Example Itinerary

An Unforgettable Honeymoon: Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Qatar

Duration
15 days / 14 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Wildlife, Romance, Beaches
Destinations
Maldives, Qatar, Sri Lanka

Each offering magical settings with unique romantic experiences, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Qatar combine to make a spectacular journey for newlyweds. On the verdant isle of Sri Lanka, savor a slow train ride through the scenic tea country, traverse the hillsides on languid hikes, spot wild leopards and elephants while staying in a luxury tent, take trishaws around a sleepy coastal village with coconuts in hand. Then jet off to magical Maldives where perfect days are spent in utmost luxury. Jump from your villa into crystal clear waters for a refreshing swim, soak in the sun by your private pool, snorkel the colorful reefs, and picnic together on a deserted island in complete privacy. Finally wind down in Qatar where culture takes center stage. Submerse yourself in the largest collection of Islamic art in the world, housed in a building that is a work of art itself. Browse the souq for spices, perfumes, textiles, and while there, see and learn about the national bird, the falcon. You’ll also get to see another symbolic Arabian animal, the endangered oryx, at a sanctuary, before ending with a toast to your honeymoon journey at one of the glitziest restaurants in the world.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Romance of Trains: Take one of the most romantic railway journeys in the world, an 8-hour ride through the lush and hilly tea country in the heart of Sri Lanka. 
  • Island Paradise: The dreamy white sands and crystal clear turqouise waters of the Maldives are what honeymoon beach dreams are made of.
  • Arabian Culture: Give in to the allure of Doha as you wander the souq, sample the Arabic coffee and sweet dates, browse an immense collection of Islamic art, and meet the national emblem, the endangered Arabian oryx. 

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Kandy »

Begin your journey in Colombo, the capital. Upon arrival at the airport, a private car and guide will transfer you to Kandy. Cross swathes of plantations and tropical scenes as you make your way to this large city located in the center of the island amidst the hills. Check in to your hotel and unwind for the rest of the day. If you wish to stretch your legs, take a stroll along the large lake in the middle of the city, and we also recommend stopping by the Temple of Tooth to observe the daily evening puja ceremony. 

Hotel Options

Day 2

Map

Bogawantalawa Valley »

The highlight of today is the train ride from Kandy into the heart of tea country. This rail journey is touted as one of the most romantic and beautiful train trips in the world. The seven hour long ride takes you through stunning landscapes of verdant lush tea plantations, small villages, old bridges, waterfalls and mountain views. An insider tip is to sit in second class which allows you to roll down the windows and enjoy the fresh mountain breeze and take unobstructed photos. Along the way, food vendors will board and sell their treats like freshly cut pineapple and mango, corn with salty butter, freshly made rice and curry, samosas, and crispy flatbreads. Upon arrival at your stop, a private car takes you a short distance to your luxury bungalow on a private tea estate. Unwind and enjoy the views with fresh crumpets and a cup of tea. 

Hotel Options
Bogawantalawa Valley
Bogawantalawa Valley

Day 3

Map

Bogawantalawa Valley »

Get acquainted with your historic tea planter residence and take a gentle walk around the estate. Observe the tea pickers, learn about the tea making process, and taste different teas. There are longer trails for biking and exploring the mountains, lakes, and waterfalls in the area. You can also just relax at your bungalow and enjoy a spa treatment, sunbathe by the pool, and enjoy a game of croquet on the lawn.

Day 4

Map

Yala National Park »

See the splendor of the verdant tea country and Sri Lankan countryside from above as you take a seaplane south towards the southeast coast to your next destination, Yala National Park. This afternoon, go on an exciting jeep safari. The park is home to more than 40 species of mammals and has one of the highest concentrations of Sri Lankan leopard, an endangered species, in the world. Less than 1000 of these elegant predators are estimated to still live in the wild.

Hotel Options

Day 5

Map

Yala National Park »

Continue exploring Yala's wildlife on a morning and afternoon safari. In addition to the elusive leopards, it is also possible to see over 100 species of birds, as well as sloth bears, spotted deer, and crocodiles. In between your game drives, spend your time at your luxury lodge. Personalize your stay with romantic al fresco picnics and sundowner cocktails on sand dunes. 

Yala National Park
Yala National Park

Day 6

Map

Tangalle »

Leave Yala behind for the small coastal village of Tangalle today. After a three-hour scenic drive along the coast, check into your beachfront hotel and enjoy the rest of the day. Relax at your hotel as well as explore the area. We recommend a stroll along sandy beaches, order freshly-made tropical fruit shakes at beachside stall, take a tuktuk around town, and browse the quaint selection of shops and cafes.  

