It’s never too early to start planning an unforgettable international field hockey tour! Victory Sports Tours can plan the adventure of a lifetime where your love for field hockey seamlessly intertwines with the exploration of diverse cultures, captivating landscapes, and unparalleled experiences. From Spain’s vibrant cityscapes, to Ireland’s enchanting scenery, to the top-tier competition in the Netherlands, here are three premier European destinations for field hockey travel next year:
Contact Victory Sports Tours for an International Tour Proposal for your team by clicking here!
1. Spain: Rich Culture, Rising Field Hockey Passion
Profile:
A diverse and vibrant country in southwestern Europe, Spain has a population that exceeds 47 million. From the bustling cities of Madrid and Barcelona to historical treasures like the Roman Aqueduct near Tarragona, Spain’s rich history is shaped by Roman and Moorish influences. Over recent years, Spain has seen a rise in the popularity of field hockey, with both men’s and women’s teams participating in international tournaments. This dynamic blend of history, culture, and sports makes Spain a captivating destination for international sports travel.
Things To Do:
- Barcelona City Tour – Explore one of Spain’s most well-known cities, where you will encounter famous landmarks and attractions such as the Montjuic Mountain’s Olympic facilities from the 1992 summer games, the Cathedral and Placa del Rei, two historic landmarks in the charming Barri Gòtic, or “Gothic Quarter,” and the La Rambla pedestrian boulevard adorned with local shops and cafés.
- Montserrat Mountain Tour – Visit the 4,000 ft. high Montserrat Mountain located approx. 30 miles northwest of Barcelona. Marvel at strange rock formations and spectacular views that can reach all the way to the Pyrenees Mountains and even the island of Mallorca off the Spanish coast. Visit the Royal Basilica where you will see “The Black Virgin” 12th-century wooden sculpture of Mary and the infant Jesus, which is the patron saint of Catalonia province. See the ancient Benedictine Montserrat Monastery dating back about 1,000 years and check out the Montserrat Museum with excellent works by some of the most famous artists, including El Greco, Monet, Degas, and Picasso.
- Tarragona & Sitges Tour – Immerse yourself in the ancient city, Tarragona and beachside community of Sitges. Just beyond Tarragona, marvel at the towering 700-foot long and 100-foot high Roman Aqueduct that dates back to the 1st century B.C., yet still stands in nearly perfect condition today. Take the Archaeological Walkway into the historic old quarter and stop at the beautiful medieval Cathedral. Walk to the Roman Forum and Roman Circus and take in beautiful views of the sea from the Roman Amphitheater. Continue to the seaside town of Sitges for time on the beach, shopping or relax in one of the many cafés in the town.
- Museo del Prado Tour – Visit Madrid, Spain’s capital, and most populous city, and explore one of the world’s most premier art museums. Approximately 1,300 of El Prado’s 20,000+ works are available for viewing (the rest are in storage or on loan to other museums). Many of the best-known pieces of Spain’s and Europe’s most famous artists, such as El Greco, Diego Velázquez, and Francisco Goya are displayed here, often with entire rooms dedicated to one artist.
2. Ireland: Green Landscapes And Field Hockey History
Profile:
Known as the Emerald Isle for its lush landscapes, Ireland is a captivating island nation located in Northwestern Europe. With a population of around 4.9 million people, Ireland is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and stunning natural beauty. For more than 125 years, field hockey has been played by women in Ireland. The establishment of the Irish Ladies’ Hockey Union in 1894 marked the world’s first national organization for the sport, with the inaugural international match held in Dublin two years later. From the vibrant streets of Dublin to the serene countryside, Ireland offers a diverse experience for all visitors.
Things To Do:
- Dublin Sightseeing Tour – Visit Dublin, the capital of Ireland, where you can view the iconic Dublin Castle, with its high defensive walls and signature Bedford and Record Towers. Wander through Trinity College, featuring beautiful grounds and landmark buildings that evoke Dublin’s past. Experience the charm of Temple Bar, with its tight medieval street pattern typified by narrow cobblestone roads, known as the city’s “Cultural Quarter” for the many cultural and arts institutions based there. Finally, stroll through St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin’s renowned 22-acre park adorned with lush green landscapes and surrounded by buildings that showcase the elegant Georgian-style architecture popular in the late-18th and early-19th century Britain.
- Guinness Storehouse – Tour the brewery of the legendary “black” beer that is identified with Ireland as much as pubs, shamrocks, lush green rolling hills, and Gaelic songs. Enter the massive seven-story storehouse tower shaped like a pint of Guinness and enjoy an entertaining and interactive multimedia show telling the story of the classic brew as you make your way up the stunning central atrium to the Gravity Bar at the “head” of the beer-like building. Take in the view of the sprawling 65-acre St. James’s Gate Brewery and top off your visit with a pint of the famous beer.
- Blarney Castle – In Cork, Ireland, you will find one of Ireland’s iconic sights, the Blarney Castle, where you will have an opportunity to literally bend-over-backwards to kiss the Blarney Stone and be blessed with the gift of gab! Nearby, wander through 17th-century alleyways and enjoy the city’s many pubs, cafés, restaurants, and shops.
- Ring of Kerry Tour – Tour the colorful 110-mile long circuit around the Iveragh Peninsula known as the Ring of Kerry. The road winds along the rugged coastline past unspoiled beaches, offshore islands, mountains, medieval ruins, and villages with pubs featuring traditional music.
3. Netherlands: Field Hockey Haven and Timeless Charm
Profile:
With its picturesque landscapes, bustling cities, and rich history, the Netherlands stands as a captivating European destination. Home to tulip-filled fields, iconic windmills, and charming canals, this country offers a blend of historic charm and modern appeal. Amidst its cultural treasures, the Netherlands has distinguished itself as a field hockey haven. A powerhouse in the international field hockey world, the Netherlands excels in both men’s and women’s competitions, with numerous victories in prestigious tournaments like the FIH Pro League and the Olympic Games, making it the ultimate destination for both exploration and sports appeal.
Things To Do:
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise – Visit Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, and enjoy a Boat Tour of Amsterdam’s canals starting from the Centraal Station where you will radiate out past many of the city’s engaging attractions and charming neighborhoods.
- Anne Frank House – Tour one of Amsterdam’s most compelling attractions, the Anne Frank House, home of the young Jewish girl who kept the famous diary during World War II while she and her family were hidden from the Germans.
- Kinderdijk Windmills & Gouda – Explore one of the most famous Dutch tourist sites, the Kinderdijk Windmills, dating back to the 18th-century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. This collection of 19 windmills is the largest concentration of old windmills in the Netherlands. Afterward, explore the nearby city of Gouda, renowned globally for its famous Gouda cheese. Gouda’s central location made it an important trading center with many statues, monuments, and stately homes built by merchants as testimony to its significant past.
- Utrecht – Wander around Utrecht, the Netherlands’ fourth largest city with a population of 300,000, and the religious center of the country since the eighth century with both catholic and protestant church leadership having an important presence. Utrecht’s city center dates back over 1,000 years with many of its buildings and structures being from the early Middle Ages, the most prominent of which is the Dom Tower, part of the Dom Church, rising about 370 feet over neighboring streets and buildings. Utrecht is also home to one of the early landmarks of modern architecture, the 1924 Rietveld Schröder House, which is on UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites.
Contact Victory Sports Tours for an International Tour Proposal for your team by clicking here!