ENGLAND IN SRI LANKA 2018
TEST & ONE DAY SERIES
October - November
Warm, tropical Sri Lanka nestles in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and is blessed with beautiful beaches, sacred Buddhist temples, ancient architectural riches, stunning national parks, amazing wildlife and a friendly, cricket loving population.
England's Cricket tour to Sri Lanka offers you the prefect opportunity to discover a truly beguiling island, while following the Test or One Day Series. First up are 5 One Day International’s in October, which we are featuring in our Ceylon Experience Tour, a great two week trip featuring many must-sees like Sigiriya Rock, the elephants at Minneriya and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. For followers of Test cricket, we have created The Grand Tour, which takes place during November and combines the Galle, Kandy and Colombo Tests with many unique touring experiences. If you are unable to follow the entire Test series, we also offer single and multi-Test options.
Our superb value, small group 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 accommodation 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 and charismatic cricket hosts, Bob Taylor & Clive Radley.
All tours can be tailored to your own personal requirements; so if you want to include international flights, extend your stay or add a luxurious beach stay in the Maldives, please contact the office as we are here to help you plan your perfect holiday.
See you in Sri Lanka!
2018 Sri Lanka v England Tour Itinerary
| 1st One Day International | Rangiri Dambulla Int. Stadium | Wed 10 October |
| 2nd One Day International | Rangiri Dambulla Int. Stadium | Sat 13 October |
| 3rd One Day International | Pallekele Int. Stadium, Kandy | Wed 17 October |
| 4th One Day International | Pallekele Int. Stadium, Kandy | Sat 20 October |
| 5th One Day International | Premadasa Int. Stadium, Colombo | Tue 23 October |
| First Test | Galle International Stadium | 6-10 November |
| Second Test | Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy | 14-18 November |
| Third Test | SSC Stadium, Colombo | 23-27 November |
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, tour host and local tour manager 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 throughout the country. 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. All match tickets are guaranteed as we purchase directly from the Sri Lanka Cricket Union (SLC). Top priced, non airconditioned match tickets will be supplied, wherever possible in shaded sections of the ground.
What to expect
We have included excursions that 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.
Our Prices
Our holidays exclude international flights as increasing numbers of clients are now happy to book their own flights online. Rather than impose a ‘one size fits all’ flight policy, we give you the freedom to choose when you fly, your departure airport, airline and seat category. If you would like a flight inclusive holiday price, we will happily quote the best available market fares at the time of booking/quoting.
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
Holidays where we book your chosen flights for you 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.
THE GRAND TOUR
Featuring the Galle, Kandy and Colombo Tests
The Grand Tour explores the diverse wonders of Sri Lanka as you follow England throughout this enchantong island. Discover spectacular scenery, incredible wildlife, stunning beaches, ancient archaeological sites, fragrant tea plantations, World Heritage Sites and much more. Highlights include the UNESCO 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 check out our single and multi Test options.
Tour summary
| Destination | Nights | Hotel | Sri Lanka v England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weligama | 7 | 5* Marriott Resort & Spa | 1st TEST GALLE |
| Nuwara Eliya | 2 | 4* Grand Hotel | |
| Kandy | 6 | 5* Earls Regency | 2nd TEST KANDY |
| Kandalama | 3 | 5* Heritance Kandalama | |
| Colombo | 6 | 5* Cinnamon Grand | 3rd TEST COLOMBO |
24 Night Tour: From £4,150 / Single Traveller Supplement: £1,475
Optional Trekking Tour to Horton Plains £40 per person
The tour price is per person, sharing a twin/double room, bed & breakfast basis.
Rather than impose a ‘one size fits all’ flight policy, we have excluded flights to give you the freedom to choose when you fly, your departure airport, airline and seat category.
MALDIVES EXTENSION (click to see hotel options)
Itinerary
Sun 04 Nov Colombo - Weligama
Arrive at Bandaranayake International Airport where you will be met and transferred to the five star, Marriott Resort & Spa, Weligama for seven nights - transfer time approx 3 hours. Relax and acclimatise to your new surroundings. Tonight you are invited to meet your fellow travellers and tour host for welcome drinks & dinner.
Mon 05 Nov Weligama - Tour - Weligama (includes lunch)
After breakfast we have arranged a half day sightseeing tour exploring the south coast, visiting the Stilt Fisherman at Koggala, Martin Wickramasinhe Folk Art Museum and Galle Fort. Following lunch at Rampart Hotel, return to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon in the sun.
