There are few Christmas presents which can better a trip to see one of your favourite sporting events. It is rapidly approaching that time of the year once again and ITC Sports are offering the opportunity to treat a friend or loved one to one of our comprehensive choice of tours which are running in 2012. Whether you are a fan of Horse Racing, Formula 1, Cricket or Golf, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone. We have outlined below twelve of the bests options, one for each of the days of Christmas, created to suit all requirements.

1. There is no place better to start than with the tour to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2012 at Longchamp. Despite the race being run in October, preparations are well underway for the weekend and places can now be reserved. Due to the number of options available from day trips to three night stays, the perfect Christmas present will be easy to find.

2. Our Cricketer Tour to Sri Lanka encompasses both Test Matches between England and the hosts, and departs in March next year. With a number of different hotels and destinations on offer, this tour is one of the best ways to enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan experience. The will be a celebrity host in the form of Gladstone Small and a variety of events such as the excursion to the Pinewella Elephant Orphanage guarantee that it would be a Christmas present that would be remembered for years to come.

3. ITC sports have combined ODI cricket between England and Pakistan with the best golf in Dubai in creating what we think is a perfect short break. Scheduled for the 16-20th February, the package incorporates the 3rd ODI on the 18th which is sandwiched between a round of golf on both the famous Emirates’ Majlis Course and the Montgomerie Course. This would make an ideal present for cricket and golf lovers alike.

4. Another excellent option for a short break is to travel to watch England’s Rugby Team play in the Six Nations early next year. With England playing France in Paris, there is the option for rugby aficionados to enjoy a brilliant city break in the French. We are also running a complete tour to Rome, hosted by the celebrated Scott Hastings, for the match against Italy, a trip which promises to be a memorable weekend!

5. One of Horse Racing Abroad’s most popular tours is the annual trip to the Coolmore Stud and Irish Guineas in May. The three night tour is fully escorted by HRA representatives and includes luxurious accommodation. It would make an excellent gift for any racing enthusiast as the legendary Coolmore Stud is regarded as one of the most impressive in the world.

6. The Ryder Cup is one of the most famous sporting events in the world and in 2012 is coming to Chicago. ITC Sports have created a number of packages including either tickets or hospitality for the golf. With an atmosphere that is unrivalled, this unique event is not to be missed. A trip to Medinah would be the best Christmas present that any golf fan could hope to receive.

7. Continuing the golfing theme into the seventh option, we offer a number of brilliant playing packages including resorts such as La Manga Club in Spain and the world renowned Fancourt Links in South Africa. In addition, ITC Sports have teamed up with Pebble Beach Golf Resorts to offer a cracker or a package which includes three rounds of golf. The beauty of giving one of these packages as a Christmas present is that hopefully the recipient will choose you as their travelling companion for the trip.

8. Our tour to the Hong Kong Sevens rugby in March 2012 is a great option for those who want to experience the rugby however experience a cosmopolitan city at the same time. The tour will be hosted and escorted by Scott Hastings and will be an unforgettable trip!

9. The Croatia Regatta is set to be a great weekend, hosted by competent sailors for participants of all abilities. ITC Sports are offering entry into the regatta coupled with luxury accommodation in the nearby Palace Hotel. It will be the ultimate team building challenge for any corporate group however individual places on the yachts can also be reserved, making it an excellent gift for everyone.

10. The Dubai World Cup is known as the Race of Champions. For this reason there are few race meetings which offer such an impressive environment. Our package includes entrance to the Dubai World Cup Gala Dinner and will be escorted by HRA representatives. For brilliant racing in the sun there is arguably nowhere better!

11. The US Masters Golf is, for many, the ultimate event on the golfing calendar. The tournament is played at the prestigious Augusta National and for the regular golf fan has an aura of mystery. ITC Sports offer a wide range of packages for the event including the option to rent a private house within a mile of Augusta National. It would be, for many, the dream Christmas present.

12. We have left arguably the best option until last... The Monaco Grand Prix is considered to be one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world and the glitzy and glamorous surroundings create a magical atmosphere. We also offer a range of accommodation and hospitality options including the distinguished Hotel de Paris in Monaco and yacht and paddock club packages. The weekend is one of the sporting and social highlights of the year and is not to be missed!

If you book one of the above holidays as a Christmas present, through ITC Sports before the 23rd December, you will be entered into a prize draw to win a case of champagne!

The ITC Christmas Elves
Published: 1 December 2011