The Gems of Finland’s Cultural Summer 2027
Savonlinna Opera Festival and Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival
Available 11–24 July 2027 | Suggested duration 7 days and 6 nights
Experience two of Finland’s most celebrated summer festivals on one inspiring cultural journey. Travel through the lake landscapes of Saimaa, the national scenery of Koli and the traditions of Karelia before arriving in Kuhmo for an unforgettable day of chamber music. The tour combines world-class performances with distinctive Finnish landscapes, local culture and time to relax.
Tour highlights
• An opera evening in medieval Olavinlinna Castle
• A scenic Opera Cruise from Järvisydän through Lake Saimaa
• Valamo Monastery and its cultural heritage
• The iconic viewpoints of Koli National Park
• Karelian culture and spa time in Nurmes
• Three selected concerts at Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Helsinki
Arrive in Helsinki and check in at Hotel Presidentti in the city centre.
The evening is free to enjoy Helsinki’s lively summer atmosphere.
Day 2 Opera Cruise and Savonlinna Opera Festival
After breakfast, travel to Järvisydän and check in at the lakeside hotel.
In the afternoon, board the Opera Cruise to Savonlinna. The route passes through the beautiful Saimaa lake district and Linnansaari National Park. Enjoy a three-course opera dinner on board before arriving directly at Olavinlinna Castle. The evening performance is selected according to the final travel dates. Return to Järvisydän by coach after the opera.
Day 3 Valamo Monastery and Koli
After breakfast, travel to Valamo Monastery in Heinävesi. A guided tour introduces the monastery’s history, art and spiritual heritage. The visit includes exhibitions and lunch at the monastery restaurant.
Continue to Koli and check in at Hotel Kolin Kylä. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 4 Koli National Park and Nurmes
After breakfast, take a guided walk to Koli’s celebrated viewpoints, including Ukko-Koli, Akka-Koli and Paha-Koli.
Continue to Nurmes and check in at Bomba Spa Hotel.
Visit the Karelian Village and enjoy free time at the spa before dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Day 5 Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival
After breakfast, travel to Kuhmo for a full festival day with three concerts, planned for approximately 11.00, 15.00 and 18.00. The final concert programme will be confirmed when the festival schedule is published. Between concerts, enjoy Kuhmo’s relaxed summer atmosphere and festival cafés. Return to Nurmes in the evening.
Day 6 Mikkeli and South Savo
After breakfast, travel to Mikkeli, with lunch en route.
For groups, a guided Best of Mikkeli tour introduces the city’s main sights. There is also free time for shopping or a walk by the lake. Overnight at Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Mikkeli and dinner at the hotel.
Day 7 Return to Helsinki
After breakfast, return to Helsinki for the flight home.
Additional nights in Helsinki are available at extra cost.
Price:
Minimum 2 persons: €3,180 per person
Group minimum 15 persons: €1,600 per person
Single room supplement: €40 per person per night
Included
• Six night accommodation in double or twin rooms
• Meals, visits, guiding and festival experiences listed in the itinerary
• Selected opera ticket and three chamber music concerts
Not included
• Transportation, available at an additional cost
• Flights and travel insurance
• Services not specifically listed as included
Tailor-made program. The itinerary, opera selection, accommodation and services can be adapted to the group’s travel dates and preferences. Availability and final prices are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
Opera choices for summer 2027
The final opera is selected according to the tour dates and ticket availability. Two recommended anniversary-season performances are:
- Andrea Chénier by Umberto Giordano
A sweeping historical drama set during the French Revolution, filled with powerful voices, rich orchestral colour and tragic love. Language Italian with Finnish and English surtitles. Duration approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including one interval.
- The Barber of Seville by Gioachino Rossini
A fast-paced and joyful classic full of wit, sparkling music and theatrical energy. An excellent choice for both newcomers and experienced opera-goers.
Language Italian with Finnish and English surtitles. Duration approximately 3 hours, including one interval.
Savonlinna Opera Festival celebrates its 115th anniversary in 2027. The season brings grand emotions to Olavinlinna Castle, where history, architecture and music form one of Europe’s most distinctive opera settings.
Kuhmo Chamber Music
Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival runs from 11 to 24 July 2027 under the theme Revolution. The festival is known for intimate performances, internationally acclaimed musicians and the special closeness between artists and audiences that transforms the small town of Kuhmo each summer.
This journey connects the festivals through Finland’s eastern lake country, where monasteries, national landscapes, Karelian traditions and peaceful summer evenings become part of the cultural experience.
Links: https://operafestival.fi/en/
https://kuhmofestival.fi/en/
