Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, where you will be greeted and met by your private driver. Begin your journey northwards through rural Sri Lanka, passing rice paddies, coconut groves, and small villages as you travel towards Tirappane, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s historic heartland. The drive offers your first impressions of the island’s lush landscapes and easy rhythms of daily life.

On arrival, settle into your accommodation surrounded by verdant fields and tranquil countryside. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax, recover from your flight, and enjoy the peaceful setting. Take a dip in the pool, unwind in your villa, or simply soak in the serene views as you prepare for the cultural discoveries ahead.

Set out from Tirappane for an early-morning visit to the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a monolith rising above jungle and lakes. Ascend past the Mirror Wall and the famed Sigiriya Maidens frescoes to reach the summit, where palace ruins and panoramic views reveal the scale of the ancient royal citadel. The cool morning light and birdsong make this one of Sri Lanka’s most unforgettable experiences.

Later, continue to the Dambulla Cave Temples, a UNESCO-listed complex of rock-hewn sanctuaries decorated with vivid murals and serene Buddha statues. Wander from chamber to chamber as your guide unpacks stories of kings, pilgrims, and artisans who shaped this sacred hillside over centuries. Outside, troops of monkeys and distant temple bells complete the atmosphere.

Return to the countryside calm of Tirappane for a relaxed afternoon. Unwind, take a gentle stroll amid paddy fields, or simply enjoy the stillness as the sun drops over the reservoirs and tree line.

Today takes you deeper into Sri Lanka’s cultural heart with a guided exploration of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander among the evocative ruins of palaces, audience halls, and monasteries, all set within sprawling parkland dotted with giant trees and cheeky monkeys. Highlights include the delicate stone carvings of the Quadrangle and the impressive rock-cut Buddha images at Gal Vihara.

Afterwards, exchange history for a taste of rural life. Take a leisurely bullock cart ride or boat journey through a nearby village, meeting locals and learning about their farming traditions. Pause for a traditional lunch prepared with home-grown produce — an authentic introduction to Sri Lanka’s warm hospitality and slow rhythms of village living.

Return to Tirappane in the late afternoon, where the rest of the day is yours to relax. Enjoy the peaceful setting of your retreat, swim in the pool, or take a gentle cycle ride through the countryside as the day fades into a starry night.

This morning, bid farewell to Tirappane and journey south towards the hill capital of Kandy. En route, stop at a traditional spice garden, where cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and cloves grow in lush plots. Learn how these spices, once worth their weight in gold, shaped Sri Lanka’s history and continue to flavour its cuisine and Ayurveda traditions today.

Arrive in Kandy, a city nestled beside a shimmering lake and surrounded by mist-cloaked hills. In the afternoon, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most revered Buddhist shrines in Asia. Walk through incense-scented halls as pilgrims clad in white gather for daily rituals, offering flowers and prayers in an atmosphere of devotion and serenity.

Afterwards, take a gentle stroll by the lake or relax at your accommodation, enjoying the cooler air of the highlands. The evening is free to rest ahead of further explorations of Kandy tomorrow.

Wake to the cool highland air of Kandy, a city that blends colonial heritage, sacred traditions, and lush natural beauty. After breakfast, set out to the celebrated Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. Once reserved for Kandyan royalty, today the gardens showcase an extraordinary collection of orchids, giant palms, and exotic trees, making it one of Asia’s most enchanting horticultural sites.

Return to the city for a relaxed afternoon exploring its vibrant markets, lakeside promenade, or small museums that tell the story of Kandy’s regal past. Alternatively, take time to unwind at your accommodation and enjoy the slower rhythm of the hill capital.

In the evening, experience a colourful Kandyan cultural performance, where drummers, dancers, and fire-walkers bring alive centuries-old traditions. The blend of music, movement, and pageantry is a memorable way to immerse yourself in the spirit of the highlands before dinner and a restful night.

Depart Kandy after breakfast for a scenic journey into Sri Lanka’s misty Tea Country. The road winds through rolling hillsides draped in emerald tea plantations, with cascading waterfalls and cloud-draped peaks completing the picture. En route, pause at a tea estate and factory to see the full process of Sri Lanka’s most famous export — from plucking the delicate leaves to tasting a freshly brewed cup of Ceylon tea.

