What’s Booking Fast for Autumn 2026

And Why These Multisport Tours Work for Schools 

Planning your next school sports tour? Whether you’re chasing sunshine in South Africa or keeping things closer to home in Holland, the right destination can make all the difference. 

To ensure you are booking well in advance, autumn 2026 offers a world of choice for schools looking to inspire, challenge and unite their teams – across football, rugby, hockey, netball and cricket. 

At Edwin Doran, we’ve narrowed it down to the top three short-haul and top three long-haul multisport destinations that consistently deliver unforgettable experiences – plus a bonus mid-haul spotlight for schools after something a little different. 

Because great tours don’t just build better players – they build better people. 

Top 3 Long-Haul Multisport Tours for Autumn 2026 

1. South Africa – The Ultimate All-Rounder 

Sports: Rugby, Hockey, Netball, Football, Cricket 

Best for: Schools seeking strong fixtures, great hospitality, and meaningful experiences. 

There’s a reason South Africa sits at the top of so many schools’ wish lists. From the buzzing cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg to the game reserves and townships, teachers tell us it delivers the perfect balance of competitive sport, a vibrant culture, and experiences that stick with students long after they return home. 

Your students can: 

• Train and play against passionate local sides 

• Visit community foundations like VUSA or Langa Sports Club for meaningful engagement 

• Experience activities like Table Mountain hikes, safari drives, and Robben Island tours 

“Our tour of Cape Town was really well planned and the support we got on the ground from Will and Kevin (Edwin Doran in Cape Town) was exceptional and the best I have had in 28 years of running tours. I would highly recommend Edwin Doran, they were really good in listening to us in the planning stage and working together to create a brilliant experience for the pupils.” 

– St Paul’s School 

Why it works for teachers: You get a complete, fully supported experience – competitive fixtures, top-class facilities, and life lessons that go far beyond sport. 

2. Sri Lanka – Culture, Colour and Cricketing Spirit 

Sports: Cricket, Hockey, Netball, Football 

Best for: Teams seeking a warm welcome and rich cultural immersion with great value. 

Sri Lanka offers an unbeatable mix of sport and scenery. You can expect cricket nets by the ocean, hockey matches in historic Galle, and post-game evenings sampling delicious local curries. 

What makes Sri Lanka special is its hospitality – players and coaches alike often leave with lifelong friendships and a fresh perspective on teamwork and gratitude. 

Highlights: 

• Local coaching clinics and fixtures in Colombo and Kandy 

• Visits to tea plantations, temples and wildlife sanctuaries 

• Strong emphasis on community and connection 

Insider insight: “Sri Lanka offers great value, shorter flight times than other long-haul options, and a safe, structured itinerary your pupils will love.” 

-Toby Douglas, Head of Sales – Edwin Doran  

3. Malaysia – Modern Facilities, Cultural Diversity

Sports: Netball, Hockey, Football 

Best for: Schools wanting a well-balanced itinerary that combines quality sport and culture. 

Malaysia combines excellent facilities with cultural variety. Kuala Lumpur and Penang provide high-quality opposition and modern sporting venues, but what really stands out is how easily the whole trip runs.  

Top experiences: 

• Professional coaching at local sports academies 

• Visits to Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur Tower, or Penang’s historic old town 

• Warm-weather training and structured itineraries 

Why it works for teachers: Efficient logistics, great accommodation, and educational value both on and off the pitch. 

Top 3 Short-Haul Multisport Tours for Autumn 2026 

1. Portugal – Reliable Weather, Easy Logistics 

Sports: Football, Rugby 

Best for: Schools wanting easy logistics and great weather. 

Portugal is proving a favourite for teachers who want to make pre-season or early-term tours easy to run. From Lisbon to the Algarve, enjoy superb training grounds, competitive fixtures, and a relaxed pace perfect for team bonding. 

Insider tip: “Add in a stadium tour, beach recovery session or evening in the old town – all close by, and all easy to arrange.” 

-Beth Vermont, Operations Manager – Edwin Doran 

2. Holland – The European Classic 

Sports: Football, Hockey, Rugby, Cricket 

Best for: Schools who want variety, quality and a short journey 

Holland remains one of Europe’s best-loved tour destinations. With short travel times, strong opposition and excellent facilities, it’s ideal for first-time touring schools or mixed-sport groups. 

Highlights: 

• Play at some of Europe’s best club venues 

• Visit Amsterdam or The Hague for sightseeing 

• Enjoy a smooth, efficient itinerary designed for schools

“Fantastic, well organised trip which all the kids enjoyed especially the professional coaching session and excursions.” 

-Horsforth School 

3. Spain – Sun, Sport and Style 

Sports: Football, Hockey 

Best for: Schools wanting quality sport with flexible downtime options. 

Spain combines everything a teacher could wish for – sun, great food, and competitive sport. From the Costa Brava to Catalonia, fixtures are well-matched and downtime options are plentiful, from PortAventura Park to Barcelona’s famous landmarks. 

Smart planning: Simple logistics and a proven formula for both student engagement and staff convenience. 

Mid-Haul Spotlight: Dubai – Elite Facilities, Unforgettable Experience 

Sports: Netball, Football, Cricket 

Best for: Schools ready to take their sport up a level. 

Dubai has fast become a leading destination for school sports. With elite coaching, state-of-the-art venues and unique cultural experiences, it’s a destination that inspires both players and staff. 

Highlights: 

• Play or train at the world-famous Sevens Stadium 

• Relax at Aquaventure Waterpark or explore the desert dunes 

• Take part in the Elite Netball Dubai Cup 

Dubai is the perfect “in-between” – long-haul quality with shorter travel times. 

“Fantastic experience to tour with Edwin Doran. A quality service and exceptional tour to Dubai. Venues for the fixtures were incredible, all activities were enjoyed and the accommodation and food was great too. All questions and queries were dealt with and they allowed some flexibility in the itinerary whilst we were there to allow us to enjoy some extra time on the beaches, which were stunning too. Looking forward to planning our next tour with you guys and I’d recommend you without any hesitation. Thank you to all involved, we had the best time!”

-Stover School

Your Tour, Your Way 

Every school has different goals – whether it’s building confidence, strengthening a team, or giving pupils a new cultural perspective. The key is finding a destination that fits your students, your sport, and your schedule. 

With Edwin Doran, you get practical support at every stage – from fixtures and flights to safeguarding and logistics – so you can focus on what matters: giving your pupils an experience that changes how they see the world and themselves. 

“We always use Edwin Doran as the trips are always planned well, staff are extremely helpful and the boys have the trip of a lifetime.” 

– The John Fisher School 

Chosen your destination? Start planning your tour today with an online request or speak to the Edwin Doran team on 020 3617 7983