9 Days Dubai and Sri Lanka Combination Tour

A 9-day journey combining Dubai’s futuristic skyline with Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes offers a unique blend of modern luxury and authentic cultural encounters. At $2,040 per person, this tour promises a well-paced itinerary with a mix of city sights, historical sites, and wildlife adventures.

What we love about this tour is how seamlessly it combines contrasting experiences — from the glittering Dubai Marina and towering Burj Khalifa to the ancient ruins of Sigiriya and the wild leopards of Yala National Park. The inclusion of activities like a traditional dhow cruise and scenic train rides makes the experience feel immersive rather than just sightseeing. Also, the tour’s small-group format and knowledgeable guides mean you’re likely to get personalized insights and genuine engagement.

One consideration is the packed schedule — with multiple early mornings and tight transfers, it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a full, active itinerary. If you prefer leisurely pacing or a lot of free time, this might feel a bit rushed.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a balanced taste of both modern luxury and authentic adventure — especially if you’re eager to see iconic sights and experience genuine local culture without worrying about logistics.

Key Points

Diverse Destinations: Combines Dubai’s modern marvels with Sri Lanka’s ancient sites and wildlife.
Well-Structured Itinerary: Offers a mix of city tours, cultural visits, and nature adventures across 9 days.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with local insights and storytelling.
Value for Money: Includes most major attractions, meals, and transportation, providing a comprehensive package.
Active Pace: Suitable for those comfortable with early mornings and busier days.
Authentic Experiences: From a dhow dinner cruise to a train ride through tea plantations, the tour emphasizes genuine activities.

A detailed look at this Dubai and Sri Lanka Combination Tour

Starting in Dubai: Modern Marvels and Cultural Flavors

Your journey kicks off at Dubai International Airport, where your driver will meet you in the lobby. After settling into your hotel, the first evening features a Dhow Dinner Cruise along Dubai Creek. This classic experience offers a relaxing hour on a traditional wooden boat, drifting past illuminated landmarks like Dubai Marina, JBR, and Blue Water Island. You’ll enjoy a buffet dinner accompanied by live entertainment, which adds a touch of magic after a day of travel.

What makes this special is how it sets the tone — blending tradition and modernity. The dhow cruise offers a gentle introduction to Dubai’s scenic waterways, especially beautiful at night when the city lights shimmer on the water. It’s a peaceful yet lively start, perfect for absorbing the city’s vibrant atmosphere without rushing.

The next day, you get a 5-hour city tour of Dubai. This is a whirlwind visit, but it hits many highlights: the Jumeirah Mosque, Burj Al-Arab, Madinat Jumeirah, and the iconic Burj Khalifa. If you’re pressed for time, this condensed tour captures Dubai’s skyline, luxury hotels, and traditional souks.

The tour’s flexibility allows you to peek into both the skyline and the bustling old town, offering a layered perspective on Dubai’s evolution. Whether it’s the stunning Jumeirah Beach Hotel or the vibrant Dubai Marina, these sites give you a snapshot of Dubai’s impressive blend of architecture and cultural flavors.

Venturing into the Desert: Dunes, Camels, and Cultural Shows

In the afternoon, you’ll head out for a desert safari. This three-hour adventure includes dune bashing, a camel ride, and an evening in traditional Arabian tents. You’ll watch performances like belly dancing and Tanura dance while enjoying a barbecue dinner under the stars.

This part of the tour is both fun and culturally enriching. The thrill of dune bashing is balanced by the relaxing cultural performances, giving you a taste of Bedouin hospitality. It’s a highlight for many, especially those wanting a contrast to Dubai’s cityscape.

Transition to Sri Lanka: From Skyscrapers to Ancient Kingdoms

On Day 3, you’ll transfer from Dubai to Colombo, Sri Lanka. After arriving and meeting your guide, the real adventure begins with Sri Lanka’s history and nature. Your first stop in Sri Lanka is Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Climbing the Sigiriya Lion Rock reveals stunning frescoes, water gardens, and panoramic views from the summit. It’s a climb, but well worth the effort — the views and the ancient ruins make it a memorable highlight.

From Sigiriya, you’ll visit Polonnaruwa, an ancient royal city with impressive ruins like the Stone Temple (Gal Viharaya) and Vatadage. These ruins are evocative of Sri Lanka’s once-thriving kingdom, and walking among the remnants offers a tangible sense of history.

Exploring the Culturally Rich Central Highlands

Next, your journey takes you to Dambulla, home to a cave temple complex adorned with Buddha statues and murals. The caves are built into a massive rock formation, providing both spiritual significance and impressive scenery.

