CLASSIC ASHES
MELBOURNE - SYDNEY
Optional Great Barrier Reef
Melbourne and Sydney are the classic Ashes combination. After a break over Christmas, the England team will enter the mighty Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day to face the Australians in the 4th Test. Cosmopolitan Melbourne is a vibrant hub of style, sport, culture and dining where you can wander the parks and leafy boulevards by day and then dine, drink and dance by night. Seeing the New Year in with a bang is a true highlight of any Ashes trip and our terrific New Years Eve venue overlooking the stunning harbour, will be a memorable evening as you eat, drink, dance and enjoy the famous fireworks. Spend several days exploring this seductive city before its time for England to play the final Test of the series at Sydney Cricket Ground. If time permits, why not add an exciting few days in sunny Queensland and experience a full day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef.
Australia v England - Classic Ashes
4th Test Melbourne & 5th Test Sydney
Destination | Nights | Superior Hotel | 1st Class / Deluxe Hotels | Ticket Category |
---|---|---|---|---|
MELBOURNE | 8 | CROWN PROMENADE Standard Room | GRAND HYATT Grand Room | GOLD |
SYDNEY | 10 | AMORA JAMISON Deluxe Room | THE WESTIN Tower Superior | GOLD |
Optional PORT DOUGLAS (GREAT BARRIER REEF) | 4 | SHERATON MIRAGE | SHERATON MIRAGE |
SUPERIOR HOTEL PRICE
Price per person sharing a twin / double room £7,695
Single Room Supplement £2,350
1st CLASS / DELUXE HOTEL PRICE
Price per person sharing a twin / double room £7,945
Single Room Supplement £2,450
PORT DOUGLAS (Great Barrier Reef) Queensland Extension
Can be added pre Melbourne or post Sydney
Price per person sharing a twin / double room £695*
Single Room Supplement £350
* Domestic flights to Cairns are not included and will be quoted on request.
> Prices are based on two of the world's most iconic airlines, Emirates & Qantas who have formed a global partnership. Together they operate 19 daily flights between the UK and Dubai with convenient onward connections to Australia. Other airlines are available and will be quoted when they offer more competitive fares. All tour prices are subject to seat availability at the time of booking.
> Premium Economy / Business Class upgrades on request - Get in early for the best upgrade deals!
ITINERARY
Fri 22 December London / Melbourne
Depart Heathrow on your flight to Hong Kong with onward connection to Melbourne
Sat 23 December Melbourne
Arrive Melbourne, clear customs and immigrations and then make your way to your chosen hotel. Enjoy a relaxing day and acclimatize to your new surroundings following the long flight. Tonight you are invited to our 'Welcome to Melbourne' drinks reception ahead of the 4th Ashes Test.
Sun 24 December Melbourne
Enjoy a relaxing day exploring Melbourne, renowned as being Australia's most stylish and innovative city. Melbourne will show you a good time with its rich mix of theatres, festivals, art, sport, music and fine food. Easy to explore on foot or by the free city tram, try to include a visit to Queen Victoria Market, the Eureka Skydeck, wander along Southbank and discover many fabulous bars and restaurants.
Mon 25 December Christmas Day in Melbourne
Enjoy a lazy start to the day before you are collected and driven down St Kilda Road to Albert Park for a special Christmas Lunch. Our celebration will take place at the picturesque Point Restaurant, overlooking Albert Park Lake. Enjoy a welcome glass of bubbles on the terrace before enjoying a great Christmas buffet. Return transfers are included.
Tue 26 to Sat 30 December 4th TEST MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA v ENGLAND, THE MCG Cricket Australia are hoping to see a massive crowd for the Boxing Day start to the 4th Test at the mighty MCG. The stadium is easily reached on foot or via the excellent tram network. During the Test, join your tour host for a few drinks at our popular Q&A Cricket Forum. On the second morning of the Test you are invited to the Official Cricket Australia Test Match Breakfast which is being held at Crown Palladium from 7.30am. The event lasts for 2 hours and includes entertainment, hot & cold breakfast items, tea, coffee and juice. |
Sun 31 December Fly to Sydney
Depart Melbourne on the short flight to Sydney. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel where you'll have time to unpack and prepare for tonight's festivities. You will be welcoming in the New Year at the Taronga Centre, one of Sydney’s most unique venues boasting breathtaking views over Sydney Harbour. Located within the grounds of Sydney’s world famous Taronga Zoo and offering unparalleled views of iconic Sydney landmarks such as the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Sydney Tower, Fort Denison and Circular Quay…perfect for an Australian New Year’s celebration! New Years celebrations include a five course dinner, drinks and coach transfers.
