Here's how to register for travel packages ahead of Black Cats' European foray
You can register your interest to secure “exclusive early access” to travel packages
With Sunderland AFC having secured their first foray into European competition for 53 years, Hays Travel, which has its headquarters based in Keel Square, has announced it will be running special travel packages to help fans see the Black Cats take on some of the best teams on the continent.
Just over a week ago (May 24) SAFC beat Chelsea at the Stadium of Light to win a place in the Europa League, guaranteeing eight games in the UEFA competition - four at home and four away - potentially followed by further fixtures in the knock out stage of the competition.
Whilst some of the teams the Black Cats may play remains undecided, with preliminary rounds still to play for some clubs, an illustrious list of teams and glamourous destinations are already in the competition.
Some of destinations fans may be travelling to includes the French Riviera to play Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen on the banks of the Rhine, the San Siro Stadium, home of AC Milan, or Turin, to face Juventus.
If you are hoping for a bit of sunshine, then SAFC could also be heading to a number of Spanish teams who’ve already qualified for the competition including Real Sociedad in San Sebastián, or Celta Vigo in North West Spain.
To help ensure Black Cats fans get the best experience possible, Hays Trave has confirmed it will be offering escorted packages including dedicated flights, coaches, and accommodation.
Dame Irene Hays said: “We regularly charter dedicated escorted travel for our customers and have done so for sports fixtures before; including arranging flights and coaches to matches in Kiev, Monaco and Barcelona.
“At this early stage we cannot confirm travel and accommodation details, and there are obviously no tickets included in the packages. What we can confirm is that fans who pre-register with us will receive the information on flights and any other details as soon as dates and match destinations become available.”
Whilst Sunderland AFC will not find out their fixtures and travel destinations until the league phase draw on August 28, fans are able to register their interest on the Hays Travel website.
Registration ensures “exclusive early access and being the first to know about our European travel packages”.