West Indies Cricket Tour 2008 - Premium Sport Tours

Earlier this year, Premium Sport Tours was part of the biggest individual movement of sporting fans in Australia's history. The event of course was the Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean and next year we're back there again for a Test Series against the West Indies. Once again we've come up with the most creative and imaginative itinerary, and naturally using the world's best airlines to get us to our destinations.

This will be a challenge for the new boys without the recently retired McGrath, Warne and Langer, and it presents the opportunity for the likes of Clarke, Johnson and Tait to stamp their own mark on international cricket, and perhaps rise to the levels of their predecessors.

However what doesn't change is the natural beauty and charm of the Caribbean. The laid-back attitude of the West Indians, the stunning beaches and scenery all contribute to make this possibly the world's best tourist destination, and the Test match islands of Antigua and Barbados, are arguably two of the best. The atmosphere of a West Indian test match, with the metal drums, the grilled chicken on the barbecue, and the colour and vibrancy add to the experience you will remember for the rest of your life.

The schedule has allowed us a longer break than usual between matches, so instead of just sitting on the beach for nine days, we've put together an itinerary which will thrill the most experienced of travelers to some of the most exotic places in the region. The famous beach resort of Montego Bay and of course Cuba and its capital, the world heritage listed Havana, the home of salsa, mojitos and cigars.

Then the other great cities we visit in transit, the pomp, ceremony, history and tradition of London, with the contrasting new world megacity of Dubai, set in the Arabian desert.

Saturday 24 May: Australia - London

Depart your capital city for your flight to London, via Dubai.

Sunday 25 May: London

On arrival we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel, the Thistle Marble Arch on Oxford St. and this evening we will all get together for a welcome drink and to meet our fellow travellers.

Monday 26 May: London

This morning we take a half day city tour to get our bearings in the city, then continue onto Lord's, for a guided tour of the home of cricket.

Tuesday 27 May: London

Today is a free day to further explore London at your own pace.

Wednesday 28 May: London - Antigua

This morning an early transfer to Gatwick for our flight to Antigua and on arrival, we transfer to our accommodation for the next 8 nights, the Halcyon Cove Resort on beautiful Dickenson Bay. Tonight we have a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Thursday 29 May: Antigua

Today we have a tour of the island, including the capital St John's, Jolly Harbour, Bethesda with an extended lunch time stop at English Harbour, taking in Nelson's Dockyard, Clarence House and Shirley Heights.

Friday 30 May: Antigua

First day of the Second Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Saturday 31 May: Antigua

Second day of the Second Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Sunday 01 June: Antigua

Third day of the Second Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Monday 02 June: Antigua

Fourth day of the Second Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Tuesday 03 June: Antigua

Fifth day of the Second Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Wednesday 04 June: Antigua

A free day for some shopping in St John's or possibly try some deep sea game fishing with the local fisherman.

Thursday 05 June: Antigua - Montego Bay

This morning we take our flight to Montego Bay via Kingston and a transfer to our hotel for the next 3 nights the Coyaba Beach Resort.

Friday 06 June: Montego Bay

This morning we undertake a tour of Ocho Rios and the surrounding area with lunch included.

Saturday 07 June: Montego Bay

Free day of leisure or optional sightseeing, or a round of golf.

Sunday 08 June: Montego Bay - Havana

An early transfer to the airport and our short flight to Havana. After checking into the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, and lunch we will undertake a tour of modern Havana, followed by dinner in a local restaurant.

Monday 09 June: Havana

This morning a walking tour of old Havana and after lunch, the Havana Club and Rum museum. This evening dinner is included as is a live show at the world renowned Tropicana Cabaret.

Tuesday 10 June: Havana

Today a tour of the Vinales Valley including a boat ride through the El Indio Caves, lunch at Pinar del Rio and a visit to a cigar and rum factory, before returning to Havana.

Wednesday 11 June: Havana - Barbados

Our transfer to the airport and flights to Bridgetown and a transfer to our south coast hotel Sea Breeze for the next 6 nights.

Thursday 12 June: Barbados

The first day of the Third Test at Kensington Oval.

Friday 13 June: Barbados

The second day of the Third Test at Kensington Oval.

Saturday 14 June: Barbados

The third day of the Third Test at Kensington Oval.

Sunday 15 June: Barbados

The fourth day of the Third Test at Kensington Oval.

Monday 16 June: Barbados

The fifth day of the Third Test at Kensington Oval.

Tonight we have our farewell party, not only to say farewell to the Caribbean, but also to newly made friendships that often last a lifetime.

Tuesday 17 June: Barbados - London

This morning we undertake a half day tour of the island, including East Coast Road, Bathsheba, Sam Lord's Castle, Oistins Fishing Village and Speightstown. This afternoon board our Virgin Atlantic flight back to London, and our connecting Emirates flight to Dubai.

Wednesday 18 June: Dubai

On arrival in Dubai, we transfer to our hotel the Royal Ascot for the next 3 nights.

Thursday 19 June: Dubai

This morning we take a tour of the city to get our bearings, with the afternoon at free for further sightseeing, or duty free shopping.

Friday 20 June: Dubai

This morning is free for further exploring and this afternoon we take a 4WD desert excursion and our barbeque and belly dancing extravaganza.

Saturday 21 June: Dubai - Australia

This morning we return to the airport for our flights home to Australia

Sunday 22 June: Australia

Arrive at your home city.

INCLUSIONS

- Return economy class flights with Emirates and all other airlines

- First class accommodation throughout the whole tour

- All breakfasts included daily

- Other meals and drinks as specified

- Touring and sightseeing as per the itinerary

- Reserved undercover seating to both Test matches

- The services of a cricket manager and experienced tour leader

- Travel kit including polo shirt and hat

EXCLUSIONS

- Airline and airport taxes and charges (invoiced separately on ticketing)

- Cuban airport taxes are payable in cash on departure (CUC 25.00)

- Items of a personal nature

- All other meals and drinks unless specified

- Passport and visa costs (required for Cuba)

- Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)

FLIGHT DETAILS

Please note that by flying via Europe, the actual flight times are longer, however traveling via USA can result in up to 6 separate connecting flights depending on routing, and the actual traveling time including transit stops, changes of terminals, waiting times etc, will mean the total traveling time spend at airports and in the air is actually shorter via Europe.

VISA DETAILS

Please note that Cuba is the only country where we need a visa. Details below.

Cuban Visa Information:

Cuban Visa Application Form: