Project Description
FOOTBALL IN ENGLAND
SPORTS TOUR
THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOTBALL IN ENGLAND: THE PASSION AND HISTORY BEHIND THE BALL
This journey is an immersion into the history and passion of football in England, from its humble beginnings to the massive sport we know today. Get ready for a meticulously planned itinerary of the best football experiences in the iconic cities of London, Manchester, and Liverpool. We’ll explore the most iconic attractions such as Manchester United FC’s legendary stadium, Wembley football pitch (or ‘Cathedral of Football’), Liverpool FC’s headquarters and murals, and the stadiums of Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC and Manchester City FC. We will also enjoy unique experiences such as a technical tour of Tottenham Hotspur’s newly refurbished stadium, a matchday experience with Crystal Palace fans and the vengeful history of FC United of Manchester’s Red Rebels. We will learn about the history of this sport at the National Football Museum and on themed tours. To make your experience unforgettable, we will visit the best pubs and also learn about the craft beer brewing process in Liverpool.
Join us on this special journey full of excitement, camaraderie, and sporting spirit.
Would you like to experience the tradition and excitement of English football from the inside?
Welcome to England
DAY
1
ARRIVAL AND WELCOME TO LONDON
Our football adventure begins with a warm welcome at your arrival airport in the capital of the UK. From there a transfer by private transport will take us to our hotel. In the evening, we will visit the iconic O2 Arena, a renowned entertainment venue and one of the ten largest buildings in the world. There, we will take part in some exciting immersive games and as welcome complimentary dinner, enjoy exquisite food and drinks as we begin to feel the thrill of English football. Return to hotel and stay overnight.
DAY
2
MULTIFACETED LONDON: GUIDED TOUR ABOARD ICONIC TAXIS
After breakfast, we’ll begin our guided tour of the British capital’s must-sees and best-kept secrets aboard comfortable electric taxis with panoramic glass roofs. We’ll marvel at the majesty of Buckingham Palace and the historic Tower of London, then gaze at the Houses of Parliament and the iconic Big Ben, gawping at the serene beauty of the river Thames as it meanders past the London Eye. We stroll through the lush greenery of Hyde Park, marvel at the Gothic elegance of Westminster Abbey and the bustling atmosphere of Trafalgar Square.
When it comes to eating lunch, we will visit the historic George Inn, a 16th century pub. After lunch we will stroll through Borough Market, London’s oldest market. During our guided tour we will also discover the ancient Roman remains beneath the city, revealing a past that few have the opportunity to see. This tour offers a unique insight into the layers of history that make this city so rich. Transfer back to the hotel at the end of the tour and evening at your leisure.
DAY
3
LONDON: WEMBLEY STADIUM AND FOOTBALL HISTORY TOUR
After breakfast, our activity begins with a tour of the iconic Wembley Stadium, the ‘Cathedral of Football’. Amongst other attractions, we will explore the “The Walk of Legends”, where the footprints of the greatest players mark the history of this sport. Our tour includes a visit to the dressing rooms, the press room, and the majestic Royal Box, which captures the essence of the historic moments this stadium has witnessed. Following a delicious lunch in the restaurant overlooking the pitch, we will enjoy an exciting tour of the origins and most important events in English football aboard the iconic London taxis.
Our tour includes a visit to The Freemasons Tavern, where the rules of modern football were established in 1863. We will continue to Lancaster Gate, the home of the Football Association for over 70 years, where key decisions were made for the development of the sport. Our journey will then take us to Battersea Park, the site of the first match played under the rules of this association. We will also visit the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal. We will learn about the team’s history and achievements and visit the official shop. The final stop will be at Stamford Bridge,
where the spirit of Chelsea FC comes alive. To round off the day, we’ll be celebrating in a traditional English pub or alternatively we will return to hotel by private transfer. Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY
4
LONDON: A MATCH DAY WITH CRYSTAL PALACE FANS
After a delicious breakfast, the morning is yours to enjoy at your leisure. In the afternoon we’ll meet our host Hugh at Selhurst Park, home of Crystal Palace, where we’ll experience the excitement of a Premier League match day. As we make our way to the stadium, we’ll soak up the vibrant pre-match atmosphere. Before arriving, we’ll enjoy drinks at two local pubs packed with fans. First, we’ll visit the Victory Club and Pub, which is only open to season ticket holders and their guests. We will then visit another pub where we will have the opportunity to learn more about the rich history of Crystal Palace and its supporters. This will give us an insight into the camaraderie that unites Crystal Palace supporters. Once inside the stadium, we will enjoy the chants and share the excitement of the crowd from the exclusive premium lounge for Season ticket holders. At half-time we’ll enjoy a meal in the stadium lounge – we can’t guarantee the result, but it’ll certainly be an unforgettable evening! At the end of the event, we will get back to the hotel by private transfer.
