| Spain connects Africa with the rest of Europe. The Strait of Gibraltar, a narrow waterway just a few miles wide, separates the two continents. The kingdom of Spain once ruled much of Europe, plus Central and South America. As you travel around Spain, you will find evidence of this glorious past everywhere. Spain, with its variety of landscapes, cultures and languages, is one of the world's top tourist destinations. Cosmopolitan cities, beach destinations and historical sites make Spain a perfect place for soccer teams to travel to. Stretching sun-drenched and untamed to the south of the wild and majestic Pyrenees, this passionate nation works a mysterious magic. Spain is littered with hundreds of glittering beaches; flamenco bailaors (dancers) swirl in flounces of color; and toreros (bullfighters) strut their stuff in the bullrings. Summer holidaymakers gather around great pans of steaming paella (at its best in Valencia) and pitchers of sangria. |  |
As of September 2011, the Spanish national basketball team is the reigning European champions and second in the FIBA World Rankings for men. At the 2006 FIBA World Championship, the Spanish team finally achieved the ultimate victory, the greatest success in the team's history. Spain won the gold medal game against the Greek national team. Current NBA stars such as Pau Gasol, Jorge Garbajosa, Rudy Fernandez, Serge Ibaka and Ricky Rubio have all repersented their native country of Spain in national competions.
Barcelona is Spain's most cosmopolitan city and one of the Mediterranean's busiest ports. Restaurants, bars and clubs are always packed, as is the seaside in summer. Barcelona has a dynamic and open personality so typical of Mediterranean cities. It is the perfect city to relax in, stroll around and enjoy. Barcelona’s warm, pleasant climate means that the locals spend a lot of time outdoors. The city’s location on the shores of the Mediterranean brings pleasant temperatures, allowing Barcelona to enjoy its 5km of perfectly equipped beaches all the year round, and a superb Olympic Marina which is ideal for lovers of water sports.
A cosmopolitan city, a business center, headquarters for the Public Administration, Government, Spanish Parliament and the home of the Spanish Royal Family, Madrid also plays a major role in both the banking and industrial sectors. The grand metropolis of Madrid can trace its origins to the times of Arab Emir Mohamed I (852-886), who ordered the construction of a fortress on the left bank of the Manzanares river. Later it became the subject of a dispute between the Christians and Arabs until it was conquered by Alonso VI in the 11th century. At the end of the 17th century, a defensive wall was built for the protection of the new outlying areas, tracing the roads of Segovia, Toledo and Valencia. During the 18th century, under the reign of Carlos III, the great arteries of the city were designed , such as the Paseo del Prado and Paseo las Acacias. Madrid is home of Real Madrid, one of the most famous soccer teams in the world.
Spain program highlights and sights:
- Play games vs. local Spanish teams
- Sightseeing in Barcelona and Madrid
- Visit seaside beaches in the Calella region close to Barcelona
- Day trip to sacred mountain of Montserrat
Tour Examples
Tour 8501
Spain – Barcelona
Day 1 Departure from the USA or Canada
Day 2 Arrival Barcelona, transfer to accommodation
Day 3 Bus or boat tour Tossa de Mar, evening game
Day 4 Visit the sacred mountain of Montserrat
Day 5 Visit to the botanical gardens in Lloret de Mar, evening game
Day 6 Morning optional practice, visit Barcelona, including the Gaudi buildings Casa Battlló and the Pedrera, Plaza Francesc Masia
Day 7 Additional sightseeing Barcelona, including the Nou Camp stadium, evening game
Day 8 Morning option practice, visit the city of Girona
Day 9 Transfer to Barcelona airport, return flight
Participant Prices:
Between US$1400-US$1500 per person March-April departure
Between US$1900-US$2000 per person June-August departure
Between CAD1600-CAD1700 per person March-April departure
Between CAD2100-CAD2200 per person June-August departure
Tour 8502
Spain – Barcelona and Madrid
Day 1 Departure from the USA or Canada
Day 2 Arrival Barcelona, transfer to accommodation
Day 3 Sightseeing Barcelona, evening game
Day 4 Morning optional field available for practice, day visit to the sacred mountain of Montserrat
Day 5 More sightseeing Barcelona including the Nou Camp stadium, evening game
Day 6 Transfer to Madrid
Day 7 Morning optional practice, sightseeing Madrid
Day 8 More sightseeing Madrid including visit to the Bernabéu, evening game
Day 9 Transfer to Madrid airport, return flight
Participant Prices:
Between US$1600-US$1700 per person March-April departure
Between US$1900-US$2000 per person June-August departure
Between CAD1800-CAD1900 per person March-April departure
Between CAD2100-CAD2200 per person June-August departure
Tour 8701
France/Nice and Spain/Barcelona
Day 1 Departure from the USA or Canada
Day 2 Arrival Nice, transfer to accommodation
Day 3 Tour Nice, evening game
Day 4 Morning optional practice, visit Cannes
Day 5 Day trip to Monaco, evening game
Day 6 Transfer to Barcelona
Day 7 Tour the Costa Brava near Barcelona, evening game
Day 8 Morning optional practice, visit to the sacred mountain of Montserrat
Day 9 Sightseeing Barcelona including visit to the Nou Camp stadium, evening game
Day 10 Transfer to Barcelona airport, return flight.
Participant Prices:
Between US$1800-US$1900 per person March-April departure
Between US$1900-US$2000 per person June-August departure
Between CAD2000-CAD2100 per person March-April departure
Between CAD2100-CAD2200 per person June-August departure