Arrive by afternoon at your plantation bungalow, where the timeless elegance of the colonial era lives on in polished wood floors, croquet lawns, and verandas overlooking the hills. The rest of the day is at leisure to settle in, enjoy a traditional high tea, or simply breathe in the crisp mountain air surrounded by sweeping views of tea estates.

Wake to the cool, crisp air of Sri Lanka’s Tea Country. After breakfast, set out on a guided walk through the rolling plantations, where brightly clad tea pluckers move deftly among rows of glistening green leaves. Learn about the life of the estates, the heritage of tea cultivation introduced during the British colonial era, and the delicate process that produces the world-famous Ceylon tea.

Return to your bungalow for a leisurely afternoon. You may wish to enjoy a traditional high tea on the veranda, stroll along garden paths, or simply relax with a book against a backdrop of sweeping valleys. For the more active, scenic hikes through nearby trails or visits to local villages can be arranged, offering further glimpses of everyday highland life.

Evening brings a chance to unwind beside a roaring fireplace or under the stars, as the serene pace of the highlands makes this one of the most restful chapters of your Sri Lankan journey.

Spend a second full day amidst the rolling hills and mist-cloaked valleys of Sri Lanka’s Tea Country. After breakfast, you may wish to enjoy a leisurely morning stroll along estate paths, stopping at viewpoints that overlook patchwork valleys and shimmering reservoirs. Birdsong, the scent of eucalyptus, and the steady rhythm of tea pluckers at work create an atmosphere of calm and timelessness.

The afternoon is free to relax at your bungalow. Play a quiet game of croquet on the lawn, sip tea in the gardens, or simply curl up with a book in a colonial-style lounge warmed by a fireplace. For those seeking gentle activity, guided hikes or cycling routes through nearby villages and waterfalls can be arranged, offering further immersion into this enchanting landscape.

As evening falls, enjoy another elegant highland dinner and savour the last night in this serene setting before your journey south into the wilds of Yala National Park.

This morning, depart the serene hills of Sri Lanka’s Tea Country and journey south towards the wild landscapes of Yala National Park. The scenic drive takes you from misty highlands through cascading waterfalls, lush lowlands, and eventually into the dry-zone wilderness where leopards, elephants, and crocodiles roam freely.

Arrive by afternoon at your luxurious tented lodge set on the edge of the park, where the untamed meets the refined. After a warm welcome, settle into your cocoon-style suite, blending canvas and stone with panoramic views of jungle and ocean. Depending on timing, you may embark on your first evening game drive into Yala, watching the savannah glow under the setting sun as wildlife stirs into action.

Return to the lodge for dinner under the stars, the sounds of the bush providing the perfect soundtrack to your first night on safari.

Rise early for a dawn game drive in Yala National Park, one of Asia’s finest wildlife reserves and home to the world’s highest density of leopards. As the first light filters through the treetops, watch the park come alive — from elephants wandering in herds to sloth bears, crocodiles basking by watering holes, and dazzling birdlife filling the skies.

Return to your lodge for a leisurely breakfast, then relax during the heat of the day. Enjoy the pool overlooking the wilderness, unwind with a spa treatment, or simply soak in the wild atmosphere from your private deck. Later in the afternoon, head out for a second safari, this time catching predators on the move as the sun dips low, casting golden light over grasslands and lagoons.

The day concludes with a gourmet dinner at camp, perhaps accompanied by tales of wildlife encounters shared around a crackling fire. Tonight, drift to sleep to the distant calls of the jungle under a canopy of stars.

This morning, bid farewell to the wilderness of Yala as you travel west along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline towards the historic city of Galle. The drive unfolds past golden beaches, stilt fishermen perched over the ocean, and palm-fringed villages, before arriving at the fortified old town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history.

Step inside the ramparts of Galle Fort, where cobbled streets reveal a blend of Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial heritage. Wander past churches, spice warehouses, and boutique shops housed in restored mansions, before pausing for sunset views along the bastion walls as the Indian Ocean stretches endlessly beyond.

