Dear Neli, , It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary that we’ve carefully curated for your trip to Northern Italy. 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 Northern Italy in 2026. 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 Teague617-958-9528 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. Recruitment Tools Our new Recruitment Meeting tool streamlines your recruitment process, offering customizable templates, automated reminders, and integrated RSVP tracking to ensure maximum attendance. It simplifies meeting logistics, allowing you to focus on sharing the excitement of your upcoming tour and inspiring participants to join. This tool is designed to make your recruitment efforts as smooth and successful as possible, helping you to build a strong and engaged group. Tour Inclusions Roundtrip airfare Airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges Accommodations at conveniently located 3- or 4-star hotels Rooming in double and triple room occupancy. Breakfast daily and 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 three concert performance opportunities 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 What’s Not Included? Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines Instrument rentals, stands, or truck Any meals not listed in your itinerary Programs for the concerts Allocations of specific seat assignments on flights Pricing Options TravelersPriceFree Spots50$5799545$5979540$62395 Based on “Land and Air” out of LAX, the group is accommodated in triple and double rooms. Payment Deadlines DateAmountJanuary 15$200May 15$2,000September 15$2,000December 15Final payment Sample Venues Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Orchestra Auditorio Arvedi, Museo del Violino Cremona Auditorio Arvedi, located within Cremona’s Museo del Violino, stands as a modern architectural gem designed to highlight the exquisite sound of Stradivari instruments. This unique venue combines innovative design with optimal acoustics, specifically tailored for string ensembles. Its intimate setting allows audiences to experience the richness of your music with unparalleled clarity, making every performance an unforgettable experience. The hall not only showcases Cremona’s celebrated violin-making heritage but also serves as a cultural beacon, hosting concerts and educational events. Choir Santa Maria Nera Lucca The church of Santa Maria Nera owes its name to the sculpture that reproduces the image of a black virgin. This is an exact 19th century reproduction of the Madonna of Loreto which, it is said, was flown to Italy by angels and whose original was completely burned in a devastating fire in 1921. Also known as Santa Maria Corteorlandini, the church is one of the city’s hidden gems and a fantastic example of baroque style in Lucca. The interior is stunning and provides a welcoming venue for visiting choirs. Band Choir Orchestra Scuola Grande di San Rocco Venice Located next door to the church of San Rocco is the Grand School of San Rocco. Completed in 1560, the design was similar to other scuola in Venice, characterized by two halls, one at ground floor level, the other at first floor level. The upper hall provides a magnificent performance space that can accommodate orchestras of up to 100 members as well as choral ensembles. In its heyday, the scuola was an important patron of music employing musicians such as Giovanni Gabrieli. In 1958, Stravinsky’s Threni was premiered at the scuola with the composer himself conducting. Band Choir Orchestra Teatro Alfieri Castelnuovo di Garfagnana Teatro Alfieri, located in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, is a historic theater known for its intimate charm and beautiful 19th-century architecture. It hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, plays, and cultural events, offering a perfect blend of history and the performing arts in a picturesque Tuscan setting. Choir Chiesa di San Bernardino (Auditorium Bruno Manenti) Cremona This beautifully restored church in Cremona serves as an impressive venue for musical performances and events, blending historic charm with excellent acoustics. Featuring stunning frescoes, vaulted ceilings, and a serene atmosphere, it provides an ideal setting for choirs and instrumental ensembles. The unique space offers a captivating backdrop that enhances both the visual and auditory experience, making it perfect for groups seeking a culturally rich and inspiring performance venue in Cremona. Hotels This is some content Hotel Impero Cremona Hotel Impero, a 4-star gem in the heart of Cremona, offers elegant accommodations with views of the Cathedral and easy access to the city’s historic center. The rooms, some recently renovated with modern design, are equipped with LCD TVs, air conditioning, and free WiFi. Guests can start their day with a buffet breakfast and enjoy happy hour at the partner bar, Hobos. With its prime location near Cremona’s top attractions, including the Museum of Violin, Hotel Impero is perfect for those seeking a comfortable and stylish stay in this charming medieval city. Learn More Park Hotel Villa Fiorita Treviso Villa Fiorita, a 4-star hotel in Monastier di Treviso, combines comfort with elegance. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a pool, restaurant, and fitness center. Each room features modern conveniences like a minibar, TV, and private bath. Breakfast includes various options. Additional amenities include a hot tub, table tennis, and bike rentals. Multilingual staff assist in several languages. Situated 19 miles from Caribe Bay and close to Treviso Central Station and Treviso Airport. Learn MOre 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 Grand Hotel Panoramic Montecatini This 4-star hotel on the northern edge of Montecatini Terme’s famed thermal parks offers a tranquil stay surrounded by lush gardens. Its modern amenities include spacious, light-filled lounges and an impressive winter garden with glass walls overlooking a terrace and swimming pool. Rooms and suites are uniquely furnished, with select rooms featuring a spa bath, two bathrooms, or a private balcony or garden, adding a touch of exclusivity and comfort for guests seeking a relaxing retreat in Tuscany. Learn More Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us