Grand Tour - Sri Lanka
THE GRAND TOUR
Sat 3 - Wed 28 Nov 2018
Experience the very best of Sri Lanka on this fascinating adventure!
The Grand Tour explores the diverse wonders of Sri Lanka as you follow England's cricketers around this enchanting island. On your journey you'll discover spectacular scenery, incredible wildlife, stunning beaches, ancient archaeological sites, fragrant tea plantations, World Heritage Sites and much more. Highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, picturesque Kandalama and the lovely lakeside city of Kandy, sun kissed beaches along the south coast and an exhilarating wildlife safari in Minneriya National Park. You can join the tour when you like, so you choose how many Tests and how long you would like to spend in this Island Paradise.
| Destination | Nights | Hotel | Room Type | Cricket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weligama | 7 | Marriott Resort & Spa | 1st TEST - GALLE | |
| Nuwara Eliya | 2 | Grand Hotel | ||
| Kandy | 6 | Earls Regency | 2nd TEST - KANDY | |
| Kandalama | 3 | Heritance Kandalama | ||
| Colombo | 6 | Cinnamon Grand | 3rd TEST - COLOMBO |
Tour price is per person sharing a twin/double room on room & breakfast basis.
Tour Price: £
Single Traveller Supplement: £
Business Class Supplement: On request
Sat 03 Nov Fly Heathrow to Colombo
Depart Heathrow on your international flight to Sri Lanka.
Sun 04 Nov Colombo to Weligama
Upon arrival at Bandaranayake International Airport you will be met and transferred to the south coast and the five star, Marriott Resort & Spa at Weligama for seven nights - transfer time approx 2½ hours. Relax and acclimatise to your new surroundings. Tonight you are invited to meet your fellow travellers and local tour manager for Welcome drinks & canapes.
Mon 05 Nov Weligama
Enjoy a relaxing day soaking up the sun and enjoying the excellent facilites at your hotel.
|
Tue 06 - Sat 10 Nov - 1st TEST, SRI LANKA v ENGLAND |
Sun 11 Nov Weligama to Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast we drive north, through rolling hills and deep valleys, misty landscapes and stunning waterfalls to the tea growing, colonial retreat of Nuwara Eliya - transfer time approx 4 hours. On arrival, check-in to the Grand Hotel for two nights.
Mon 12 Nov Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast we head to a tea plantation where you will observe the tea manufacturing process, learn the skill of tea plucking as well as taste some pure Ceylon tea. Return to your hotel to relax and enjoy 'high tea'.
Tue 13 Nov Nuwara Eliya to Kandy
After breakfast, its time to leave Nuwara Eliya and drive to Kandy, last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and now a World Heritage Site. Drive around the sacred Buddhist city visiting Kandy lake, the bazaar and arts and crafts centre. Later in the afternoon, visit the most famous of Kandy's attractions, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses wht is believed to be an ancient relic of Lord Budha - journey time approx 2½ hours. Tonight enjoy a cultural exhibition of Kandyan dancing at your hotel, the Earls Regency.
Wed 14 - Sun 18 Nov - 2nd TEST, SRI LANKA v ENGLAND Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy Return cricket transfers will be provided between your hotel and the stadium - approx 20 mins each way. During the week enjoy a Q&A forum with your tour host. Sri Lanka’s second largest city, Kandy, is famed not only its history, artefacts and temples, but also for its tea, stunning scenery and lush botanical gardens. Surrounding Kandy are rolling tea plantations and mountainous thickly forested hills that offer fantastic walking and hiking opportunities. |
Mon 19 Nov Kandy - Kandalama - Sigiriya - Kandalama
After breakfast, the tour continues as we head north to Kandalama. On arrival check-in to the Heritance Kandalama for three nights - transfer time approx 3 hours. Time to relax and enjoy your picturesque setting, the tropical gardens and pool. Later in the day we head to Sigiriya to climb the impressive rock fortress, admiring the colourful frescoes that adorn the side of the rocks along the way. This is a challenging climb of some 1200 steps and only recommended for the fit and active. The views from the top of the fortress make the climb well worthwhile. Return to your hotel for dinner.
Tue 20 Nov Kandalama - Polonnaruwa - Minneriya - Kandalama
Following breakfast we head to the World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa, about a 2 hour drive from the hotel. Polonnaruwa is a sacred city with spectacular shrines and statues from the great Buddhism civilisation. Visit the ruins of the Royal Palace and Gal Viharaya (three splendid carved statues of the Buddha), the Lotus Bath and 12th century Polonnaruwa statue.
Leaving Polonnaruwa we head to Minneriya National Park, 1 hours drive away for a late afternoon game drive. Spreading over 8800 hectares, this is a sanctuary for elephants as well as native birds, deer, amphibians and reptiles. Return to your hotel following a great day's sightseeing.
