Your itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Negombo
Arrive at any time. Meet your CEO and fellow travellers; an optional group meal and drinks are available at a local restaurant.
Day 2
Day 2: Negombo/Sigiriya
Travel by private vehicle to Sigiriya. Optional visits include Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress, or a safari drive in Minneriya National Park. Free time to explore the area.
Day 3
Day 3: Sigiriya
Free time to explore the region. Optional visits include the ancient city of Polonnaruwa or the Anuradhapura historical site.
Day 4
Day 4: Sigiriya/Digana
Travel by private vehicle, stopping at a medicinal spice garden and herbal centre for demonstrations about plants and their traditional uses. In Digana, enjoy lunch, then take a guided village walk visiting a working cattle and goat farm and a local woman’s cottage, where herbal drinks are served. Help prepare Sri Lankan curries for dinner.
Meals: Lunch,Dinner
Day 5
Day 5: Digana/Kandy
Enjoy breakfast and tea with views of Victoria Reservoir before travelling by private vehicle to Kandy. Free time to explore, with optional visits to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, a traditional Kandyan cultural show, or a cricket match.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6
Day 6: Kandy/Nuwara Eliya
Have breakfast at Sthree Craft Shop and Café, prepared by women and youth living with disabilities. Travel by private vehicle to Nuwara Eliya, visit a tea plantation and factory, and learn about tea production. Optional walking to explore the area.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7
Day 7: Nuwara Eliya/Ella
Optional early trek on the trails of Horton Plains National Park. Travel by private vehicle to Ella and enjoy a free afternoon and evening to explore or relax.
Day 8
Day 8: Ella
Hike Little Adam’s Peak for views of Ella Rock and the surrounding countryside. Free time to explore Ella, with optional visits to Nine Arches Bridge and nearby waterfalls.
Day 9
Day 9: Ella/Hikkaduwa
Travel by private vehicle towards the southern coast, stopping to tour Galle Fort. Continue to Hikkaduwa and its beach.
Day 10
Day 10: Hikkaduwa
Free day to relax on the beach or optionally take a boat trip to look for whales and dolphins. In the evening, join your CEO for a night out at a beach bar; dancing and a night swim are optional.
Day 11
Day 11: Hikkaduwa
Free time to relax on the beach, snorkel, or explore the town. Dinner is at a local restaurant and is not included.
Day 12
Day 12: Hikkaduwa/South Malé Atoll
Travel to Colombo and fly to the Maldives. Board a traditional dhoni boat, meet with your CEO, and set sail.
Meals: Lunch,Dinner
Day 13
Day 13: South Malé Atoll/Felidhu Atholhu
Cruise around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, visiting islands and sandbars. Visit Fulidhu and spend time with the local community at a Bodu Beru drumming performance; visit Bodu Mora’s uninhabited beach and the island of Felidhu. Snorkelling, swimming, a beach clean-up, and free time aboard the dhoni are included opportunities. The route crosses from South Malé Atoll into Felidhu Atoll, where traditional boat-building may be seen. Snorkelling may be available about twice a day.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 14
Day 14: South Malé Atoll/Felidhu Atholhu
spend the next five days cruising around the south malé and felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. on fulidhu, mingle with locals and experience a traditional drumming performance. bodu moro island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches – the perfect photo opt.aboard the dhoni, spend free time as you please – lounge on the sundecks and take in the views, relax with a good book, or socialize with fellow travellers as you enjoy delicious local seafood. off the boat, opt to swim and enjoy snorkelling about twice a day amongst the spectacular marine life of the maldives. the shallow islands and amazing coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. keep an eye out for turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and octopuses.
cruise to the southernmost point of south malé atoll before crossing the channel into felidhu atoll. the main industry here is fishing and there is typically an opportunity to see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands.
activity: the maldives offer some of the most amazing snorkelling and marine life viewing opportunities in the world. the shallow islands and plentiful coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. 70 different species of colourful corals make up the flora of this underwater city, with more than 700 species of fish and other marine life making up its fauna. snorkelling is one of the simplest ways to experience this impressive underwater world.
activity: experience one of the maldives uninhabited islands, with a visit to stunning bodu mora. the island’s stretch of idyllic beach is home to lush palm trees, soft sands, and crystal clear blue waters.
activity: stroll the quaint streets of the island of felidhu, the capital of felidhu atoll. this small island is home to beautiful beaches and a local souvenir shop or two.
transport: climb aboard this converted maldivian fishing boat and float on to the next stop.
