Savonlinna Opera Festival

The medieval Olavinlinna Castle once again provides an imposing and spectacular setting for Savonlinna's annual Opera Festival, in the heart of the Finnish lakes. The tranquil atmosphere makes for a blissfully peaceful and leisurely summer holiday. This year, the festival presents its acclaimed production of Puccini's Tosca, accompanied by Mozart's Don Giovanni and Wagner's Lohengrin.


Wed 13 Jul Afternoon arrival in Savonlinna and transfer to the Hotel Seurahone in the centre of Savonlinna, within a few minutes walk of the castle and the quayside. Welcome drink in the hotel.

Thu 14 Jul Join your guide for a morning tour of Savonlinna, including a tour of Olavinlinna Castle. We are taken backstage for an insight into the intricacies of staging an opera in a medieval castle. Afternoon at leisure. Evening performance at Olavinlinna Castle.

Fri 15 Jul Today we take a lake cruise to Oravi, a small village on the lake. The shoreline and archipelago of Saimaa is known for its natural beauty, with over 1000 islands. After a buffet lunch in Oravi, return to Savonlinna by coach. Evening performance at Olavinlinna Castle.

Sat 16 Jul Morning departure by steamer for Punkaharju, one of Finland's best known beauty spots. After lunch, we visit the Retretti Art Centre, one of the largest in the Nordic countries, and home to its own concert hall, exhibition space and galleries. Evening performance at Olavinlinna Castle.

Sun 17 Jul Morning at leisure. Transfer to Savonlinna airport for your homeward journey.

Flights: Finnair

Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.