School football tour to Spain

We offer School Football tours to Spain and recently had a school group embark on their annual football filled tour to the Costa Brava. The school group left Cardiff one sunny May Wednesday afternoon and headed for an evening crossing to Calais. Then an overnight journey all the way to their resort hotel in Lloret de Mar a short hour away from Barcelona.

Day 1

The first day in resort is usually spent unpacking and settling in before the evening meal. Then it's time to head out and take in the surrounding area with walk along the wide promenade, which is wonderfully lined with palm trees. From the high rocky headland the beach is overlooked by 11th century Castell de Sant Joan . The beautiful castle, has suffered many blows from sea over the centuries. To some extent it has been restored to its former glory however, only a few vestiges of the original fort can be seen are from the 11th century. It still makes an stunning sight from the beach and up close.

Day 2

After breakfast the school group sets off with packed lunch on a full day excursion to Barcelona. First stop which is for many the Mecca of football, the famous Nou Camp Stadium where they had a guided tour.

Nou Camp has been the home of La Liga club FC Barcelona since its completion in 1957, it is also home to the Catalan team and frequently used for other football events. This stadium is massive and has seating capacity of 99,354 (121.401 if you count with those standing) which makes it the stadium with the largest capacity in Spain and Europe, and the third largest football stadium in the world!

Our school group this year was lucky enough to be the last one to visit the stadium in its current form as its now closing for the next 3 years for remodeling and expansion to celebrate the stadium's fiftieth anniversary.

FC Barcelona Museum is a must while there, it's good one and attracts over 1.2 million visitors a year. Nou Camp Stadium is an exciting and interesting place to visit for all football enthusiasts young and old.

The rest of the day is spent at leisure in the ever vibrant city of Barcelona. Sights to be seen include a walk along Las Ramblas which is a lovely walk stretching 1.2 kilometres, connecting the Plaça de Catalunya in the city center with the Christopher Columbus Monument by the harbour. A definite must is a visit to the Gothic Quarter, an attractive part of the old city.

The day ends with a evening tour of Barcelona finishing at Montjuïc hill to enjoy the excellent views of Barcelona. From there you can look over all of Barcelona and its surroundings, the harbour and the Olympic park.

Day 3

The pupils are given the chance to relax and enjoy a quiet morning in resort. After lunch it's time to make way to Roses, a town located on the Costa Brava.

Roses stretches between mountains and the peaceful turquoise sea and has a variety of sandy beaches and lovely coves. Fun fact, the bay of Roses has been ranked one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Once a Greek colony the old historic town makes a perfect spot to wander and absorb and this is how the group enjoys the warm afternoon in this attractive traditional resort.

Later in the afternoon a friendly match is had with a local team at the Municipal Stadium in Roses.

What a wonderful experience, running out to the pitch under the bright Spanish sun while applauded by an eager audience. Out of three games played the group won 2! It's a tired and happy bus load of pupils and teachers that travels back to Lloret de Mar for a good night's rest, tomorrow is a new day filled with fun, excitement and adventure.

Day 4

Full day of splash and fun in Water World in Lloret de Mar, the waterpark is one of the most touristic areas of Spain with its unique attractions, thrilling rides, wave pools, The Speed Furious, speed Slides, hurricanes, and the fantastic soft tracks. There is something for both young and adult water and adventure seekers.

Day 5

Although no one ever seems to be ready to leave this is the day of departure, arriving back in Cardiff the following day after yet another fabulous trip to Barcelona.

Ole, ole, oleeee! Bravo Spain!

Julie and Wayne xx