The Savonlinna Opera Festival began in 1912 thanks to the efforts of Finnish soprano Aino Ackte who saw that the romantic setting of Olavinlinna Castle on Lake Saimaa would be a perfect stage for opera.

4 nights price from £3559 per person

Since 1951, the Wexford Festival has attracted an enthusiastic and loyal following of opera lovers from all over the world to the southeast of Ireland every autumn.

5 nights price from £2475 per person

Paris

The Opéra de Paris presents an extraordinary range of operas and ballets each season – casting, repertory and musical depth are of the highest international calibre.

4 nights price from £3395 per person

Verona

Performances of the world’s favourite operas have been given in the magnificent Roman arena on Verona’s elegant Piazza Bra for more than 100 years. 'Aida' was first performed here in 1913 to mark the centenary of Verdi’s birth and has been performed almost every year ever since.

4 nights price from £3546 per person

Milan

Marking the 150th anniversary of its premiere, Milan’s La Scala will stage two full cycles of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen, the first in a decade.

7 nights price from £5978 per person