Dear Greg I’m so delighted to be able to introduce you to the amazing country that is Germany, one of my favorite European destinations, and somewhere I’ve studied, worked and traveled through over many years, and to guide you through the fully customized itinerary that we’ve designed for your performance tour. Your travel experience is completely personalized to meet your musical goals and travel desires; our service will be utterly seamless, and your peace of mind totally assured thanks to our guaranteed prices without surcharge or supplement and our industry-leading protection plans. And what truly sets your Encore experience apart from any other? Maybe it’s our spectacular venues, handpicked for their ability to enchant and engage, coupled with guaranteed audiences to elevate every performance. Or our world-leading tour managers who bring every destination to life and handle the tiniest detail. Of course it could also be our meticulous planning, personal attention and comprehensive support before, during and after your tour! Being based in Europe gives me a unique perspective on the destination, and there’s no substitute for having experienced it personally! Whatever you need, an Encore tour transcends the ordinary and gives you a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Let Encore Tours make your dream performance tour a reality! Let’s talk soon!Julian 617 958 9501 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 Peace of mind comes standard when you travel with Encore. Every traveler is automatically enrolled in our Basic Protection Plan, which includes medical coverage while on tour and limited trip interruption benefits—so you’re covered if the unexpected happens. For those who want even more flexibility and confidence in their plans, our Ultimate and Ultimate-Plus Protection Plans offer expanded medical coverage, greater trip interruption benefits, and the ability to cancel for any reason up to four days before departure and receive a full refund. 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. Single room for group leader Breakfast daily and selected lunches or dinners as per your itinerary All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary Private deluxe air-conditioned motor coaches and drivers Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout your program (1 per bus) Basic gratuities for the tour manager and bus drivers Arrangements for 4 concert performances + 1 additional choir mini-recital 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 (European tours only) What’s Not Included? Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines Specific seat assignments/allocations on flights Instrument and sheet music stands Any meals not listed in your itinerary Printed programs for the concerts Instrument rental costs: please ask for details Pricing Options TravelersPriceNo of busesFree Spots50$5,27921 per bus60$5,07921 per bus70$4,93921 per bus80$4,83921 per bus Based on “Land and Air” out of Detroit accommodating the group in Twin rooms. Payment Deadlines DateAmountMarch 31, 2025$500May 31, 2025$1,000July 31, 2025$1,000Sept 30, 2025$1,000Nov 14, 2025$1,00031 Dec, 2025Balance due Provisional Payment schedule only, for further discussion prior to agreement Sample Venues Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Band Choir Orchestra Alte Aula (University of Heidelberg) Heidelberg Located within Heidelberg University, Alte Aula is a historic concert hall that has long served as a distinguished venue for choral performances. Originally built in the 19th century, this beautifully adorned auditorium features intricate wood paneling, grand chandeliers, and an atmosphere steeped in academic and musical tradition. With a history of hosting prestigious concerts and ceremonies, Alte Aula provides an elegant and refined setting for visiting choirs, offering a unique connection to Heidelberg’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage. Choir Dom Koln (Cologne Cathedral) Cologne Begun in 1248, the construction of this Gothic masterpiece took place in several stages and was not completed until 1880. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic Architecture. At 515 feet, the cathedral is the tallest twin-spired church in the world and has the largest façade of any church in the world. Visiting choirs can perform formal concerts, sacred repertoire only, or sing during Mass. Choir Stadtkirche Sankt Michael Jena A defining landmark of Jena’s Old Town, Stadtkirche Sankt Michael is a historic Gothic church with a rich cultural and musical heritage. Dating back to the 13th century, it played a central role in the Reformation, with Martin Luther preaching here in 1522; his life-sized bronze tombstone remains a notable feature. With its soaring vaulted ceilings and grand organ, the church provides an inspiring setting for choral and instrumental performances, offering visiting ensembles the chance to connect with centuries of history and tradition. Choir Jesus-Christus-Kirche Berlin Known for its exceptional musical heritage, Jesus-Christus-Kirche in Berlin is one of the city’s most significant choral venues. Built in the early 20th century, the church gained international recognition as a favored recording site for the Berlin Philharmonic and world-renowned choirs. Its elegant design and intimate yet resonant atmosphere make it an inspiring setting for choral performances. With a history deeply connected to Berlin’s cultural and spiritual life, Jesus-Christus-Kirche offers visiting ensembles the opportunity to perform in a venue celebrated for its rich tradition of sacred and classical music. 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. ibis Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof Heidelberg The ibis Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof is a comfortable and convenient hotel located directly next to Heidelberg’s main train station, offering easy access to the city’s historic Old Town, Heidelberg Castle, and the famous Philosopher’s Walk. Its central location makes it an ideal base for groups exploring the city and surrounding region. The hotel features modern rooms with free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, and on-site dining options. With excellent public transport connections and nearby shopping and dining, ibis Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof provides a practical and well-situated stay for travelers. Learn More Pullman Cologne Cologne The Pullman Cologne is a stylish 4-star hotel located in the heart of Cologne, just a short walk from the city’s iconic landmarks, including Cologne Cathedral, the Rhine River, and the vibrant shopping streets of Schildergasse. Its central location provides easy access to cultural attractions, restaurants, and public transport, making it an excellent choice for group travel. The hotel features modern accommodations, a 24-hour front desk, and on-site dining, including a rooftop bar offering stunning city views. With its combination of comfort, convenience, and contemporary design, Pullman Cologne offers a refined stay in one of Germany’s most dynamic cities. Learn More Vienna House Easy by Wyndham Leipzig Leipzig This stylish 4-star property is conveniently located in the heart of Leipzig, just a five-minute walk from the main train station and a short stroll from Augustusplatz, the Gewandhaus, and Opera Leipzig. Bright, spacious rooms feature contemporary furnishings, free high-speed WiFi, and smart design touches. Guests can start their day with a generous breakfast buffet, relax in the cozy lounge, or explore the lively cafés and shopping streets nearby. With excellent public transport connections and easy access to the city’s renowned performance venues, it’s an ideal base for groups experiencing Leipzig’s rich musical and cultural heritage. Learn MOre H2 Hotel Berlin-Alexanderplatz Berlin H2 Hotel Berlin-Alexanderplatz offers a stylish and convenient stay in the heart of Berlin, just steps from the iconic Alexanderplatz. Designed for modern comfort, the hotel features bright, contemporary rooms, a 24-hour grab-and-go bistro, and an inviting atmosphere ideal for groups exploring the city’s rich musical and cultural scene. With easy access to top performance venues, historic landmarks, and vibrant nightlife, it provides a seamless experience for travelers looking to make the most of their time in Berlin. Learn More