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Peregrine Travel Centre

Sri Lanka to the Seychelles Small Ship Cruise

Sri Lanka to the Seychelles Small Ship Cruise

From GBP £10,995

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Description

Enjoy the warmth and beauty of the Indian Ocean aboard the wonderfully comfortable MS Island Sky as she undertakes exactly the type of itinerary that suits her best. Join us in the tropics as we journey from Sri Lanka to the islands and atolls of the Maldives and Seychelles.
Our voyage begins with a cultural focus in Sri Lanka where we spend time in Colombo with its Buddhist and Hindu temples and old colonial buildings before we explore Galle, the fortified old city founded by the Portuguese colonists in the 16th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will also discover some natural world wonders during our visit to the Bundala National Park, a haven for birdwatchers and Sri Lanka’s first designated wetland site of international importance.
Following a relaxing day at sea our voyage will take on more of an expeditionary and natural world focus as we sail across to the Maldives and the Seychelles, two of the world’s most pristine and picturesque archipelagos. With our fleet of Zodiacs we will explore some truly beautiful islands, land on otherwise inaccessible beaches, explore vast lagoons and coral reefs and encounter some wonderful tropical scenery. Our small ship is ideal for the region, allowing us to enjoy the peace and tranquility of these paradise islands, afterall it would be disappointing to find yourself in the company of hundreds on what was a deserted beach.
This unusual itinerary will appeal to those looking for something different, incorporating a fascinating look at Sri Lanka followed by island hopping through some of the most idyllic tropical scenery in the world. With the MS Island Sky as our base and, travelling with just over 100 fellow passengers, we can enjoy great food, good company, a convivial atmosphere and of course the expert onboard team and friendly crew which entices travellers to cruise on her time and time again.

