the tooth of Buddha, collected from his funeral pyre. Continue with a Kandy city tour, taking in the lake and key viewpoints. We then enjoy an Inspiring Taste as we join a local in their home to learn the art of traditional Sri Lankan cooking. Get an understanding of locally grown spices and their importance to Sri Lankan dishes, then learn to make five different curries using traditional methods, cooked over an open fire in clay pots. Afterwards, enjoy the benefits of your tuition over lunch. Return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at your leisure before enjoying dinner at the hotel. Inspiring Highlights Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Cooking Demonstration

After breakfast, depart Kandy for Nuwara Eliya. En route, visit a tea factory and tea plantation, where you will enjoy the absolute tea experience, from the moment the young tea leaves are plucked through to being processed in the factory to make a cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is a good place to purchase quality tea. Continue on to Nuwara Eliya. This afternoon, enjoy an Inspiring Taste at probably the most talked about property in Nuwara Eliya, with an indulgent High Tea at the iconic Grand Hotel. The High Tea can be taken at any time from 12pm to 6pm and is included as your lunch today. The rest of your evening will be spent at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Nuwara Eliya Grand Hotel Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5hours. Sri Lanka Railway tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. The 1st and 2nd class is basic but has air-conditioning. The non-air conditioned 3rd class sometimes is the only option based availability. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we'll conduct the route by road.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning at your hotel. For those adventure seekers, you may wish to join an optional hike to the incredibly scenic Horton's Plains and World's End (see below for more detail). Today we tour Nuwara Eliya. Often referred to as ‘Little England', this genteel highland community we see the rose-tinted colonial-era bungalows and it's beautiful gardens and lake. Return to your hotel where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure.Inspiring Highlights Nuwara Eliya

This morning after breakfast, transfer to Ambewela Railway Station and board the scenic train to Ella. The journey takes you through tea country with views of rolling hills, waterfalls and plantations along the way. On arrival in Ella, continue by road to Yala. Enjoy lunch at your hotel or a local restaurant before relaxing at the hotel this afternoon. Return to your hotel and enjoy dinner. Inspiring Highlights Scenic Train Journey Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. It is not possible to confirm the train ticket reservation in advance, as Sri Lanka Railway has a manual system for reservations. Tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. The 1st and 2nd class is basic but has air-conditioning. The non-air conditioned 3rd class sometimes is the only option based on availability. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we will conduct the route by road.

You will have an early start today, leaving the hotel at 5.30am with a packed breakfast to spend the morning on a private jeep safari in Yala National Park, spotting the diverse wildlife that calls the park home. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to possibly sight elephants, sloth bears and the elusive leopard. Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the morning at leisure. After an included lunch at your hotel, set out on a second private jeep safari at Yala National Park this afternoon. Return to the hotel and enjoy dinner. Inspiring Highlights Yala National Park Special Information Yala National Park closes for a period between the months of September and October. The exact closure dates are made clear closer to the time. The closure is due to the prevailing dry weather prior to this time and taking into consideration the well-being of the wildlife in the reserve. For departure dates that fall over this period, Yala National Park will be replaced with a visit to Udawalawe National Park, while still being able to visit Block 4 or 5 of Yala National Park.

Continue east today along Sri Lanka's picturesque coastline. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or in the sea. We recommend heading to a local restaurant or beach bar and enjoying the coastal scenery.Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Today is free to relax by the pool, walk along the beach or try a local cafe or restaurant for some tasty treats.

After breakfast, we head to Galle and enjoy a tour of Galle Fort. This is a city that blends past and present. Declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1988, the presence of Portuguese, Dutch and British influence is evident in the fascinating architectural styles of the fort. Walk the relaxed residential streets inside the fort and keep an eye out for some good local shopping, cafés and photo opportunities. Enjoy lunch at a local colonial-styled restaurant before you check in to your heritage property, situated in the heart of Galle inside the historic Dutch Fort. The rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure to wander the narrow streets of this heritage town filled with museums, boutiques, cafés and antique stores. Inspiring Highlights Galle Fort Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

After breakfast head north towards Colombo. Along the way, visit the small town of Balapitiya where you will take a boat trip on the Madu River and its 64 scattered islands. Cinnamon Island, locally known as “Kurundu Doowa” is one of the islets you'll visit to get an informative experience of cinnamon production. Sri Lanka is the largest producer of pure cinnamon in the world. On arrival into Colombo, check into your hotel located in the heart of the Galle-Face district and enjoy some time to relax and wander the local streets. This evening, tour the capital of Sri Lanka, whose long history as a port on the ancient east-west trade route, was ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. This heritage is reflected in its architecture, mixing colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls. Enjoy a final dinner to celebrate your time in Sri Lanka.Inspiring Highlights Madu River Colombo Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Colombo airport to board your flight to Male. Welcome to Paradise! A visit to the Maldives is truly a dream come true. This stunning tropical nation lies within the Indian Ocean and is composed of 26 colourful coral atolls composed of hundreds of idyllic islands. The Maldives is world famous for its beautiful beaches, sapphire blue lagoons and extensive coral reefs. Upon arrival you will be welcomed and then transferred to your hotel by speed boat. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, taking in the gorgeous tropical landscape. Special Information Today you will say goodbye to your Tour Guide in Sri Lanka, and the rest of your tour will be Independant. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 30kg (66lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you to ensure that your journey is trouble free. At Male Airport, a representative will greet you with an "Adaraan" name board. If you have difficulty finding the representative, please proceed directly to the Adaaran counter B3 in the airport lounge, next to the baggage claim area. Your all inclusive package includes: Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily - snacks & cakes are available outside main mealtimes. Tea, coffee, iced tea, cordials & water are available from 7.30am to midnight. Whisky, brandy, gin, vodka, rum, draft beer, house wines, soft drinks, selected cocktails & mocktails beverages are served until midnight (no alcoholic beverages for guests under 18 years of age). Additional cost may apply during excursions. Meals and drinks are included until midday on the date of departure.

This morning enjoy a delicious breakfast while admiring the surrounding low-lying islands that make up the utopian Maldives. Every atoll here is formed by centuries of coral reef growth, and each is encircled by a shallow lagoon, protected by the surrounding reef systems. The islands here have tropical castaway qualities: tall coconut palms, white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons. Today you may enjoy an entire day of leisure, participating in some of the many exciting activities that the islands have to offer. Our hotel offers some phenomenal snorkelling opportunities, where you can explore the shallow oases at the island's edge. You may also choose to enjoy some exciting optional water sport activities, such as catamaran sailing where you can experience the thrill of riding the winds and speeding through the crystal waters. Canoeing may also appeal to those who seek tranquillity while they enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Windsurfing is also an activity available to the more adventurous. There really is no end to the adventures you may seek as you explore the wonderful Maldives - jet-skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving may also be on your list.

Following another delicious breakfast this morning, you may enjoy yet another day of leisure in the dreamy Maldives. Enjoy any number of the incredible activities available to you, and make the most of your fantastic adventure here. Alternatively, relax on the beach and take in the picture-perfect surroundings while dipping your toes in the warm, luscious waters of the Indian Ocean. You will have never known true relaxation until you set foot on this luxurious white sandy beach.

Unfortunately, today marks the end of your incredible tour through Sri Lanka and The Maldives. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred by speed boat to Male Airport in time for your departure flight. Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. Note that there isn't a fixed schedule for the boat transfers. Your transfer will be coordinated based on your flight times. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.