Sri Lanka with Maldives Cruise: Spice Gardens & Seasides

Day 1 - Negombo
Arrive at any time and welcome to Negombo, know for its lazy beach, wandering canals, and fresh seafood markets. Get to know your fellow travellers over optional 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/Sigiriya
Travel to the centre of the island to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City, Sigiriya. Opt to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress or view elephants on a safari drive in Minneriya National Park.

Day 3 - Sigiriya
Spend the day freely exploring more of this ancient yet luscious region. Opt to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, or go back in time at the Anurhadhapura historical site.

Day 4 - Sigiriya/Digana
Visit a medicinal spice garden enroute to Digana. After, enjoy lunch before embarking on a guided village walk to gain insight into Sri Lankan rural daily life. Discover unique local experiences, from visiting a working cattle and goat farm to enjoying refreshing herbal drinks at a local woman's cottage. Later, learn how to cook Sri Lankan curries infused with authentic local spices while helping out with dinner.

Day 5 - Digana/Kandy
Enjoy breakfast and soak in the views of the Victoria Reservoir over tea before departing for Kandy. Have an afternoon of free time to explore the sweet city, opting to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, view a traditional Kandyan cultural show, or root for a team at a cricket match.

Day 6 - Kandy/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/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.

Day 8 - Ella
Spend the morning trekking Little Adam's Peak to get a 360-degree view of Sri Lankan 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 venture to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge or hunt for some waterfalls with your fellow explorers.

Day 9 - Ella/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 to the best beach bar in town 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 nights fun. Relax on the beach, snorkel with sea creatures, 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/South Malé Atoll
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/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.

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