After landing in Colombo, you’re warmly greeted by your private chauffeur-guide. Leaving the bustle of the capital behind, the road takes you through small towns, paddy fields, and coconut groves on your way north. By late afternoon, you arrive at Leopard Trails Wilpattu, a luxury tented safari camp tucked away at the edge of Sri Lanka’s oldest national park. As the sun sets, you settle into your spacious family tent, enjoy a delicious dinner under canvas, and listen to the night orchestra of the forest all around you.

The day begins before dawn with your first safari. The early morning light reveals Wilpattu’s vast landscapes: shimmering lakes, open grassland, and dense forest where leopards and sloth bears roam. Returning for a hearty breakfast, the late morning is yours to relax, perhaps with a nature walk or time by the firepit. In the afternoon, another safari drive explores new corners of the park. As dusk approaches, you return to camp for dinner and stories shared under starlit skies.

Another dawn safari brings fresh excitement; each drive reveals new wildlife encounters, from herds of deer to colourful birdlife. After a relaxed midday at camp, you head out again for an afternoon game drive, where the golden evening light creates perfect conditions for photography. The day ends with cocktails at the jungle bar and dinner by the fire, immersed once more in the sounds of the wild.

One final safari at sunrise gives you a last chance to spot Wilpattu’s elusive leopards. After breakfast, you say farewell to the camp and set off on a scenic three-hour drive to Sigiriya, in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Arriving at Aliya Resort & Spa, you’re greeted with breathtaking views of Lion’s Rock rising above the plains. The kids settle into their fun attic-style room while you relax by the infinity pool, gazing at tomorrow’s climbing challenge.

This morning, you explore the rural village of Hiriwadunna, where you ride an ox-cart, glide across a lake in a traditional canoe, and help prepare a home-cooked meal with a local family. In the afternoon, you climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Passing the ancient frescoes and the massive lion’s paws carved in stone, you reach the summit where royal palace ruins sit perched high above the jungle canopy. The panoramic views are unforgettable.

A short drive takes you to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital. You wander among vast temples, carved Buddhas, and palace ruins that tell stories of a once-mighty kingdom. In the afternoon, you set out on safari in Minneriya National Park, famous for its elephant herds. Watching these gentle giants gather near the reservoir is a memory that will stay with you forever.

Today, the journey itself is the highlight. After a drive to Kandy, you board the 11:10 train to Hatton, one of the world’s most beautiful rail routes. From your window, emerald tea fields, mist-covered mountains, and cascading waterfalls glide past. On arrival, you continue to Camellia Hills an elegant five-room tea bungalow overlooking the Castlereagh Reservoir. The crisp mountain air, cosy interiors, and sweeping views create an atmosphere of calm and charm.

After breakfast, you visit a working tea factory to learn the journey from leaf to cup, tasting the world-famous Ceylon tea at its source. The rest of the day is free to explore: walk among tea trails, picnic by a waterfall, or enjoy a Sri Lankan cooking demonstration back at the bungalow. As the sun sets, you sip tea or a cocktail on the terrace, watching the reservoir glow in the fading light.

Leaving the cool air of the hills behind, you return to Colombo for your onward flight to the Maldives (approx.1hr 30mins). After landing in Malé, a seaplane (40 mins) whisks you across turquoise lagoons to Heritance Aarah in the remote Raa Atoll. Your villa awaits, whether perched over the water or nestled on the beach, it’s a haven of luxury surrounded by endless ocean views. Tonight, you dine by the sea, the air filled with the scent of salt and the sound of waves.

Your first full day in the Maldives begins with sunrise over the ocean and breakfast in paradise. Spend the morning snorkelling from your villa’s steps, discovering coral reefs alive with tropical fish. After a leisurely lunch, you might try paddleboarding or kayaking across the lagoon, or simply unwind on your deck with a book. In the evening, perhaps join a sunset cruise before dining under the stars at one of the resort’s gourmet restaurants.

Today offers the chance to dive deeper into the Maldives. Join a guided snorkelling or diving excursion to nearby reefs, where manta rays, reef sharks, and turtles may drift past. Back at the resort, indulge in a spa treatment at the overwater Medi Spa or take part in a cooking or cocktail class. As evening falls, sip champagne at the infinity pool bar and enjoy a lively themed dinner with fresh seafood and international flavours.

Slow down and embrace island time. Sleep in, then enjoy a long breakfast with ocean views. Spend the day moving between the beach, pool, and sea, swim, snorkel, or read in the shade of palms. Families can join water sports sessions or simply relax together. In the evening, the resort may host a cultural showcase with Maldivian music and dance, giving you a taste of island traditions before another memorable dinner.

Your final full day in the Maldives is a chance to savour every moment. Take one last snorkel among the coral gardens, cycle around the island, or book a private dining experience on the beach. The day is yours to do as much or as little as you please. As night falls, you gather for a farewell dinner, toasting to the adventures of Sri Lanka and the serenity of the Maldives.

This morning, you enjoy breakfast overlooking the lagoon before your seaplane transfer back to Malé. From here, you connect with your international flight home. As you fly over the scattered islands of the Maldives, you carry with you memories of leopards in Wilpattu, ancient palaces in Sri Lanka’s heartland, tea hills shrouded in mist, and endless turquoise waters.