Hand Bell Choir and Chorus Pilgrimage to Central Europe

Dear Robert,

It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary we’ve carefully curated for your trip to Central Europe. 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, 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.

Sincerely

Robin Teague

617-958-9528


Your Encore Benefits

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.

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.

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.

Encore Tours and our parent company, ACIS, carry a $50 million general liability insurance policy to protect our groupsIn 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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

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 and double room occupancy.
  • Breakfast daily and 3 dinners as per your itinerary
  • 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 four concerts: one at Organ Point, an Impromptu afternoon sing at Thomaskirche, and concerts promoted in Prague and Vienna.
  • Rental of an electronic keyboard
  • 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, where possible
  • Vox Headsets
Prague city

What’s Not Included?

  • Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines 
  • Instrument stands  
  • Any meals not listed in your itinerary 
  • Programs for the concerts 
  • Allocations of specific seat assignments on flights 

Pricing Options

TravelersPriceFree Spots
40$4,5994
50 $4,4994

Based on “Land and Air” out of Chicago, the group is accommodated in twin and double rooms.

Payment Deadlines

DateAmount
October 15$200
November 15$800
December 15$800
January 15, 2025$800
February 15, 2025$800
March 15, 2025Final payment

Sample Venues

Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant.

Church of the Holy Savior

Prague

This church, located just off the Old Town of the city, is the largest Protestant church in Prague. It was originally built in Gothic-Renaissance style in the early 1600’s and has been reconstructed several times to its current glory. It is a wonderful venue for choral music and there are many concerts which take place in this very special venue.

St. Thomas Church

Leipzig

St. Thomas has been a place of worship for historical figures such as Martin Luther, Mozart, Mendelssohn, and of course, Bach. In fact, Bach was choirmaster at this church for 27 years. Today, this church acts as his final resting place. Although the works he created during his time in Leipzig commanded little attention in his lifetime, they are an important part of his journey to greatness. Dive into the world of Bach and have the chance to perform in a place he once considered home.

Capuchin Church (Kapuzinerkirche)

Vienna

Located on Neuer Markt square near Hofburg Palace, the Capuchin Church is a Baroque masterpiece famous for the Imperial Crypt, the final resting place of the Habsburg dynasty. Established in 1632, this Roman Catholic church and monastery, run by the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, features intricate stucco work and a serene atmosphere. The church’s subterranean mausoleum houses 145 Habsburg royals, including 12 emperors and 18 empresses. Known for its unique acoustics and historical significance, this venue offers an unparalleled experience for music ensembles and cultural enthusiasts.

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.

MOOONS Hotel Vienna

Vienna

Located near Vienna’s main train station, this 4-star boutique hotel combines striking design with an urban lifestyle. Its distinctive facade, featuring full moon windows, provides spectacular views of iconic city sights. The 170 stylish rooms are designed like cozy space capsules, equipped with high-quality furnishings and excellent soundproofing for a tranquil stay. Each room’s unique round windows create personal lounges that offer stunning vistas, making every stay a unique experience.

Stages Hotel Prague

Prague

This 4-star hotel in Prague offers a full range of amenities, including a restaurant, free bicycles, a bar, and a garden. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, family rooms, a 24-hour front desk, and an ATM. Each room features air conditioning, a private bathroom with a bath or shower, a hairdryer, a flat-screen TV, and some also include a seating area. Bed linen and towels are provided in all rooms. A buffet breakfast is available, and there’s a business center for guest use. The hotel is ideally situated a few steps from O2 Arena Prague, with Municipal House located 3.5 miles away, and Vaclav Havel Prague Airport just 14 miles from the property.

Balance Hotel Leipzig Alte Messe

Leipzig

This 4-star hotel, located in one of Europe’s largest coherent Wilhelminian style district, stands a short walk from the Monument to the Battle of the Nations. Surrounded by picturesque gardens, this international hotel offers 126 spacious rooms, suites, and maisonettes, alongside modern conference facilities with garden access. The “Amaroso” gourmet restaurant, featuring a terrace, serves stylish local specialties, promising a culinary journey through Saxony with warm hospitality. Perfect for discerning guests seeking both comfort and elegance.

Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance.

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.

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