Hotel Options

Day 7

Map

Tangalle »

This morning begins with an elephant safari at Udawalawe National Park, just a short drive north. Sri Lanka has the biggest population of wild elephants in Asia, and this small national park is one of the best places to spot them. It is guaranteed that you will not only see elephants, but many cute baby elephants as well. Besides elephants, the park is also home to water buffalo, monkeys, crocodiles, and a variety of birds, insects, and lizards. In the afternoon, return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 8

Map

Galle »

Depart for Galle, a historic fort town a couple hours’ drive west along the coast. Along the way, make a stop at a turtle hatchery. Five of seven types of sea turtles come to Sri Lanka’s southern shores to lay their eggs, thus conservation and education is of utmost importance to protect these endangered animals. There are several centers along the coast where visitors can learn about the turtles, conservation efforts, and see the newly hatched babies before they are returned to the wild. Upon arrival in Galle, check in to your hotel and have lunch. After, explore Galle Fort by foot.  The fort covers 90 acres and includes the well-preserved Dutch Church, the Dutch Government House, the New Oriental Hotel (built in 1684), an old bell tower, and perhaps most impressively, a tide-based sewage system. Besides the historical landmarks, the Fort is home to boutiques and charming restaurants and cafes. Enjoy a stroll around the narrow lanes as well as the seascape from the fort walls. 

Hotel Options
Galle
Galle

Day 9

Map

Resorts By Seaplane »

Today you are on the way to the Maldives. A drive back to Colombo Airport, short flight to the Maldives, and a speedboat or seaplane ride completes your journey to this slice of paradise. While away the rest of your day on the white sand beach and crystal clear waters of your luxury resort. That evening, enjoy sundowners and an extravagant dinner.

Hotel Options

Day 10

Map

Resorts By Seaplane »

The day is yours to do as you see fit. We recommend chartering a private yacht for a day of fun under the sun. Enjoy snorkeling are remote reefs, explore exquisite beaches, try stand-up paddle boarding, and go fishing for big game which the crew can BBQ for an al fresco lunch on a deserted island.

Day 11

Map

Resorts By Seaplane »

A leisurely morning can begin with a peaceful yoga or meditation lesson followed by snorkeling in the vibrant reefs. In the afternoon, consider taking a cooking class where you will learn how to make and then eat your own specialty seafood lunch. Later, indulge in a romantic couples massage. 

Resorts By Seaplane
Resorts By Seaplane

Day 12

Map

Resorts By Seaplane »

On your final day in the Maldives, spend the day relaxing some more. If you wish, learn more about the coral reefs and plant coral wit the resident marine biologist. Adventurous couples may want to try parasailing. Toast to your final sunset in paradise before your private dinner on the beach. 

Day 13

Map

Doha »

Take one long, last stroll down the white stretch of sand. Swim in the refreshing sea and pack up your belongings. It is time to travel to your final destination, Qatar. Arrive smoothly at Doha’s futuristic airport, ranked amongst the best in the world, where you will be met off the plane and escorted through immigration with VIP expedition and whisked to your private vehicle. After a short drive to your luxury hotel of choice, check in and unwind for the rest of the day. After the sun sets and the day’s heat wanes, we suggest venturing out for a romantic dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants. Doha’s dining selections are vast and offer a growing roster of celebrity-chef-helmed landmark restaurants, from Nobu Doha glamorously perched on its own private island to Market by Jean-Georges which offers elegant regionally-inspired creations. 

Hotel Options

Day 14

Map

Doha »

Start the morning with a stroll along the corniche, a scenic waterfront promenade that stretches for over four miles along Doha Bay. Stop for a cup of traditional tea to enjoy with the views before paying a visit to the Museum of Islamic Art which sits on its own island off the corniche. The museum holds the most comprehensive collection of Islamic Art spanning the ages in the world. Designed by Pritzker prize-winning architect IM Pei, the building itself stands as a work of art on its own. Then, visit Souq Waqif nearby. This traditional marketplace offers the feeling of an authentic bazaar lined with tiny stores showcasing traditional garments, spices, perfumes, and even falcons. Speak to the vendors to learn about their wares and pick up some spices, home goods, and last minute souvenirs to bring home. A short drive out of town takes you to Al Maha Sanctuary where you can meet the animal of Qatar’s national emblem. These milky-white antelopes with long curved horns were once on the brink of extinction but the sanctuary’s breeding program has since bolstered the population. Finally, visit Katara Cultural Village, an area where locals and visitors can connect with the cultural heritage of Qatar. Take your time to meander this Arabian-inspired maze of tiny, cobbled alleyways, home to artist studios, art and exhibition galleries, concert halls, an opera house, boutiques, cafes, and a large Greco-Roman amphitheater. 

Doha
Doha

Day 15

Map

Departure

Today marks the end of your honeymoon. After breakfast, spend your time at leisure before your private transfer to the airport. We suggest another stroll along the corniche to take a final look at Doha’s skyline or squeeze in one last spa treatment to prepare for the flight home.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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