5 of the best sporty attractions
To celebrate the Olympic Games, discover some top sporty spots around the world
To celebrate the Olympic Games, discover some top sporty spots around the world
1. Olympism, France
Home to the world-famous Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, the most-visited museum in the world is hosting a timely exhibition this summer. Olympism focuses on the first modern Olympic Games, showing how the original Greek games were recreated in 1896, including the founders, famous artworks and iconography.
It also features the Bréal’s Cup, the first Olympic trophy, which was created by a French silversmith and presented to the winner of the marathon, a race devised for the reinvented games.
Book it: Cruise excursions provider Venture Ashore offers a private guided half-day tour of the Louvre from £166 per person for up to six people. Entry to the Olympism exhibition costs €22, until September 16.
ventureashore.com
2. Adelaide Oval, Australia
The renowned Adelaide Oval has hosted cricket legends from around the globe. Visitors can go behind the scenes with a guided stadium tour to see restricted areas including the changing rooms and a 100-year-old scoreboard, with insider information on the history of the stadium, cricket and the sporting icons who played here.
Other commissionable tours include a VIP visit to the Bradman Collection, which houses memorabilia owned by legendary batsman Sir Donald Bradman.
Book it: The 1.5-hour Adelaide Oval Stadium Tour starts from £14; the in-depth Legends Tour, including the private Bradman Collection, costs from £149.
culturalattractionsofaustralia.com
3. 3-2-1 Sports Museum, Qatar
Paris isn’t the only place to learn about the Olympics: the 3-2-1 Qatar Sports Museum has exhibits on history, famous athletes and more. Its seven galleries take visitors on a journey through a global history of sports, the Olympic Games and the region’s racing, football and horse-riding heritage.
There’s also the Hall of Athletes, featuring more than 90 famous faces, plus a temporary exhibition about football icon Zinédine Zidane.
Book it: Gold Medal can include tickets to the 3-2-1 Qatar Sports Museum in its packages, with entry from about £10.50.
goldmedal.co.uk
4. Barça Stadium Tour, Spain
Football fanatics will be right at home at FC Barcelona, where visitors can do either a guided or self-guided visit to explore the club’s new museum. Stroll through exhibits on the club’s heritage, players and past victories, with trophies, jerseys and other memorabilia on display. They’ll also stop at Spotify Camp Nou Live, a 360-degree immersive sound and light show that transports visitors to the centre of the stadium.
Book it: Tickets start from £34 for self-guided tours and £46 for guided tours.
dosomethingdifferent.com
5. Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi
Thrill-seekers can satisfy their need for speed at Ferrari World on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Inspired by all things Ferrari and Formula One, families can enjoy more than 40 rides, shows and simulators, racing around on the Fiorano GT Challenge coaster in a Ferrari F430 Spider, immersive mega-coaster Mission Ferrari and the zero-gravity Turbo Track.
Children will also be entertained with miniature racing cars at the Junior Grand Prix or a recreation of Italy’s most famous sights in a pint-sized Ferrari. There’s also a 290-metre go-karting track, family zone, restaurants and two official Ferrari stores.
Book it: Admission starts from around £83.
attractionworld.com