A WORLD OF
SPORTS Flick through the pages of this brochure and you’ll discover that Spectate Sports Travel tours and holidays can take you to every corner of the globe; from South Africa to Sri Lanka, Arizona to Adelaide… 01 CRICKET Here at Spectate Sports Travel we always look forward to the ECB announcing the next exciting destination as we follow the highs and lows of England cricket. We select the best hotel and travel options, and although most of our packages are set, we’re always able to tailor a tour to suit a client’s specific needs.
02 FOOTBALL Working closely with our suppliers across the globe we bring our clients an array of football holidays; from weekend city breaks in Barcelona and Munich, to longer travel packages in South America. Guaranteed match tickets and accommodation options tailored to each budget make our football travel experiences extra special.
04 MOTORSPORTS With the entire F1 race calendar at our fingertips, as well as the Moto GP Tours, Indy 500 and Nascar, we can organise a personally tailored, fully inclusive package to be a spectator at the world’s finest motorsport meets. From general admission to private hospitality, we’ll tailor your tour to suit your budget.
05 GOLF Join us state-side for the US Masters in April or the US Open in June, or how about new favourite, the Phoenix Open in Arizona? Fancy getting up close and personal with some of the world’s finest golfers? We can tailor a trip to watch the Ryder Cup, and even include a few holes at a nearby course for you too.
06 TENNIS Whether it’s following Britain’s best on clay, grass or hard courts, or simply taking in a Masters game as part of a wider holiday, speak to our expert team to arrange prime tennis viewing at the world’s best tournaments as part of your complete travel package.
07 OTHER SPORTS 03 RUGBY If you fancy staying closer to home to visit one of the Six Nations, or heading east to Hong Kong for the 7’s, the excitement and unrivalled atmosphere of the beautiful game of rugby creates some of the highlights of our sporting calendar. Our team can update you on forthcoming fixtures and tours.
Spectate Sports Travel has partnerships across the globe within the travel industry and can create a package to almost any sporting event. Our friendly staff are on hand to assist with one of our bespoke sports packages to suit your sporting travel requirements.
01 \ CRICKET
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ricket is our first love and over the years the highs and lows of following England abroad to stunning destinations such as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Caribbean have been experienced in unmatched style by Spectate Sports Travel clients. From a compact 7-night holiday for one Test to a fabulous six week touring itinerary, from good quality 3-star to luxurious 5-star accommodation, and from grandstand seating to private hospitality boxes; we have a holiday to suit every cricket lover.
West Indies, Caribbean
Sri Lanka
March 2017
October 2018
Cricket and the Caribbean go together like the heyday pairing of Greenidge and Haynes, and after 20 years of taking our clients to the islands to enjoy this fine sport, we’re well versed in creating exceptional holidays combining both. In Antigua and Barbados, cricket goes far beyond sport; it’s a part of life, weaving a vibrant strand through the islands’ rich shared heritage. Only for cricket are individual island rivalries forgotten, as proud islanders unite under one flag; that of the West Indies cricket team.
The ‘teardrop’ of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a world of rich colour, astounding beauty and delightful contrasts. Within a relatively short time, you can travel from sweeping beaches to fascinating ancient cities, or from a tropical safari park to the cooler climates of a tea plantation. Sri Lanka is a cricket-obsessed nation; but away from the gentleman’s game our tours will also be taking in some of her other national treasures, such as exploring the famed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha!
The Ashes, Australia
West Indies
November 2017 - January 2018
April 2019
Join Spectate Sports Travel in Australia for the Ashes 2017-2018, where England will be playing five Ashes Test Matches, five One-Day International’s and three T20’s. The confirmed Ashes Test Match locations will be Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Our guests can celebrate Christmas in Melbourne, New Year’s Eve in Sydney or experience the diverse surroundings of Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth; all on the other side of the world from the English Winter.
England will return to the West Indies in April – May 2019 for a series of 3 Test Matches, 5 ODI’s & 1 x T20. As experts in Caribbean cricket travel you can expect our suggested itineraries to include plenty to enjoy in and around the islands, as well as fantastic seating at the stadiums.
