Frequently asked questions.

Sri Lanka offers an incredibly diverse mix of golden beaches, ancient UNESCO heritage sites, lush tea plantations, and abundant wildlife, all accessible within short travel distances.

Yes, absolutely. It frequently ranks as a top global travel destination, offering rich experiences, exceptional value for money, and world-renowned hospitality.

We recommend between 10 and 14 days to properly explore the core cultural triangle, hill country, and southern coast without feeling rushed.

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination. The west and south coasts are best from December to April, while the east coast shines from May to September.

Yes. Sri Lanka is generally considered safe for international travelers. Standard travel common sense applies, and welcoming locals make it highly hospitable.

Extremely suitable. The short distances between attractions, engaging wildlife safaris, kid-friendly beaches, and family-oriented hotels make it ideal for all generations.

Yes. Private, air-conditioned transport and tailor-made, slow-paced itineraries make it very comfortable and accessible for senior travelers.

Yes. The island is highly welcoming, navigation is straightforward with local support, and standard tourist routes are well-traversed and safe.

Yes. Apple Vacations specializes in fully custom, tailor-made itineraries. You can adjust the route, accommodation, activities, and pace completely around your preferences.

Simply contact us via our enquiry form with your dates, preferred travel style, and duration, and our travel specialists will craft a custom itinerary for you.

A private chauffeur-guide is highly recommended. It eliminates navigating complex local roads, provides local insights, and ensures a relaxed, stress-free journey.

Key highlights include Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Ella, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle Fort, Yala National Park, and the pristine beaches of Mirissa or Trincomalee.

The Golden Temple of Dambulla, ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, and the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy are absolute must-sees.

Yes, our destination experts will manage your entire trip from custom itinerary design and hotel bookings to private transport and local guiding.

Most international passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or eVisa prior to arriving in Sri Lanka.

You can easily apply online through the official government eVisa website, or Apple Vacations can assist you with the guidance paperwork.

Online approvals are usually processed within 24 to 48 hours, though we strongly recommend applying at least 1 to 2 weeks before departure.

While limited facilities exist at the airport, it is highly recommended to obtain an approved eVisa online prior to boarding your flight to avoid long delays.

A standard tourist eVisa allows for a stay of up to 30 days from the date of entry, but extensions can be requested through immigration authorities.

Yes, tourist visas can be officially extended up to 90 days (and sometimes longer) at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.

Fees vary based on your nationality and visa type. Check the official government eVisa portal for the latest updated fee schedule.

You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date, a confirmed return flight ticket, and sufficient funds for your stay.

Comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellations, medical expenses, and baggage loss is strongly recommended for all travelers.

If rejected, you must contact the nearest Sri Lankan Embassy or Consulate to review your application and apply for a traditional sticker visa.

SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Etihad are among the major international carriers offering regular flights to Colombo.

Most international travelers arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) located in Katunayake, roughly 30 km north of Colombo.

Yes, direct flights operate from major hubs across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia via SriLankan Airlines and other national carriers.

Booking 4 to 6 months in advance is recommended to secure the best rates and routing, particularly during peak seasons like December–April.

We specialize in on-ground arrangements (hotels, tours, transport), but we can guide and coordinate flight schedules to match your itinerary perfectly.

After clearing customs and baggage claim, you will exit to the arrival lobby where your dedicated Apple Vacations chauffeur will be waiting with a name board.

Don't worry. We monitor your flight status in real-time using flight trackers, and your chauffeur will automatically adjust their pickup timing accordingly.

Yes, an Apple Vacations driver or representative greets you directly at the paging area of the arrival terminal.

Baggage allowance depends entirely on your airline. For internal transfers, our private spacious vehicles comfortably accommodate standard luggage limits.

We offer a highly curated selection ranging from luxury boutique villas, eco-lodges, colonial bungalows, and standard 4-star to ultra-luxury 5-star resorts.

Yes, our itineraries are completely flexible. You can select specific hotels or request that we use options you have researched yourself.

Yes. We partner with elite luxury properties across the island, including Aman resorts, Resplendent Ceylon bungalows, and premium boutique retreats.

Yes, Sri Lanka features exceptional architectural boutique hotels and converted heritage villas, which we integrate widely into our custom routes.

Absolutely. We can upgrade room categories (e.g., from Deluxe to Ocean Suite) or elevate properties to higher tiers at any stage of planning.

Yes. Most family-friendly hotels provide interconnected rooms, triple rooms, or multi-bedroom family suites upon request.

