The long one

The action in the Midnight Sun marathon takes place at night: runners set off at 8.30pm on June 14 in Tromso, the Norwegian town where the sun never sets in high summer.

Two-night breaks in Tromso cost from £480 with Scandinavian Freestyle (020-8846 2622, norwegiancoastalvoyage.com). To register for the marathon, visit msm.no.

Friends like these Tenor Luciano Pavarotti keeps the guest list secret for his Pavarotti and Friends concert at in his home town of Modena. Last year's line-up included Sting, Diana Krall and Andrea Bocelli.

Pavarotti and Friends concert tickets are included in a three-night break to Modena, costing £545 for departures from Gatwick or Stansted on May 25 with Lakes and Mountains Holidays (01329 844405, lakes-mountains.co.uk).