Sri Lanka with Maldives Cruise: Spice Gardens & Seasides

Day 1 Negombo, Sri Lanka    
Arrive at any time and welcome to Negombo, known for its lazy beach, wandering canals and fresh seafood markets. Get to know your fellow travellers over dinner and drinks at a favourite local restaurant. Soak up the lively atmosphere as you’re introduced to Sri Lankan delicacies, and cheers to new adventures and friends!      

Day 2 Negombo to Sigriya      
Travel to the centre of the island to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City, Sigiriya. Opt to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple or the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fotress.      

Day 3 Sigiriya      
Spend the day freely exploring more of this ancient yet luscious region. Opt to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, view elephants on a safari drive in Minneriya National Park, or go back in time at the Anurhadhapura historical site.      

Day 4 Sigiriya to Digana    
Visit a Kandy medicinal spice garden en route to the G Adventures-supported homestay in Digana. Arrive at Tamarind Gardens Farm for lunch before embarking on a guided village walk. Stop at the home of a crafter who hand-makes delicate Kandyan jewellery and the cottage of a local woman making incense. Learn how to cook Sri Lankan bread or sweets while helping out with dinner.      

Day 5 Digana to Kandy      
Early birds can opt to get a productive start to the day by joining the Tamarind hosts for first-hand experience with farm life and get up close with the animals. Enjoy breakfast at the Gardens and soak in the views of the Victoria Reservoir over tea before departing for Kandy.      

Day 6 Kandy to Nuwara Eliya  
Enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared by women and youth living with disabilities at G Adventures-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café. Travel on to the rolling hills and luscious forests of Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea plantation and opt to explore the beauty on foot.      

Day 7 Nuwara Eliya to Ella      
If you want to experience morning mist flowing through the valley, wake early and trek the serene trails of Horton Plains National Park. In the afternoon, cruise to the laid-back village of Ella and enjoy a free evening to explore or relax. If you are felling foodie, opt to participate in a Sri Lanka cooking class.      

Day 8 Ella  
Spend the morning trekking Little Adam’s Peak to get a 360-degree view of Sri Lanka countryside encompassing the giant Ella Rock and textured green mountains. For the rest of the day, enjoy the freedom to explore scenic Ella more in-depth. Opt to trek Ella Rock, venture to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, or hunt for some waterfalls with your fellow explorers.      

Day 9 Ella to Hikkaduwa      
Set off towards the southern coast stopping en route to explore the indestructible Galle Fort. Finish the day’s journey Oceanside on the white sand beaches of Hikkaduwa.

Day 10 Hikkaduwa      
Enjoy a free day to bliss out on the beach sipping your favourite drink or jump on a boat in search of whales and dolphins. For your big night out, follow your CEO ti the best beach bar in town, enjoy a drink on us and dance under the stars. Perhaps take a night swim, who knows, see where the night takes you.    

Day 11 Hikkaduwa      
Another day in paradise to recover from last night’s fun. Relax on the beach, snorkel with sea creators, or wander through the bustling beach town. Pick a local restaurant with your buds and reminisce about all the awesome adventures you’ve experienced over a farewell dinner.

Day 12 Hikkaduwa to South Malé Atoll, Maldives      
Travel to Colombo to hop a flight down to the tranquil blue haven of the Maldives. Board your traditional dhoni boat and after a brief meeting with your CEO, settle in, and set sail on a voyage of discovery.  

Days 13-17 South Malé Atoll and Felidhi Atholhu      
Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sand bars 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.      

Day 18 South Malé Atoll to Malé      
In the morning, make the short crossing to Malé. The tour ends on arrival at Malé International Airport.