England to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a beguiling island, nestled in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and blessed with beautiful beaches, a rich cultural heritage, ancient architectural riches, stunning national parks, amazing wildlife and a cricket loving population.
England's cricketers are making a quick return to Sri Lanka following their emphatic 3-0 victory in 2018. The tour takes place during March 2020 and will feature two Test matches in Galle and Colombo, combined with a choice of 3 'between Test options' including Whale watching, Game viewing in Yala and Udawalawe National Parks and a scenic, cultural tour to Kandy. Three great tours that will appeal to previous visitors and new clients alike.
Our superb value, luxury escorted tours are relaxed and sociable adventures, packed with holiday inclusions that will showcase the islands' unique sights and attractions. When traveling so far from home it’s great to know you'll be staying in luxury hotels with a small group of like-minded people and looked after by an experienced and highly professional local team. When it comes to the cricket, we are delighted to be joined by our ever popular cricket host, Clive Radley*.
All tours can be tailored to your own personal requirements, so please contact us if you want to upgrade your flights, extend your stay or maybe add a luxurious beach stay in the Maldives.
Sri Lanka is a popular destination and we hope you will be able to join us to experience this unique and beautiful country.
SRI LANKA v ENGLAND 2020
Galle & Colombo Tests
16 March - 01 April
Our tour explores the diverse wonders of Sri Lanka as you follow England on their two match tour. Discover spectacular scenery, incredible wildlife, stunning beaches, ancient archaeological sites, fragrant tea plantations, World Heritage Sites and much more. Highlights include the stunning south coast beaches and marine life of the Indian Ocean, the picturesque lakeside city of Kandy and some superb wildlife safari's in Yala & Udawalwe National Parks.
Option 1 > Weligama, Whale Watching, Colombo
Destination | Nights | Hotel | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
Weligama (Galle) | 9 | 5* Marriott Resort & Spa | 1st TEST GALLE Whale watching |
Colombo | 6 | 5* Cinnamon Lakeside | 2nd TEST COLOMBO |
£2,695 per person sharing / Single Traveller Supplement: £995 (Emirates from Gatwick)
Sri Lankan Airlines supplement: £150pp sharing, Single supplement £75 (Departs 15 March)
Tour Summary
DAY 1 Mon 16 Mar FLY London - Colombo
Depart on your flight to Colombo. Upgrades and alternative airlines are available on request.
DAY 2 Tue 17 Mar Arrive Colombo
On arrival at Bandaranayake International Airport you will be met and transferred to the five star, Marriott Resort & Spa, Weligama - transfer time approx 3 hours. Relax and acclimatise to your new surroundings. Tonight you are invited to meet your fellow travellers for welcome drinks & dinner.
DAY 3 Wed 18 Mar Tour of Galle
After breakfast we have arranged a half day sightseeing tour to explore the south coast. You will see the stilt fishermen at Koggala before enjoying a visit to Galle Fort. Galle is a history lover’s paradise, and home to one of Sri Lanka’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Dutch Fort. Not only is this south Asia’s best preserved sea fort, but it is also home to churches, mosques, temples and some beautiful examples of colonial architecture. A stop for tea/coffee is included. Return to the hotel early afternoon and relax.
DAY 4-8 Thu 19 - Mon 23 Mar 1st TEST, SRI LANKA v ENGLAND |
DAY 9 Tue 24 Mar Weligama
Enjoy a relaxing day at your hotel.
DAY 10 Wed 25 Mar Whale Whatching Adventure
Sri Lanka is becoming one of the most successful places to see both Blue and Sperm Whales, which are found off the island's southern coast. The best time to go is between December and April when the sea is calm and these spectacular mammals traverse the Sri Lankan waters. During this period, the chance of spotting whales and large pods of dolphins is very likely, often only a few miles off the coast.