activity: spend time with the local community and see their way of life. enjoy an evening performance of bodu beru, the traditional folk music of the country. bodu beru means “big drum” and involves a group of people sitting and singing to the rhythmical beat of drums.
free time: relax on the sundeck, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, go for a swim, have a cocktail, or read a book. free time is yours to enjoy!
activity: unrecycled plastic in the maldives is compromising sea life, shorelines, and health for communities. on your trip you will have the opportunity to do a beach clean up to support community environmental initiatives in the country. all plastic collected through our partner is properly recycled and reused to create new materials.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 15
Day 15: South Malé Atoll/Felidhu Atholhu
spend the next five days cruising around the south malé and felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. on fulidhu, mingle with locals and experience a traditional drumming performance. bodu moro island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches – the perfect photo opt.aboard the dhoni, spend free time as you please – lounge on the sundecks and take in the views, relax with a good book, or socialize with fellow travellers as you enjoy delicious local seafood. off the boat, opt to swim and enjoy snorkelling about twice a day amongst the spectacular marine life of the maldives. the shallow islands and amazing coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. keep an eye out for turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and octopuses.
cruise to the southernmost point of south malé atoll before crossing the channel into felidhu atoll. the main industry here is fishing and there is typically an opportunity to see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands.
activity: the maldives offer some of the most amazing snorkelling and marine life viewing opportunities in the world. the shallow islands and plentiful coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. 70 different species of colourful corals make up the flora of this underwater city, with more than 700 species of fish and other marine life making up its fauna. snorkelling is one of the simplest ways to experience this impressive underwater world.
activity: experience one of the maldives uninhabited islands, with a visit to stunning bodu mora. the island’s stretch of idyllic beach is home to lush palm trees, soft sands, and crystal clear blue waters.
activity: stroll the quaint streets of the island of felidhu, the capital of felidhu atoll. this small island is home to beautiful beaches and a local souvenir shop or two.
transport: climb aboard this converted maldivian fishing boat and float on to the next stop.
activity: spend time with the local community and see their way of life. enjoy an evening performance of bodu beru, the traditional folk music of the country. bodu beru means “big drum” and involves a group of people sitting and singing to the rhythmical beat of drums.
free time: relax on the sundeck, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, go for a swim, have a cocktail, or read a book. free time is yours to enjoy!
activity: unrecycled plastic in the maldives is compromising sea life, shorelines, and health for communities. on your trip you will have the opportunity to do a beach clean up to support community environmental initiatives in the country. all plastic collected through our partner is properly recycled and reused to create new materials.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 16
Day 16: South Malé Atoll/Felidhu Atholhu
spend the next five days cruising around the south malé and felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. on fulidhu, mingle with locals and experience a traditional drumming performance. bodu moro island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches – the perfect photo opt.aboard the dhoni, spend free time as you please – lounge on the sundecks and take in the views, relax with a good book, or socialize with fellow travellers as you enjoy delicious local seafood. off the boat, opt to swim and enjoy snorkelling about twice a day amongst the spectacular marine life of the maldives. the shallow islands and amazing coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. keep an eye out for turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and octopuses.
cruise to the southernmost point of south malé atoll before crossing the channel into felidhu atoll. the main industry here is fishing and there is typically an opportunity to see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands.
activity: the maldives offer some of the most amazing snorkelling and marine life viewing opportunities in the world. the shallow islands and plentiful coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. 70 different species of colourful corals make up the flora of this underwater city, with more than 700 species of fish and other marine life making up its fauna. snorkelling is one of the simplest ways to experience this impressive underwater world.
activity: experience one of the maldives uninhabited islands, with a visit to stunning bodu mora. the island’s stretch of idyllic beach is home to lush palm trees, soft sands, and crystal clear blue waters.
activity: stroll the quaint streets of the island of felidhu, the capital of felidhu atoll. this small island is home to beautiful beaches and a local souvenir shop or two.
transport: climb aboard this converted maldivian fishing boat and float on to the next stop.
activity: spend time with the local community and see their way of life. enjoy an evening performance of bodu beru, the traditional folk music of the country. bodu beru means “big drum” and involves a group of people sitting and singing to the rhythmical beat of drums.
free time: relax on the sundeck, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, go for a swim, have a cocktail, or read a book. free time is yours to enjoy!