New Zealand
Broaden your horizons by exploring the full range of African experiences available on a Spectate cricket tour. South Africa’s “world in one country” offers dramatic scenery, beaches, golf, safaris, the magnificent city of Cape Town and excellent food and wine, while beyond her borders lie intriguing neighbours such as Zambia, Kenya, Namibia and Botswana. Newlands, with its amazing view of Table Mountain, is always a highlight.
February 2018 The breath-taking North and South Islands of New Zealand offer distinctly different yet equally beautiful landscapes and experiences. Auckland is known for its shops, galleries and stylish restaurants. Beyond the cities, superb golf courses and world-renowned wineries await you, while Rotorua and Taupo offer thermal springs and insight into Maori culture. The stunning South Island is famed for its spectacular alpine scenery, with its charming “Garden City” of Christchurch spreading over parks and leafy avenues around the river Avon. All this makes for an excellent excuse to visit the country on a cricket tour, with plenty to ‘wow’ you away from the grounds.
South Africa December 2019 - January 2020
New Zealand March 2020 England return to New Zealand in March – April 2020, where they will play two Test Matches, three ODI’s and one Twenty20. Definitely a fixture to put in your diary.
Contact your local Travel Specialist for more information. Prices are available upon request.
02 \ FOOTBALL
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ootball is one of our main passions here at Spectate and we have a large array of weekend breaks available across Europe and tours to South America to watch the finest fixtures. The European sides have great appeal across the globe and cities like Barcelona, Munich and Paris are fantastic destinations to combine a city break with a sporting event. All of our weekend football breaks consist of a full travel package and guaranteed match tickets. We work closely with a number of suppliers across the globe and can always offer a range of ticketing options to suit each client’s personal requirements and budget.
Dortmund
Madrid
In recent years, Borussia Dortmund have become one of the major forces in world football and have arguably the best support on the planet. The 80,000 seater Westfalenstadion is a true fortress of European football, and the world famous Yellow Wall is a site every football fan must see in their lifetime; situated on the largest free-standing grandstand in Europe. The fans in this section are extremely passionate and the roar from the crowds is loud enough to make the ground shake! The vibrant and dynamic city of Dortmund is the largest in Westphalia, and visitors flock here throughout the year for its excellent shopping, beer and of course, football.
Madrid is arguably the most dominant city in world football right now, with Atletico and Real Madrid battling it out twice in the UEFA Champion’s League final in recent years. Real Madrid are recognised as the world’s most successful club, and have one of the largest fan bases in world sport. The 80,000 seater Santiago Bernabeu is the perfect stage for Real’s Galacticos, and is one of the iconic stadiums in world football. Madrid itself is one of Spain’s finest cities, where visitors flock every year for its stunning architecture, cultural attractions, extensive nightlife and world-class football.
Munich
Paris
Bayern Munich has been a global powerhouse in the football world for several decades, and their recent successes in Europe and domestically are all the more reason to visit! Germany’s most successful club play their games at the spectacular 75,000-seater Allianz Arena. Opened in 2005 ahead of the FIFA World Cup, the stadium is famous for its exterior plastic panels; the first stadium in the world with a full colour changing exterior. At night fixtures, the whole stadium appears red and is one of the most spectacular sights in European football. Stylishly contemporary and historically charming, Munich is the ideal destination for a weekend break. If the football won’t sway you, the endless range of Bavarian beers will!
PSG are considered to be a European footballing giant waiting to be born. Since being purchased by Qatar Sports Investment in 2011, PSG has been able to attract some of the world’s best players and has gone on to dominate French football in recent years. With this huge influx of cash and array of talent, it is only a matter of time until the only Parisian club will be challenging Europe’s elite. Paris city breaks are a recipe for enthrallment and inspiration, and to now be able to combine a Europe football game with one of the most historic, romantic and infectious cities in the world; well Paris really has it all for the ideal weekend sporting break.