Wed 21 Nov Kandalama - Dambulla - Colombo
The heart of Sri Lanka is awash with monuments to times gone by, ancient artefacts, frescoes, ruins and so much more. Today we visit Dambulla, a cave temple complex, also called the Golden Temple of Dambulla and a World Heritage site - 30 min drive from Kandalama. The complex is made up of approximately 80 caves, of which five are filled with painting and statues including 152 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of gods and goddesses including the two Hindu gods Vishnu and Ganesh. Our journey continues to the port city of Colombo, about 4 hours drive where, upon arrival, you will check in to Cinnamon Grand Hotel for 7 nights.
Thu 22 Nov Colombo
After a leisurely morning, enjoy an afternoon city tour. Colombo is a city that is fast changing its face. The Fort and Pettah districts of town are two of the oldest and have been variously developed by The Moors, Portuguese, Dutch and British leaving behind a wealth of preserved colonial buildings, temples, bazaars and museums.
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Fri 23 - Tue 27 Nov - 3rd TEST, SRI LANKA v ENGLAND Colombo is a blend of old and new, with a modern skyline growing alongside period, colonial buildings from a bygone age. The city bursts with life as the streets fill with colourful saris and parasols bustling along streets bathed in sunshine. Tuk tuks weave amongst the traffic; their passengers disappearing into the array of restaurants that are peppered throughout the city. |
Wed 28 Nov Fly Colombo to Heathrow
Enjoy your final tour breakfast before preparing for your flight home. Please complete check out formalities, remembering to settle any personal expenses with the hotel. Meet in the hotel lobby for the transfer to Bandaranayake International Airport and your flight home. Arrive Heathrow later the same day.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Direct non-stop international flights with Sri Lankan Airlines - economy cabin
- 22 nights accommodation in a mix of 4 and 5 star hotels
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Minneriya National Park Safari
- Guided sightseeing tours of Galle, Kandy & Colombo
- Guided sightseeing of three UNESCO World Heritage sites at Polonnaruwa, Sigiyira Rock Citadel & the Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy
- Visit to Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
- Welcome drinks, Q&A cricket forums, farewell dinner
- Best available match tickets to each Test
- Sporting Traveller Merchandise
- All transfers in airconditioned vehicles
- Celebrity cricket host
- Local tour manager
EXCLUSIONS:
Sri Lankan Tourist Visa, porterage at hotels, travel insurance, all meals and drinks unless otherwise stated, pre-seating charges applied by airlines, excess luggage charges.
Hand Picked Hotels
All hotels have been carefully selected to enhance your holiday experience. We have chosen a mix of excellent four and five star hotels throughout to ensure your comfort and security. At the end of the day’s cricket or touring, you’ll want to freshen up and relax in a hotel that makes you feel at home. That’s why we never skimp on quality and carefully choose our hotels for their levels of comfort and service. Please read our hotel descriptions in conjunction with other tourist information for the areas you will be visiting.
Ahungalla
HERITANCE AHUNGALLA
Room type: Deluxe Ocean Front
Located on a palm-fringed expanse of sandy beach in Ahungalla, a small fishing hamlet on Sri Lanka's West Coast, Heritance is protected on three sides by thick coconut groves and overlooks the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
The open-sided lobby overlooks the main swimming pool that seems to merge with the sea, with a second serene pool in the gardens. Restaurants, a 24-hour coffee shop, bars including one at poolside, airconditioned library and recreational activities including tennis, badminton, billiards, fitness centre, spa, nightclub, shops and entertainment most nights from piano music to traditional Sri Lankan shows.
The 152 elegantly furnished rooms feature airconditioning, ceiling fan, television, tea & coffee making facilities, minibar, telephone, bath or shower, balcony or terrace with partial sea view.
Wadduwa
BLUE WATERS
Room type: Deluxe
Standing amidst a cool cluster of coconut palms and overlooking the beach, The Blue Water is situated in the West Coast village of Wadduwa, just 30 kms south of Colombo on a golden sandy beach.
The hotel has been awarded a 2012 Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor and is a member of The Great Hotels of The World.
An elegant, first-class resort, offering a wide range of amenities and activities including a restaurant, coffee shop and a selection of bars including the al fresco poolside bar. Take a dip in the magnificent swimming pool that weaves through the beachfront gardens and work up a sweat with tennis and squash or in the fitness centre.
Treat yourself to a treatment in the luxurious spa, head to the cocktail bar and let your hair down in the nightclub (open on Friday and Saturday evenings).
There are 140 cool and elegant rooms, with air-conditioning, telephone, television, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar, bath and shower, ceiling fan and large balcony or terrace overlooking the beach.
Tissamaharama
THE SAFARI
Room type: Superior
Set on the shores of Lake Tissa and surrounded by natural beauty rich in exotic flora and fauna The Safari – Tissa offers a wonderfully relaxed, rustic retreat a mere 30 minutes’ drive from Yala National Park.
