Encore Tours has been an industry leader for nearly three decades because we are tirelessly committed to delivering high-quality music performance tours for a wide-ranging assortment of groups. Over the years, we have found that no two tours are alike and that the secret to a truly transformative experience lies in the details. That’s why our dedicated staff is proud to offer fully customizable tours to destinations around the world, always ensuring that the itinerary is ideally suited to your ensemble’s interests, size, and ability.
Over 95% of Encore’s past Group Leaders have rated their overall experience as “Good” or “Excellent,” and we know you will agree. In fact, we are so confident that we have guaranteed it! Our Encore Service Guarantee promises that from your first contact with our team to the moment you finish your post-trip review, your experience will be world-class. If you feel that your overall experience does not deserve a “Good” or “Excellent” rating, we will provide a $1,000 scholarship to be used on your next Encore tour.
We have the resources, expertise, and connections needed to consistently deliver an extraordinary trip. That means incredible venues, guaranteed audiences, centrally located hotels, rigorous safety precautions, dedicated program consultants, promotional support, and much more. However, there are a few things that truly separate Encore from the competition.
1. Prelude
Prelude is our 5-day professional development trip held annually in a musically significant destination, and it’s free for qualified Group Leaders and one guest. Prelude is an excellent networking opportunity, but it’s also so much more. This one-of-a-kind event includes unique cultural experiences, unbelievable musical performances, professional development opportunities, and plenty of wonderful surprises! Prelude allows Group Leaders to maximize the impact of their next performance tour by networking with tour managers and fellow musicians, finding inspiration from remarkable venues and unique cultural experiences, and experiencing the Encore difference first-hand.
Past highlights include:
- A private reception with harpist inside the roof of St. Stephen’s Cathedral Farewell Gala dinner at the Hotel Sacher after attending Tosca at Staatsoper
- A private viewing of Mozart manuscripts in the vault of his house
- A VIP backstage tour before attending La Traviata at Teatro alla Scala
- And so many other unforgettable experiences!
2. Fundraising Assistance
We understand that fundraising is essential to ensuring that every ensemble member is able to join your performance tour, and we offer several services that are unparalleled in the industry. For starters, all groups traveling with Encore Tours receive our “Fabulous Fundraiser” at no additional cost.
So, what exactly is the Fabulous Fundraiser? Groups traveling on an international tour with 30 or more participants automatically receive a free five-day trip for two to either London or Paris. This includes round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations in central city locations.
Winners can choose to travel over either Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend or Veterans Day Weekend, and the trip can be raffled off to help defray the cost of your performance tour or provide scholarships to participants requiring additional financial support. In fact, some groups have raised upwards of $35,000 through their raffle!
Not planning to travel internationally? That’s not a problem. Groups traveling on a domestic performance tour with 30 or more participants will receive two domestic airline tickets (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) to use as a fundraiser, with a maximum value of $1,000 total.
In addition to the Fabulous Fundraiser, every Encore Tours passenger has access to their own Personal Fundraising Page to use as a crowdfunding platform. This is just another way Encore helps ensemble’s raise money for their tour and ensure that all of your group members have the opportunity to embark on the trip of a lifetime.
3. Convenient Payment System
We know that collecting money from all of your group members can be a daunting task, which is why we have made the billing and collection process so much easier. All passengers are equipped with their own online trip account, and directors can monitor tour details.
Passengers can also sign up for Automatic Payments, which is a helpful tool for controlling your trip budget. You can determine your ideal payment frequency, with options including every two weeks, every four weeks, monthly, or quarterly. Enrollment is free, and payments are automatically deducted from your checking or savings account. The best part is that all participants who enroll in automatic payments are eligible to win a free trip, with winners announced in February of your travel year.
4. Graduate-Level Credits
Through our partnership with Courses4Teachers and the University of the Pacific, we are extremely proud to offer our Group Leaders up to three graduate-level professional development credits. These continuing education credits are accepted by school districts across the country and can be used to fulfill salary advancement and recertification requirements.
5. Industry-Leading Protection
At Encore Tours, we consider the safety of our participants to be our top priority. That’s why all travelers are automatically enrolled, at no extra charge, in our Basic Protection Plan. However, we recommend upgrading to one of our paid plans for enhanced flexibility and complete peace of mind.
Our two paid plans provide increased on-tour coverage plus the ability to cancel for any reason and receive a full refund. It also includes job loss protection, medical coverage, and so much more.
6. Dynamic Venues, Guaranteed Audiences
Encore’s expansive network, forged with arts, civic, and religious organizations worldwide, opens the doors to a diverse array of venues. From prestigious concert halls and breathtaking cathedrals to lively festivals and captivating outdoor settings, we provide you with an unparalleled selection. Our commitment is to curate dynamic performances in venues with a storied history, ensuring an enriching experience for both artist and audience. To amplify your presence, we employ comprehensive advertising strategies, encompassing printed posters, local press coverage, and targeted individual mailings, guaranteeing a far-reaching impact.
Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière was built in 1872 and consecrated in 1896. The basilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is listed as a historical monument, registered to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, considered as the emblem of the city of Lyon, the basilica welcomes over 2.5 million pilgrims and visitors each year. With more than 700 seats and a stage large enough to hold about fifty singers and musicians, the crypt of the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviere is a perfect venue for a concert.
Bath Abbey
Bath Abbey, an Anglican parish church and former monastery, was founded in the 7th century and is dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul. The church is a UK Listed Building (historic landmark) and contains various war memorials and monuments in the form of plaques and stained glass. The abbey is often used for secular civic ceremonies, religious services, lectures, and concerts, and while it is home to its own choral groups, it has also been a popular venue for visiting choirs, as well.
Customize Your Tour
Are you ready to take your ensemble to new places? Get a quote from one of our tour consultants who will help you customize a trip to meet your goals.