Barcelona Visit the breath-taking Camp Nou and witness arguably the greatest football team on the planet. The Catalan giants are the most decorated club on the planet, winning a record number of La Liga titles and the Champions League some five times. Their fast paced, flowing football is world renowned and people travel around the world to catch a glimpse of their superstar players. The 100,000 seater Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe, and provides the ultimate stage for the greatest club in world football. Combine this with long stretches of sandy beaches, unrivalled Spanish nightlife and rich Catalonian culture in Barcelona and you have the recipe for the ultimate sporting weekend.
Berlin Visit the world renowned Olympiasadion and experience first-hand the unrivalled atmosphere of a live Bundesliga fixture. The original stadium was built for the 1936 Summer Olympics, before being renovated in 2004. The stadium currently holds 75,000 spectators and is one of the world’s most prestigious sporting venues, renowned for being home to the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final, as well as the 2015 UEFA Champions League Final. Berlin is one our most affordable weekend packages, and a place where you can enjoy everything from sweeping forests and gardens, to some of the liveliest, trendiest nightlife in Europe. Our Berlin weekend packages are not to be missed.
Contact your local Travel Specialist for more information. Prices are available upon request.
03 \ RUGBY
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hether its following your home nation in the 6 Nations, or travelling further afield to watch the ever growing Seven’s Series, Spectate will be able to assist with your rugby holiday. As one of our most popular spectator sports here at Spectate, we’re well placed to offer you a rugby trip that is made to measure. The 6 Nations tournament brings drama, excitement and unrivalled atmosphere every February/March and the HSBC International Seven’s Series has become increasingly popular in recent years, with the Hong Kong Seven’s being the pinnacle of the Series. We have an array of options available to rugby fans across the globe, and are happy to create bespoke tours to suit individual requirements.
6 Nations
Singapore Sevens
February – March*
April*
Whichever side you support, you’ll revel in the wonderful atmosphere of our rugby tours and holidays at the RBS 6 Six Nations. A traditional sporting highlight of early springtime, the fixture offers the chance to spend an indulgent weekend in one of Europe’s favourite cities: Dublin, Edinburgh, Paris, Rome... all are available for the ultimate sporting weekend city break with Spectate.
The Singapore Sevens returned to the World Sevens Series after a 10 year absence in 2016, and the fixture offered a unique and dynamic event to the Series. The brand new 55,000 seater National Stadium in Singapore plays hosts to the Series, being one of the biggest venues of the 10 events. A thriving and modern city, Singapore successfully blends traditional culture, exemplarily cuisine and competitive rugby, for the ultimate sporting break.
Las Vegas Sevens March/April* The Las Vegas Sevens is the premier rugby tournament in North America. For three days, the world’s best rugby players descend on Las Vegas for the ultimate rugby festival. In the stands and at events throughout the city, fans from all over the globe celebrate what can only be described as an international party that only rugby can deliver! One thing is for sure with Las Vegas, it will never let you down when it comes to new and exciting experiences.
Hong Kong Sevens April* The Hong Kong Sevens is renowned for being the premier and unmissable tournament of the World Rugby Sevens Series competition. During the tournament the whole city becomes submersed with rugby fever and there is a carnival atmosphere throughout the weekend. Fans from across the world travel annually to this event, creating an international congregation of likeminded rugby fans. On the field, the HK7’s never fails to deliver a fast-paced and actionpacked Series. A must for every rugby fan!
Dubai Sevens November/December* The Dubai Rugby Sevens is one of the most popular events on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. The 3-day event is based at the purpose-built and state of the art Sevens Stadium just 20 minutes from downtown Dubai, and the city opens the World Rugby Sevens Series every year. This means that the teams are always keen to get a head-start in the tournament at Dubai; so spectators can expect fast, frantic and entertaining rugby over the 3-day weekend!
Cape Town Sevens December* The inaugural Cape Town Sevens in 2015 was a resounding success, and if last year’s tournament was anything to go by, this event is one not to be missed! With Table Mountain at its heart, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The vibrant local fans offer a party atmosphere when the Sevens is in town, and the city itself boasts five of the most visited tourist attractions in South Africa.
