03 Jun 2016
Boasting some of the top national teams and most talented football players in the world, Europe is set to entertain at the 2016 UEFA Euro Championships which kicks off on Friday June 10 2016. If European Football Fever sparks a bad case of the travel bug, TTC (The Travel Corporation) has the answer, with hundreds of departures visiting 24 out of 25 qualifying European nations (all except Ukraine). Here are TTC's Euro 2016 group winner predictions, and tips on how you can explore the football nation for yourself.
Group A: France
With a strong home crowd behind them, we can't overlook host nation France to top Group A. The majestic country will be in the spotlight over the next month, hosting UEFA Euro matches in ten different stadiums; from Paris, Bordeaux to Nice. For those wishing to embark on a quintessential voyage of the host nation in pure luxury, Uniworld's 10-day river cruise from Paris to Bordeaux is sure to please. Experience the romance of Paris and then sail the Seine to Normandy to marvel at the magnificent Rouen Cathedral and tour the former smugglers' harbour in Honfleur. Follow in the footsteps of Monet at his beloved Giverny and Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise. Then travel via high speed train to beautiful Bordeaux (home to Stade de Bordeaux – set to host a number of group stage matches and Quarter Final 3) and delight in the countryside of southwest France.
Prices for the Uniworld (uniworld.com / 0808 281 1125) 15-day river cruise A Portrait of Majestic France start from £4,389 per person twin share and includes 14 nights of onboard accommodation in a riverview stateroom, all meals and unlimited beverages onboard, onshore excursions and all transfers on arrival and departure days.
Group B: England
Fly that Union Jack flag high – we're confident the young exciting England squad will show no fear and are set to progress past the group stage. Celebrate all things footie right here at home with Evan Evans' NEW Football Stadium & Historic London Pubs tour. Highlights include a guided tour of Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal FC, where fans can take a seat in the changing room, walk down the tunnel, sit in the dugout and imagine the roar of 60,000 fans. There is also an opportunity to visit the Stadium's unique museum packed with football memorabilia. The trip concludes with an insider's tour through the backstreets of London to discover three of the oldest pubs in London. Learn about the brewing process at the Craft Beer Co. and sample their beers; visit Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, one of London's oldest pubs; and experience the Sherlock Holmes pub – themed in the style of the legendary detective's study.
The tour with Evan Evans (evanevanstours.com / 020 7950 1777) costs £55 per adult*, and runs from 3pm-10pm, with departures from 19 May to 29 September. First class luxury motor coach travel and the services of a professional Tour Guide are included.
Group C: Germany
A powerhouse of European football, Germany has only once failed to qualify for the finals of either the UEFA European Championship or a FIFA World Cup that they have entered. The 2014 FIFA World Cup winners are expected to have plenty of chances to celebrate throughout Euro 2016 so why not continue the festivities yourself with a traditional German celebration at Oktoberfest. From humble beginnings as a royal wedding celebration, the 'Fest has become a party with enough beer, pork, merchandise and amusement park attractions to entertain festival goers for days. Travel with 18-35s youth travel expert, Contiki via comfortable coach from London to Munich. On arrival in Germany's beer capital, there's no thinking required, hostel transfers and itineraries are sorted – just have fun! The trip also includes a guided walking tour of Munich where travellers will see Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel, the Rathaus, Munich Residenz, Frauenkirche and Viktulienmarkt.
Prices for the Contiki (www.contiki.com / 0808 281 1120) 6-day Oktoberfest trip start from £419 and includes 4 nights of B&B hotel accommodation (+1 overnight coach trip), Contiki Oktoberfest Souvenir, experienced Trip Manager and Driver team, modern, air-conditioned coach transportation and sightseeing tours of all major cities.
Group D: Spain
UEFA Euro defending champs Spain are not to be discounted sure to be a force to be reckoned with in this year's competition. Following the excitement of the month long football championship, a 10-day easy pace journey across Spain with premium and luxury escorted tour experts Insight Vacations will be well deserved for footie fans. Relax and immerse yourself in three of Spain's most contrasting and cultural cities; vibrant Barcelona, idyllic San Sebastián and historic Madrid. Drive down the elegant Passeig de Gracia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture in Barcelona, admire the crescent-shaped La Concha Bay from the heights of Monte Igueldo in San Sebastián and enjoy a highlight visit to the palatial Prado Museum in Madrid, one of the world's greatest art galleries with works by El Greco, Velázquez, Goya.
Prices for the Insight Vacations (www.insightvacations.com / 0800 533 5620) NEW 10-day Easy Pace Spain trip start from £1,499 per person and includes 9 nights of first class B&B hotel accommodation, plus signature dining experiences, sightseeing, luxury coach transportation, VIP airport transfers and a dedicated Tour Director.
Group E: Italy
Italy is one of Europe's most successful nations in the FIFA World Cup, taking home four victories throughout the competition's history, so the squad is expected to make a big impact at Euro 2016. With an incredible 19 guided holiday itineraries in Italy to choose from (and 10 with 100% Guest Satisfaction Ratings), Trafalgar has something in Italy for every type of traveller. If it's a family holiday you're planning, the 10-day Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold itinerary from Rome to Venice includes fun family friendly activities such as a traditional pizza making demonstration in Rome, paint and decorate your own Venetian carnival masks in Venice and learn how to be a real-life Roman gladiator at Gladiator School!
Price for the Trafalgar (www.trafalgar.com/uk / 0800 533 5619) 10-day Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold trip start from £1,750 per person, and includes 9 nights of B&B accommodation, 5 additional meals (1 lunch and 4 dinners), airport transfers, sightseeing and the services of a professional Travel Director throughout. Children (aged 5-17) receive a young traveller discount of £170.
Group F: Portugal
The one and only Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid superstar and Captain of the Portuguese National team will keep competing European nations on their toes this year. Just off the back of a Champions League penalty shootout victory, Ronaldo will be determined to continue his 2016 winning streak. Experience the very best of Ronaldo's home country on this 11-day guided journey across Portugal with Trafalgar. Starting and ending in the capital Lisbon, this journey around Portugal brings together the beaches of the Algarve, the unique port wine of the Douro and multiple UNESCO World Heritage listed sites. Guests will enjoy a special Portuguese-style lunch at the oldest horse-raising stud in Portugal where they will also enjoy a performance from the Lusitanian horses.
Prices for the Trafalgar (trafalgar.com / 0800 533 5619) 11-day Best of Portugal trip start from £1,375 per person and includes 9 nights of B&B accommodation, 1 special Be My Guest Lunch and 5 dinners, sightseeing in all major cities, an expert Travel Director and airport transfers.
*This tour is not suitable for children under the ages of 16 years. Beer can only be served to adults aged 18 years or older. Drinks are not included at Cheshire Cheese and The Sherlock Holmes.
Images:
High res images can be downloaded from the Dropbox link here.