Sports Travel Experience Designed Especially for Maryland United FC Soccer in Manchester & Scotland July 27 - August 5, 2018 ITINERARY OVERVIEW DAY 1 DEPARTURE FROM BALTIMORE DAY 2 ARRIVE MANCHESTER AREA (4 NIGHTS) DAY 3 TRAINING SESSION & ATTEND A PROFESSIONAL MATCH DAY 4 LIVERPOOL & FIRST INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY DAY 5 MANCHESTER & SECOND INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY DAY 6 MANCHESTER - CENTRAL SCOTLAND (4 NIGHTS) DAY 7 EDINBURGH & THIRD INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY DAY 8 TRAINING SESSION & GLASGOW DAY 9 STIRLING & FOURTH INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY DAY 10 DEPARTURE FROM EDINBURGH OR GLASGOW
ITINERARY Soccer is home to England where 'association rules football' was first drawn up amongst public school teams. The sport has become the passion of England, which boasts the Premier League, the most famous soccer league in the world, which includes renowned teams like Manchester United, Arsenal FC, and Liverpool FC. Scottish soccer dates back to 1872 and is home to the famous "Old Firm" rivalry between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C. The first ever international soccer match took place at Hamilton Crescent Park in Patrick, where England and Scotland drew even at 0-0. Educational Tour/Visit Cultural Experience Festival/Performance/Workshop Tour Services Recreational Activity LEAP Enrichment Match/Training Session DAY 1 Friday, 27 July 2018 Relax and enjoy our scheduled flight to Manchester. DAY 2 Saturday, 28 July 2018 Our 24-hour Tour Director will meet us at the airport and remain with us until our final airport departure. We will have use of a private coach and driver, while touring for the next eight days. Manchester is a major city in the northwest of England with a rich heritage. Even now much of the city's layout is the result of its days as an industrial powerhouse. Beyond even that the city can trace its roots even further to its original foundation as a Roman fortress town. MANCHESTER CITY TOUR Enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing in Manchester. Sights to see include the Central Library (inspired by the Pantheon in Rome), the Royal Exchange Theatre, the Curry Mile, Manchester Art Gallery, Heaton Park, Manchester Cathedral, People's History Museum, and much more. NATIONAL FOOTBALL MUSEUM Drama, history, skill, art, style, faith, passion. Football! Experience the world's greatest sport at the National Football Museum. Whether you're a football fanatic or just enjoying the great city of Manchester, you are certain to enjoy your visit to the world's biggest and best football museum. In addition to being a museum, this is also the Hall of Fame for English Football. Meet the greatest players, managers and teams in the English game. This is where new Hall of Fame members are inducted every year. For the first four nights, our base will be in the Manchester area. Breakfast and dinner (or lunch based on soccer schedule) will be included at the hotel. We begin with a welcome meeting and orientation. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the area around the hotel. TRAINING SESSION We will participate in a Training Session at a local field. The training session will be led by your own coaching staff and are designed to prepare the team for upcoming friendly matches. (Training sessions may be in the morning, afternoon or evening and will be determined by the final hotel location, field availability, and the schedule of activities for the day). DAY 3 Sunday, 29 July 2018 TRAINING SESSION We will participate in a Training Session at a local field. The training session will be led by your own coaching staff and are designed to prepare the team for upcoming friendly matches. (Training sessions may be in the morning, afternoon or evening and will be determined by the final hotel location, field availability, and the schedule of activities for the day). 1
DAY 3 Sunday, 29 July 2018 ATTEND A PROFESSIONAL MATCH We will attend a professional soccer match featuring teams from the top leagues. Seeing the top talent in the world in person would itself be an unforgettable experience, but add the passionate crowds signing, cheering and chanting and you will enter an atmosphere that can only be understood through personal experience. An engaging and entertaining atmosphere, along with incredible skill will make attending a match a highlight of any program. (Excel Programs will secure tickets for the group after time of booking and upon release of the official schedule. Due to scheduling your final itinerary may need to adjusted to accommodate attending a match). DAY 4 Monday, 30 July 2018 Today we travel to nearby Liverpool. Liverpool is a historic maritime city in northwest England, where the River Mersey meets the Irish Sea. A key trade and migration port from the 18th to the early 20th centuries, it's also, famously, the hometown of The Beatles. Ferries cruise the waterfront, where the iconic shipping and mercantile buildings known as the "Three Graces" stand on the Pier Head. LIVERPOOL CITY TOUR Experience a brief introductory Liverpool City Tour on our own private bus. We will view many of Liverpool's most important and distinctive landmarks and attractions, including Anfield and a few sights associated with Liverpool?s most famous residents, The