Contact your local Travel Specialist for more information. Prices are available upon request.
*Annually
04 \ MOTORSPORTS
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pectate guests visited some 18 Grand Prix races in the last racing calendar, taking us from Austin Texas to the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia. All of our Formula One tours and packages include all travel arrangements alongside an array of ticketing options, from general admission to luxury hospitality such as Paddock Club. And not only do we offer F1, we can also arrange fully inclusive MotoGP, Indy 500 or Nascar holidays, to name a few.
Formula One
British Grand Prix
Monaco Grand Prix
One of the highlights of the British sporting calendar, the British Grand Prix is a ‘must’ for Formula One fans. Silverstone is recognised as one of the fastest circuits in the world and the action-packed racing schedule is teamed with first-class exhibitions, attractions and music to enhance the already exhilarating hometown experience. The track has everything one might expect for Grand Prix expertise at the wheel, ensuring a high speed spectacle for onlookers.
May* The pinnacle of the Formula One season, Monaco at Grand Prix time epitomises everything that’s great about F1 racing: speed, glamour, passion, noise and a hint of danger as the cars race through the streets of this luxurious city. The world’s most glamourous sporting event attracts an array of celebrities each year and you could be among them with Spectate. Monte Carlo is a highlight of the sporting season and has the celebration and style to back it up. Not one to be missed!
Spanish Grand Prix May* Barcelona has something to offer everyone and has fast become one of the top tourist destinations in Europe. Little wonder then that fans flock in their masses every May to the Circuit De Barcelona Cataluña for the Spanish Grand Prix. The Catalan circuit is also popular with the drivers as the track is used regularly for F1 testing sessions during the off-season, so the drivers and teams know its layout well which brings out the best in the competitors.
Hungarian Grand Prix July* The Hungarian Grand Prix is an intriguing race due to the particular importance of pole position and the tactical battles between drivers it produces. Renowned for providing minimal overtaking opportunities, The Hungaroring creates added pressure for the drivers, which in turn leads to an incredibly exciting atmosphere. The track’s location near to Budapest also allows the opportunity to explore this beautiful city, which is steeped in fascinating history.
July*
Singapore Grand Prix September* The original F1 night race! The Singapore Grand Prix is laid out on public roads in the spectacular Marina Bay, taking in some of the city’s most famous landmarks against a backdrop of the breath-taking Singapore skyline. The tight turns mean overtaking can be very tricky, testing the driver’s skill and concentration to the limit. With the race starting later than most on the F1 circuit, the party atmosphere is second to none and lasts long into the night.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix November* It’s hard to find a more spectacular setting for a Grand Prix than Yas Island on the eastern side of Abu Dhabi. It’s home to numerous 5-star hotels, the Ferrari Theme Park and the 5.55-kilometre (3.45-mile) Yas Marina Circuit, which is a suitably glamorous addition to the FIA Formula One World Championship. The track here has many unique touches, running alongside the island’s spectacular marina. With this being the final race on the F1 calendar, it always makes for a fantastic show.
MotoGP
INDY 500
March - November*
May*
The MotoGP season runs from March to November, with races held in some of the most fascinating cities on the globe from Qatar to Malaysia, and these destinations buzz with excitement when the MotoGP brigade comes to town. The season finale in Valencia has been a fans favourite for a number of years now, and the Malaysian Grand Prix is renowned for being one of the most affordable racing events of the MotoGP calendar.
The Indy 500 is better known as ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’. Held annually over Memorial Day weekend, the Indy 500 is one of the most prestigious events in the history of motor racing, and is part of the Triple Crown of motorsports, which comprises three of the biggest events in the motorsports calendar. The event is contested as part of the Verizon Indy Car Series, the top level of American Championship Car racing. Held in Indianapolis - considered to be the racing capital of the world - petrol heads flock to the city every year to witness this great event.
NASCAR February - November* NASCAR is one of the most high octane and entertaining sports in America. The season runs from February to November and Spectate Sports Travel can tailor a package to any event. The Daytona 500 is renowned as being one of the most prestigious events in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and we have a range of packages available for this event.