Boats leave Mirissa Harbour, near Dondra Point at around 7am. Life jackets are provided. Return to your hotel around midday , The rest of day is free to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
DAY 11 Thu 26 Mar Weligama - Colombo
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and a lazy morning before it's time to depart for Colombo - transfer time around 3hrs. On arrival check-in to Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel for a 6 night stay. Tonight enjoy welcome drinks & canapes at the hotel with your host.
DAY 12-16 Fri 27 - Tue 31 Mar 2nd TEST, SRI LANKA v ENGLAND |
DAY 17 Wed 1 Apr FLY Colombo to London
It's time to prepare for your journey home. You will be transferred to Bandaranayake International Airport in plenty of time to complete check in formalities for your flight home.
OR
Option 2 > Weligama, KANDY, Colombo
Destination | Nights | Hotel | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
Weligama (Galle) | 7 | 5* Marriott Resort & Spa | 1st TEST GALLE |
Kandy | 2 | 5* Earl's Regency | Cultural Heritage |
Colombo | 6 | 5* Cinnamon Lakeside | 2nd TEST COLOMBO |
£2,965 per person sharing / Single Traveller Supplement: £1,195 (Emirates from Gatwick)
Sri Lankan Airlines supplement: £150pp sharing, Single supplement £75 (Departs 15 March)
DAY 1 to DAY 8 & DAY 12 to DAY 17: Itinerary as detailed for Option 1
DAY 9 Tue 24 Mar Weligama - Kandy
After breakfast it's time to leave the coast and drive towards Sri Lanka's classic hill country, a patchwork of tea estates, waterfalls and colonial hotels. A lunch stop is included on route to Kandy - transfer time around 5.5hrs. On arrival check-in to Earls' Regency Hotel for 2 nights. Sri Lanka’s second largest city is famed for its history, artefacts and temples, as well as its tea plantations, stunning scenery and lush botanical gardens. Surrounding Kandy are rolling tea plantations and thickly forested mountains that offer fantastic walking and hiking opportunities.
DAY 10 Wed 25 Mar Kandy
Enjoy a lazy morning relaxing at the hotel. Early afternoon we will drive around the sacred Buddhist city, last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings and now a World Heritage Site, where we will enjoy a walking tour of Kandy Bazar and a visit to the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth, which houses what is believed to be an ancient relic of Lord Budha.
DAY 11 Thu 26 Mar Kandy - Colombo
After breakfast, transfer to a local tea plantation and tea factory where you will learn about the manufactuing process and enjoy tastings to appreciate the difference in strength and flavour of the leaves. Contiunue your journey to Colombo and check-in to Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel for a 6 night stay - transfer time abour 4 hrs. 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, ladies parade in colourful saris and parasols, while tuk tuks weave amongst the traffic; their passengers disappearing in to the array of restaurants that are peppered throughout the city. Tonight enjoy welcome drinks & canapes at the hotel with your host.
OR
Option 3 > Weligama, HAMBANTOTA, Colombo
Destination | Nights | Hotel | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
Weligama (Galle) | 7 | 5* Marriott Resort & Spa | 1st TEST GALLE |
Hambantota | 2 | 5* Shangri-la Hambantota | Wildlife Safaris |
Colombo | 6 | 5* Cinnamon Lakeside | 2nd TEST COLOMBO |
£3,055 per person sharing / Single Traveller Supplement: £1,185 (Emirates from Gatwick)
Sri Lankan Airlines supplement: £150pp sharing, Single supplement £75 (Departs 15 March)
DAY 1 to DAY 8 & DAY 12 to DAY 17: Itinerary as detailed for Option 1
DAY 9 Tue 24 Mar Weligama - Hambantota
After breakfast it's time to drive along the South Coast for around an hour, to the breathtaking Shangri-La Hambantota Resort & Spa for a 2 night stay. For wildlife lovers, the southern National Parks of Udawalawe and Yala are unmissable. The former is a sanctuary for Sri Lanka’s elephants, while the latter has the world’s largest concentration of one of the animal world’s ultimate predators – the leopard. Later today you will be taken to Yala National Park where you'll enjoy an afternoon game drive. Return to the hotel early evening.
