Glyndebourne Festival (Glyndebourne, England)

May 18-Aug. 31

Those who sing at Britain's premier summer music event are the opera world's best, and those who manage to get tickets rightly wear their attendance as a badge of sophistication. Highlights of the 2008 edition include a new commission, "Love and Other Demons" (adapted from the novella by Gabriel Garcia Marquez), Richard Strauss' "Hansel und Gretel" and Monteverdi's last work, "L'incoronazione di Poppea." Advance booking is essential.

Where to stay: Newick Park Hotel & Country Estate is a bit of a drive but a beautiful property.