activity: unrecycled plastic in the maldives is compromising sea life, shorelines, and health for communities. on your trip you will have the opportunity to do a beach clean up to support community environmental initiatives in the country. all plastic collected through our partner is properly recycled and reused to create new materials.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 17
Day 17: South Malé Atoll/Felidhu Atholhu
spend the next five days cruising around the south malé and felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. on fulidhu, mingle with locals and experience a traditional drumming performance. bodu moro island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches – the perfect photo opt.aboard the dhoni, spend free time as you please – lounge on the sundecks and take in the views, relax with a good book, or socialize with fellow travellers as you enjoy delicious local seafood. off the boat, opt to swim and enjoy snorkelling about twice a day amongst the spectacular marine life of the maldives. the shallow islands and amazing coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. keep an eye out for turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and octopuses.
cruise to the southernmost point of south malé atoll before crossing the channel into felidhu atoll. the main industry here is fishing and there is typically an opportunity to see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands.
activity: the maldives offer some of the most amazing snorkelling and marine life viewing opportunities in the world. the shallow islands and plentiful coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. 70 different species of colourful corals make up the flora of this underwater city, with more than 700 species of fish and other marine life making up its fauna. snorkelling is one of the simplest ways to experience this impressive underwater world.
activity: experience one of the maldives uninhabited islands, with a visit to stunning bodu mora. the island’s stretch of idyllic beach is home to lush palm trees, soft sands, and crystal clear blue waters.
activity: stroll the quaint streets of the island of felidhu, the capital of felidhu atoll. this small island is home to beautiful beaches and a local souvenir shop or two.
transport: climb aboard this converted maldivian fishing boat and float on to the next stop.
activity: spend time with the local community and see their way of life. enjoy an evening performance of bodu beru, the traditional folk music of the country. bodu beru means “big drum” and involves a group of people sitting and singing to the rhythmical beat of drums.
free time: relax on the sundeck, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, go for a swim, have a cocktail, or read a book. free time is yours to enjoy!
activity: unrecycled plastic in the maldives is compromising sea life, shorelines, and health for communities. on your trip you will have the opportunity to do a beach clean up to support community environmental initiatives in the country. all plastic collected through our partner is properly recycled and reused to create new materials.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 18
Day 18: South Malé Atoll/Malé
Make the short crossing to Malé in the morning. The tour ends on arrival at Malé International Airport; your CEO can assist with onward travel arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s included
What’s not included
Additional information
Meals Included
Group Size
Solo Travellers
Meals
Minimum Age
Local Dress
Important Notes
Group Leader
About Accommodation
What to Take
Spending Money
Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantation & Factory Tour
On day 6, climb into the mist to tour Nuwara Eliya’s tea plantations, where emerald rows contour cool hillsides. In the factory, follow the leaf from field to cup—withering, rolling, fermenting and firing—before tasting delicate Orange Pekoe Ceylon tea at its source.
Introduced by the British in the 19th century, tea reshaped Sri Lanka’s highlands and global palate. Among timbered bungalows and crisp mountain air, you’ll learn how altitude, climate and craft create the island’s signature brews—knowledge that turns every future sip into a memory of these slopes.
Little Adam’s Peak Hike & Ella Valley Vistas
Greet day 8 with a gentle ascent of Little Adam’s Peak along tea-fringed trails. From the summit, drink in broad views of Ella Rock, the Ella Gap and undulating ridgelines, the morning light spilling across valley folds and terraced gardens.
Named in echo of the sacred pilgrimage peak Sri Pada, this shorter hike rewards effort with mountain air and stillness. It’s the perfect balance of activity and serenity before you enjoy a free afternoon exploring Ella’s cafés and craft stalls below.
Galle Fort Ramparts Walk
On day 9, pause on Sri Lanka’s southern coast to walk the ramparts of Galle Fort, a living UNESCO site where cobbled lanes lead to the Galle Lighthouse, Dutch Reformed Church and spice-scented boutiques.
First fortified by the Portuguese and reshaped by the Dutch in the 17th century, the bastions withstood colonial battles and even the 2004 tsunami. Sea breezes, coral-stone walls and snapshots over the Indian Ocean invite you to pause for photos and reflection on centuries of maritime history.
Big Night Out: Hikkaduwa Beach Bar
Follow your CEO on day 10 to Hikkaduwa’s shoreline to find the best beach bar, where lantern glow and surf roll set the soundtrack. Kick off sandals, feel the warm sand underfoot and dance under the stars with your new crew.
Once a hippie hideout, Hikkaduwa still hums with relaxed beats and salty air. Raise a glass to the journey so far, share stories and, if the mood strikes, take a night swim in the inky Indian Ocean before drifting back to the hotel.