DAY 10 Wed 25 Mar Hambantota - Udawalawe - Hambantota
After breakfast, leave the hotel and drive to Udawalawe. (Approx 1.5 hrs).
Visit the Elephant Transit Home, a small facility on the border of the national park which cares for orphan elephants until they are ready to be released into the wild. Watch from behind a barrier as the elephants follow the keeper into the compound and eagerly await their milk.
Lunch at Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort. Following lunch enjoy a game drive in Udawalawe National Park, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see elephants. Centered on a large reservoir, light vegetation makes game watching easy and most visitors will see numerous elephants as they roam the grassland and scrub landscapes. The park also hosts many other species such as water buffalo, sambar deer, monkeys and the occasional leopard. It is also a wonderful place to enjoy bird watching. Return to your hotel early evening.
DAY 11 Thu 26 Mar Hambantota - Colombo
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and a lazy morning before it's time to depart for Colombo - transfer time around 3.5 hrs. On arrival check-in to Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel for a 6 night stay. Tonight enjoy welcome drinks & canapes at the hotel with your host.
Just look what's included:
• Return International economy class flights
• First Class 5 star hotel accommodation
• Daily buffet breakfast
• Air-conditioned airport & cricket transfers
• All touring by luxury air-conditioned vehicles
• Welcome drinks & cricket forum
• Farewell dinner
• Best available match tickets (invoiced separately)
• Whale watching excursion
• Galle & South Coast sightseeing
• Bottled water on all transfer vehicles
• Local Agent
• Sporting Traveller tour merchandise
• ATOL Protection
KANDY OPTION
* Walking Tour of Kandy Bazar
* Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth
* Tea Plantation & Tea Factory excursion
HAMBANTOTA OPTION
* Game drive in Yala National Park
* Visit aTransit Home for orphan elephants
* Lunch & Game drive at Udawalawe National Park
*Cricket Host - Subject to booking numbers, Clive Radley will host you in Sri Lanka.
Tour Exclusions
Sri Lankan Visa, cricket tickets will be charged at cost once prices are known, meals other than those mentoned in the itinerary, travel insurance, pre-seating charges applied by airlines, excess luggage costs and items of a personal nature.
International Flights
Our Sri Lankan tour includes economy class international flights so you will receive full financial protection under the Civil Aviations's ATOL scheme. Indirect flights with Emirates (via Dubai), Etihad (via Abu Dhabi) and Qatar (via Doha) are included in our tour price, while direct flights with Sri Lankan Airlines are available at a supplement. Due to latest availability we are now offering Sri Lankan Airlines flights departing Heathrow on Sunday 15 March which will add one extra night in Weligama to our featured tours.
SRI LANKA v ENGLAND 2020
Galle Test
16 - 24 March
Destination | Nights | Hotel | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
Weligama (Galle) | 7 | 5* Marriott Resort & Spa | 1st TEST GALLE |
£2,225 per person sharing / Single Traveller Supplement: £695 (Emirates)
Tour Summary
DAY 1 Mon 16 Mar London - Colombo
Depart on your indirect flight to Colombo.
DAY 2 Tue 17 Mar Arrive Colombo
On arrival at Bandaranayake International Airport you will be met and transferred to the five star, Marriott Resort & Spa, Weligama - transfer time approx 3 hours. Relax and acclimatise to your new surroundings. Tonight you are invited to meet your fellow travellers for welcome drinks & dinner.
DAY 3 Wed 18 Mar Tour of Galle
After breakfast we have arranged a half day sightseeing tour to explore the south coast. You will see the stilt fishermen at Koggala before enjoying a visit to Galle Fort. Galle is a history lover’s paradise, and home to one of Sri Lanka’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Dutch Fort. Not only is this south Asia’s best preserved sea fort, but it is also home to churches, mosques, temples and some beautiful examples of colonial architecture. A stop for tea/coffee is included. Return to the hotel early afternoon and relax.