Trip Name
Sri Lanka to the Seychelles Small Ship Cruise
Days
16
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 116  Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2010 / 2017 The MS Island Sky is an elegant small ship, offering the atmosphere of a private yacht combined with the comfort of a country house hotel. Accommodating just over 100 passengers in 59 spacious suites, all with outside views and many with private balconies, she provides a refined and intimate cruising experience. Suites are beautifully finished with wood panelling and brass details, and feature marble bathrooms, ample storage, and thoughtful amenities such as dressing gowns, refillable water bottles, and Noble Isle toiletries. Public spaces are equally well designed, with inviting lounges, a well-stocked library, observation decks, and a promenade for enjoying sweeping views. Complimentary Wi-Fi, a clinic with doctor, and a lift serving all decks ensure that modern comforts are seamlessly paired with classic style. Life on board is relaxed, sociable, and far removed from the bustle of large resort-style ships. With open seating in the dining room, guests can enjoy fine à la carte cuisine, enhanced by locally sourced produce and accompanied by included wines. Al fresco meals on the Lido Deck, afternoon tea, and pre-dinner canapés further enrich the dining experience. Days are shaped by enriching talks from Guest Speakers and the Expedition Team, with evenings offering convivial conversation, music in the lounge, or simply time to unwind. With excellent service, a warm atmosphere, and itineraries designed for discovery rather than distraction, the MS Island Sky offers a truly memorable way to explore the world in comfort and style.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Day 2 - Day 2 Colombo.
Arrive and transfer to the MS Island Sky. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 3 - Day 3 Colombo.
Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and largest city dates back over 600 years having been a trading hub for sea merchants and colonial rulers. Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, mosques and churches reflect the various beliefs practiced all over the island and the beautiful facades of the old, colonial buildings contrast with the modern but elegant shopping arcades that have been developed inside. There will be a choice of activities this morning including a cultural tour visiting the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, the National Museum and Independence Square. Alternatively, visit the Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, located on the outskirts of the city. It is said that Buddha visited and preached his doctrine here to a gathering of serpent-kings. Today worshippers come to lay sprigs of lotus flowers around the great white dagoba, light oil lamps, and sprinkle the base of the Tree of Enlightenment with purifying water. We will see the fine carvings and lovely frescoes, fascinating geometrically patterned ceiling paintings, and three important images of Buddha. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at sea.
Day 4 - Day 4 Hambantota.
From our berth in Hambantota there will be a choice of excursions today. You can choose to to visit Kataragama, one of the three most important religious sites in Sri Lanka and a popular place of pilgrimage for Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and the indigenous Vedda communities of Sri Lanka and South India. According to Buddhists, this was one of the 16 places visited by Buddha during his visits to Sri Lanka. We will explore the religious complex built across the Menik Ganga which contains buildings from all three religions including the mosque, temple, the small archaeological museum and the principal shrine of the god Kataragama. Alternatively explore Bundala National Park, a haven for birdwatchers and Sri Lanka’s first declared Ramsar wetland. Located in the deep south of the island, the diversity of the park lies in its landscape, from dry thorny scrubland to sand dunes and salt marshes, to mangroves and lagoons. Take a jeep through the park and discover close to 200 species of bird as well as many species of butterflies, crocodiles, elephants, and deer.
Day 5 - Day 5 Galle.
Awake this morning in Galle where we take a walking tour of the impressive Galle Fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the port where the Portuguese first landed in Sri Lanka in the 16th century and was then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Also see the maritime museum, which is housed in an old Dutch house, the lighthouse, mosque, and church before taking a stroll through the narrow streets with their shuttered mansions and cloistered courtyards. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore Galle further at your own pace or alternatively join a tour to a nearby tea plantation where we will learn about the growing processes and enjoy a tasting.
Day 6 - Day 6 At Sea.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we cross the Laccadive Sea towards the Maldives.
Day 7 - Days 7 to 10 Maldives.
We spend four days exploring the whole archipelago. This vast area of ocean is scattered with staggeringly beautiful dots of land surrounded by a cerulean sea. It offers some of the finest lagoons, beaches and coral reefs in the world. Our day to day schedule will be left in the capable hands of the Captain and Expedition Leader and we hope to include visits to a number of atolls as we sail from the northern islands to the south. Our expedition team will be on hand to take guided walking tours to explore the flora and fauna on land whilst our Snorkel Master will take us to some stunning reefs to view the wonderful coral and marine life.
Day 8 - Days 11 to 13 At Sea.
Relax and enjoy our days at sea as we continue to the Seychelles. Watch out for the bird and marine life and listen to the informative talks by our expedition team. We are assured of warm weather so make the most of the fresh air, get lost in a novel from your deck chair and enjoy all the comforts of the MS Island Sky.
Day 9 - Days 14 & 15 Inner Seychelles.
We have two days exploring the islands of the Inner Seychelles group. After clearing immigration formalities at Praslin we will explore the ‘Vallee de Mai’, the last remnant of the original high canopied Seychelles palm forest and home to the coco de mer. We will walk its paths looking out for the rare black parrot and enjoying its natural beauty. We also hope to include time on Aride which is one of the finest and most important seabird islands in the Indian Ocean. Over one million seabirds breed on the island including tropical shearwater, lesser noddy, frigate birds and roseate tern in addition to five species unique to the Seychelles such as the Seychelles warbler and Seychelles magpie robin. The island is largely covered in native woodland, including the endemic Wright’s gardenia, a shrub with beautifully scented flowers found nowhere else in the world. Also see Curieuse, a rugged island which was once home to a leper colony and now houses an eco-museum and visitor centre. The island is an important nesting site for hawksbill turtles and boasts endemic vine and mangroves which we explore on an island walk. Maybe also relax on Grande Soeur, an idyllic uninhabited island. Walk the island trails which link the white sand beaches and maybe catch sight of some of the island’s giant Aldabra tortoises, or take a swim in the turquoise waters. Our final night will be spent alongside at Mahe.
Day 10 - Day 16 Mahe to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. Arrive this afternoon.
Day 11 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
30-09-202715-10-2027GBP £10,995Magellan Deck Standard Suite
30-09-202715-10-2027GBP £10,995Magellan Deck Standard Single
30-09-202715-10-2027GBP £11,395Columbus Deck Superior Single
30-09-202715-10-2027GBP £11,395Columbus Deck Superior Suite
30-09-202715-10-2027GBP £11,795Marco Polo Deck Premium Suite
30-09-202715-10-2027GBP £12,295Marco Polo Deck Corner Suite
30-09-202715-10-2027GBP £12,995Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
30-09-202715-10-2027GBP £13,495Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
30-09-202715-10-2027GBP £13,995Explorer Deck Island Suite

Inclusions

    • Cultural Sri Lanka with Colombo, Kataragama, Galle Fort and wildlife-rich Bundala National Park
    • Extended small-ship exploration of the Maldives with snorkelling, reefs, atolls and island walks
    • Inner Seychelles highlights including Vallée de Mai, seabird sanctuaries, giant tortoises and pristine beaches

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