The Safari has been transformed into a stylish four-star hotel and now offers the best accommodation in the town. The main restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the swimming pool and lake. Other hotel facilities include bar, wi-fi, room service, laundry service, swimming pool in lush tropical gardens, and boat rides on the lake.
Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning location and wide variety of birdlife.
There are 47 Superior Rooms, all with lake views. In-room facilities include air-conditioning, overhead fans, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, tea/coffee facility, mini-bar, and safety locker. Ensuite bathrooms have rain showers.Room interiors are stylishly decorated in hues of black, white and saffron and have double beds.
Colombo
MOUNT LAVINIA
Room type: Ocean View
Set on a stunning promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean, 1½ hours from the airport and 30 minutes from Colombo, this famous hotel built in 1806 is the former home of British governors and many of its public areas still ooze colonial-style elegance.
Slip into the swimming pool for a relaxing dip and book a pampering treatment at the beauty salon or spa (at extra cost) before dining in a choice of restaurants including Governor’s and The Terrace. Other hotel facilities include a choice of bars, a coffee shop, free internet in the business centre, a shopping arcade, indoor games including tennis and pool, a fitness centre and a billiards room.
There are 226 rooms on 6 floors, each with air-conditioning, telephone, television, minibar, bath/shower, balcony and sea view.
Kandalama
HERITANCE KANDALAMA
Room type: Panoramic
Camouflaged in tropical greenery, Heritance Kandalama wonderfully merges with its lush jungle setting. With fabulous facilities, this luxurious retreat sits in the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, close to Dambulla and Sigiriya.
Float in the infinity swimming pool before booking a pampering treatment at Six Senses Spa. Later, dine on delicious cuisine with fantastic views of the lake before heading to the bar for a night cap.
Other facilities include a fitness centre, tennis, billiards and evening entertainment, and the hotel can also arrange horse riding. There are 152 rooms housed in tow wings, each with air-conditioning, ceiling fan, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar, television, telephone and bath or shower.
Kandy
EARL'S REGENCY
Room type: Luxury
This wonderful five-star hotel is perched alongside the Mahaweli River and overlooks the Knuckles mountain range. When you're not busy exploring the magical royal city of Kandy, there's plenty to do at this charming resort.
There are a selection of restaurants and bars serving an array of Sri Lankan and international dishes. The Spa offers a range of rejuvenating massages, body scrubs, and beauty treatments. The swimming pool is located by the spa, while other facilities include a floodlit tennis court, squash courts, badminton, gym, cycling (mountain bikes available), table tennis, billiards/snooker, shopping arcade and evening entertainment.
All (104) rooms are furnished with double beds, writing desk and couch and feature airconditioning, satellite TV, internet, minibar, tea/coffee facility, in-room safe, hair dryer, 24-hr room service and ensuite bathrooms.
Colombo
TAJ SAMUDRA
Room type: Superior City View
Taj Samudra is a sprawling 300-roomed five-star hotel in the heart of Colombo overlooking the Galle Face Green and Indian Ocean beyond. Situated on 11 acres of landscaped gardens in Colombo Fort the hotel was totally refurbished in 2013. Set within walking distance of the city’s main commercial areas, Taj Samudra is a central location from which to experience the sights and sounds of the capital city.
A wide choice of dining experiences are offered by the hotels' five restaurants which are popular dining venues in Colombo.
Other facilities include an Ayurvedic Spa, tea lounge and bar, swimming pool, several bars, night club, fitness centre, floodlit tennis courts, squash courts, beauty salon, and shopping arcade.
The 300 rooms and suites are luxurious and have city or ocean views. In-room facilities include airconditioning, overhead fans, satellite TV, telephone, mini-bar, tea/coffee facility, electronic safe and ensuite bathrooms with shower.
Flights
Sri Lanka Airlines
Provisional flight times
| 24 Nov 2014 | Heathrow (T4) Colombo | 21.00 / 13.00 (next day) |
| 17 Dec 2014 | Colombo Heathrow (T4) | 13.05 / 19.30 |
Our preferred carrier for England’s tour to Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan Airlines who offer the only direct flights to Colombo. We also offer connecting flights via Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai with regional departures from around the UK. All flight timings are based upon current schedules and are subject to change by the airlines.
Passports & Visas
All British visitors require a standard 10 year passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of return to the UK. British citizens require a tourist visa which can be obtained online at www.eta.gov.lk
Travel Facts
Capital City: Colombo
Direct Flying Time: 11 hrs
Time: GMT +6 hrs
Currency: Sri Lanka Rupee (SLR)
Visa: Required by all British passport holders
Tourist office: Tel 0845 8806333
Call our sales team on 01737 244398 to check the availability of the match/matches you wish to book. To confirm your booking we require a 30% deposit payment at the time of booking. A booking form will be forwarded with your confirmation invoice or alternatively can be downloaded below.
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For more details or to book this event
TEL: 01737 244398 or download a booking form
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