Looking for Manchester: The King Comes Home
3 - 6 April, 2025
4 days
Manchester, England
Ready for a football weekend that’s pure gold? You’re off to Manchester, home of the most intense football rivalry in the world, hosted by the one and only Eric Cantona. This isn’t just a trip; it’s a chance to meet The King himself, dive into Manchester’s buzzing football culture, and live one of the biggest derbies on the planet—United vs City at Old Trafford.
It all kicks off with a masterclass with Cantona. Yes, THE Eric Cantona. From kung-fu kicks to trophy wins, you’ll hear the stories only he can tell. Bring your questions, but more importantly, bring your best banter—you’re talking to a man who’s as sharp off the pitch as he was on it.
And if you think it stops there, think again. We’re talking about singing the most famous Manchester United chants with Eric, and we’ll also create new chants and compete in small groups to see who writes the best song
Then, there’s the big one—the Manchester Derby. Red vs Blue. The passion, the tension, the roar of the crowd at Old Trafford. This is football at its most intense, and you’ll be right in the heart of it. The city will be buzzing, and you’ll be part of the action.
It’s Cantona, it’s Manchester, it’s football madness. What more could you ask for? Buckle up, this is going to be a weekend for the history books!
Trip highlights
Face to Face with the Legend
This isn’t just a meet-and-greet—it’s a full-on audience with The King! The one and only Eric Cantona is ready to hold court, and you’re invited. From his kung-fu kick madness to his genius moments on the pitch, Cantona is going to spill it all in a masterclass full of raw, unfiltered stories. Got a burning question about his temper or that famous chip goal? Ask away! Snap a pic with the King and leave with not just an autograph, but with bragging rights for life.
Fan Chant Workshop
Let’s meet King Eric at a true Red Devil spot, where we’ll have a lot of fun with the United ultras during a fan chant workshop. What does that mean? We’ll sing the most famous Manchester United chants with Eric, and we’ll also create new chants and compete in small groups to see who writes the best song. Who will make the final decision? Of course, the King! All of this will be accompanied by canapés and drinks while enjoying this unique venue.
Match Day
The Manchester Derby is more than a match; it’s a battle for the city’s soul. United vs City. Red vs Blue. One of football’s fiercest rivalries unfolds at Old Trafford, where the roar of 75,000 fans will leave you breathless. The stakes go beyond three points—it’s about pride, bragging rights, and domination. From the first whistle to the last, the tension is palpable. Ten Hag vs. Pep, Haaland vs. Rashford—heroes will rise, villains will fall, and Manchester will buzz with post-match debates long into the night. This is personal. This is the Derby.
Itinerary
- DAY 1
- DAY 2
- DAY 3
- DAY 4
Accommodation
Get ready to unwind at a stylish 4* hotel located in the heart of Manchester. Perfectly positioned for exploring the city’s rich football heritage and vibrant atmosphere, it’s the ideal base for an unforgettable experience with Eric Cantona!
Manchester isn’t just a city—it’s a ...
Get ready to unwind at a stylish 4* hotel located in the heart of Manchester. Perfectly positioned for exploring the city’s rich football heritage and vibrant atmosphere, it’s the ideal base for an unforgettable experience with Eric Cantona!
Manchester isn’t just a city—it’s a football obsession. Walk its streets, visit its pubs, and you’ll feel the energy of a place that lives and breathes the beautiful game. From the red of United to the blue of City, this town is a hotbed of football passion, where legends are made and rivalries are born.
Home to two of the world’s biggest clubs, Manchester’s history is rich with footballing triumphs and unforgettable moments. You can almost hear the echoes of crowd roars from Old Trafford and the Etihad, where some of the most iconic matches in the sport have been played. This whole city is steeped in football culture. You’ll find it in the pubs, in the streets, and in the hearts of the locals.
Package options
Legend Experiences Package
Your backstage pass to two unforgettable encounters with Eric Cantona: start with an intimate Q&A session with The King himself, where you can ask your best questions and get your jersey or ball signed. On Day 2, it’s your chance to join Eric in a fan chant competition — he’ll be judging his favorite.
Note: this option does not include accommodation, transfers or match tickets.
Legend Experiences + Match Tickets Package
Your backstage pass to two unforgettable encounters with Eric Cantona: start with an intimate Q&A session with The King himself, where you can ask your best questions and get your jersey or ball signed. On Day 2, it’s your chance to join Eric in a fan chant competition — he’ll be judging his favorite. Then, get ready for game day at Old Trafford on Day 3.
Note: this option does not include accommodation or transfers.
Full Experience Package (with Hotel)
This is the ULTIMATE Manchester matchday trip! Dive into Manchester’s football culture through Eric Cantona’s lens with an intimate Q&A with the King himself—your chance to get your ball or jersey signed. Then join Eric in a fan chant competition where he’ll be a judge, as well as guaranteed premium seats at the epic Manchester Derby with pre-game drinks with locals and pre-Q&A drinks and canapés, a stadium tour, and a surprise experience we’ve planned. All while staying at a stylish hotel in the heart of Manchester.
Note: This package includes accommodation and transport to activities.
