Top 10 European Summer events for private jet travellers

Summer 2013 is set to showcase an exciting blend of sport, arts and music events all across Europe. From Grand Prix, to Art Basel and the Venice Film Festival, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the most exciting events taking place this summer – and how to get there by private jet. Sport Wimbledon, 24th June – 7th July 2013 For many, Wimbledon is the most prestigious event to attend in the annual tennis calendar. With a wealth of history and situated in South West London, it can be combined with other London sights. The atmosphere promises to be electric this year with Andy Murray having the biggest opportunity ever for a home win. The closest private airports to Wimbledon are Ham Polo Club (for helicopters) or RAF Northolt. Private jet to Wimbledon:

• Paris Le Bourget – RAF Northolt (day return) from £ 6 800
• Mustang (4 seats)
• Flight time: 50 minutes

Tour de France, 29th June – 21st July 2013 Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the Tour de France is the most famous cycling event in the world. It takes place across three weeks and the course covers 3,500 km. The hottest tickets are, of course, to witness the yellow jersey cross the finishing line along the Champs Elysées in Paris. The nearest private jet airport to the Tour de France finish is Paris Le Bourget. Private jet to the Tour De France:

• London Biggin Hill – Paris Le Bourget (day return) from £ 6 400
• Phenom 100 (4 seats)
• Flight time: 50 minutes

The British Grand Prix at Silverstone, 28th – 30th June 2013 This year the 2013 race has been brought forward from its traditional July date, to an earlier spot in the season. The British Grand Prix is widely regarded as one of the most exhilarating sporting events in the annual F1 calendar. The nearest private jet airport to Silverstone is Cranfield Airport. Private jet to The British Grand Prix:

• Nice Cote D’Azur – Cranfield (day return) from £9 300
• Citation Jet (6 seats)
• Flight time: 2 hours

The Open Golf Championship, 18th – 21st July 2013 Nine courses in Scotland and England are on a rota to host The Open – the only major men’s tournament held outside the USA. This year it will be played at Scotland’s Muirfield Golf Club, where a global audience will fly  into witness 156 of the world’s top golfers compete for the most historic accolade in the sport. The nearest airport to Muirfield Golf Club is Edinburgh Airport. Private jet to the Open Golf Championship:

• London Biggin Hill – Edinburgh Airport (day return) from £5 900
• Beechcraft King Air (8 seats).
• Flight time 1 hour 50 minutes.

Arts Art Basel, 13th – 16th June 2013 Art lovers, curators and dealers from all over the world regard Art Basel as a must-attend event. June 13th offers the hottest ticket, when the contemporary art event is open only for VIPs. Basel Mulhouse airport becomes a private jet landing hotspot. The nearest airport to Art Basel is Basel Mulhouse Airport. Private jet to Art Basel:

• Paris Le Bourget – Basel Mulhouse (day return) from £5 100
• Embraer Phenom 100 (4 seats)
• Flight time: 50 minutes

St. Petersburg “Stars of the White Nights” Festival, 24th May – 14th July 2013 A three-month series of world-class opera and ballet performances, the festival takes place during St Petersburg’s endlessly light days. As the name suggests, the sun never sets and you can walk home in the midnight sunshine. The nearest airport to Stars of the White Nights Festival is Pulkovo St Petersburg. Private jet to St Petersburg “Stars of the White Nights” Festival:

• Geneva – Pulkovo St Petersburg (two night return) from £19 300
• Citation XL (8 seats)
• Flight time: 3 hrs 10 mins

Venice Film Festival, 28th August – 7th September 2013 The historic Palazzo del Cinema plays host to the world’s oldest film festival, where international movie stars and film lovers head to the beautiful location of Venice’s Lido Island. The nearest airport to Venice Film Festival is Venice Marco Polo Airport. Private jet to Venice Film Festival:

• London Biggin Hill – Venice Marco Polo Airport (overnight return) £17 300
• Citation C525 (5 seats)
• Flight time 1 hour 50 minutes

Music Montreux Jazz Festival, 5th – 20th July 2013 The world’s best musicians in Jazz and blues will be playing at Montreux in Switzerland, which plays host to the world-renowned music festival. The nearest airport to Montreux Jazz Festival is Bern Airport. Private jet to Montreux Jazz Festival:

• London Biggin Hill – Bern Airport (overnight return) from £9 350
• Citation XL (8 seats)
• Flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Berlin Festival, 6th – 7th September 2013 An airport (albeit a disused one!) becomes the destination at Berlin’s famous music festival. The 1930s Tempelhof airport is transformed in a spectacular fashion, with one the hangars used as a club. Music acts from around the world are set to play, including Blur and The Pet Shop Boys. Tempelhof is no longer an active airport, but private jets can land  at nearby Berlin Schoenefeld. Private jet to Berlin Festival:

• Paris Le Bourget – Berlin Schoenefeld (day return) from £5 700
• Cessna 510 Mustang (4 seats)
• Flight time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Open’er (Poland), 3rd-6th July 2013 An exceptional line-up of international music heavy weights are playing this year at Poland’s premier music festival, which is expecting 80,000+ international visitors. Acts include The Arctic Monkeys, Rihanna, and the Kings of Leon. There is also a fashion show for upcoming designers. The nearest airport to Open’er, Poland is Gdynia Oksywie AB. Private jet to Open’er, Poland:

• Geneva – Gdynia Oksywie AB (overnight return) from £12 700
• Cesnna Citation XL (8 seats)
• Flight time: 2 hours

Carol Cork is Co-Founder of PrivateFly. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.