Le Mans 24 Hour June* Every June fans flock to Le Mans for the ultimate endurance race, the Le Mans 24 Hour. Spectate has a range of packages available, from camping to luxury chateaus; general admission to high-end hospitality…we have options to suit every petrol head!
Contact your local Travel Specialist for more information. Prices are available upon request.
*Annually
05 \ GOLF G
olf is considered to be one of the best spectator sports. Why? Because there is no other sport where you can get so up close and personal with the world’s best players. Standing just feet away from the best golfers, listening to them discuss their next shot or cracking jokes with their caddy is an experience you don’t get whilst watching from your armchair! Participation golf breaks As part of the ITC Luxury Travel Group, here at Spectate Sports Travel we are able to use our extensive portfolio of 5-star golf resorts and piece together the perfect golf break to suit any requirement. From La Manga in southern Spain, to Kiawah Island on the East Coast of the US, we have a package to suit any traveller.
Phoenix Open January* The last weekend of January each year, hundreds of thousands of rowdy golf fans flock to Scottsdale Arizona for what is known as the greatest show on grass – the Phoenix Open - renowned for its exuberant atmosphere, which brings the best out of the world’s best. The 16th hole is one of the most famous in modern golf: a Par-3 where thousands of barmy golf fans surround the green and tee awaiting to see if the next golfer can hold their nerve!
US Masters April* The US Masters is one of the most prestigious events on the sporting calendar and one of the four major championships in professional golf; played annually in the first week of April. Unlike other major championships, the Masters is always played at the same location, the pristine Augusta National Golf Club. This famed course contains features that are known around the world, such as Amen Corner, Raes Creek and Eisenhower Tower, and as such always brings out the best (and worst!) of the world’s elite players. The field of golfers is smaller than other major championships allowing you, the spectator, to closely witness the best of the best compete for the famed ‘green jacket’ and title of Masters Champion.
Ryder Cup September 2018 After a fantastic weekend at Hazeltine in September 2016, the famous trophy is back with America after their thumping 17-11 victory. Once the US celebrations (eventually) die down, it is time to look ahead to the 2018 Ryder Cup. For only the second time in its history the prestigious tournament will be held in mainland Europe at Le Golf National, situated just 20 miles south-west of Paris in the Haute Valley National Park near Versaille. At 7,315 yards, the course is shorter than Hazeltine but there’s a lot more water, which will ultimately mean a lot more drama! The action is set to take place from Friday 28th September until Sunday 30th September.
*Annually
06 \ TENNIS T
ennis is currently at one of its most exciting times, with some of the greatest ever players battling it out for that coveted number one position each year… and not to mention our own British Wimbledon champion in Andy Murray! The popularity for tennis has increased massively in recent years and Spectate Sports Travel has a variety of packages to the world’s best tournaments.
Wimbledon
Australian Open
Monte Carlo Masters
January*
June/July* Wimbledon is the world’s premier Grand Slam tennis tournament and remains the only championship tournament to be played on traditional grass courts. The prestigious event draws tennis enthusiasts, as well as the rich and famous, to SW19 to experience the thrill of the world’s greatest tennis players competing for the Wimbledon Crown. Spectate has a range of ticketing and hotel options throughout the tournament and can tailor a package to suit any requirements.
April*
The Australian Open marks the start of the tennis calendar, held annually over the last fortnight in January. It is the first of four Grand Slams in professional tennis and traditionally boasts large crowds and an incredible atmosphere. Set in the heart of Melbourne, it is the perfect setting for fans to enjoy the tennis whilst exploring a fascinating city.
The Monte Carlo Rolex Masters is the first of three ATP World Tour Masters in the exhausting tennis season. The tournament is a player and fan favourite due to its magnificent location overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and for its long tradition of champions. King of Clay Rafael Nadal has dominated here in recent years, winning nine out of the last 12 tournaments.
