THE MALDIVES AND SRI LANKA
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
Depart Canada on your international flight to Sri Lanka
Arrive in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital, where modern energy meets colonial charm. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a light dinner this evening.
Enjoy a relaxed morning before exploring Colombo’s highlights. Discover colonial-era architecture, historic districts, temples, and bustling markets such as Pettah Bazaar. Drive past key civic landmarks including the parliament area and experience the city’s blend of old and new.
Travel inland toward Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle with a visit to the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home to rescued and orphaned elephants. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, famous for its sacred cave shrines, Buddha statues, and ancient murals. Afterwards, continue to Dambulla for your overnight stay.
Visit Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore sacred stupas, monasteries, and archaeological ruins reflecting one of Asia’s earliest civilizations. Return to Dambulla.
Explore Polonnaruwa, famous for its well-preserved ruins, royal palaces, and stone carvings. In the afternoon, enjoy a Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park, known for its elephant herds and rich wildlife.
Visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for frescoes, gardens, and panoramic views. Continue to Matale for a spice garden visit with a cooking demonstration and lunch. Proceed to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka.
Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, home to tropical plants and orchids. Continue to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandyan cultural performance.
Transfer to the railway station and board one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic train journeys through tea plantations, mountains, and waterfalls to Nuwara Eliya. Known as “Little England,” enjoy a walking tour of this colonial-style hill station.
Visit a tea factory and learn about the production of world-famous Ceylon tea. Continue to Negombo, a coastal town known for its fishing culture, canals, and colonial heritage.
Transfer to Colombo airport for your flight to the Maldives. Upon arrival in Malé, enjoy a guided city tour including the Old Friday Mosque and Presidential area. Continue by speedboat to your island resort where turquoise waters and white-sand beaches await.
Day at leisure to relax at the resort or enjoy optional activities such as snorkelling, diving, spa treatments, or island excursions.
Continue your island stay at leisure, enjoying the resort facilities and tropical surroundings.
Another day in paradise at leisure to relax and enjoy the island environment.
Spend your final full day in the Maldives at leisure, enjoying the serene environment and tropical setting at your own pace.
Breakfast at the resort. Transfer to Malé Airport for your international flight back home.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