DAYS 4-8 Thu 19 - Mon 23 Mar 1st TEST, SRI LANKA v ENGLAND |
DAY 9 Tue 24 Mar Weligama - Colombo
It's time to prepare for your journey home. You will be transferred to Bandaranayake International Airport in plenty of time to complete check in formalities for your flight.
OR
Colombo Test
25 Mar - 01 Apr
Destination | Nights | Hotel | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
Colombo | 6 | 5* Cinnamon Lakeside | 2nd TEST COLOMBO |
£1,890 per person sharing / Single Traveller Supplement: £375 (Emirates)
DAY 1 Wed 25 Mar London - Colombo
Depart on your indirect flight to Colombo.
DAY 2 Thu 26 Mar Colombo
On arrival at Bandaranayake International Airport you will be met and transferred to the five star, Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo - transfer time approx 1 hour. Relax and acclimatise to your new surroundings. Tonight you are invited to meet your fellow travellers for welcome drinks.
DAYS 3-7 Fri 27 - Tue 31 Mar 2nd TEST, SRI LANKA v ENGLAND |
DAY 8 Wed 1 Apr FLY Colombo to London
It's time to prepare for your journey home. You will be transferred to Bandaranayake International Airport in plenty of time to complete check in formalities for your flight.
Just look what's included:
• Return International economy class flights
• First Class 5 star hotel accommodation
• Daily buffet breakfast
• Air-conditioned airport & cricket transfers
• All touring by luxury air-conditioned vehicles
• Welcome drinks & cricket forum
• Best available match tickets (invoiced separately)
• Bottled water on all transfer vehicles
• Local Agent
• Sporting Traveller tour merchandise
• ATOL Protection
*Cricket Host - Subject to booking numbers, Clive Radley will join/host you in Sri Lanka.
Tour Exclusions
Sri Lankan Visa, cricket tickets will be charged at cost once prices are known, meals other than those mentoned in the itinerary, travel insurance, pre-seating charges applied by airlines, excess luggage costs and items of a personal nature.
You Are in Safe Hands - Air Travel Organiser’s Licence
Book with total confidence as the air holidays featured are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our licence number is ATOL 5493.
Escorted Tours - enjoy the small group atmosphere
Enjoy the security, convenience and companionship of our escorted tours, safe in the knowledge that your itinerary, sightseeing and excursions have been carefully planned and will be escorted by an experienced local tour manager. Holidays are not only about what you will see and experience...they're also about the people you meet and the great times you share. As well as exploring new and exciting places, one of the best discoveries you'll make is the group spirit and camaraderie of your fellow travellers. Being part of a small group you will quickly make friends with other travellers and your cricket hosts, like-minded people from all walks of life.
Solo Travellers
Many of the people who join us on one of our holidays are travelling by themselves, so if you’re a solo traveller, rest assured that you’ll be with other like-minded people. On any given departure, you’ll find a mix of couples and friends travelling together, as well as other solo travellers. One of the great benefits of our trips is that they allow you to be independent but provide security and company whenever you choose.
The Social Side
Welcome drink receptions, Q&A cricket forums and tour dinners are planned to let you meet your fellow travellers and cricket host in an informal and social setting. These popular gatherings allow you to debate England’s current performance, while your tour host provides a personal insight and analysis of the England' team.
Match Tickets
Cricket is a national passion in Sri Lanka and is played and supported with great enthusiasm. The National team are held in high regard by a population steeped in the Buddhist faith and a highly charged and exciting atmosphere is guaranteed at the grounds. Ticket prices have yet to be confiormed by the Sri Lanka Cricket Union (SLC) so are not included in our prices. We will add the best available, shaded, non airconditioned match tickets to your booking as soon as prices have been confirmed.
