You can now buy Lions ticket, travel and accommodation packages through the official travel company, with prices starting at £2,199.
The Lions are preparing to make their first pilgrimage to Australia for 12 years next summer and it is anticipated they will be followed by more than 50,000 fans for the games in Hong Kong and Down Under.
It doesn’t matter what fans want to see in Australia or what games they are desperate to be at, Lions Rugby Travel will make it possible with more than 60 official supporter packages.
With 15 months to go until the tour, this is the earliest opportunity Lions fans have had to book their tickets and travel arrangements.
Regarded as one of sport’s ultimate travel and supporter experiences, the Lions will attract an army of fans and it is anticipated the most popular tour option will be the three international Test matches against Australia in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, an 18-night adventure from June 18 to July 8 that will also include the chance to explore the Whitsunday Islands, Hunter Valley and Uluru, starting from £6,499 per person.
The range of official supporter travel packages include a host of exclusive benefits from access to official supporter villages on matchday, team training (in selected packages), on-tour special events, through to a complimentary Australian visa application service.
Lions tour manager Andy Irvine, one of the most famous players in Lions history, hailed the launch of official travel packages: “Fans can book now for a range of packages for a great tour experience of Australia through Lions Rugby Travel – our official travel company.
“The Lions will be followed by more fans than ever before in Australia and the variety of tour and travel options available will mean supporting the team will be possible like never before.”
Lions Rugby Travel has more than 60 package variations available (see below for details and prices of example packages) – from the complete tour, a fully escorted 40-night trip that includes the opening match against the Barbarians in Hong Kong, all three international matches against the Wallabies and six other provincial games, a three or two Test tour over 18 nights, or the international flight and ticket ‘Explorer’ package. There will be options to suit every Lions fan and Lions Rugby Travel have rounded up four of the most popular below.
1: Explorer Five Provincial games Tour – From £2,199 per person (16 nights, from June 1 to June 18, see the Lions play Western Force in Perth, Queensland Reds in Brisbane, Combined Country in Newcastle, New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney and ACT Brumbies in Canberra).
See the Lions build up to the Test series and beyond with a five provincial game ‘Explorer’ package. With the security of official match tickets and flights, this tour provides an authentic and truly memorable Australian experience with some top class rugby against the finest sides in Australia.
2: Escorted Three Test Tour with Melbourne Provincial – From £6,399 per person (18 nights, June 18 to July 8 2013, see the Lions take on Australia in Brisbane on Saturday June 22, in Melbourne on Saturday June 29 and in Sydney on Saturday July 6).
Without question the most popular tour option, a three-Test tour will be an undoubted hit with Lions fans. Not only will you see all three major Test matches against the Wallabies but you will also discover Australia on an 18-night experience to the heart of a great country. From Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, also soak up the stunning delights that include iconic Uluru, Phillip Island in Victoria, Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the stunning Hayman Island.
3: Escorted Full Tour (including Hong Kong) – From £13,999 per person (40 nights, May 28 to July 8, including all three Test matches and six provincial games).
The complete Lions experience. From the moment the team touches down in Hong Kong to the sound of the final whistle after the third Test in Sydney, you will be with them every step of the way. A 40-night extravaganza that will take in seven cities, 10 matches that include all three Test matches and six against Australia’s Super XV teams and a host of other great Australian hotspots that include the wine region Hunter Valley, the Gold Coast, Uluru, Canberra and Cairns on the ultimate Lions Tour of a lifetime.
4: Explorer Three Test Tour – From £3,399 per person (18 nights, June 18 to July 8 2013, see the Lions take on Australia in Brisbane on Saturday June 22, in Melbourne on Saturday June 29 and Sydney on Saturday July 6).
An ‘Explorer’ package is a great way to be part of the Lions experience that creates the flexibility to stay with family or friends. This package provides the security of official match tickets and international flights but also combines the freedom to explore Australia in the way that best suits your chosen style of tour.
All escorted ticket, travel and accommodation packages include the following:
- Return international economy class flights from London Heathrow to Australia (or Hong Kong)
- Return transfers from the airport to the hotel
- Accommodation on a twin/double share basis including breakfast (single room supplements apply)
- Internal travel between destinations
- Exclusive British & Irish Lions Official Merchandise Pack including official replica Lions Shirt
- Exclusive invite to the eve of Test match special events (Test match packages only)
- Official match tickets for the relevant games within the package
- Experienced representatives will be based in Australia supporting clients throughout the Tour
- Exclusive Access to the Lions Supporter Village (Test Match venues only)
- Access to team training (Full Tour packages and All Five Provincial)
All Explorer Package options include:
- Return international economy class flights from London Heathrow to Australia
- Exclusive British & Irish Lions Official Merchandise Pack including official replica Lions Shirt
- Exclusive Access to the Lions Supporter Village (Test Match venues only)
- Official match tickets for the relevant games within the package
For more information and for booking information visit www.lionstour.com or call 0844 788 4070