Malé Airport Arrival Transfer & Dhoni Boarding
Touch down on day 12 and meet your representative for an arrival transfer in Malé to the harbour. Step aboard your traditional dhoni, receive a safety briefing from the skipper and settle into compact cabins and breezy decks.
These graceful wooden boats, once the backbone of Maldivian fishing, are ideal for island-hopping the shallow atolls. As lines slip from the quay and the city skyline recedes, you’ll feel the pace ease to match the turquoise lagoons ahead.
South Malé & Felidhu Atolls Dhoni Cruise
From day 13 to day 17, cruise sunlit channels aboard your dhoni, dropping anchor at reefs and mooning over misty horizons from the sundeck. Share fresh seafood meals and quiet moments as you island-hop the atolls at an unhurried pace.
Ring-shaped atolls of coral shelter lagoons of impossible blue. In Felidhu (Vaavu), channels famed for clarity reveal fishing dhonis gliding home at dusk. Mornings may bring snorkel stops; afternoons, sandbar strolls; evenings, enjoy a free afternoon to read, chat, or watch the sky spill stars over calm water.
Snorkelling the Coral Gardens of the Maldives
Most days between day 13 and day 17, slip into warm, gin-clear water to snorkel vibrant coral gardens. Drift above branching and table corals alive with parrotfish, angelfish and damselfish, and watch for turtles, reef sharks and stingrays cruising the blue.
Snorkelling gear is provided, and your crew selects sites for visibility and variety. The Maldives’ reefs are among the planet’s richest ecosystems—please fin gently and keep a respectful distance so this underwater city continues to thrive for future travellers.
Fulidhoo Island Visit & Bodu Beru Drumming
Disembark during the cruise to wander sandy lanes on Fulidhoo Island, greeting residents and peeking into daily life. As dusk falls, gather for an exhilarating Bodu Beru performance—call-and-response songs and big-drum rhythms that ripple through the crowd.
Meaning “big drum,” bodu beru likely arrived with sailors across the Indian Ocean and is now woven into Maldivian celebrations. As voices lift and beats quicken, feel the atoll’s culture pulse to life—an evening of connection and community on the lagoon’s edge.
Bodu Mora Sandbar & Felidhu Village Stroll
Come ashore on an uninhabited isle to sink your toes into Bodu Mora’s sands, wading in a lagoon as translucent as glass. Swim, sun and listen to the hush of the reef while the dhoni rocks gently at anchor.
Later, continue to stroll the island of Felidhu, capital of the atoll. With fishing at its heart, the village offers glimpses of boat-building and everyday island routines. Unhurried lanes, friendly hellos and pause-for-photos moments round out a day shaped by the sea.
Maldives Plastic Clean-Up (G for Good)
During one afternoon between day 13 and day 17, join crew and travellers to take part in a beach clean-up. After a short briefing, gloves and bags in hand, you’ll help remove ocean-borne plastic from an island shoreline or sandbar.
This simple, hands-on act supports local partners who ensure collected waste is properly recycled and repurposed. The Maldives’ beauty is fragile—your contribution helps protect nesting shores and coral reefs while deepening your bond with these islands.
Dambulla Cave Temple Visit
On day 2, opt to climb to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a hilltop complex of gilded Buddha images and frescoed chambers. Step inside cool caverns where murals sweep across the rock and more than 150 statues glow by lamplight.
A UNESCO site and active monastery since the 1st century BCE, Dambulla captures layers of devotion and artistry in stone. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress Ascent
Choose, on day 2, to scale Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the 5th-century citadel of King Kashyapa. Climb past the famed Mirror Wall and cloud-maiden frescoes to the Lion’s Paw Terrace, then on to palace ruins crowned by sweeping forest views.
Sigiriya’s water gardens and sky palace reveal sophisticated ancient engineering and royal ambition. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Minneriya National Park 4x4 Safari
On day 2’s afternoon, head out by open-top 4×4 to search for Asian elephants along the shores of Minneriya’s ancient reservoir. Watch herds graze the plains and scan for toque macaques, sambar deer and raptors quartering the sky.
From July to October, the famed elephant “Gathering” can see large numbers congregate near the tank as water recedes. Guides maintain respectful distances for both safety and animal welfare. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Ancient Capitals: Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura
Use day 3 to delve into Sri Lanka’s royal past at either Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura. In Polonnaruwa, wander palace ruins and meet the serene granite Buddhas of the Gal Vihara; in Anuradhapura, circle white dagobas and visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree.