What to expect
Our holidays will capture the heart and soul of this fascinating country. Discover ancient cities, World Heritage sites, spectacular mountain scenery, tea plantations, national parks and elephant reserves. As you travel around this beautiful island, you will also enjoy some great food and a wonderful reception from the genuinely warm and hospitable locals.
Maldives Extension
How about adding a few days rest and relaxation on your very own desert island! The Maldivian archipelago stretches like a ribbon across the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean and offers countless islands topped with stunning resorts, each offering a paradise of soft sand and azure waters. Male is the entry point to the Maldives and is just over an hours flight from Colombo, so it's more accessible than you might think!
You are in safe hands
Flight inclusive holidays, where we book your flights, are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority - our licence number is ATOL5493.
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. An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for all visitors - please visit www.eta.gov.lk for further information.
Our hotels have been carefully selected to enhance your holiday experience. We have chosen luxury accommodation to ensure your comfort and security. At the end of the day’s cricket or sightseeing, 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 select our hotels for their superior level of comfort and service, excellent amenities, friendly staff, convenience and safe location.
Please read our hotel descriptions in conjunction with other tourist information for the areas you will be visiting.
Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa
A recent addition to the luxury hotel sector in Sri Lanka, the Marriott offers luxurious accommodation in 198 rooms with views of Weligama Bay, four restaurants and access to world-class facilities including a spa specializing in Thai treatments. All rooms are air-conditioned, well-appointed with stylish furnishing and LED TV, a private balcony with views of the bay and ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower and bathtub. All rooms have Wi-Fi, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities and safe. The hotel offers three pools including a lap pool and a relaxation pool, a fully equipped gym and a spa.
Shangri-La's Hambantota Resort & Spa
Bringing a slice of Asian inspired luxury, the resort sits on a long stretch of beach and has a wide range of facilities including its very own 18-hole course. There are three restaurants here, including the main restaurant Bojunhala, where you can sample the very best of Sri Lankan cuisine, Sera which is inspired by the hawker stalls of South East Asia and a steak house. A snack bar, club house and two bars complete the drinking and dining options. Deluxe rooms overlook the resort’s tropical gardens and have air-conditioning, flat-screen television, Wi-Fi, telephone, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, shower and separate bath.
Earls Regency, Kandy
Earl’s Regency is a spacious resort offering tranquil views over the Mahaweli River. A great range of facilities include an on-site spa, large swimming pool and a selection of restaurants offering local and international cuisine. Kandy is only a short drive away – or perhaps a tuk-tuk ride for the more adventurous, so its easy to explore at your leisure. Each room at Earl's Regency features a private terrace or balcony with beautiful views out over the surrounding countryside.
Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo
Cinnamon Lakeside is an urban hotel with a dreamy lakeside setting. Flanked by palm trees, a large outdoor swimming pool overlooks Beira Lake – a laid-back pool bar makes whiling away a few hours easy while the Balinese-inspired Azmaara Spa is available for some serious pampering. There are ten food and drink spots offering a great choice of dining and drinking options, while the capital Colombo is on your doorstep. All rooms overlook the lake and are well equipped.
How to book
When you have chosen the holiday you wish to book please call our sales team on 01737 244398 to check the availability of the tour.
To confirm your booking we need to collect a deposit payment equivalent to 25% of the total holiday price. This might increase if flights are upgraded or alternative airlines chosen where the full cost of the flight may be required at the time of booking. Our preferred method of payment is by bank transfer, quoting your invoice number (TSTXXXX) on all payments. UK registered credit and debit cards are also accepted.
Your final balance payment will be due 90 days prior to departure. The person signing the booking form will be treated as doing so on behalf of, and with the consent of, all the persons for whom the booking is made and is responsible for ensuring due payment of all monies. Please ensure you return your signed booking form, together with a copy of the photograph page of all passports.
Book Today
For more details or to book this event
TEL: 01737 244398 or download a booking form
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