Hello! It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary that we’ve carefully curated for your trip to the historic, and musically rich destination of Scotland, Wales, and England! In every aspect of your tour, your goals and desires are our priority, ensuring a travel experience that is as personalized as it is seamless. From our industry-leading protection plans and guaranteed rates that safeguard against the unexpected, to the unrivaled expertise of our tour managers who bring every destination to life, every detail is thoughtfully considered. 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 tour awaits. 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 Direct Non-stop Roundtrip airfare on a major Airline from New York flying into Edinburgh and out of London Airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges Accommodations at the conveniently located 4-star-hotels throughout Rooming in double-room occupancy. Breakfast at your hotel daily and dinners at local restaurants Day 2, Thames Dinner Cruise Day 11 All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary Afternoon concert series Concerts St. Giles – Edinburgh, Chester Cathedral – Chester, and a joint concert performance with a local Men’s Choir – Cardiff Private deluxe air-conditioned motor coach and driver Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout your program Basic gratuities for the tour manager and bus drivers What’s Not Included? Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines Instrument stands Any Instrument Rental Extra Ground Transportation of Large Musical Instruments or other Performance Equipment Any meals not listed in your itinerary Programs for the concerts Allocations of specific seat assignments on flights Pricing Options Travelers #3 Free Spots 4 Free Spots 45Air and Land: $6939Land Only:$5539Air and Land: $7079Land Only:$567940Air and Land: $7099Land Only:$5699Air and Land: $7239Land Only:$587935Air and Land: $7339Land Only:$5939Air and Land: $7539Land Only:$613930Air and Land: $7579Land Only:$6179Air and Land: $7739Land Only:$633925Air and Land: $7979Land Only:$6599Air and Land: $8279Land Only:$6879 Based on “Land and Air” out of New York flying into Edinburgh and out of London or No Airfare/Land Only accommodating the group in double occupancy rooms. Payment Deadlines DateAmountJanuary 30, 2025$200March 15, 2025$500May 15, 2025$750July15, 2025$1,000September 15, 2025$1,000November 15, 2025$1,000Final BalanceApril 1, 2026 SAMPLE VENUES Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Choir St. Giles’ Cathedral Edinburgh Sometimes regarded as the mother church of Presbyterianism, this 900 year-old cathedral (or the High Kirk) is a prominent feature of the Edinburgh skyline. Dedicated to St. Giles’, the patron saint of Edinburgh, the cathedral is one of Scotland’s most important and prominent historic buildings. Five services are held every Sunday, as well as daily and special services. Choir Chester Cathedral Chester Chester Cathedral, a Grade I listed landmark in the heart of Chester, England, provides a breathtaking setting for musical performances. Steeped in history dating back to the 10th century, this former Benedictine abbey showcases a harmonious blend of Norman and Gothic architecture. Its majestic interiors and rich heritage offer ensembles an unforgettable opportunity to perform in a truly historic venue. Hotels voco Edinburgh – Haymarket Edinburgh Centrally located in Edinburgh, voco Edinburgh – Haymarket, an IHG Hotel, offers air-conditioned rooms, a fitness center, and free WiFi. This 4-star hotel features room service, a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant serving Scottish and European cuisine, and a bar. Rooms are equipped with essentials such as a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and safety deposit box, with some offering city views. Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast and utilize the on-site snack bar and business area. Nearby attractions include the EICC, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Royal Mile, with Edinburgh Airport just about 5 miles away. Learn More Carrbridge Hotel Inverness Established in 1803, Carrbridge Hotel is located just outside Inverness in the Cairngorm National Park, providing a perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities like a restaurant, bar, and free private parking. Guests can enjoy a variety of breakfast options and relax on the scenic sun terrace. With its strategic location near major attractions and transport links, including Inverness Airport, the hotel is an ideal base for exploring the Highlands. Nearby, you’ll find attractions such as Loch Ness, the North Coast 500, and the Landmark Forest Adventure Theme Park. Whether visiting for business or leisure, Carrbridge Hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere with easy access to outdoor activities and cultural sites. Learn More Maldron Hotel Glasgow City Glasgow This modern 4-star property in the heart of Glasgow offers stylish accommodations within easy walking distance of the city’s top attractions, including George Square and Buchanan Street. Guests will enjoy spacious rooms with contemporary amenities, a vibrant on-site restaurant, and excellent transport links nearby, making it an ideal base for both business and leisure travelers. The property also features a well-equipped fitness center and meeting facilities, ensuring comfort and convenience during your stay in Scotland’s cultural capital. Learn more Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria London Featuring a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar, this 4-star hotel is located in the center of London, just a 2-minute walk from Victoria Train Station. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy drinks at the snack bar and stay in air-conditioned rooms equipped with a desk, electric kettle, fridge, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom with a shower. A buffet or continental breakfast is available daily. Nearby attractions include Victoria Tube Station, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace, with London City Airport just 11 miles away. Learn More Clayton Hotel Cardiff Cardiff The 4-star Clayton Hotel Cardiff offers modern comfort in the city center, steps from Cardiff Central Rail Station and landmarks like the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle. Air-conditioned rooms feature free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and luxury bathrooms. Guests can enjoy the Vitality Breakfast and international dining at The View Restaurant or unwind with snacks and drinks at the stylish bar. St. David’s Shopping Center and Cardiff Motorpoint Arena are within a 5-minute walk. Learn More