The luxury and seclusion of the Maldives is hard to imitate, and it’s easy to see why so many return again and again.
A decadent week in the Maldives plus a three-day culture and wildlife tour in Sri Lanka is a winning combination. We’ve created this itinerary with a couple in mind, and chosen one of the very best resorts in the Maldives.
However, this trip would also suit families or groups. We might recommend alternative resorts and hotels in this case, so just get in touch with our specialist at maldives@fleewinter.com to discuss.
We’ve included just a taste of culture and a half day safari in this sample itinerary – but if you have a few more days to spare, we can always expand this itinerary to explore some more of Sri Lanka.
Arrive in to Malé following your overnight flight and hop straight on a seaplane to Kihavah.
Settle in to your beach villa and enjoy your private pool before dinner.
Kihavah has everything you would expect of a 5+ star Maldives island including perfect beaches and exceptional facilities. Explore today, perhaps try out the spa and choose your restaurant for the evening.
Kihavah is located in the Baa Atoll, one of the richest areas for marine life in the Maldives.
Take a boat trip to Hanifaru Bay today, the jewel of the Baa Atoll. You are all but guaranteed to see whale sharks, manta rays and much more besides as you snorkel this area. Real marine life enthusiasts will also be interested to visit the nearby Shark Nursery.
The Sea restaurant is the renowned underwater restaurant, which serves gourmet cuisine paired with premium wines. An unmissable experience.
Consider taking a scuba diving taster class with the PADI dive centre on the island, or simply explore the house reef by kayak, snorkel or SUP board.
The house reef is a destination dive all of it’s own, the locals refer to it as ‘the golden wall’.
Enjoy a last beach day, dine with your feet in the sand and pop by the island’s stargazing observatory before bed – built over the water.
It’s time to wave goodbye to the beach and head to Sri Lanka.
It’s under 2 hours to Colombo airport, and your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall.
Hop in your private air conditioned vehicle for the transfer to the cultural heart of Sri Lanka and rest in your hotel at the base of striking Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Dine at your hotel and get an early night.
After an early breakfast, climb Sigiriya Lion’s Rock before the heat of the day sets in.
The Sigiriya rock fortress is a remarkable feat of engineering and a fascinating example of artistic craftsmanship. It’s most famous for its frescoes painted on the rock surface itself, and the incredible views as you ascend.
Later, head on to Minneriya National Park, one of the best places in the country to see elephants in a natural habitat. The ‘Elephant Gathering’ is a unique experience to witness, between May and September. There are also huge numbers of birds, deer and crocodiles in the scrubland.
Spend the evening resting at your hotel. Perhaps book into the spa for a treat after a long but exhilarating day.
Check out, and enjoy a more leisurely day today, including some time to explore Kandy city and have a cookery demonstration at your new hotel.
Kandy was the last capital city of the Sinhalese kingdom and is a vibrant hub of cultural life. It’s home to the Temple of the Tooth,
Depending on your flight time, this is the perfect day to visit a working tea plantation, and take a walking tour of Colombo with lots of street food stops.
Your driver will drop you and your luggage at the airport for your flight home.
Price’s correct at time of writing (Summer 2019) and are based on off-peak travel times and 2 adults sharing.
The hotels in Sri Lanka for this itinerary will vary at different times of the year. Please email us to discuss in more detail.
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