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Tue 06 - Sat 10 Nov 1st TEST, SRI LANKA v ENGLAND |
Sun 11 Nov Weligama - Nuwara Eliya (includes lunch)
After breakfast its time to leave the coast and drive north to Nuwara Eliya - a scenic 6 hour drive, stopping on route for lunch at a local restaurant. As you head to the central province, Sri Lanka's classic hill country unfolds with a landscape of tea estates, waterfalls and colonial-era hotels. Arrive Nuwara Eliya and check-in to the Grand Hotel for two nights.
Mon 12 Nov Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast we are offering an optional morning excursion to Horton Plains National Park (about 1½ hours drive), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its trekking, stunning flora and fauna as well as breathtaking views. Aimed at the more active members of the tour party, the morning trek will cover about 9km. In the afternoon enjoy a visit to a local tea plantation where you will have the opportunity to pluck and taste tea as well as learn about the manufacturing process. The day ends with a sumptuous 'High Tea' at the Grand Hotel.
Tue 13 Nov Nuwara Eliya to Kandy
After breakfast, its time to leave Nuwara Eliya and drive to Kandy (journey time about 2½ hours). Check into your hotel, the Earls Regency for 6 nights. Later we will drive around the sacred Buddhist city, last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and now a World Heritage Site, where we will visit the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth, which houses what is believed to be an ancient relic of Lord Budha. Tonight enjoy welcome drinks, canapes and a private cultural performance at your hotel.
| Wed 14 - Sun 18 Nov 2nd TEST, SRI LANKA v ENGLAND Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy Stadium transfers will be provided - approx 20 minutes 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 for 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 heads 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. The heart of Sri Lanka is awash with monuments to times gone by, ancient artefacts, frescoes, ruins and so much more. Later today 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.
Tue 20 Nov Kandalama - Polonnaruwa - Minneriya - Kandalama (includes lunch)
Following breakfast we drive to the World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa, about 2 hours 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. Enjoy lunch at Deer Park Hotel, then leave Polonnaruwa and drive to Minneriya National Park (1 hours drive) 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
Nothing is planned for today so sit back, relax and enjoy the excellent facilites offered by your hotel.
Thu 22 Nov Kandalama - Dambulla - Colombo (includes lunch)
Today we visit Dambulla, a cave temple complex, also called the Golden Temple of Dambulla and a World Heritage site - 30 minutes drive from Kandalama. The complex is made up of approximately 80 caves, of which five are filled with paintings 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 we have included a brief city tour before you check into your hotel, the Cinnamon Grand for a 6 night stay. Tonight enjoy welcome drinks & canapes with your tour host.
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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. |
Tue 27 Nov Farewell Tour Dinner
Tonight you are invited to join your host and fellow travellers for our end of tour dinner. Includes a buffet dinner and drinks.
Wed 28 Nov Depart Colombo
Following breakfast its time to prepare for your journey home. You will be transferred to the airport in plenty of time to complete check in formalities for your flight home.
Just look what's included:
- 24 nights accommodation in luxury 5 star hotels (4* Nuwara Eliya)
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Lunches on selected touring days
- Safari in Minneriya National Park
- Guided sightseeing tours of Galle, Kandy & Colombo
- Visits to 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites at Polonnaruwa, Sigiyira & Kandy
- Welcome drinks, Q&A forums and two tour dinners
- Best available match tickets - non a/c
- Daily packed lunch at the cricket
- Sporting Traveller Tour Merchandise
- Airconditioned transfers with bottled water
- Celebrity cricket host
- Local tour manager
Tour Exclusions
All flights, Sri Lankan Visa, meals other than breakfast and selected lunches and tour dinners, travel insurance, pre-seating charges applied by airlines and items of a personal nature.
International Flights
When we book your flights you will receive financial protection under the ATOL scheme. We will quote the best available market fares at the time of booking. Sri Lankan Airlines fly direct to Colombo, while indirect airlines include Emirates (via Dubai), Etihad (Abu Dhabi), Qatar (via Doha) and Jet Airways (via Mumbai). Fly from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester & Birmingham depending on your choice of airline.
CEYLON EXPERIENCE ONE DAY TOUR
Featuring all five One Day Internationals in Dambulla, Kandy and Colombo
As soon as you arrive your senses are overwhelmed. Enjoy a night at the beach meeting your fellow travellers. In the morning its time to head to Sri Lanka's cultural heart and experience historical ruins and sacred temples, stunning national parks and amazing wildlife. Spend a few days on a glorious east coast beach before heading to the mountainous lakeside city of Kandy. Visit a tea factory and elephant orphanage before travelling to the vibrant capital of Colombo. Your holiday combines great cricket with the very best sights and attractions that Sri Lanka has to offer.
