Sri Lanka's temples & the Maldives

Today, you will be driven to Jetwing Vil Uyana, a stunning property in the heart of the Cultural Triangle not far from the ancient capital of Sigiriya.

Today, you will head north to visit Anuradhapura, the island's ancient capital and a present-day holy city. You can then visit nearby Mihintale, the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism.

Your driver will meet you at your hotel and take you to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, followed by an excursion to see the fascinating ancient city of Polonnaruwa. This was the royal capital of the Chola and Singhalese kingdoms for three centuries. You can climb Sigiriya Rock, which can be tiring, but we are sure you will appreciate the spectacular views of the surrounding area. Later in the afternoon, you will proceed to the Minneriya National Park for a safari, searching for wild Indian elephants.

You will drive south toward the hill country, stopping en route to see the atmospheric cave temples at Dambulla.

Visit Sri Lanka's most revered Buddhist temple today, the Temple of the Tooth to witness the puja ceremonies. Later, relax in the peaceful botanical gardens.

You will take the morning train through fantastic mountainous scenery to the hill station town of Nuwara Eliya, where you can stop for lunch (not included) at one of its British-style colonial establishments. You will then continue to Hatton by car. En route, you will visit a tea factory in the area. After you arrive at your Tea Trails bungalow, you have some leisure time to enjoy the outstanding service and amazing location.

Today is a day to relax and to unwind. Let yourself be spoiled by the unrivalled service and excellent food and enjoy what is possibly the most beautiful part of Sri Lanka. Feel free to ask the manager to show you the tea estate that you are in. Your stay here may be the highlight of your time in Sri Lanka.

The drive from the Tea Country today is a long one, but it is a scenic drive out of the hills and back to the coastal plains and Colombo. Here you will spend one last night in a nice property north of the city and not far from the airport.

An early start as your driver will meet you for the last time and drive you to the airport. The flight to Malé is a short one, and after your arrival you will meet the resort representative who will bring you to the speedboat that takes you to the resort.

Today is free to relax. You might like to snorkel out to the house reef just offshore, which tends to get visited by turtles and manta rays.

To explore the clear Maldivian waters around the island, you might like to join a boat excursion. It's a wonderful place to dive — if it's your first time, fully qualified instruction is available.

You might like to make the most of the spa facilities today or try a spot of yoga or meditation. It's possible to book a treatment in your own room or on a secluded section of the beach.

To make your last day special, you might like to book a private dinner on the beach, surrounded by torches. A private chef can be on hand to cook your dinner on a beachside barbecue.

Your trip is coming to an end. The speedboat will take you back to the airport to catch your flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.