Yes, our standard tour packages include daily breakfast (BB) or half-board (HB - breakfast and dinner) options depending on your preference.

Yes, all-inclusive packages (covering all meals, snacks, and selected beverages) can be booked, especially at beach resorts and safari lodges.

Yes, all mandatory government service charges and local taxes are already factored into our quoted tour package prices.

Yes. We can secure exclusive-use private beach villas or hill country estates complete with private chefs and dedicated house staff.

It is a private tour where an experienced, licensed driver-guide accompanies you throughout your trip in an exclusive, air-conditioned vehicle.

Yes, all our professional chauffeurs and national guides are fluent in English. Guides speaking other languages can be arranged on request.

Yes, every single driver-guide holds official licensing from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and passes stringent checks.

While major route changes require coordination due to hotel bookings, your private chauffeur offers day-to-day flexibility for impromptu stops and pacing.

Vehicles are assigned based on group size: premium sedans for couples, spacious luxury vans (like a Toyota KDH) for families, and mini-coaches for groups.

Yes. All fuel costs, highway tolls, parking fees, and driver accommodation/meals are fully covered in our package price.

Tipping is customary but entirely discretionary. It is not included in the baseline package price and reflects your satisfaction with the service.

Yes, we offer point-to-point transfers and standalone daily vehicle hire alongside our full comprehensive tour packages.

Yes, both your arrival pickup and final departure transfers are fully seamlessly integrated into your customized itinerary.

Yes, we can arrange premium luxury transport upgrades including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or high-end luxury SUVs on request.

Yes, it is globally renowned as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, winding through emerald tea plantations and misty mountains.

Yes, we handle the reservation process. Note that government train tickets open 30 days prior and are subject to high localized availability.

First-class observation/air-conditioned cars offer comfort, but 2nd class reserved seats with openable windows are preferred by photographers.

Because tickets are sold dynamically by state railways, we apply immediately upon opening. If unavailable, your private vehicle ensures you don't miss the route.

You should book your tour with us at least 45 days in advance so we are ready to purchase seats the exact minute the 30-day booking window opens.

If a train disruption occurs due to weather or maintenance, your private vehicle and chauffeur will drive you seamlessly along the scenic route instead.

Yes, this is our standard arrangement. Your chauffeur hands you your tickets, drops you at the station, and awaits you with your luggage at your destination station.

It is accessible, but can involve high steps and movement. For maximum comfort, we secure 1st class tickets or recommend scenic driving sections.

Yes, kids love the moving scenery and snacks, though we advise booking shorter segments (e.g., Nanu Oya to Ella) instead of the full 7-hour haul.

Standard trains are state-run, but luxury private compartments hooked to scheduled trains can be arranged when operational.

Yala is best for leopards; Minneriya/Kaudulla for large elephant gatherings ('The Gathering'); and Udawalawe for guaranteed year-round elephant sightings.

Yala offers diverse wildlife and high leopard density but can be busier. Udawalawe provides a tranquil, ethical setting focused on wild elephants.

Yala National Park and Wilpattu National Park offer your highest chances, though leopard sightings are wild and never absolute or guaranteed.

Yes, wild elephants are highly abundant. Udawalawe, Minneriya, and Eco Park offer spectacular close-up views almost year-round.

Yes, open-top jeep safaris are incredibly thrilling for children. We recommend shorter 3-hour morning or afternoon sessions to keep them engaged.

Yes, all safaris arranged by Apple Vacations utilize exclusive, private 4x4 jeeps with an experienced tracker for your party only.

Depending on the park, you can see elephants, leopards, sloth bears, water buffaloes, crocodiles, deer, and an extraordinary array of tropical birds.

Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (tan, green, khaki), sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera or binoculars are highly recommended.

Dry seasons are best as animals converge around waterholes: February–September for Yala, and August–October for the Minneriya elephant gathering.

A standard half-day safari lasts around 3 to 4 hours (either early morning or late afternoon). Full-day safaris spanning 10–12 hours can also be arranged.

An ideal destination. It blends intimate luxury boutique hotels, romantic mist-covered mountains, and secluded, sun-drenched tropical beaches.

Popular honeymoon spots include the tranquil tea estates of Ella/Nuwara Eliya, the historic ramparts of Galle Fort, and the quiet beaches of Tangalle.

Yes. We coordinate with our partner hotels to arrange special room setups, flowers, fruit platters, and celebratory cakes for honeymooners.

Absolutely. We can organize private, candlelit dinners on the beach, overlooking jungle ravines, or within private villa grounds.