Beatles. ALBERT DOCK Explore Albert Dock. Built of brick stone, and cast iron, this showpiece development on Liverpool s waterfront opened in 1846, saw a long period of decline and has now been extensively renovated and refurbished. In addition to countless shops and restaurants, the area is home to the Merseyside Maritime Museum, the Museum of Liverpool Life, the Beatles Story and the Tate Gallery. FRIENDLY MATCH We will play a Friendly Match against a local club, academy or school team. The team will meet and compete against athletes of similar ages and skill levels, and have the opportunity to make friends for life. (The teams you will play will be selected after time of booking and will be based on the specific skill level and requirements of your team. We have contacts at every level and take great pride in finding the perfect fit for each friendly match). DAY 5 Tuesday, 31 July 2018 OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM TOUR Take a guided tour and go behind the scenes at Old Trafford, home of the world's largest soccer club Manchester United. During our tour we will see the stadium (The Theatre of Dreams) through the eyes of Manchester United greats themselves and the millions of passionate fans from around the globe. We will also have the opportunity to view historical memorabilia at the Manchester United Museum. We will have some free time for shopping and exploration. FRIENDLY MATCH We will play a Friendly Match against a local club, academy or school team. The team will meet and compete against athletes of similar ages and skill levels, and have the opportunity to make friends for life. (The teams you will play will be selected after time of booking and will be based on the specific skill level and requirements of your team. We have contacts at every level and take great pride in finding the perfect fit for each friendly match). 2
DAY 6 Wednesday, 01 August 2018 Today we will travel from the Manchester area to central Scotland. En route, we will enjoy a scenic drive. We will stop around the border and have some free time for shopping and exploration. Lunch will be by the group's own arrangement and cost. Central Scotland will be our base for the final four nights. Breakfast and dinner (or lunch) will be included at the hotel. (Central Scotland may include the Glasgow, Edinburgh or Stirling areas) TRAINING SESSION We will participate in a Training Session at a local field. The training session will be led by your own coaching staff and are designed to prepare the team for upcoming friendly matches. (Training sessions may be in the morning, afternoon or evening and will be determined by the final hotel location, field availability, and the schedule of activities for the day). DAY 7 Thursday, 02 August 2018 Today we travel into Edinburgh. Edinburgh is widely regarded as one of Europe' s most attractive cities, due primarily to its impressive medieval and Georgian districts and surrounding Lothian Hills. It is as famous for the arts as it is for its long and turbulent history. Both the Old and New towns are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. EDINBURGH CITY TOUR Enjoy an introductory Edinburgh city tour on our own private bus. We will view many of Edinburgh's most important and distinctive landmarks and attractions, including the magnificent Royal Mile. EDINBURGH CASTLE Visit Edinburgh Castle, a place filled with history, legend and lore. Our visit will include St. Margaret's Chapel, the State Apartments, the Great Hall and the Crown Chamber, which houses the Honours of Scotland (Scottish Crown Jewels). Free time to spend at your leisure shopping or exploring the city. FRIENDLY MATCH We will play a Friendly Match against a local club, academy or school team. The team will meet and compete against athletes of similar ages and skill levels, and have the opportunity to make friends for life. (The teams you will play will be selected after time of booking and will be based on the specific skill level and requirements of your team. We have contacts at every level and take great pride in finding the perfect fit for each friendly match). DAY 8 Friday, 03 August 2018 TRAINING SESSION We will participate in a Training Session at a local field. The training session will be led by your own coaching staff and are designed to prepare the team for upcoming friendly matches. (Training sessions may be in the morning, afternoon or evening and will be determined by the final hotel location, field availability, and the schedule of activities for the day). Take an excursion into Glasgow. 3