US Open
ATP World Tour Tennis Finals
September*
November*
The final Grand Slam of the year provides the ultimate finale for the ATP tour, a two week sporting extravaganza. Over the event, 700,000 fans will pass through the gates of the USTA Billie Jean King Centre to watch fast, frantic first-class tennis. Based in Queens, NYC, visitors can enjoy all that one of the world’s most dynamic cities has to offer, from the bright lights of Times Square to the leafy streets of Greenwich Village; each bite of the Big Apple will leave you hungry for more.
Since 2009, the ATP World Tour Tennis Finals have been held at the 02 arena in London, and the event has grown into one of the most anticipated events on the tennis calendar. The finale of the exhausting tennis season sees the world’s best eight single and double teams go head to head in what is always an exhilarating week of top-class tennis. The 02 arena has been the perfect host for the World Tour Finals, generating a party atmosphere that’s unique among tennis events.
Contact your local Travel Specialist for more information. Prices are available upon request.
*Annually
07 \ OTHER SPORTS
S
pectate Sports Travel has partnerships across the globe within the travel industry and can tailor a package to almost any sporting event. We are huge fans of US sports and regularly take clients to New York City to sample live NFL/MLB or NBA action. The Superbowl is considered to be the biggest sporting event on the planet and is an event we have run many packages to in recent years. The UFC has gained a much larger fan base here in the UK, and clients flock to Las Vegas to sample a ‘big fight’ weekend. British boxing is also currently enjoying one of its finest hours, and we are eagerly anticipating the announcement of a big Vegas fight for one of our own. Whether it’s NFL, boxing, UFC or the Indy 500, let us know your needs and our friendly staff will be on hand to assist with one of our bespoke sports packages to suit any sporting requirements.
All of our participation tours boast the following services: • 3 or 4* handpicked accommodation to suit the requirements of a sporting group • Return flights • Breakfast and evening meals • Ground transportation for full duration of itinerary • Professional training sessions with club coaches (B licence or above) • Field hire to conduct own training sessions
School and club tours If you’re planning a participation tour for your school or club, then look no further than Spectate. Our team has vast knowledge of the sports tour industry and has worked with several professional football clubs and prestigious schools across the globe in recent years. We can cater for any level, age or budget and have destinations throughout the world suitable for sporting tours. Being part of the ITC Luxury Travel Group, we are able to use the resources which 40 years of experience provides. With a team
of over 200+ staff throughout the UK, and favourable contracts with some of the biggest hotel chains and airlines, we are able to pass these savings back on to our clients, meaning our tours are of the highest quality yet also affordable and exceptional value. We tailor-make our tours specifically to meet our customers’ requirements. Contact us today and one of our experienced members of staff would be delighted to assist with your next sports tour.
• Friendly fixtures versus local opposition (tailored to your level) • Sightseeing excursions • Stadium tours • Match tickets to live sporting events • Full payment protection via ATOL and ABTA • A designated tour manager throughout the planning stages of your tour • Friendly and knowledgeable tour liaison officer on hand 24/7 throughout your tour
Horse Racing Abroad As with Spectate Sports Travel, our sister company Horse Racing Abroad (HRA) is a long-established, independent tour operator, renowned for its horse racing holidays, industry connections and insight into the racing world; allowing us to take you closer to the action than other companies can even dream about! Our extensive fixture list takes in the best flat and National Hunt meetings from across the globe, with the jewel in the crown being the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Our private Pavilion Grandstand at Longchamp is the envy of all; nobody else can offer reserved seating from such a prime position, the best racecourse catering, special betting facilities and English race commentaries. It’s no wonder that many famous faces from within the British and Irish racing fraternities are to be seen enjoying our facilities – it really is the only place to be! Other highlights include the Dubai World Cup, Breeders’ Cup, Deauville Festival and our exclusive Coolmore & The Irish Guineas tour. New to Horse Racing Abroad is The Norwegian Derby in Oslo and the Irish Champions Weekend, and completing the line-up is a wonderful trip to The Melbourne Cup. Contact your local Travel Specialist for more information. Prices are available upon request.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL SPECIALIST