Tour Summary
| Destination | Nights | Hotel | Sri Lanka v England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Negombo | 1 | 5* Heritance Negombo | |
| Kandalama | 5 | 5* Heritance Kandalama | 1st & 2nd ODI - DAMBULLA |
| Passikudha | 2 | 5* Ananthaya Beach Resort | |
| Kandy | 5 | 5* Earls Regency | 3rd & 4th ODI - KANDY |
| Colombo | 3 | 5* Cinnamon Grand | 5th ODI - COLOMBO |
Tour Price: From £2,855 / Single Traveller Supplement: £875
The tour price is per person, sharing a twin/double room, bed & breakfast basis.
Rather than impose a ‘one size fits all’ flight policy, we have excluded flights to give you the freedom to choose when you fly, your departure airport, airline and seat category.
MALDIVES EXTENSION (click to see hotel options)
Itinerary
Mon 8 Oct Negombo
Arrive at Bandaranayake International Airport where you will be met and transferred to Negombo (20 minutes drive) and your luxury beachfront hotel, the Heritance Negombo for one night. Relax and acclimatise to your new surroundings. Tonight you are invited to meet your fellow travellers and local tour manager for Welcome drinks & buffet dinner.
Tue 9 Oct Negombo - Kandalama
After breakfast it is time to leave the coast and head to the heart of the cultural triangle - transfer time approx 3½ hours. Lying just to the south of Dambulla is the lakside village of Kandalama and the luxury Heritance Hotel, your base for the next 5 nights. Your hotel provides the perfect location from where to explore the temples, ancient cities and wildlife of this fascinating region.
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Wed 10 Oct 1st One Day International - SRI LANKA v ENGLAND |
Thu 11 Oct Dambulla - Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Dambulla (includes lunch)
Following breakfast we head to Sigiriya (30 minutes drive) 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. Next we head to the World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa, about a 2 hour drive. 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. Return to your hotel late afternoon - transfer time approx 1½ hours.
Fri 12 Oct Dambulla - Minneriya National Park - Dambulla
Transfer to Dambulla (30 minutes drive) and visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to the hotel and relax before it's time to drive to Minneriya National Park for an afternoon game drive - transfer time about 1 hour. Spreading over 8800 hectares, this is a sanctuary for elephants as well as native birds, deer, amphibians and reptiles. Return to your hotel (about a 40 minute drive) following a great day's sightseeing. Tonight enjoy a Q&A forum with your host ahead of the 2nd One Day match.
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Sat 13 Oct 2nd One Day International - SRI LANKA v ENGLAND |
Sun 14 Oct Kandalama - Passikudha
After breakfast, leave the cultural triangle and head to he coastal resort of Passikudha which is situated on the island's tranquil east coast - about a 3 hour drive. Set right in the centre of the sweeping bay, your resort is the perfect spot to relax on the sands, by the pool or in the spa. Stay at the first class Ananthaya Resort for 2 nights.
Tue 16 Oct Passikudha - Kandy
Enjoy a final morning on the beach, before it is time to leave the coast and head to picturesque Kandy - about a 4 hour drive Sri Lanka’s second largest city 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. Check into the first class, Earls Regency Hotel for 5 nights.
| Wed 17 Oct 3rd One Day International - SRI LANKA v ENGLAND Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy (Day/night) Return stadium transfers will be provided - approx 20 minutes each way. |
Thu 18 Oct Kandy - Pinnawala - Kandy (includes lunch)
After breakfast, transfer to Pinnawala and visit the famous Elephant Orphanage - transfer time approx 1½ hrs. As you enter the 25 acre coconut property, do not be surprised to witness baby elephants being bottle fed or moving around freely causing absolutely no harm to anyone. Watch as they are lead to the river for a refreshing bath - a quite unique wildlife experience. Following lunch at Elephant Bay Restaurant, return to the bustling city of Kandy and visit its most famous attraction, the famed Temple of the Sacred Tooth and a local bazaar.
