- Overview
- Tour
- Hotels
Join Gladstone Small in January 2026 as England’s cricketers take on Sri Lanka over three ODI and three T20 Matches this winter.
Guests on our 14 night tour will enjoy combining incredible Sri Lanka travel experiences, premium luxury hotels, excursions to Tangalle and Sigiriya plus great seats for the cricket; Black Opal can provide a second-to-none experience for our elite clientele. Add to that your former England-cricketer hosts and exclusive extras you simply won't get elsewhere, and you have a winning combination for an unforgettable cricket tour!
Places are limited, so we recommend early booking.
Black Opal Travel Group an also create bespoke travel experiences catered to your requirements, please contact one of our Sports Sales Specialists.
1st ODI Match – Thu 22 Jan The Ranasinghe Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
2nd ODI Match – Sat 24 Jan The Ranasinghe Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
3rd ODI Match – Tue 27 Jan The Ranasinghe Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
1st T20 Match – Fri 30 Jan Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy
2nd T20 Match – Sun 1 Feb Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy
3rd T20 Match – Tue 3 Feb Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy
ODIs: Start at 2:30 PM | T20Is: Start at 7:00 PM
Prices from £4,995 per person based on double occupancy accommodation
Single supplement from £3,000
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Overnight flight from your chosen airport to Colombo.
Flights are not included; however, should you wish for us to arrange them, please advise us of your preferred departure airport, airline, and class of travel.
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On arrival in Colombo you will be met by a Black Opal representative who will assist you to your onward private transfer to the Shangri-La, for 4 nights in a Deluxe Ocean room.
This evening enjoy our welcome function, a perfect opportunity to meet your hosts and fellow travellers.
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Enjoy a morning at leisure. Alternatively, enjoy a city tour of Colombo, immersing yourself in the vibrant history of the city. For golfers you are invited to enjoy a round of golf with Gladstone at the prestigious Royal Colombo Golf Club.
Enjoy lunch under own arrangements before transferring to the stadium for the first ODI.
1st ODI – Sri Lanka vs England at R. Premadasa International Stadium (Start time: 14:30)
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Today enjoy a fascinating tour of Colombo Fort's most character-filled bars. Uncover the intriguing history behind these hidden gems while enjoying tastings of locally brewed spirits paired with authentic Sri Lankan bar snacks. This relaxed, off-the-beaten-path experience is the perfect way to explore Colombo's culture, history, and unique flavours.
This evening join us for a group dinner at the infamous Ministry of Crab, founded by Sri Lankan Cricket Legends Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara.
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Today, we will enjoy a group lunch at the Cricket Cafe, before transferring to the stadium for the 2nd ODI match.
The Cricket Club Cafe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a popular restaurant that celebrates the sport of cricket. Housed in a colonial-style building, the cafe is a veritable museum of cricket history. Its walls are adorned with an extensive collection of memorabilia, including signed bats, balls, gloves, and jerseys from legendary players from around the world, such as Sir Don Bradman, Shane Warne, and Arjuna Ranatunga.
2nd ODI – Sri Lanka vs England at R. Premadasa International Stadium (Start time: 14:30)
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Leaving the bustle of Colombo behind, we journey south to the serene shores of Tangalle for a two-night stay at Anantara Peace Haven.
Nestled on a rocky outcrop along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort offers a tranquil escape surrounded by nature's beauty. With golden beaches on one side and a coconut plantation on the other, the resort provides a luxurious sanctuary where guests can unwind and reconnect with themselves.
Accommodation: Anantara Tangalle
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Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you choose to relax and make the most of the hotel's many facilities
Alternatively you can join an optional early morning whale watching excursion (additional cost - request for further details)
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After breakfast, we will journey back to Colombo and check in to the Shangri-La Colombo.
On arrival at the hotel enjoy lunch under own arrangements before transferring to the stadium for the final ODI match.
3rd ODI – Sri Lanka vs England at R. Premadasa International Stadium (Start time: 14:30)
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After a leisurely breakfast, we will embark on a scenic four-hour journey to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, staying 2 nights at Water Garden, Sigiriya.
En-route we will enjoy a visit to The Millennium Elephant Freedom Project.
More than just a visit, this is a chance to connect with Sri Lanka's magnificent elephants in a sanctuary dedicated to their well-being. This non-profit organization works tirelessly to improve the lives of captive elephants, providing a safe haven and promoting compassionate care. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to walk with these gentle giants and learn about the crucial work being done to ensure their future.
This afternoon, we will set out on a thrilling game drive through Minneriya National Park.