DAY 8 Friday, 03 August 2018 Glasgow was named European Capital of Culture in 1990, something that might surprise many who do not know the city outside of its industrial reputation. It is the largest city in Scotland and the second largest in Britain; it is also filled with unique medieval and Victorian architecture, incredible art, traditional music and a well-respected university. It has been revitalized in recent years and is now a modern city ready to be explored. GLASGOW CITY TOUR Enjoy a brief introductory Glasgow city tour on our own private bus. We will view many of Glasgow?s most important and distinctive landmarks and attractions, including George?s Square, Glasgow Cathedral, and Glasgow University. CELTIC PARK Visit Celtic Park, the perfect place to learn all about the colorful history and heritage of Celtic Football Club from its inception in 1888. Experience first-hand, Celtic's heritage and culture that has made the club famous and renowned the world over. Take a guided tour of the stadium as well as taking a trip through the history of the club through our various informative and impressive exhibitions. (Please note dressing room access on the day before a match may be restricted depending on first team activity at the stadium). We will have some free time for shopping and exploration. DAY 9 Saturday, 04 August 2018 Today we will travel to Stirling. The medieval town of Stirling grew up around one of Scotland s most important fortresses and the Old Town is still surrounded by its original 16th century walls. The town served as the backdrop for one of William Wallace s 13th century battles and continued to be of strategic importance in the Jacobite uprisings. STIRLING CASTLE Explore Stirling Castle, which dates from the Middle Ages and was an important seat of two kings; James IV and James V. View the Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, presenting an excellent exhibit of colors, pipe banners, and regimental silver. From the castle there is a wonderful view of the Wallace Monument. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city of Stirling. FRIENDLY MATCH We will play a Friendly Match against a local club, academy or school team. The team will meet and compete against athletes of similar ages and skill levels, and have the opportunity to make friends for life. (The teams you will play will be selected after time of booking and will be based on the specific skill level and requirements of your team. We have contacts at every level and take great pride in finding the perfect fit for each friendly match). DAY 10 Sunday, 05 August 2018 Our rewarding and enjoyable tour comes to an end as our Tour Director accompanies us to the airport on our final day. 4
TOTAL PER PERSON TOUR COST BASED ON NUMBER OF FULL-PAYING PARTICIPANTS Maryland United FC Full Paying Free Place Price In USD (Subject to final airfare confirmation) Participants Entitlement Maryland United: Manchester/Scotland 2018 Price: $3,395 This proposal is valid until Wednesday, 27 September 2017 and this tour 35 1 3,250 cannot be operated in its present format with fewer than 10 30 1 3,299 participants. 25 1 3,349 Price based on EZ 20 Pay minimum Option travelers Enroll by 09/27/2017 and make 8 payments of $381.13 every 30 days by automatic deduction from your bank account. The final payment of the series will be deducted no later than 45 days before travel. **Based on the bolded pricing ratio from above. Tour Prices Guaranteed at Time of Enrollment! Our Price Guarantee: Once you have accepted this proposal, the dates have been confirmed and WorldStrides online registration portal (or equivalent paperwork) has been made available for your group's tour, the prices shown for the relevant group size level(s) will not change, regardless of any subsequent rate fluctuations (for example, on visits to attractions, airline fuel/taxes or currency movements on overseas programs). What is Included: Round trip airfare with a major carrier on scheduled flights and guaranteed dates All airport taxes and fuel surcharges (which will not change after time of enrollment for any participant) Accommodation in three star hotels in twin or triple rooms with private facilities guaranteed throughout Full breakfast daily at the hotel Lunch or dinner daily (determined by the final sporting arrangements) A full-time WorldStrides Excel Sports Tour Director to accompany your group 24 hours a day from arrival to departure Transportation by private coach for airport transfers, friendly games and sightseeing (where and when required) All excursions, cultural activities and (several pre-booked) admissions as per your itinerary All sporting arrangements, including matches, training sessions or clinics (as per the itinerary) One pro soccer ticket (subject to travel dates and scheduled) Three free college credits for all high school students (option for each participant & post trip course work is required) Basic health insurance while on tour (including medical treatment on tour up to $7,500) and $50,000 of coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation USTOA Extensive Consumer Protection up to $1,000,000 in coverage for advance deposits through our USTOA membership Manchester United Raffle fundraiser Industry leading Professional Liability Insurance of $50,000,000 in coverage, which extends to certain individuals acting on behalf of Excel Sports as Coaches and Chaperones One free place in a single room throughout the tour This Does Not Include: Any items not mentioned above or in the detailed itinerary Single rooms for adults (will be available at a supplement of $50 per night) Third daily meal or beverages with meals Laundry services on tour Public transport pass in capital or major cities Visas (if required) Tips and gratuities for the guide and driver Any fees that might be imposed by the airlines at the airport for checked baggage Any costs for the hire of, or transport of, equipment or gear Travel insurance - We offer and always recommend our Trip Mate travel insurance policy to all participants. This comprehensive policy includes health, property and cancellation coverage at a cost of $149 5
6
7
8