Dear Brother Joshua, and Michael, It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary that we’ve carefully curated for your trip to Scotland in 2025. 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.’ It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary we’ve carefully curated for your trip to Scotland in 2025. 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. Sincerely Robin H Teague 617-958-9528 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 Airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges Accommodations at conveniently located 3- or 4-star hotels Rooming in twin room occupancy. 5 single rooms for chaperones allocated from the Shadow tour Breakfast and lunches and dinners daily All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary 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 Arrangements for two concert opportunities and at Stirling Castle and The Kelpies Arrangement of two competitions: one in Perth, depending on availability, one in Glasgow at Piping Live and the World Piping Band Championship on August 15, 16 All concert arrangements include venue rental and allocation, all necessary concert permits, all pre-concert advertisements, and on-site concert assistance. Pre-concert rehearsal time, 1.5 hours daily Vox Headsets What’s Not Included? Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines Instrument stands Programs for the concerts Allocations of specific seat assignments on flights Pricing Options TravelersPriceFree Spots25$7,539130$7,1791 Based on “Land and Air” out of NYC accommodating the group in TWIN rooms. Payment Deadlines DateAmountOctober 25$200December 15$1,000March 15, 2025$2,000April 15, 2025Balance due Sample Venues Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Band Piping! Live Festival Glasgow Piping Live! Festival, held annually in Glasgow, Scotland, is a vibrant celebration of the world of bagpipes and traditional Scottish music. This dynamic event features a diverse lineup of performances, workshops, and competitions, attracting top pipers and enthusiasts from across the globe. Attendees can enjoy an eclectic mix of genres, from traditional and contemporary piping to folk and fusion, all while experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Scotland. Piping Live! offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the global piping community, learn from master musicians, and witness the evolution of this iconic instrument in a festive and engaging atmosphere. Band World Pipe Band Championships Glasgow Participation in the World Pipe Band Championships offers an unparalleled experience for musicians and enthusiasts alike. This prestigious event, held annually in Glasgow, Scotland, draws the finest pipe bands from around the globe, showcasing their talent, dedication, and passion for the traditional Scottish art of piping. Participants not only compete for top honors but also immerse themselves in a rich cultural exchange, forming lasting friendships and connections within the international piping community. The championships provide a platform for bands to elevate their skills, gain global recognition, and contribute to the preservation and promotion of this unique musical heritage. Band Choir The Kelpies Edinburgh The Kelpies, towering equine sculptures located in The Helix Park near Falkirk, Scotland, provide a stunning and unique backdrop for performances. These 30-meter-high steel structures, representing the mythical water horses of Scottish folklore, create an awe-inspiring setting that blends art, nature, and culture. As a performance venue, The Kelpies offer a dramatic and unforgettable atmosphere, ideal for concerts, theatrical productions, and outdoor events. The reflective surfaces and intricate design of the sculptures enhance the visual and acoustic experience, making any performance at The Kelpies a truly magical and memorable occasion. Band Choir Stirling Castle Stirling Stirling Castle, perched majestically atop Castle Hill in Stirling, Scotland, offers a breathtaking and historic venue for performances. This iconic fortress, with its rich history dating back to the 12th century, provides a dramatic and atmospheric setting that captivates both performers and audiences. The castle’s grand halls, intimate courtyards, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape create a unique and versatile space for concerts, theatrical productions, and cultural events. Performing at Stirling Castle allows artists to connect with centuries of Scottish heritage while delivering unforgettable experiences in a location steeped in grandeur and history. 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. 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 Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us