Both UNESCO sites chart centuries of kings, monks and engineers who built reservoirs and shrines that still anchor the island’s spirit. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy
On day 5, opt to visit Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, where drummers and priests carry offerings during the evening pooja. Marble-white walls, lotus-filled ponds and the gentle clang of bells set a reverent atmosphere.
This shrine, said to house a relic of the Buddha, has drawn pilgrims for centuries and anchored the old Kandyan kingdom. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Kandyan Cultural Dance Show
Choose on day 5 to attend a Kandyan cultural performance—masked dancers, whirling costumes and hypnotic drum rhythms that build to an exhilarating finale, often with fire-walking.
These courtly dances echo temple rituals and hill-country folklore, preserving traditions that still pulse through Kandy’s festivals. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Sri Lankan Cricket Evening
If schedules align on day 5, join locals to cheer a cricket match under floodlights, learning the rhythms of overs, boundaries and spin bowling from your CEO. The crowd’s chants and snack stalls add irresistible buzz.
Cricket is Sri Lanka’s beloved pastime, connecting villages and cities alike. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Horton Plains Sunrise Trek to World’s End
Rise before dawn on day 7 to hike across wind-brushed grassland and cloud forest to World’s End, a dramatic escarpment where the plateau drops nearly a kilometre. Continue to the mist-laced Baker’s Falls amid orchids and tree ferns.
Cool high-altitude air and sweeping views reward the effort on this moderate trek. Park permits and an early start help you beat the mist. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Nine Arches Bridge & Ravana Falls Photo Walk
On day 8, opt for a scenic ramble to the Nine Arches Bridge, a 1921 stone-and-brick viaduct nicknamed the “Bridge in the Sky.” Time your visit to pause for photos as a blue train threads the arches.
Continue to Ravana Falls, a tiered cascade that cools the air around Ella. Tea hedges, forest and spray combine for a richly textured afternoon outdoors. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise, South Coast
On day 10, board a local boat to scan for spinner dolphins and, in season, blue or sperm whales off Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Crew share spotting tips as you watch tail flukes and dorsal fins slice the surface.
Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed and seas can be choppy, but responsible operators maintain distances that respect marine life. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.
Breakfast at Sthree Craft Shop & Café (G for Good)
Begin day 6 in Kandy at Sthree, a social enterprise where you’ll share a community breakfast prepared by women and youth living with disabilities. Savor staples like hoppers and dhal alongside spiced tea while browsing handmade crafts that sustain local livelihoods.
Led by the Women’s Development Centre, Sthree demonstrates how hospitality and handicraft training create opportunity and dignity. Your G for Good Moment supports skills-building and stable income for artisans in and around Kandy, adding purpose to your plate before the group continues into the tea-cloaked uplands.
Digana Village Walk, Farm Visit & Curry Cooking
On day 4, follow your local guide through the lanes of Digana to join a guided village walk, meeting families at a working cattle and goat farm and pausing at a cottage to sample refreshing herbal drinks. Sit down to a simple local village lunch as lake breezes drift from Victoria Reservoir.
In the evening, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on class to cook Sri Lankan curries layered with coconut, mustard seed and freshly ground spice. The aromas rising from the hearth capture daily life in the hill country and the generosity of rural hospitality—an authentic encounter that deepens your connection to the island’s flavors and people.
Ayurvedic Spice Garden Visit
En route on day 4, step into a lush Ayurvedic spice garden to learn how Sri Lankans have used nature’s pantry for wellness for centuries. Walk between cinnamon, cardamom and clove, and see demonstrations that reveal how traditional Ayurvedic practices transform leaves, bark and roots into balms, oils and tonics.
This fertile island once drew Arab traders and European empires for its prized spices. As you sniff crushed pepper and sip a gentle herbal infusion, you’ll hear how spice routes shaped Sri Lankan cuisine and culture—context that enriches every curry and cup of tea you’ll enjoy later on the tour.
Welcome Moment & First Night Out, Negombo
On day 1, gather in coastal Negombo to meet your CEO and group and settle into the rhythm of Sri Lanka. Stroll past Negombo canals and palm-fringed lanes before joining your fellow travellers to connect with new friends over an optional dinner and chilled drinks.
Soak up the town’s easygoing mood, shaped by Portuguese and Dutch influences and dotted with Catholic spires from its “Little Rome” past. Your CEO shares tips for the days ahead as you enjoy a free evening by the sea, letting the breeze drift in from the Indian Ocean while conversation and clinking glasses set the tone for the journey.