Properties like Cape Weligama, Santani, Uga Chena Huts, and Ceylon Tea Trails offer ultimate privacy, luxury, and romantic atmospheres.

Yes, this is our signature luxury combination. Spend 7–10 days exploring Sri Lanka's culture and hills, followed by a 4-5 night Maldives overwater villa escape.

A 10 to 12-day trip allows for a beautifully balanced mix of culture, soft adventure, and plenty of relaxed downtime together.

Yes, we design specialized itineraries that emphasize slower pacing, premium romantic rooms, private experiences, and exclusive couple's perks.

Yes. From helicopter transfers to secret champagne picnics, our team loves helping arrange memorable travel surprises.

December through April offers optimal island-wide beach weather, though the scenic hill country remains beautiful and romantic all year.

Extremely. Sri Lankans adore children, and the island's diverse activities keep kids entertained without long, exhausting travel distances.

Kandy for cultural shows, Ella for easy hikes and trains, Udawalawe for elephants, and Bentota or Mirissa for calm, safe beach activities.

Yes. Apple Vacations can provide international-standard baby car seats or child booster seats upon request for your private tour vehicle.

Yes, we prioritize booking hotels that explicitly feature interconnecting rooms, multi-bed family suites, or spacious duplex villas.

Yes. Tourist areas are very safe, and hotels are well-equipped to handle families with child-friendly menus, pools, and amenities.

Udawalawe is fantastic for children due to high, guaranteed elephant visibility and smoother tracks compared to some rugged parks.

Yes, rollaway beds or baby cots can be requested during the booking phase and are subject to individual hotel policies and layout spacing.

Highlights include visiting the Elephant Transit Home, whale watching, tuk-tuk rides, simple cooking classes, and exploring historic forts.

Major towns feature reliable private clinics and pharmacies, while Colombo hosts world-class, international-standard private hospitals.

Yes. Hotels effortlessly cater to allergies, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and child-friendly Western palates with prior notification.

Once you approve your custom itinerary, we issue a formal invoice. Your booking is secured upon receipt of the deposit payment.

A standard deposit of 20% to 30% of the total tour cost is required to lock in your hotels and transport arrangements.

We accept secure online credit/debit card payments (Visa, Mastercard), as well as direct international bank wire transfers.

Yes, we provide a secure digital payment link for quick, safe credit or debit card processing without hidden processing merchant charges.

The final balance is typically due 30 days before your scheduled arrival date, or as specified during your peak-season booking window.

Yes, a comprehensive, detailed invoice detailing all inclusions, exclusions, and payment terms is sent via email immediately.

No. Our quotes are fully transparent. All taxes, fuel, driver costs, and listed itinerary fees are declared upfront.

Cancellations made 30+ days prior receive a full refund minus unrecoverable hotel deposits. Specific terms are provided on booking.

Approved refunds are credited back via the original payment method (bank transfer or card) within 14 business days.

Yes. It is an ideal regional pairing. You can explore the rich culture and heritage of Sri Lanka, then fly just 1.5 hours to relax in the Maldives.

Most travelers find that 4 to 5 nights on a resort island provides the perfect amount of time for pure tropical relaxation.

We recommend resorts based on your budget, style, and goals—ranging from family-friendly islands to adult-only ultra-luxury hideaways.

Yes, we arrange all internal Maldivian transfers, whether via speedboat, domestic flight, or iconic scenic seaplane.

Options include Bed & Breakfast, Half Board (breakfast/dinner), Full Board (all meals), and comprehensive Premium All-Inclusive plans.

Absolutely. Staying in an iconic overwater villa with direct lagoon access is a quintessential and memorable Maldives experience.

Resorts like Soneva Fushi, Atmosphere Kanifushi, and Jumeirah Maldives offer exceptional kids' clubs and family villas.

Properties like Komandoo Island Resort, Hurawalhi, and Centara Ras Fushi offer peaceful, exclusive child-free environments.

The dry northeast monsoon runs from November to April, offering peak blue skies, minimal rain, and optimal diving visibility.

Yes, we can book the short international flights connecting Colombo (CMB) and Malé (MLE) to keep your multi-destination trip seamless.

We offer deep local expertise, fully tailor-made flexible itineraries, handpicked premium hotels, and exceptional 24/7 on-ground guest care.

Yes, we are a fully licensed, bonded, and registered tour operator authorized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

We have helped thousands of guests and proudly hold top-tier ratings across global travel platforms for our reliable and attentive service.

