Crusaders preparing to Conquer Scotland

posted on 13 February 2012

Holy Cross Crusaders, a girls U18 Rugby team from Holy Cross Secondary Catholic School from Kingston, Ontario arrive in Scotland on March 8th ahead of a 10-day tour.

Their itinerary is exciting, we cannot wait to see it unfold. Great fixtures, fantastic activity filled days out, top-class coaching and superb accommodation all combine to make this the best 10-days a Rugby team can have in Scotland!

DAY ONE

• Following your flight to Scotland, you will be welcomed at Edinburgh Airport by your tour representative who will take you to your team-bus ahead of the short journey to the accommodation in Edinburgh City Centre.
• Throughout the tour, your tour-rep will be at your service to ensure you have a smooth and successful tour. For recommendations, advice and assistance, he is your man.
• Following some free time to rest and settle in, we will make the short journey to Edinburgh Academicals RFC, the venue of the first Calcutta Cup match between Scotland and England, for a training session.
• For all the training sessions during the tour, you will be provided with the club's training equipment and have access to the changing facilities.
• This evening, dinner will be booked at the fantastic La Favorita Italian Restaurant.
• Evening at leisure in Edinburgh.

DAY TWO

• Full Scottish Breakfast
• This morning, we will make the 1 hour journey south to the picturesque town of Melrose in the Scottish Borders.
• You will visit Greenyards, the ancient home of Melrose RFC and the original home of Rugby Sevens. You will be met by a club historian who will tell you the tale of when local butcher Ned Haig had the idea of a Rugby Sevens tournament to raise money for the Rugby Club.
• After the visit to Greenyards, you will have some free time in Melrose for lunch.
• Early this afternoon, your team-bus will take you to Selkirk RFC ahead of your first tour match against a representative team from England's most northern county.
• NORTHUMBERLAND RUGBY U18 Vs HOLY CROSS CRUSADERS
• Post Match Reception & Ceremony
• This evening, Ireland will play Scotland in the 6 Nations, you are invited to stay and watch the match with your opposition.
• Return to Edinburgh

DAY THREE

• Full Scottish Breakfast
• Make the short walk to St Mary's Cathedral ahead of Mass this morning.
• This afternoon, your team-bus will take you across town to Murrayfield Wanderers RFC ahead of a training session with two-time Celtic League top-try scorer Tim Visser.
• Tim will put you through your paces this afternoon with a fantastic skills clinic.
• If there are any aspects of your team game you would like to concentrate, the clinic can be changed to reflect this.
• Return to Edinburgh
• This evening, your tour-rep will escort you to the Royal Mile where you will be met by a guide who will lead you on a dark and mysterious tour around the Edinburgh Old Town. A spooky way to get to know the city!

DAY FOUR

• Full Scottish Breakfast
• This morning, we will transfer to Murrayfield Stadium ahead of a tour of one of World Rugby's most famous venues.
• During the visit, you will go pitchside, visit the changing rooms, the Royal Box and the Press Room before you are let loose in the Scottish Rugby Shop.
• Return to Edinburgh for some free time to prepare for this evenings match.
• Transfer to Murrayfield Wanderers RFC for your second game. Murrayfield Wanderers U18 are one of the strongest teams in Scotland, so you will need to be prepared for a tough match.
• MURRAYFIELD WANDERERS RFC Vs HOLY CROSS CRUSADERS
• Post-Match Reception & Ceremony
• Return to Accommodation

DAY FIVE

• Full Scottish Breakfast
• Pack your bags, check-out of the Hostel and board the coach ahead of the journey to St Andrews.
• After arrival at The Jigger Inn, the world famous pub on the St Andrews Golf Course, you will be taken on a tour of the home of golf that will take you to the iconic Swilcan Bridge, the 1^st Tee, the 18^th Green, the British Golf Museum & the Old Course Hotel. Following the tour, souvenir shopping at the Links Shop will be followed by a traditional lunch at the Jigger Inn.
• You will then spend some free time exploring the charming town of St Andrews, which of course was the home to Will and Kate during their University years.
• Late this afternoon, we will make the stunning drive to Oban. The route will take us through the southern highlands. Make sure your cameras are fully charged!
• Following arrival in Oban, we will check in at the accommodation before having some free time to rest and settle in.
• Dinner this evening will be served at the Hostel Restaurant.
• Evening at leisure in Oban.

DAY SIX

• Full Scottish Breakfast
• You will be met at the Hostel this morning by a team of activity leaders who will kit you out in wetsuits ahead of your day scrambling up the gorges near Oban.
• This fantastic activity will have you climbing up river valleys, sliding down ravines and getting to know the stunning countryside while getting extremely wet!
• Participants urged to wear 'Old-Shoes' suitable for an outdoor activity. Although Wet-suits are provided, participants urged to wear t-shirt underneath. Please ensure Eye-Glasses are secured with string. Guides will carry a secure bag for all medication.
• Return to the Hostel for a warm-shower before having some free time to explore.
• This evening, Dinner will be reserved at the wonderful Cuan Mor Restaurant located on the Esplanade in Oban. The Restaurant enjoys great views across the harbour and out to Sea.
• We have arranged a special two-course menu for you to enjoy this evening.

DAY SEVEN

• Full Scottish Breakfast
• Pack your bags, check-out of the Hostel and load the coach ahead of the journey to Stirling this afternoon.
• Before we leave though, your tour rep will escort you to the Oban Distillery ahead of a tour of one of the finest Whisky Producers in Scotland.
• During the tour, you will learn about the distilling process, the ingredients, the history and tradition of Whisky before you are offered a taste of some of the distillery produce. Opportunities to buy and sample further whisky as well as picking up some souvenirs for home.
• Board the coach ahead of the journey to Stirling.
• We will take the scenic route along the mountainous shores of Loch Lomond, stopping for an hour in Balloch for lunch before continuing onto the ancient capital of Scotland.
• Following check-in at Stirling, the team will be taken to Stirling County RFC for a training session ahead of the upcoming match
• Return to Stirling for an evening at leisure

DAY EIGHT

• Full Scottish Breakfast
• This morning we will make the short journey to an activity centre in the nearby countryside.
• Following arrival, your group will be split into small teams before you compete in your very own Highland Games competition. Highlights include Tug o' War, Toss the Cabre, Welly Throwin and Heave the Ben.
• After the games, you will be treated to a Hog Roast banquet.
• This afternoon, you will be joined by two Pipers who will give you a crash course in Scottish Dancing as you enjoy your own Ceilidh and learn how to play the bagpipes.
• Return to Stirling
• Evening at leisure

DAY NINE

• Full Scottish Breakfast
• This morning, we will visit the Wallace Monument, a fantastic historical look back at Scottish history in the time of Braveheart himself.
• Following the visit, we will make the 1 hour journey to Cumnock for your final match. Your opposition this afternoon will be made up of players from the clubs in Glasgow and the Scottish borders.
• CUMNOCK RFC Vs HOLY CROSS CRUSADERS
• Post-Match Reception & Hospitality
• Return to Stirling

DAY TEN

• Full Scottish Breakfast
• Pack your bags, check-out of the Hotel and board the coach ahead of your journey to Glasgow Airport ahead of your flight home.

 

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