Dear Marcel, I’m so delighted to be able to introduce you to one of my favourite destinations, Italy, and to guide you through the fully customized itinerary that we’ve designed for your trip to this beautiful country. Your musical goals and travel desires are our priority, which makes your travel experience completely personalized, and utterly seamless. At every step we ensure total peace of mind, whether that’s through our industry-leading protection plans, our guaranteed prices without surcharge or supplement, or our world-beating tour managers who bring every destination to life. What truly sets your experience apart are our dynamic venues, handpicked for their ability to enchant and engage, complete with guaranteed audiences to elevate every performance. This unique blend of meticulous planning, exclusive access, and comprehensive support ensures that your performance tour transcends the ordinary, making it a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Welcome to Encore Tours, where your dream performance tour awaits. Best regards,Julian Visit Your TripSite Traveler Resources Your Encore Benefits Guaranteed Land Rates We do not raise our prices based on currency fluctuations in the marketplace. This alleviates any unwelcome currency surcharges during the planning period or immediately prior to travel. The Best Tour Managers Around Our Tour Managers are repeatedly evaluated and praised as being the best in educational travel, and they are available to you 24 hours per day. The tour manager stays in the same hotel as the group, and coordinates hotel check-ins, restaurant reservations, and concert venue availability and rehearsal time. These representatives also deliver the educational portion of the tour with detailed historical commentary during travel. Protection Plans for Everyone All participants are covered at no extra cost by our Basic Protection Plan covering health insurance overseas and trip cancellation/interruption in case of illness. Participants also have the option to upgrade to our Ultimate or Ultimate Plus plans, which include the ability to cancel for any reason up to four days before departure and still receive a full refund. Additionally, all Encore participants travel with an automatic $15,000 health protection plan. Financial Security Encore Tours and our parent company, ACIS, carry a $50 million general liability insurance policy to protect our groups. In addition, as an Active Member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), we post a $1 million indemnity bond as part of USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program. Tour Fundraiser Register 30 or more participants with Encore Tours and we will award your group a FREE weekend getaway for two to Paris or London over Veteran’s Day Weekend or Martin Luther King Day Weekend. We have had ensembles raise over $20,000 using this gift as a raffle prize. 2025 Domestic Fundraiser Info Sheet 2025 International Fundraiser Info Sheet Prelude Join Encore staff for our annual Prelude event, a free professional development weekend for ensemble directors and a guest that takes place in a different musically rich international destination. “Incredible! I cherished every moment. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Such experiences would have been impossible on my own. Being pampered in this manner and witnessing the professionalism and luxury that Encore embodies was an absolute delight.” – 2024 Prelude attendee Online Billing We are excited to offer the choice of group billing or direct billing and will gladly work with your preference. With group billing you will receive an invoice with each participant’s balance and payment due prior to the due date. If you decide to enroll your group in direct billing Encore will mail invoices to each participant for all payments due. Accounts can also be accessed 24 hours a day on our website and payments can be made online with MasterCard and Visa for no additional cost. This is the suggested payment plan, however you can adjust it according to the group’s needs. Automatic Payments Plan Encore offers an auto-pay option for all participants signed up for individual billing. Enrollment in the plan is free and funds are withdrawn from the participant’s checking account on a regular basis, with the last payment being processed 45 days prior to departure. 