Then, it’s a short drive to Kandy, where the famed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the centerpiece. This revered site is a focal point of Sri Lankan Buddhist culture. A walk around Kandy’s lively bazaar and lakeside setting adds local flavor to your experience.

Botanical Gardens, Tea, and Scenic Railways

On Day 7, you’ll explore the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. The gardens showcase a broad collection of plants, including orchids, spices, and exotic trees, set in lush surroundings. It’s a peaceful place to stroll and reflect on Sri Lanka’s botanical diversity.

That afternoon, you’ll head to Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England” for its English-style architecture, colonial-era hotels like the Grand Hotel, and cool mountain air. Walking through the town, you’ll see the old post office, racecourse, and Gregory Lake, all echoing British influence.

The highlight here is the train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella — a 3-hour journey lined with lush tea plantations, waterfalls, and misty valleys. This scenic train is often called one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, and you’ll love the chance to sit back and watch Sri Lanka’s hill country roll by.

Final Wildlife Safari and Yala National Park

Your last days are filled with wildlife and adventure. Visiting Yala National Park, you’ll have a chance to spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of birds, including sea eagles and painted storks. The park’s diverse landscape — jungle, beaches, lakes — provides the perfect setting for a safari and some memorable animal sightings.

What to Expect and Value

Throughout the tour, transportation is by air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort on long drives and transfers. Most major sites are included, and meals are covered during key points, providing good value for the price. The tour is private, so your group gets personalized attention, with the flexibility to ask questions and engage deeply.

While the schedule is busy, it offers a broad overview of both destinations’ highlights without feeling rushed, as long as you’re comfortable with some early mornings and full days. The guides are praised for their knowledge, adding context and stories that bring each site to life.

One reviewer noted, “The trip was perfectly organized and everything worked out wonderfully,” emphasizing how smoothly everything runs when you travel with a professional operator. The inclusion of authentic experiences like the dhow cruise and train journey means you’ll get a real taste of local life and scenery, not just tourist spots.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This tour is ideal for active travelers who want to maximize their time and see a wide range of sights without worrying about logistics. It suits those eager to explore both modern cities and ancient ruins, combined with wildlife safaris and scenic train rides. If you’re interested in cultural history, natural beauty, and vibrant cityscapes, this package offers a well-rounded experience.

However, if you prefer a slower pace or more free time to explore independently, the busy schedule might feel a bit too tight. It’s best for those comfortable with early starts and full days of sightseeing.

The Sum Up

This nine-day Dubai and Sri Lanka combo tour offers a fantastic way to see two very different but equally fascinating places. From Dubai’s gleaming skyscrapers and luxury hotels to Sri Lanka’s ancient temples, lush tea plantations, and incredible wildlife, you’ll enjoy a carefully curated mix of activities and sights.

The tour’s attention to detail, experienced guides, and inclusion of authentic activities like a dhow cruise and scenic train journey make it a strong value. It’s best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to these vibrant destinations with a balance of culture, adventure, and relaxation.

While the schedule is busy, the variety of experiences ensures there’s never a dull moment — perfect for those eager to pack in a lot of wonder in just over a week. This tour delivers on its promise of a memorable, well-organized trip that highlights the best of both worlds.

FAQ

Can I expect to visit popular landmarks in Dubai?
Yes, the tour includes highlights like the Jumeirah Mosque, Burj Al-Arab, Dubai Marina, and the Burj Khalifa, giving you a good overview of Dubai’s skyline and cultural sites.

Is the desert safari included in the tour?
Yes, the three-hour desert safari with dune bashing, camel riding, and cultural performances is part of the package, offering a memorable desert experience.

How much free time do I get in each location?
Most days are packed with scheduled activities, but you’ll also have some free moments, especially in places like Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, to explore at your own pace.

What is the transportation like?
Transportation is by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, which is crucial given the long drives between sites and countries.

Are meals included?
Meals are included at key points, including dinners during the desert safari and breakfasts throughout the tour. Lunches are not specified but can be purchased during city stops.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly specified, the active nature and early starts suggest it’s better suited for older children and adults comfortable with a busy schedule.

What is the condition of the sites visited?
Sites like Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and the Dambulla Cave Temple are well-preserved and UNESCO-listed, making for impressive historical visits.

Can I customize this tour?
Since it is a private tour, there’s potential for customization, especially regarding timing and specific sites, but that would need to be discussed with the provider.

What should I pack?
Light clothing, comfortable shoes for walking and climbing, sun protection, and a camera are recommended. Be prepared for warm weather in Dubai and varying temperatures in Sri Lanka’s highlands.

This tour strikes a good balance between structured sightseeing and authentic experiences, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a broad yet meaningful glimpse of Dubai and Sri Lanka.