DAY
5
LONDON:TECHNICAL TOUR OF THE IMPRESSIVE TOTTENHAM
HOTSPUR STADIUM
After breakfast we will set off on a fascinating day trip exploring Tottenham Hotspur stadium with an exclusive technical tour. This stadium, inaugurated in 2019, is the largest in London, and is considered an architectural gem. As well as being home to the famous Tottenham Hotspur FC, it is also the only permanent home of the NFL outside the United States. It is also a world-class concert venue, an impressive boxing arena, a rugby stadium and much more.
During our tour we will learn fascinating facts about the versatility of this unique stadium and discover many of its nooks and crannies. As well as walking around the pitch-side, we will descend beneath the famous retractable pitch and visit the “Sky Bridge”, a new walkway that offers breathtaking views of the stadium. Afterwards we will enjoy a delicious upscale lunch at the club and return to the hotel by private transfer. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the vibrant city of London. Stay overnight at the hotel.
DAY
6
MANCHESTER: TRANSFER AND VISIT TO MANCHESTER CITY’S EITHAD STADIUM
After breakfast we’ll depart from the hotel for our next stop, the vibrant and dynamic city of Manchester, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. In the afternoon, we will get into Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, where we´ll be able to interact with a ‘virtual’ Pep Guardiola in the press room, walk through the players’ glass tunnel, sit in the dugouts, and enjoy views of the stadium from the pitch. After checking into the hotel, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY
7
MANCHESTER: FOOTBALL HERITAGE TOUR AND VISIT TO THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL MUSEUM
After breakfast we´ll begin our guided tour of the iconic sites that preserve the city’s football heritage. The tour includes the places where football history was made, including the Royal Hotel, where the Football League was founded in April 1888. In the afternoon, we will head to the National Football Museum to explore the exciting
history of the world’s most famous sport. With our professional guide, we’ll explore a unique collection of exhibits that tell the story of football’s most iconic moments, from the first boots to the most coveted trophies.
We will wander through rooms filled with memorabilia and relive the historic moments that have defined the game over the years. We will also have the opportunity to learn more about the heroes of the past who have left an indelible mark on the history of the sport. After an afternoon of discovery, we will return to the hotel. Overnight stay.
DAY
8
MANCHESTER: TWO CLUBS; SAME ORIGIN, DIFFERENT DESTINATION
After breakfast we will visit Manchester United FC’s iconic Old Trafford stadium. We will have the most exclusive experience with a club legend who will guide us through the different facilities. We will walk through the tunnel to the pitch and feel the thrill that has marked so many of the memorable moments in this famous stadium. We will be
able to sit in the same seats as the players in the dressing room and learn more in the club’s museum, where the many trophies won over the years are on display, as well as the shirts of players past and present.
Afterwards, we will enjoy a first-class three-course meal at the club’s restaurant. Later, we will delve into the fascinating history of FC United of Manchester, an experience that invites us to reflect on different forms of football management and its links with the community. The team was founded in 2005 as a reaction to the takeover of Manchester United by foreign investors, and to what they saw as a loss of identity and connection with the local community. Founded and run by the fans themselves, their work goes beyond football. Together with a volunteer member, we will learn about the club’s origins and its commitment to social and community projects. This experience will allow us to reflect deeply on the nature of sport and its impact on society. Return to the hotel and evening at your leisure. Overnight stay.
DAY
9
THE CHARMS OF LIVERPOOL
Our Football tour in England would not be complete without a visit to the city of Liverpool, whose historical and cultural heritage makes it a must-see destination for exploring the intersection of football and culture in England.
On arrival we will have a full tour of Liverpool FC’s home ground, Anfield Stadium, built in 1884. Accompanied by an expert guide, we will see the conference room, the players’ tunnel, the manager’s dugout, and the dressing room. We will also visit the interactive museum where we will learn about the events of this team with over 130 years of history.
We will continue our tour by exploring the vibrant sports murals that adorn the streets of Liverpool, capturing the essence and unique identity of the city. After an exquisite local gastronomic experience, we will venture into the majestic cathedral to enjoy the panoramic views from the highest point in the city. We then visit the homes of two Beatles icons, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and delve into Liverpool’s rich musical and cultural tradition. We also visit the famous Penny Lane and Strawberry Field, immortalised in the songs of one of the world’s most famous bands. We will end the day with a visit to a brewery, where we will be introduced to the art of brewing and enjoy a beer tasting and a delicious dinner. Finally, we will relax in Liverpool’s oldest pub and toast the day’s experiences. Transfer back to the hotel and overnight stay.
We will end the day with a visit to a brewery, where we will be introduced to the art of brewing and enjoy a beer tasting and a delicious dinner. Finally, we will relax in Liverpool’s oldest pub and toast the day’s experiences. Transfer back to the hotel and overnight stay.
DAY
10
TRANSFER TO LONDON AIRPORT
After breakfast, we will get ready to leave our accommodation and head to the airport in London by private transfer. During the transfer, we will reflect on the emotions and lessons learnt, having gained a new perspective on the world of English football. Arrival at the airport and end of our travel arrangements.