24-7 Overseas Coverage Encore has offices overseas in the event of an emergency. In addition, US staff are always available to ensure you are receiving a quality travel experience, before, during and after your concert tour. All land arrangements including concert bookings and promotion are provided directly by Encore’s affiliate offices, offering the highest quality services and the very best value to our clients. Graduate Level Credits Enhance your professional development! Directors and participants have the opportunity to earn graduate-level credits through their tour experience and participation in our Prelude events. These educational opportunities not only enrich your tour but also contribute to your lifelong learning and professional growth. Tour Inclusions Roundtrip airfare (guaranteed on these dates) Airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges (guaranteed) Accommodations at conveniently located 3- or 4-star hotels: 2 nights in each of Venice, Montecatini, Rome Rooming in twin room occupancy (Triples in Montecatini). Breakfast daily and 3 dinners as per your itinerary All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary – Licensed Guides in Florence, Rome; Accademia Florence, Coliseum and Vatican in Rome Full use of private deluxe air-conditioned motor coach and driver for duration of tour 48 hour Venice Water Bus travel pass Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout your program Gratuities for the tour manager and bus drivers Arrangements for 2 concert performance opportunities and 1 liturgy participation Rental of an electronic keyboard where required for concerts All concert arrangements include venue rental and allocation, all necessary concert permits, all pre-concert advertisement, and on-site concert assistance Pre-concert rehearsal time, where possible Vox Headsets What’s Not Included? Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines Instrument stands Any meals not listed in your itinerary Printed programs for the concerts Allocations of specific seat assignments on flights Pricing Options TravelersPriceFree Spots40$3,839140$3,939235$3,999135$4,099230$4,199130$4,2992 Based on “Land and Air” out of Atlanta accommodating the group in twin/triple rooms. Payment Deadlines DateAmountMay 31$200July 31$1,000September 30$1,000November 15Balance due This is a suggested payment schedule only and subject to further discussion Sample Venues Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Choir Chiesa di San Rocco Venice Originally built between 1489-1508, the church of San Rocco – or Saint Roch – was almost entirely reconstructed in 1725. On either side of the main altar are four large paintings by Italian Renaissance master, Tintoretto, depicting Saint Roch’s life. The performance space in front of the altar is large enough to accommodate even large choirs comfortably. Choir Chiesa di San Gaetano Florence Constructed during the 1600s, church of St. Gaetano has become the archetypical baroque church in the wealthiest part of town. The façade, with its sculptural decorations, is not typical of Florentine churches. The interior is impressive and richly decorated as is customary in Baroque churches. The venue is ideal for medium to large choirs and can accommodate audiences of up to 200 people. Choir St. Peter’s Basilica Rome Charged as being “the greatest of all churches of Christendom,” St. Peter’s Basilica, in Vatican City, is nearly 400 years old and possesses a wealth of history, culture, and art. Adorned with works of famous Italian Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo, St. Peter’s is a popular site not only for Christians, but for historians and tourists alike. Not only have Encore groups had the opportunity to explore such a remarkable sight, but some have also performed for the Pope himself! Sample Hotels Traveling on a performance trip is a moving experience, and our goal is to ensure that all travelers have a life-changing experience. We also know that time is money, and comfort is essential. That’s why, when you’re touring with Encore, you will always stay in well-located, three- or four-star hotels—right in the heart of the destination you came to see. Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana Venice A contemporary four-star hotel situated merely a ten-minute drive from the Tronchetto ferry terminal offers seamless access to both the Venetian lagoon and the heart of Venice. From Tronchetto, private motorlaunches ferry guests directly to St. Mark’s Square in approximately 20 minutes—a voyage that captures the spirit of Venice, offering countless sights to marvel at during the trip. This mode of transport is safe and comfortable for groups of all ages. Learn More Hotel Settentrionale Esplanade Montecatini This serene 4-star hotel is perfectly positioned just a short walk from the town center, offering an oasis of tranquility. Guests can unwind by the crystal blue outdoor pool and garden or enjoy the shade on the summer terrace beneath blooming wisteria. With the option to dine at the onsite restaurant or explore the quaint town on a complimentary bike provided by the hotel, relaxation and rejuvenation are assured. Learn MOre Holiday Inn Parco Dei Medici Rome The Holiday Inn Parco Dei Medici is located in Rome just 25 minutes from the Colosseum and Vatican City and offers a scheduled shuttle bus for access to these locations. Beyond convenience, the hotel also offers comfort with free WIFI, a fitness center with a sauna, a refurbished restaurant serving steaks and Italian wine, and more. Relax after a long day of exploring Rome at one of the two outdoor pools or sit back and relax with a drink at the cozy lounge bar. You won’t be disappointed with your stay! Learn More Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us