Experience Europe’s Finest Cities Via Post-Olympics Travel

10.05.2024 - 11:35 / forbes.com

The “City of Light” will be abuzz with activity from July 26 to August 11 as the Summer Olympics come to Paris. Officials estimate that 15 million visitors will attend The Games, along with the 10,500 athletes competing for glory.

For many people, The Games will serve as a starting point for an extended holiday with plans to travel throughout Europe after the Olympics conclude. Occurring only once every four years, this year’s Olympics present an ideal opportunity for people to experience Europe coupled with one of the world’s storied sporting events.

These European cities are located a reasonable distance from Paris, either by train or plane.

After the adrenaline and celebrations of Paris, London offers visitors an air of sophistication in a city renowned for its historic sites. Guests can experience such iconic landmarks as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and more. For a relaxing night out head to the famed West End for dinner and a show. Be sure to include Piccadilly Circus in your plans, a vibrant section similar to a smaller Times Square. The Stafford London is an elegantly designed luxury hotel offering guests an inviting atmosphere to take in the decadent interiors, charming service and rich royal history. Guests can enjoy one of the few remaining ‘American’ cocktails bars, The American Bar, a historic and legendary 380-year-old wine cellar, along with the classic British restaurant, The Game Bird, helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen. Travelers looking to be a part of quality service and old-school charm can appreciate the hotel’s refined Afternoon Tea, taking guests through British culture.

Celebrating 100 years of regenerative agriculture with a series of joy-filled centenary experiences and events rooted in nature, this summer is the perfect time to embrace the great British outdoors at luxury countryside retreat, Heckfield Place. Experiential happenings including a Home Farm Cooking Experience with Lunch, Foraged Cocktail Making Workshops, produce sales, talks and screenings. Hotel guests can further take advantage of the property’s outdoor playground through wild swimming, relaxing picnics underneath the willows, boating on the serene lake and going on a peaceful bike ride to explore the estate.

With intriguing history, rich cultural attractions, delectable cuisine, an unrivaled scenic setting and welcoming natives, Naples is the perfect Italian city to spend after the Olympics. Visitors can see the iconic Piazza del Plebiscito, enjoy a show in San Carlo Theater, shop on Via Toledo and Galleria Umberto I, see the historic Spanish Quarter and beautiful Naples Cathedral, bask in stunning coastal views and feast on authentic Neapolitan pizza. For unmatched views of Mount