Yes. You will have a dedicated guest relationship manager reachable 24/7 via WhatsApp or hotline for real-time support throughout your trip.

Yes, we focus primarily on private, custom tours tailored exclusively to you, your family, or your independent travel party.

Yes, we design bespoke itineraries, logistics, and private coach transport for large corporate, family, or specialized interest groups.

Yes, we can coordinate destination beach weddings, renewal of vows, milestone birthday events, and intimate celebrations across the island.

Luxury is our specialty. We provide access to elite private villas, ultra-luxury resorts, VIP airport fast-tracking, and premium vehicles.

Our team brings over a decade of deep local tourism experience, crafting high-quality, reliable, and authentic journeys.

The Maldives is unmatched for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, private single-resort islands, overwater villas, and world-class marine life.

Yes. It is the ultimate global benchmark for a luxury beach vacation, romantic honeymoon, or private island escape.

A duration of 4 to 7 nights is generally ideal to fully unplug and experience a resort island's dining, spa, and water sports.

The peak sunny season runs from November to April. The May-to-October wet monsoon brings occasional rain but offers excellent travel value.

There are no public island towns to jump between easily; each resort occupies its own entire private island. We choose the island that matches your style.

It is legendary for honeymoons, providing unparalleled privacy, overwater bungalows, private pools, and bespoke candlelit dining.

While it caters heavily to the luxury and ultra-luxury market, we work with a range of premium 4-star and 5-star resorts that offer strong value packages.

Using a specialized agent like Apple Vacations secures you preferred industry rates, verified resort quality, and seamless domestic flight/boat transfers.

Consider transfer type (speedboat vs seaplane), house reef quality for snorkeling, meal plans, and whether you prefer family or adults-only vibes.

All nationalities receive a free, complimentary 30-day tourist visa on arrival, provided passports have 6 months validity and a return ticket.

Extremely safe. Because each resort is an isolated private island catering strictly to guests and professional staff, safety is absolute.

Travel between distant atolls requires returning to the main airport hub in Malé. Most guests pick one or two resorts to stay at for their entire trip.

Dhivehi is the local language, but English is spoken with absolute fluency by all staff across every single resort island.

The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is local, but US Dollars (USD) and major credit cards are universally accepted at all resorts.

The Maldives is GMT+5. However, many private resort islands adjust their clocks forward by 1 hour ('Island Time') to give guests extra daylight.

The Maldives is a 100% Muslim country. While resort islands have full exemptions for alcohol and swimwear, modesty is required when visiting local inhabited islands.

All resorts feature an on-site clinic with a resident doctor for basic care, while major hospitals are located in the capital city, Malé.

The legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol is widely available to tourists on private resort islands but is strictly illegal on local inhabited islands.

No. Alcohol cannot be brought into the country or purchased on public islands. It is exclusively permitted and consumed inside private tourist resorts.

A luxury hotel room built on stilts directly over the ocean lagoon, featuring private steps down into the water and panoramic marine views.

A private luxury villa positioned directly on the sand, offering instant beach access and often surrounded by lush tropical greenery for privacy.

Water villas sit perched directly over the waves with lagoon entry; beach villas sit directly on the sand with private garden or beach frontage.

Another term for a water villa—a premium suite set above the shallow ocean waters on a network of secure wooden stilts.

It means your package price covers your room, three daily meals, and a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Full Board covers your room along with three scheduled daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Drinks are typically billed separately.

Half Board covers your room along with two daily meals—specifically breakfast and dinner. Lunch and extra drinks are charged as supplements.

It covers your overnight accommodation and morning breakfast only. All other daytime meals, snacks, and drinks are billed to your room.

A resort-operated motorized boat transfer used for islands located relatively close to the main international airport in Malé.

A thrilling twin-otter aircraft flight that lands directly on the water, used to reach premium resorts situated in far-flung atolls.

A scheduled wheeled flight from Malé to a regional domestic airport island, followed by a short speedboat ride to your final resort.

Speedboats serve close-by islands and run day or night; seaplanes fly to distant atolls, offer incredible aerial views, and operate only during daylight hours.

After clearing customs in Malé, you step into the arrival hall where a representative holding a sign for your specific resort will greet you.

Resort airport hosts tag and manage your bags directly, loading them onto your speedboats or transferring them to the seaplane terminal check-in.

Yes, standard seaplane limits are typically 20kg checked and 5kg hand luggage per person. Excess weight can be paid for at the terminal.

Resorts like Kuramathi, Lily Beach, and Soneva Fushi have world-class kids' clubs, shallow lagoons, and dedicated multi-room family villas.