Your stay in Galle offers a taste of refined colonial elegance, with time to unwind in a heritage property that blends old-world charm with modern comfort. Evening is free to relax or explore the fort’s atmospheric streets illuminated under lantern light.

Today is yours to savour the unique charm of Galle at your own pace. Wake up in your heritage retreat, where the blend of colonial architecture and coastal breezes creates a timeless atmosphere. After breakfast, choose to explore further or simply enjoy a leisurely day soaking up the ambience of this coastal gem.

Stroll through Galle Fort once more, discovering art galleries, chic boutiques, and atmospheric cafés tucked within centuries-old buildings. Stop for a refreshing king coconut or a cup of local Ceylon tea as you watch life unfold along the cobbled streets. Alternatively, relax by the sea, taking in sweeping ocean views or enjoying the tranquillity of your accommodation’s serene surroundings.

As evening falls, you may wish to dine in one of Galle’s celebrated restaurants, where traditional Sri Lankan flavours are reimagined in refined culinary creations. The night offers a final chance to soak in the fort’s historic charm before your island journey draws towards its next chapter.

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Sri Lanka’s colonial coast. A private transfer will take you to Colombo Airport for your short flight to Malé, gateway to the Maldives. As you descend, take in breathtaking views of turquoise atolls scattered like jewels across the Indian Ocean.

On arrival, you’ll be whisked away by speedboat across crystal-clear waters to your luxury island retreat. The moment you step ashore, soft white sands and swaying palms welcome you into a world of barefoot bliss. Your overwater villa or beachside suite awaits, designed for complete relaxation and seclusion, with uninterrupted views of the lagoon.

Spend the rest of the day settling into your island hideaway. Unwind on your private deck, dip into the warm Indian Ocean, or simply take in the sunset from the comfort of your villa. This is the start of your indulgent Maldivian escape, where every detail is crafted for relaxation and serenity.

Wake up to the sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore and the golden glow of the Maldivian sunrise. Today is a full day at leisure to enjoy your island paradise exactly as you wish. Step straight into the warm lagoon from your villa, snorkel among colourful reefs teeming with tropical fish, or simply stretch out on powder-soft sands with nothing but the ocean breeze for company.

Indulge in spa rituals that draw on ancient healing traditions, or take a sunset yoga session overlooking the turquoise sea. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may choose from optional activities such as dolphin cruises, paddleboarding, or diving in some of the world’s clearest waters. Every moment here is designed for ultimate relaxation and unforgettable island serenity.

As the sun sets, enjoy a private dinner on the beach under a canopy of stars, accompanied by the soothing rhythm of the waves. This is barefoot luxury at its finest — a memory that will linger long after you’ve left the island.

Another blissful day unfolds in your Maldivian island retreat. With no schedule to keep, embrace the rhythm of island life at your own pace. Start the morning with a refreshing swim in the lagoon or snorkel alongside graceful rays and vibrant coral gardens. As the sun climbs higher, retreat to your villa’s deck, where the turquoise sea becomes your backdrop for pure relaxation.

For those seeking activity, consider a half-day excursion — perhaps a traditional dhoni sailing trip, a visit to a sandbank for a picnic lunch, or exploring further afield by kayak. Or, keep things slow and savour the island’s luxurious offerings: from spa therapies that restore balance to culinary experiences infused with fresh seafood and Maldivian flavours.

As evening descends, watch the sky ignite with shades of pink and gold before enjoying another tranquil night under the stars. This is your chance to soak in every last detail of paradise before your journey home.

After breakfast, take a final stroll along the beach, letting the soft sand and ocean breeze etch their last memories of paradise. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a few more hours of leisure — perhaps one last swim in the lagoon or a quiet moment on your villa’s deck overlooking the turquoise waters.

You will then be transferred by speedboat back to Malé International Airport for your flight to NEW YORK. Settle into your overnight journey with a heart full of memories: ancient temples, tea-covered hills, colonial towns, wildlife encounters, and idyllic days in the Maldives. This carefully crafted adventure has blended Sri Lanka’s cultural richness with the Maldives’ island luxury — a once-in-a-lifetime journey across the Indian Ocean.