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 country of 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. 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 Roundtrip airfare from LAX flying into Naples and out of Venice Airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges 11-nights Accommodations at conveniently located 4-star-hotels Rooming in double-room occupancy. 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 coach and driver Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout your program Basic gratuities for the tour manager and bus drivers Arrangements for 2 or 3 Formal Evening Concert performance opportunities and 2 Liturgies Rental of an electronic keyboard as needed per the performances 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 All Entrances as outlined in the itinerary including: Capri Blue Grotto, Vatican Museums, Galleria Borghese, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Accademia, Puccini birthplace 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 Travelers #1:101:151:2040Air and Land: $6449Land Only: $4919Air and Land: $6279Land Only: $4749Air and Land: $6189Land Only: $465935Air and Land: $6629Land Only: $5099Air and Land: $6459Land Only: $4929Air and Land: $6369Land Only: $483930Air and Land: $6865Land Only: $5339Air and Land: $6689Land Only: $5159Air and Land: $6589Land Only: $506925Air and Land: $7139Land Only: $5609Air and Land: $6949Land Only: $5499Air and Land: $6849Land Only: $531920Air and Land: $7679Land Only: $6149Air and Land: $7469Land Only: $5839Air and Land: $7359Land Only: $5839 Based on “Land and Air” out of Los Angeles flying into Naples and out of Venice accommodating the group in double occupancy rooms. Payment Deadlines DateAmountDecember 15, 2024$200February 15, 2025$750May15, 2025$1,500September 15, 2025$1,500November 15, 2025$1,500February 15, 2026$1,500Final BalanceApril 15, 2026 SAMPLE VENUES Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. 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. Choir St. Peter’s Basilica Rome Charged as being “the greatest of all churches of Christendom,” St. Peter’s Basilica, in Vatican City, is nearly 400 years old and possesses a wealth of history, culture, and art. Adorned with works of famous Italian Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo, St. Peter’s is a popular site not only for Christians, but for historians and tourists alike. Not only have Encore groups had the opportunity to explore such a remarkable sight, but some have also performed for the Pope himself! 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. Hotels Please note this quotation is based on 4-star standard well-located hotels in all cities. Munich and Salzburg Hotel information is contained in email dated April 26, 2024. Hilton Sorrento Palace Sorrento Discover the charm of this 4-star hotel nestled among fragrant citrus groves, offering six outdoor pools for relaxation. Adult travelers can unwind with cocktails at the poolside bar, soaking in the panoramic views. With dedicated multilingual staff and concierge service, every need is met. Featuring 328 elegant rooms, seasonal pool access, and various on-site dining options, including multiple restaurants, guests can expect luxury and convenience. And be sure not to miss Happyssimo, the hotel’s seasonal rooftop pool and lounge. Learn More Art Hotel Gran Paradiso Sorrento The 4-star Art Hotel Gran Paradiso offers sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, complete with an outdoor pool and a complimentary shuttle to central Sorrento. Rooms are air-conditioned and feature contemporary artwork, with balconies—some overlooking the sea. The restaurant specializes in Italian and Sorrento cuisine, served on a terrace with panoramic sea views. Guests can enjoy a fitness center, massage services, and 24-hour assistance for transportation and tours to Capri, Ischia, and Pompeii. Conveniently located between Sorrento and Sant’Agnello, the hotel ensures a relaxing and scenic stay. Learn More Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto Sorrento The Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto, set in the heart of Sorrento, offers spacious rooms, panoramic views, and a rooftop garden with a swimming pool. Just a short walk from the beach, the hotel provides complimentary Wi-Fi throughout its 120 rooms, each equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, a minibar, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Most rooms feature a balcony, inviting guests to enjoy the scenic surroundings. A varied breakfast buffet awaits each morning, while the restaurant serves regional and international dishes. With Piazza Tasso and Sorrento’s boutique shopping close by, guests are also conveniently located near public transportation and the Circumvesuviana train for easy exploration of the area. Learn More Bettoja Hotel Atlantico Rome This 4-star hotel, set in the heart of Rome, combines classic elegance with modern comforts. Bettoja Hotel Atlantico is ideally located near Termini Station, offering easy access to the city’s major attractions. The hotel features stylish, air-conditioned rooms equipped with free WiFi, a minibar, and flat-screen TVs. Some rooms offer panoramic views of Rome. Guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast in a charming dining room and access to an on-site bar. The hotel’s rooftop terrace provides a relaxing space to take in the cityscape. Popular landmarks like the Colosseum and Roman Forum are just a short walk away. Learn More Novotel Firenze Nord Florence This four-star hotel offers an outdoor pool and is conveniently located about one mile from the A1 motorway and two miles from the Florence Airport. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a mini-bar, satellite flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access. The hotel’s restaurant offers a diverse menu, including a varied buffet breakfast. Learn More Show All 6 Venues Show Less Hotel Le Boulevard Venice This 4-star establishment boasts a long-standing tradition of hospitality, dating back to its initial construction in the 1930s, with significant rebuilds in 1985 and modern renovations in 1998. Perfectly situated between the sparkling sea and the charming Lido beach, its location is second to none for travelers. A brief water-bus journey across the Lagoon quickly brings you to the iconic St. Mark’s Square, making it a prime choice for those looking to explore the area. Learn More Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us