Properties like Hurawalhi, Komandoo, and Milaidhoo cater specifically to adults, ensuring a tranquil, quiet atmosphere for couples.

Yes, specific atolls (such as North Malé and the Southern Atolls) offer world-class surf breaks, mostly between April and October.

Yes, almost every resort features a fully certified PADI or SSI dive center offering beginner courses ('Discover Scuba') up to advanced certifications.

You can swim alongside vibrant coral fish, reef sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and even massive, gentle whale sharks.

Resorts offer snorkeling, diving, jet-skiing, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, sunset dolphin cruises, and sandbank picnics.

Yes. The local reef sharks (like blacktips and whitetips) are completely harmless, docile, and accustomed to peaceful human presence.

Yes, many resorts arrange day excursions to neighboring local fishing villages or uninhabited sandbanks for cultural and leisure visits.

Pack loose, breathable, lightweight resort wear, plenty of swimwear, sunglasses, flip-flops, a sun hat, and smart-casual clothing for evening dining.

Daytime dress is casual swimwear with cover-ups. Evening dining ranges from smart-casual to barefoot luxury—no swimwear or bare chests allowed.

No. Importing alcohol is completely prohibited by law. Any alcohol bought at duty-free will be confiscated at customs and returned upon departure.

Pairing Sri Lanka's intense cultural touring with the Maldives' pure, unadulterated beach luxury creates an perfectly balanced, ultimate itinerary.

We handle all flight transitions, resort choices, and ground handling across both destinations seamlessly under a single, unified itinerary.

Reach out via our tour enquiry form, and our regional specialists will craft a seamless dual-destination itinerary built precisely for you.

Yes, completely. You choose how many days to tour Sri Lanka's mountains, your preferred hotel standards, and which island resort to stay at in the Maldives.

We offer competitive local pricing, verified property partnerships, handpicked local drivers, and continuous on-ground support.

Yes. We specialize in tailoring both destinations into one fluid experience, mapping regional flights and transfers to avoid any downtime.

While we are regional experts in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, we also coordinate extended custom travel options into nearby hubs on request.

Our standard packages include highly rated boutique or 4-star properties, daily breakfast, a private vehicle, fuel, tolls, and full airport transfers.

Luxury packages feature world-class 5-star resorts, private villas, premium upgraded transport, elite tracking guides, and curated VIP experiences.

1. 100% tailor-made flexibility. 2. Handpicked luxury properties. 3. SLTDA-licensed elite driver-guides. 4. Transparent pricing with zero hidden fees. 5. Dedicated 24/7 client care.

Yes. Our planning specialists have real, firsthand knowledge of every hotel, road condition, and seasonal trend across both islands.

Every single tour we run is built from scratch around our guests' specific interests, dietary needs, physical paces, and exact dates.

Yes, our direct, long-standing contracts with local luxury hotels and private fleets ensure you receive highly optimized, wholesale rates.

Yes, our operations team monitors your itinerary and is instantly accessible via a direct 24/7 WhatsApp concierge line.

Booking with us means absolute peace of mind. We absorb all local logistics and planning headaches so you can focus entirely on enjoying your trip.

Yes, we are officially registered and fully bonded under the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) as a licensed tour operator.

Yes. Whether you are a solo traveler, a honeymooning couple, a family with small kids, or a large corporate group, we scale our solutions perfectly.

We manage all your local ground handling, internal transfers, and regional flights (like Colombo to Malé). We can assist with international airline selection.

Simply visit our website's Contact/Enquiry page, submit your basic travel details, and our team will deliver a custom proposal within 24 hours.

Yes. Our 24/7 operations desk tracks flight status instantly and reschedules your airport drivers and first-night hotel check-ins if disruptions happen.

Yes, we maintain a selection of highly successful pre-planned signature itineraries that serve as a fantastic starting template for customization.

Yes, our ultra-luxury collections feature elite properties, helicopter transfers, private yacht charters, and VIP fast-track airport customs options.

Yes, our family itineraries feature shorter driving times, hotels with excellent kids' clubs, and engaging interactive excursions suitable for all ages.

Yes, we arrange comprehensive corporate retreats, meetings, team-building events, and large-scale group logistics across both countries.

Honeymoons are one of our core specialties. We design unforgettable, highly romantic itineraries packed with private candlelight dinners and premium villa upgrades.

You gain access to preferred wholesale hotel rates, secure private transport, vetted safe drivers, and an on-ground team protecting you 24/7.