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Mon 01 January Sydney
Time to get over the night before and enjoy a relaxing day in this famous harbourside city.
Tue 2 - Wed 3 January Sydney
Two full days for some serious sightseeing. Sydney is Australia's oldest, largest and liveliest city and almost bursts at the seams with iconic attractions. Away from the city there are a host of other experiences for you to discover including stunning beaches, the glorious wine estates of the Hunter Valley and the rugged beauty of the Blue Mountains. Alternatively you might want to break free of the city and head to find a waterside restaurant and watch the world go by.
On Wednesday evening you are invited to the Official Cricket Australia Ashes function which is being held at the Hyatt Regency Darling Harbour from 5.00pm. The event lasts for 2 hours and includes entertainment, finger food, beer, wine and soft drinks (first hour free / second hour will be a cash bar).
Thu 04 to Mon 08 January 5th TEST SYDNEY AUSTRALIA v ENGLAND, THE SCG Sydney Cricket Ground in 5 miles from the famous sights of the city so we will provide daily return transfers from your hotel to the ground. During the Test, join your tour host for a few drinks at our popular Q&A Cricket Forum. |
Tue 09 January Sydney or Optional Queensland Extension
Today is your final full day in Sydney so hit the shops, the streets, the beach or perhaps find a favourite restaurant and enjoy some fantastic food. If you have chosen to visit Port Douglas and experience the Great Barrie Reef you will fly to Cairns today.
Wed 10 January Sydney / London
Time to prepare for your journey home. Check out as normal and leave your bags with the hotel until you are ready to make your way to the airport. Board your flight to Hong Kong with connecting service to London Heathrow, arriving the following day.
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES
* Economy International flights - Cathay Pacific
* Domestic flight in Australia - economy class
* Superior or First Class/Deluxe Hotels
* Daily Breakfast
* Sightseeing / excursions as detailed
* Official GOLD Category match tickets
* Cricket Celebrity Host - Clive Radley
* Christmas Lunch in Melbourne
* New Years Eve Dinner Overlooking Sydney Harbour
* Official Ashes functions in Melbourne & Sydney
* Local tour manager
* Hosted social events
* Ashes tour merchandise
* Australian Visa
* ATOL Protection
Not Included
All meals except breakfast, airport transfers from/to international flights, travel Insurance, pre-seating charges applied by airlines,.excess luggage costs and items of a personal nature.
CATHAY PACIFIC | Route | Time |
21 Dec 17 | Heathrow / Hong Kong | 20.35/16.15 |
22 Dec 17 | Hong Kong / Melbourne | 19.10/07.30 |
10 Jan 18 | Sydney / Hong Kong | 15.50/21.55 |
11 Jan 18 | Hong Kong / Heathrow | 01.00/06.20 |
Hand Picked Hotels
All hotels featured in our escorted tours have been carefully selected (following our visit in November 2016) to enhance your holiday experience. We have chosen a mix of excellent Superior and First Class-Deluxe Hotels 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.
SUPERIOR HOTELS
Crown Promenade, Melbourne
Crown Promenade Melbourne is a fresh, modern and stylish hotel located within the vibrant Southbank precinct and directly linked by airbridge to the Crown Entertainment Complex which hosts a wide selection of shops and restaurants. The hotel features ‘The Deck’ an extensive leisure club with infinity swimming pool offering great views of the city. Mesh Restaurant and Tonic Bar are popular dining and drinking venues. Standard rooms have a contemporary design, are well equipped and feature floor to ceiling windows.
