What’s Included?
Overview
The anticipation ends and the battle begins at the now traditional Ashes opening venue in Australia: the Gabba. England’s Ashes fortune can often be forecast here. Survive the Gabba and the omens are good for the rest of the series. Lose here and talk of climbing the proverbial mountain will start to fill the back pages.
These two provincial cities offer a pleasant contrast. Life in modern-looking Brisbane revolves around the bustling river with much on offer due to its lively entertainment and cultural scene. Adelaide, known to be a garden city offers a relaxed ambience and is famous for its museums and local wine (Barossa Valley). Cricket fans in particular should not miss out on the opportunity to walk through the fascinating Don Bradman museum.
Tickets
You will receive guaranteed gold match tickets to the 1st and 2nd Test Matches:
1st Test at the Gabba in Brisbane from the 21st to the 25th of November.
2nd Test at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide from the 5th to the 9th of December.
Accommodation
You will stay in one of the finest hotels in each of your host cities:
6 nights at the Sofitel in Brisbane.
6 nights at the Adelaide Hilton in Adelaide.
Travel
Your trip includes international flights and airport and match transfers. It will incorporate:
- Departing London Heathrow on the 18th November 2013 and arriving into Brisbane on the 20th November.
- Departing Adelaide on the 10th of December 2013 and arriving into London Heathrow on the 11th December.
- You will also receive an airport transfer on your arrival into Brisbane and an airport transfer for your departure from Adelaide.
- You will receive match transfers to both the 1st and 2nd Test Matches in Brisbane and Adelaide.
Extras
To help you get the most from your trip to Australia, you are invited to a welcome reception on your first night in Brisbane.
You will also receive a hearty breakfast every day and official tour merchandise.
Tickets
You will receive guaranteed gold match tickets to the 1st and 2nd Test Matches in Brisbane and Adelaide.
Travel
Flight Schedule
- Departing London Heathrow on the 18th November 2013 and arriving into Brisbane on the 20th November.
- Departing Adelaide on the 10th of December 2013 and arriving into London Heathrow on the 11th December.
Transfers
- You will receive an airport transfer on your arrival into Brisbane and an airport transfer for your departure from Adelaide.
- Match transfers to both the 1st and 2nd Test Matches will also be provided.
Accommodation
You will be staying at the Sofitel Hotel in Brisbane.
Sofitel Brisbane is a magnificent hotel situated in the heart of Brisbane’s city centre. The hotel offers refined elegance and a personal service for all of its guests. Renowned for its luxurious rooms and breathtaking views, the hotel has a reputation as the leading choice in luxury accommodation.
Each of the 429 elegant superior guest rooms have an LCD screen TV, broadband internet access, in-house movies and French bathroom amenities. Outside of the room, you can enjoy the additional comforts that the hotel has to offer whether it be relaxing in the spa, swimming in the 12m heated pool or enjoying international cuisine in the Thyme Restaurant and Cuvee Lounge Bar.
You will be staying at the Hilton Adelaide
The superior Adelaide Hilton hotel is a stylish and modern hotel, located in the heart of the city’s entertainment, shopping and dining precincts and only a stones throw away from the tram which takes you to the seaside Glenelg, the River Precinct or the North Terrace to the Casino.
This exceptional hotel boasts of a range of spacious rooms with delightful views East towards the Adelaide Hills or West towards the Bay. Dine at The Brasserie Hilton, Adelaide’s vibrant restaurant then relax in the comfort of the Lobby Lounge with one of Australia’s fine wines.
Hosts
Although a respected first-class cricketer ‘Aggers’ is best known for his career in cricket journalism making him one of the legendary voices of cricket. Join Aggers in Australia to get a real insight into the drama, passion and tension that only an Ashes tour down-under can deliver.
Itinerary
Day 1 | 18th November
Depart London Heathrow for your flight to Brisbane.
Day 2 | 19th November
This day will be spent in-flight. You will then have a stop-over and meet your connecting flight to Brisbane.
Day 3 | 20th November
On arrival to Brisbane catch your transfer from the airport to the luxury Sofitel Hotel. Check in for your 6-night stay.
The rest of your day is for you to enjoy at your leisure. Perhaps you feel the need to catch up on some much-needed sleep after your long-haul flight or perhaps you are set and ready to explore the city. Brisbane, named after the river on which it sits, is the third most populous city in Australia. With South Bank Parklands, Portside Wharf as well as the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary – the world’s first koala sanctuary, there is something for everyone to enjoy within this vibrant city.
Day 4 – 8 | 21 – 25th November
Each morning you can enjoy a hearty breakfast which will set you up for the day’s events. You will then meet and catch your transfer to the Gabba to watch the 1st Test match. With the tickets, you will be able to enjoy all the action with amazing views of the match. After play, the transfer will meet you to return back to the hotel.
Day 9 – 16 | 26th November – 3rd December
On the morning of the 26th, after an indulgent breakfast, you will check out of the hotel. The rest of this week is for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Day 17 | 4th December
Arrive in Adelaide and check into the luxury Adelaide Hilton Hotel for your 6-night stay.
A question and answer session with the legendary Jonathan Agnew will be scheduled today before the 2nd Test Match begins (provisional).
This rest of this day is for you to enjoy at your own leisure. Why not visit the River Torrens which offers a spectacular walking trail from the city to the beach with exceptional opportunities to enjoy and capture Adelaide’s beautiful, breathtaking scenery at its best. Or, take a trip to the Botanic Gardens, an idyllic location in the Adelaide sun, with a Bicentennial conservatory, historic buildings as well as fantastic art works.
Alternatively, you may prefer to get up close and personal with Australia’s renowned wildlife at the Cleland Wildlife Park. Koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes and wombats can all be found here and with friendly, informative staff who encourage feeding the animals – cameras definitely need to be at the ready!
Day 18 – 22 | 5th – 9th December
Each morning you can enjoy a hearty breakfast within the comfort of the hotel then meet your transfer to The Adelaide Oval, to watch the 2nd Test match. With the tickets you will be able to enjoy all the action with amazing views of the match. After play, the transfer will meet you to return back to the hotel.
Day 23 | 10th December
Check out of the hotel and take your transfer to Adelaide International Airport for your return flight from Adelaide back to the UK.
Day 24 | 11th December
Arrive back in the UK.