The Minneriya National Park is one of the best places in the country to see wild elephants, which are often present in huge numbers, and wading birds. Dominated by the ancient Minneriya Tank, the park has plenty of scrub, forest and wetlands to also provide shelter for toque macaques, sambar deer, buffalo, crocodiles and leopards.
Accommodation: Water Garden Sigiriya
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This morning is yours to spend as you wish, whether you prefer to relax and enjoy the fabulous amenities of your hotel, or embark on one of our recommended excursions for a more adventurous experience (additional cost).
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya, one of the world's most dramatic and inspiring historical locations. This ancient fortress-palace was built atop a towering rock in the 5th century, with its mythical past of feuding dynasties only adding to its striking setting.
Rangiriya Dambulla Cave Temple
Venture into a truly remarkable complex of five ancient caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 1st century BC. Originally used as a refuge by a king, these caves were later transformed into a magnificent temple. They now house over 150 stunning images of the Buddha, including a colossal 15-meter reclining figure.
Dambulla Heritage Culinary Experience
Immerse yourself in local culture with a hands-on culinary journey at a traditional village house. Your hosts will welcome you with a fresh coconut drink before you dive into an interactive cooking session. Learn authentic techniques and discover "heirloom" ingredients unique to this region, all from your personal workstation.
This afternoon, you'll join your hosts and fellow travellers for a captivating sunset boat ride near Sigiriya Rock. As you glide along the serene waters, witness nature at its most enchanting, with the magnificent fortress serving as a breath-taking backdrop.
After the boat trip, you'll return to the hotel for a hosted dinner.
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After breakfast, we will journey by road to the charming city of Kandy and check in to your hotel. Spend 5-nights at Jetwing Kandy Gallery. Due to popular demand unfortunately Taru Villas are sold out!
Enjoy pre-match group dinner at your hotel before transferring to the stadium for the first T20I match.
1st T20I – Sri Lanka vs England at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. (Start time: 19:30)
Accommodation: Jetwing Kandy Gallery, Taru Villas Kandy
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Enjoy a day at leisure or choose to enjoy one of our recommended excursions (additional costs apply).
Temple of the Tooth
Visit the sacred Sri Dalada Maligawa, an important pilgrimage site that houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Admire the unique Sri Lankan carvings and art, and join the thousands of devotees who visit daily to experience its majesty.
Royal Botanical Gardens
Explore the stunning Royal Botanical Gardens, first established for a Sri Lankan king in the 18th century. Covering 150 acres, these gardens are the largest in Sri Lanka, boasting an impressive collection of over 10,000 trees, lawns, and flowering shrubs.
Later this afternoon, we'll take a private boat tour of Kandy Lake. From the water, you'll have a unique perspective on the city's lush, green landscape. Be sure to look for the many bird species that call the lake home, including Indian cormorants, pelicans, and wood storks.
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This morning the choice is yours. Enjoy one of our suggested excursions, or savour a quiet morning at your leisure, enjoying the comforts of the hotel. For those with a passion for the green, a special invitation awaits: join Gladstone for a round of golf at The Victoria Golf Club..
Enjoy pre-match group dinner at your hotel before transferring to the stadium.
2nd T20I – Sri Lanka vs England at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Start time: 19:30)
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Today we will embark on a scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya, a picturesque hill station known as "Little England."
The journey to this charming town will take us through lush green hills, where we will pass stunning waterfalls and breath-taking landscapes. Once we arrive, we'll delve into the heart of the region's famous tea culture. We'll start with a visit to a local tea plantation, where you can stroll through the neatly manicured rows of tea bushes and learn about the intricate process of growing tea. Next, we'll tour a tea factory to witness the journey from leaf to cup, seeing how the fresh leaves are processed into the world-renowned Ceylon tea.
A delicious lunch at a local restaurant is included, where you can enjoy traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and a selection of refreshing drinks.
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Enjoy a final morning at leisure before joining your hosts and fellow travelers for a farewell lunch. Afterward, we will make our way to the stadium for the final T20I.
3rd T20I – Sri Lanka vs England at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium (Start time: 19:30)
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Transfer to Colombo in time for your departure flight.
Our hand-picked luxury accommodation
At Black Opal, we know our clients want the very best accommodation to accompany their luxury sports travel experience. That’s why we endeavour to secure the very best accommodation available within convenient proximity to your chosen event. Our recommendations are below, but should you wish to stay elsewhere simply give us a call on 0330 041 4888 or contact us online.