Fri 19 Oct Kandy - Peradeniya - Tea Factory - Kandy
Today begins at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya (about 45 minutes drive) where you will find a vast selection of Sri Lanka's native flora as well as many exotic species. This will be followed by a visit to Giragama Tea Facory to understand more about the process the leaves go through between the plant and your cup! Tonight you are invited to join your host for pre-dinner drinks and canapes.
| Sat 20 Oct 4th One Day International - SRI LANKA v ENGLAND Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy Return stadium transfers will be provided - about 20 minutes each way. |
Sun 21 Oct Kandy - Colombo
Time to leave Kandy and head to the port city of Colombo - about a 4 hour drive. Colombo is a city that is changing its face - a blend of old and new, with a modern skyline growing alongside period, colonial buildings from a bygone age. The city is full of life, the streets full of colourful saris and parasols and the roads full of tuk tuks weaving amongst the traffic. Check into your luxury hotel, the Cinnamon Grand for 3 nights.
Mon 22 Oct Colombo - Bandaragama Village or Colourful Cooking Experience
Today you have a choice of excursions. You can break away from the city and visit a local village - approx 1½ hrs drive. In Bandaragama, we will explore the pathways of the rural village, seeing ancient temples, paddy fields, pineapple, cinnamon and rubber plantations. A rice and curry lunch will be served to you at a village house. After lunch return to Colombo for a brief orientation tour before stopping for a beer at the Dutch Hospital complex on you way back to the hotel. Alternatively how about spending a morning with a local cook and enjoy a master cooking class. Be inspired by the Malay and Sinhalese cuisine and their Tamil neighbours with a mouth watering repertoie of rices, curries, sambols and salads. After cooking, sit down and enjoy lunch together before heading back to the hotel. Tonight we have arranged our end of tour dinner at the hotel.
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Tue 23 Oct 5th One Day International - SRI LANKA v ENGLAND |
Wed 24 Oct Colombo
Please complete check-out formalities, remembering to settle any personal costs directly with the hotel. You will be transferred to the airport in plenty of time for your flight home.
Just look what's included:
- 16 nights luxury 5 star accommodation
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Minneriya National Park Safari
- Guided sightseeing in Kandy & Colombo
- Guided sightseeing of UNESCO World Heritage sites at Polonnaruwa, Sigiyira Rock Citadel & the Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy
- Visit to Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
- Choice to visit a local village or enjoy a cooking masterclass in Colombo
- Welcome drinks, Q&A forum & two dinners
- Best available match tickets - non a/c
- Daily packed lunch at the cricket
- Sporting Traveller Merchandise
- All transfers in airconditioned vehicles
- Bottled water on all transfer vehicles
- Celebrity cricket host
- Local tour manager
Tour Exclusions
All flights, Sri Lankan Visa, meals other than breakfast,selected lunches and special tour dinner, travel insurance, pre-seating charges applied by airlines, excess luggage costs and items of a personal nature.
International Flights
When we book your flights you will receive financial protection under the ATOL scheme. We will quote the best available market fares at the time of booking. Sri Lankan Airlines fly direct to Colombo, while indirect airlines include Emirates (via Dubai), Etihad (Abu Dhabi), Qatar (via Doha) and Jet Airways (via Mumbai). Fly from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester & Birmingham depending on your choice of airline.
Single or Multi Test Options
Featuring your choice of the Galle, Kandy and Colombo Tests.
Based on the Grand Tour Itinerary, simply choose how many Tests and how long you want to be away. We have given five holiday options but anything is possible, so please call our team to discuss your travel plans.
| Sri Lanka v England | Destination | Nights | Hotel | Dates | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st TEST GALLE | Weligama | 7 | 5* Marriott Resort & Spa | 04 - 11 Nov | £1,345 per person £465 single supp |
| 2nd TEST KANDY | Kandy & Kandalama | 9 | 5* Earls Regency & 5* Heritance Kandalama | 13 - 22 Nov | £1,745 per person £655 single supp |
| 3rd TEST COLOMBO | Colombo | 7 | 5* Cinnamon Grand | 21 - 28 Nov | £1,565 per person £499 single supp |
| 1st & 2nd TESTS | Weligama, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy | 15 | Refer to the Grand Tour for details | 04 - 19 Nov | £2,899 per person £990 single supp |
| 2nd & 3rd TESTS | Kandy, Kandalama & Colombo | 15 | Refer to the Grand Tour for details | 13 - 28 Nov | £3,095 per person £999 single supp |
Tour price is per person sharing a twin/double room, on bed & breakfast basis.
Single traveller supplements apply if only one person is occupying a room.
International flight prices will be quoted on request.
