Portugal 10 Day Soccer Tour Itinerary
Today we depart on our amazing opportunity to travel the world, compete internationally in soccer, and learn about Portuguese football. Sit back, get some rest and enjoy the in-flight service. Tomorrow we arrive in Lisbon, Portugal.
Upon our arrival we are welcomed by our Portuguese tour guide and take part in a driving orientation tour of Lisbon. The capital of Portugal, Lisbon (Lisboa in Portuguese) has experienced a renaissance in recent years, with a contemporary culture that is alive and thriving and making its mark in today’s Europe. Perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is one of the rare Western European cities that face the ocean and uses water as an element that defines the city. Lisbon enchants travelers with its white bleached limestone buildings, intimate alleyways, and an easy going charm that makes it a popular year round destination. Later this afternoon our team will take part in a training session on our own as we loosen up our legs and prepare for our upcoming friendly games.
This morning we have a training session with an expert Portuguese soccer coach from successful clubs like Sporting Lisbon and Benefica. Christiano Ronaldo started his career at Sporting and Benefica is annually one of the best teams in the Champions League tournament. Next we take a guided sightseeing tour of Lisbon. We visit the Belem neighborhood to see the magnificent Belem Tower that guards the mouth of the Tagus River and the Jeronimos Monastery which houses the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Continue to the Cristo Rei statue which is similar to the famous Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Take the optional elevator ride to the top for a breathtaking view of the city. Tonight we attend a Portuguese Premier League game to see some of the best soccer in the world (if available).
There will be some free time for rest or exploring on your own. In the late afternoon we will play against a top level Portuguese team. After the game we can take some time to talk with the opposing players and learn the culture of this nation and their thoughts on the beautiful game.
Game One vs. TBD
This morning we attend a training session of a professional soccer team (if available). We get an up and close look at the drills used, the pace of play, and how a pro player handles himself. We will also take a tour of Benefica’s Estadio da Luz (stadium of lights) where the 2014 UEFA Champions League final was played in May 2014. Finally we visit the Benefica Museum to learn the history of soccer in Portugal and of this very successful club. Use this knowledge that was gained in an afternoon game against a local Portuguese team. We will have the chance to bond with the players as we share a dinner and time together after the game.
Game Two vs. TBD
This morning we have another training session with an expert Portuguese soccer coach. Portugal is a top notch soccer country in terms of its FIFA ranking and for producing top level talent in players and coaches. Next we travel to historic Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will visit the Royal Palace that was used by Portuguese royalty until the 1910 Revolution. We will see the ruins of a castle built by the Moors in the 9th century. End the tour at the Pena Palace and Park. Along the park paths there have been over 2,000 species of different plants that have been identified.
This morning we travel from Lisbon to Porto (Oporto in Portuguese). Along the way we stop in Coimbra which is home of the oldest university in Europe. We will see the gilded Baroque library and free time in this city that is still known for its educational institutions. We continue to Porto where we will visit the stadium and museum of FC Porto. Many great players have spent time on the pitch for FC Porto and it continues to be one of the better clubs in Europe.
During the day you will have the opportunity to visit one of the fine beaches of the Porto area. Enjoy the sun and water but save some energy for the game this afternoon against a top level Portuguese team. Enjoy a dinner with the opposing team and time to bond.
Game Three vs. TBD
This morning we have our last training session with a Portuguese soccer coach. Soak up as much as possible to help you and your team in the upcoming season. Afterwards we take a tour of the city of Porto starting in the Ribeira. This historical area is a World Heritage site and home of the Port Wine Cellars. Continue to visits of the San Francisco Church and the Stock Exchange. Continue the walking tour and then transfer south to Lisbon for one last dinner and overnight stay in Portugal.
This morning we say “Adeus” to Portugal and transfer to the Lisbon airport to begin our journey home.