Inclusions
What's Included
- Eric Cantona Experience #1: Q&A session and jersey signing with Eric Cantona (All packages)
- Eric Cantona Experience #2: Fan chant competition with Eric Cantona (All packages)
- Manchester United Experience #1: Tour of Old Trafford (Full Experience Package)
- Manchester United Experience #2: Seats at Man Utd vs. Man City (Full Experience Package & Legend Experiences + Match Ticket Package)
- 3 nights accommodation at a 4* hotel (Full Experience Package)
- Daily breakfast (Full Experience Package)
- Welcome cocktail and canapes on day 1 (All packages)
- English pub lunch (Full Experience Package)
- Transportation to/from all activities (Full Experience Package)
- Special gift (Full Experience Package)
What's Not Included
- Anything not listed in What’s Included
- Arrival and departure transportation to the destination (planes, trains, or car rentals)
- Tours, events, and activities outside those noted in the itinerary
- Food and drinks other than those specified in the itinerary
- Any food and drinks other than those noted in the itinerary
- Personal items and expenses
- Any additional services at the hotel (room service, phone calls, additional nights, etc.)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Airport transfers
Meet your Legend
ERIC CANTONA
There’s only one rebel, one King and that’s Eric Cantona — the man who made popping your collar a symbol of football dominance. When Cantona arrived at Manchester United in 1992, he didn’t just join the club, he transformed it. With swagger, audacity, and more than a bit of chaos, Cantona led United to four Premier League titles and two FA Cups in just five years. His chip against Sunderland, his jaw-dropping goals, and his savage spirit still give defenders nightmares.
But let’s be real — Cantona wasn’t just a player. He was a character. The kung-fu kick heard around the world? Iconic. The mysterious, philosophical one-liners? Pure gold. He was football’s ultimate anti-hero—the player who brought as much drama off the pitch as on it. Sir Alex Ferguson called him “the catalyst,” but fans simply called him The King.
Cantona wasn’t just a game-changer on the field, he was the heart and soul of United’s resurgence in the 90s. With every flick, every outrageous goal, and every stare-down with an opponent, Cantona made football art. He didn’t just win titles — he ruled Old Trafford with an iron will and a devilish grin.
And now, Cantona’s legacy goes beyond football. He’s an actor, an artist, and a living legend who’s still unapologetically himself. Whether it’s a pitch or a pub, when you’re in the presence of Eric, you’re in the presence of the King.
Amazing from start to finish!
After finding this ‘once in a lifetime’ experience for my husband’s birthday it was a no brainer! From the minute we booked, the team acknowledged and knew who we were, being on hand with any questions. Upon arriving in Marseille, the team welcomed us at the hotel and were extremely accommodating with our later than planned arrival! And from that moment onwards, they were approachable, friendly, helpful, fun and extremely clear in organising a group of 50+!
I wasn’t sure how we would find an itinerary based trip, usually deciding what we do each day when away, but honestly, we would do it again in a heartbeat. The planned activities were all 10/10, unforgettable experiences – and the amount of ‘free time’ you get inbetween to do your own thing and explore the area balances it all out.
The trip was surreal, an experience you wouldn’t ever dream possible (especially for my Husband, meeting and spending two days with his all time football hero!!).
Don’t even hesitate when considering booking, the memories you make and the people you meet are worth every penny!
Thank you again to Dharma and LookingFC for making my husband one happy man 😂🙌🏻 and for giving us the trip of a lifetime!
– Jess Southworth
Marseille. Cantona. Magnifique!
The Looking FC team managed to capture an exclusive, authentic and local football experience for travelers from all around the world. From learning about the culture in Marseille to the many activities with Eric Cantona, the trip went beyond my expectations!
-F Khan
A unique experience!
A unique experience! Meeting King Eric Cantona was incredible! Dharma, Looking FC and his wonderful crew made a dream come true! Lots of new friends coming from all over the world made this trip and my birthday something to remember for the rest of my life!
– Eric
FAQs
- WHEN DOES THIS TRIP START AND END?
- WHICH AIRPORT DO I FLY INTO?
- HOW DO I GET FROM AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL?
- WHAT ARE THE PASSPORT, VISA AND IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS?
- WHAT HAPPENS IF THE FOOTBALL GAME CHANGES DATE?
- WHAT CURRENCY SHOULD I BRING?
- I LIVE LOCALLY, CAN I BOOK A NO-ACCOMMODATION OPTION?
- IS THIS TRIP KID-FRIENDLY?
- WHY IS THE EXACT HOTEL NOT SPECIFIED YET?
- CAN THIS TRIP CATER TO SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS?
- WHAT PAYMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
- HOW DO I CHECK MY REMAINING BALANCE?
- IF I DECIDE TO CANCEL MY SPOT, WILL I GET A REFUND?
- CAN I COME TO THIS TRIP ALONE?
- WILL I GET ANY “FREE” TIME?
- I WANT TO SHARE A ROOM BUT I AM TRAVELING ALONE, DO YOU ASSIGN ME SOMEONE TO SHARE THE ROOM WITH?
- HOW DO YOU ASSIGN THE ROOMS?
- WHAT IS THE TRIP CANCELLATION POLICY?
- IS TRAVEL INSURANCE INCLUDED?
- WHO DO I REACH OUT TO IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