Amora Jamison, Sydney
The award winning Amora Jamison in Sydney combines style, space and warmth. The hotel is just a short stroll from the main sights and features an art deco-inspired lobby with a collection of modern art. Hotel features include two restaurants and a cocktail bar, indoor heated pool, exercise room, steam room, spa and free WIFI. Deluxe rooms were fully renovated in 2015 and are sleek and luxurious and among the largest in the city. Offering a wide range of facilities, the bright, modern rooms offer a touch of luxury and overlook the city skyline or Jamison Street.
FIRST CLASS-DELUXE HOTELS
Grand Hyatt, Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne continues to be recognized as a Melbourne icon. Located on Collins Street in the bustling city centre, this luxurious hotel provides a great experience for guests. The hotels signature restaurant, Collins Kitchen, features an expansive open kitchen serving multiple food concepts, including Deli, Sushi, Grill, Wok, Wood-Fired Oven and Patisserie. The bar, ru-co also features an outdoor courtyard and an exclusive area for guests. The hotel houses City Club – Australia's largest hotel gym and has an indoor heated pool. The luxurious guestrooms include custom-made beds facing floor-to-ceiling windows, a marble bathroom with separate tub and shower, and Egyptian cotton linen. There is complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel.
The Westin, Sydney
Experience an energizing retreat in the centre of the city, surrounded by fashion retailers and restaurants, and only minutes from the Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, NSW Art Gallery, and Sydney Harbour. Feel well cared for with In-Room Spa treatments, well nourished by Mosaic Restaurant, and quietly re-energized with afternoon tea in The Lobby Bar. You can keep fit at the Health Club or follow a RunWESTIN™ map around the city. The hotel has over 400 guest rooms and suites: the General Post Office building houses beautiful Heritage Rooms, while the Tower Rooms offer chic, contemporary design with an excellent range of facilities including the signature Westin Heavenly® Bed and Heavenly® Bath for restorative comfort.
TOURING HOTELS
Sheraton Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort is perfectly positioned on Four Mile Beach and nestled within 130 hectares of lush tropical gardens between the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Following a multi-million renovation the property has been restored to its former opulent glory. Enjoy an oasis of luxury as you indulge in a range of recreational activities and facilities for everyone to enjoy. Swim in two hectares of sparkling lagoons, savour local flavours at any of the four dining venues and laze in the freshwater pool with a cocktail from the swim-up bar. Practice your swing on the 18-hole golf course and aquatic driving range and enjoy a variety of sporting facilities such as tennis courts, fitness center, 25 meter lap pool and sauna.
Ashes Ticket Descriptions
As we purchase match tickets directly from CATO (Cricket Australia Travel Office) as part of a hotel & ticket package, all match tickets are fully guaranteed. Ticket prices have been included in our Escorted Tour packages and include a ticket to each day of the Test. For the avoidance of doubt, irrespective of the Ticket Category purchased, Day Five tickets in all instances will be a general admission ticket (i.e. a non reserved seat). Having visited all match venues, we have selected GOLD category tickets for our packages (except Perth where we have chosen the top category PLATINUM should the match take place at the WACA. If the Test is moved to the New Perth Stadium we will change our featured ticket category to Gold seating). Please note, no refund applies to unused tickets should a match finish early.
1ST TEST, THE GABBA - BRISBANE |
2nd TEST, ADELAIDE OVAL |
3rd TEST, THE WACA or NEW PERTH STADIUM - Venue to be confirmed |
4th TEST, THE MCG - MELBOURNE |
5th TEST, THE SCG, SYDNEY
In all instances Day 5 provides a General Admission Ticket. |
How to book
When you have chosen the holiday you wish to book, please call our sales team on 01737 244398 to check availability.
To confirm your booking we need to collect a deposit payment equivalent to 25% of the total holiday price. When making holiday payments we encourage you to pay online by bank transfer or by debit card or personal cheque. We also accept credit card payments but they will incur a charge of 2% to cover bank charges.
A second interim payment of 25% is required by 25 April 2017 with the final balance due by 30 August 2017. 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 as soon as possible so we can arrange your Australian visa.
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TEL: 01737 244398 or download a booking form
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