Spice up your Summer with the Iberian Invitational

Wind through alleyways of medieval cobblestoned streets dotted with tapas bars and gothic cathedrals, or climb elevation to enjoy the mountain top experience of Montjuïc.  Barcelona has a language, character and history unique to the rest of Spain.  Among the many sights to be seen within the city are the architectural works of Antoni Gaudí, most notably the still unfinished cathedral of La Segrada Família, the whimsical outdoor sculpture gallery of Park Güell and the dreamy dragon house of Casa Batlló.

To put it simply, Barcelona is pulsing with art, culture and tradition. And there’s no better time to visit than the summer. 

So when BIP received an invitation to bring a volleyball team from the US to compete in Barcelona’s biggest volleyball tournament of the summer, we simply couldn’t say no.  We’re excited to announce that Brooke Rundle will be taking a under 19-year-old selection team to compete against international teams from over 11 different countries in the 3rd Annual Barcelona Cup on June 23rd to the 26th, 2016. 

After 3 days of tournament play combined with epic sightseeing and ample beach time on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the team will travel to Portugal’s volleyball capital.  

Renowned for its vast, sun-kissed beaches and wonderful selection of seafood restaurants, Espinho is a popular holiday town in Aveiro province that has developed a reputation as a fantastic venue for the SWATCH-FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour over the past 10 years. – The FIVB

Espinho is literally known as Portugal’s volleyball capital. Home to Sporting Clube de Espinho and Associação Académica de Espinho. The city has played host to several FIVB world beach volleyball tournaments in the past decade as well. The beaches are a popular summer destination for Portuguese surfers, volleyball players and nature lovers.

The 5th Annual AMB Volleyball Cup will return to Espinho on June 27 – July 2. During the course of the tournament, the team will be get to experience an opening ceremony hosted by the Municipality of Espinho and All Star Game featuring some of the best volleyball players in Portuguese History.  The team will day-trip to Porto a beautifully preserved city filled with historic gems and natural wonders such as the Porto Cathedral, the baroque Torre dos Clérigos bell tower, and our favorite – the enchanting Livraria Lello bookshop which is said to be J.K Rowling’s inspiration to Hogwarts in Harry Potter.

On the Iberian Invitational summer tour, you’ll definitely get your fix of Latin culture, beach time and culinary delights.  Check out the trip details below and contact us today if you are interested in attending, or have players that might want to gain international playing experience in Spain and Portugal this summer.