GALLE - 1st TEST
Sun 04 Nov Colombo - Weligama
Arrive at Bandaranayake International Airport where you will be met and transferred to the five star, Marriott Resort & Spa, Weligama for seven nights - transfer time approx 3 hours. Relax and acclimatise to your new surroundings. Tonight you are invited to meet your fellow travellers and tour host for welcome drinks & dinner.
Mon 05 Nov Weligama - Tour - Weligama (includes lunch)
After breakfast we have arranged a half day sightseeing tour exploring the south coast, visiting the Stilt Fisherman at Koggala, Martin Wickramasinhe Folk Art Museum and Galle Fort. Return to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon in the sun.
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Tue 06 - Sat 10 Nov 1st TEST, SRI LANKA v ENGLAND |
Sun 11 Nov Weligama - Colombo
Complete check out formalities, remembering to settle any personal expenses with the hotel. Meet your driver in the hotel lobby for the transfer to Bandaranayake International Airport - transfer time approx 3 hours.
KANDY - 2nd TEST + KANDALAMA TOURING
Tue 13 Nov Colombo to Kandy
Arrive at Bandaranayake International Airport where you will be met and transferred to Kandy - about 3 hours drive and the five star, Earls Regecny Hotel for 6 nights. Relax and acclimatise to your new surroundings. Tonight you are invited to meet your fellow travellers and cricket host for Welcome drinks, canapes and a private cultural show at your hotel.
| Wed 14 - Sun 18 Nov 2nd TEST, SRI LANKA v ENGLAND Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy Return stadium transfers will be provided - approx 20 minutes 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 for 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, we drive 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. The heart of Sri Lanka is awash with monuments to times gone by, ancient artefacts, frescoes, ruins and so much more. Later today 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.
Tue 20 Nov Kandalama - Polonnaruwa - Minneriya - Kandalama (includes lunch)
Following breakfast we drive to the World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa, about a 2 hours 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 and drive to Minneriya National Park (1 hours drive) 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
Nothing is planned for today so sit back, relax and enjoy the excellent facilites offered by your hotel.
Thu 22 Nov Kandalama - Colombo
Complete check-out formalities and meet your driver in the hotel lobby. Early morning transfer to Colombo Airport for your flight home - transfer time about 3½ hours.
COLOMBO - 3rd TEST
Wed 21 Nov Colombo
Arrive at Bandaranayake International Airport where you will be met and transferred to the five star, Cinnamon Grand Hotel for seven nights - transfer time approx 1 hour. Relax and acclimatise to your new surroundings.
Thu 22 Nov Colombo
After breakfast enjoy a morning tour of Colombo, stopping for a beer at the Dutch Hospital complex on your way back to the hotel. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers and local tour manager for Welcome drinks & canapes.
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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. |
Tue 27 Nov Farewell Tour Dinner
Tonight you are invited to dinner with your host and fellow travellers. Three course buffett and drinks included.
Wed 28 Nov Colombo
Enjoy breakfast before preparing for your flight home. Please complete check out formalities before meeting in the hotel lobby for your transfer to Bandaranayake International Airport.
Just look what's included:
- Luxury 5 star accommodation
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Tours & excursions as detailed
- Welcome drinks, Q&A forums and tour dinners
- Best available cricket tickets - non a/c
- Daily packed lunch at the cricket
- Sporting Traveller Tour Merchandise
- Private/group transfers in airconditioned vehicles
- Celebrity cricket host
- Local tour manager
Tour Exclusions
All flights, Sri Lankan Visa, meals other than breakfast and any special tour dinners, travel insurance, pre-seating charges applied by airlines, excess luggage costs and items of a personal nature.
International Flights
When you book a flight inclusive package, you will receive financial protection under the ATOL scheme. We will quote the best available market fares at the time of booking. Only Sri Lankan Airlines fly direct to Colombo, so demand will be high. Alternative airlines, offering indirect flights include Emirates (via Dubai), Etihad (Abu Dhabi), Qatar (via Doha) and Jet Airways (via Mumbai). Flight options from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester & Birmingham are all possible depending on your choice of airline.
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. If you require flights we will quote the best available fares at the time of booking.
To confirm your booking we need to collect a deposit payment equivalent to 25% of the total holiday price. This will increase if flights are added as the full cost of the flight needs to be collected at the time of booking. Our preferred method of payment is via bank transfer, quoting your invoice number (TSTXXXX) on all payments. Credit and debit cards are also accepted.
Your final balance payment will be due by 30 July 2018. 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.
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TEL: 01737 244398 or download a booking form
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