The covers are back on Centre Court, the Lions have returned from New Zealand and the decibels have dropped to regular levels around Silverstone, but there's no need for sports fans to despair. The sporting summer isn't over yet, with the World Para Athletic Championships and the Tour de France taking place right now and some exciting events to look forward to around the world in the coming months.

 “Watching sport on TV is fine, but there's just no substitute for being there in person,” says Jamie Smith, Head of Sports at ITC Sports Travel, which specialises in spectator packages to premier sporting events around the world. “We put sports enthusiasts at the heart of the action, so they can soak up the atmosphere during the build-up, engage with other fans and get up close to their sporting heroes during moments of triumph and heart-break. Host destinations are at their most vibrant during major sporting events since they welcome an influx of extra visitors, so all in all, a sporting event is a great excuse to book an overseas trip.”

Here, ITC Sports Travel recommends five upcoming events that will be even more exciting to witness in person. Tailor-made spectator packages are available to all of these events by contacting ITC Sports Travel on 01244 355617. See www.itcsports.co.uk for further information.    

TENNIS - The US Open

Johanna Konta proved herself a serious contender at Wimbledon, so British hopes will be pinned on her performance at the fourth and final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year, the US Open. This is the richest professional tennis event in the world, promising fast action and world class tennis in the iconic city of New York. The tournament runs from 28th August – 10th September 2017.

ITC Sports Travel offers US Open packages from £1,425 per person. This price is based on two sharing and includes return flights with British Airways, four nights at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, guaranteed Promenade ticket (Day) for the Men's/Women's fourth round of the US Open 2017 and all taxes. For fuller details, see here.

Packages can also be tailor-made for individual clients, with a range of hospitality upgrades also available. 

BOXING – Mayweather vs McGregor

The trash talk is well underway ahead of this much-hyped fight between undefeated professional world champion boxer Floyd Mayweather and the current Ultimate Fighting Championship Lightweight champion Conor McGregor. Billed as 'The Money Fight', Mayweather and McGregor will meet in the ring in Las Vegas on 26th August 2017 and ITC Sports Travel is offering fans the chance to be there themselves – possibly even in a ringside seat.

Packages start from £6,495 per person including direct flights from Heathrow to Las Vegas with British Airways, three nights' accommodation at the Bellagio Hotel on a room only basis, guaranteed Upper Level Ends / Corner Ticket to the Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor fight and airport transfers. Upgraded fight tickets are available on request. For fuller details, see here.

HORSE RACING – Qatar Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe

2017 is the second and final time the Qatar Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe will be run at Chantilly before the race returns to its long-term base at Longchamp next year. This flat race was established in 1920 and is considered Europe's foremost horse race. ITC Sports Travel's sister company Horse Racing Abroad is the only officially appointed tour company to bring race-goers to this event, with reserved spaces in the Main Grandstand on offer alongside trackside hospitality.

With the race itself taking place on 1st October, two or three night packages are available, including round-trip travel on Eurostar, accommodation, transfers and Pesage admission to Chantilly Racecourse on the Saturday and Sunday. Two night packages start from £415 per person, based on two sharing, with a range of hospitality upgrades available. For more information, see here.

CRICKET – The Ashes

ITC Sports Travel was built on a love of cricket and packages to the Ashes Series are always a hot ticket with clients. Running from November 2017 to January 2018 and covering five major cities, the undisputed highlights of the series are the Boxing Day Fourth Test in Melbourne and the Final Test in Sydney, where spectators will also usher in the new year. ITC's 'Platinum Tour – Melbourne & Sydney' offers plenty of time for sightseeing alongside the cricket. Guests will be invited to a Dinner Dance and Catamaran Cruise at Sydney Harbour for its famous firework extravaganza on New Year's Eve; attend State of Play evenings in Melbourne and Sydney with celebrity hosts; enjoy selected group meals with their fellow cricket fans; and even take an excursion to the Blue Mountains. This tour costs from £13,785 per person, based on two sharing and including flights, accommodation, Test Match tickets and match day transfers, the services of a tour manager, and more. For full details, see here.

This is just one of many Ashes packages available. For further options, including packages incorporating Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, please see here.    

FORMULA ONE – Monaco Grand Prix

Dating from 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious Formula One races in the world. It has transcended just motor racing fans to become an undeniable highlight of the European social calendar. The narrow course, with its tight turns and elevation changes, makes it all the more exciting for spectators.

The 76th Grand Prix of Monaco takes place over the final weekend of May 2018 and once again, ITC Sports Travel will offer bespoke packages, including flights, accommodation in Monaco or the surrounding area and a variety of tailor-made packages. Hospitality options include viewing the circuit from the Ermanno Palace, located on the first turn; or from on board a 45 metre super-yacht, moored adjacent to the track. Prices for May 2018 are yet to be released, however ITC Sports Travel is already taking expressions of interest from clients. For more details, see here or download the Monaco Grand Prix brochure.

This is just a small selection of sporting packages available with ITC Sports Travel. Spectator packages are also available for rugby and golf events, whilst the company can also offer bespoke trips to experience American sports, polo, sailing and more. To find out more, or to book any of these sporting packages, contact ITC Sports Travel on 01244 355617 or see www.itcsports.co.uk for further information.