Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra – Tour to Central Europe (inc S Bohemia)

Dear John,

I’m so delighted to be able to introduce you to oe of my favourite concert tour destinations, Central Europe and to guide you through the fully customized itinerary that we’ve designed for your trip, encompassing the capitals of both Austria and the Czech Republic.  Your musical goals and travel desires are our priority, which makes your travel experience completely personalized, and utterly seamless.   At every step we ensure total peace of mind, whether that’s through our industry-leading protection plans, our guaranteed prices without surcharge or supplement, or our world-beating tour managers who bring every destination to life.

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 performance tour awaits.

Best regards,
Julian


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 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.

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 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
  • Instrument truck and driver throughout your tour
  • Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout your program
  • Basic gratuities for the tour manager and bus/truck drivers
  • Arrangements for 3 concert performance opportunities
  • All concert arrangements include venue rental and allocation, all necessary concert permits, all pre-concert advertisement/promotion, and on-site concert assistance
  • Pre-concert rehearsal time, where possible
  • Vox Headsets

What’s Not Included?

  • Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines 
  • Instrument stands 
  • Instrument hire: please contact us to discuss your requirements 
  • Any meals not listed in your itinerary 
  • Programs for the concerts 
  • Allocations of specific seat assignments on flights 

Pricing Options

TravelersPriceFree Spots
60$5,0792
70$4,8792
80$4,7792

Based on “Land and Air” out of Washington accommodating the group in Twin rooms.

Payment Deadlines

DateAmount
May 31, 2024$200
July 31, 2024$1,000
October 31, 2024$1,000
February 15, 2025balance due

Payment schedule is suggestion only, for further discussion

Sample Venues

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

Church of Sts. Simon and Jude

Prague

The Church of St. Simon and St. Jude in Prague, dating back to the 14th century, has transitioned from a historical religious site to a vibrant concert and rehearsal venue. No longer serving as a church, it now welcomes orchestras and choral groups within its Gothic walls. Positioned in the bustling heart of Prague, this building has endured through events like the Hussite Wars and now contributes to the city’s cultural scene, offering a majestic backdrop that reflects Prague’s rich heritage and dynamic present.

Oskar Nedbal Theatre Tábor

Tabor

The Oskar Nedbal Theatre in Tábor is a cultural hub, hosting a variety of performances and events in a grand and elegant setting. Named after the esteemed Czech composer, the theatre offers a diverse program, from classic plays to contemporary productions, catering to a wide audience. It stands as a symbol of creativity and artistic expression in the heart of Tábor’s cultural scene.

Das MuTh

Vienna

Opened in 2012, the MuTh concert hall in Augarten, primarily used by the Vienna Boys’ Choir, has emerged as a key cultural venue in Vienna. With over 400 seats, state-of-the-art stage and lighting technology, and superb acoustics suitable for choirs and orchestras, it has become a favored spot for various ensembles. The hall stages children’s operas, concerts, and numerous cultural events, often benefiting local charities. Featuring a well-designed stage and a prime location, MuTh provides a top-tier performance experience in Vienna.

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.

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.

Clarion Congress Hotel České Budějovice

České Budějovice

In the heart of České Budějovice, this modern hotel offers a restaurant and complimentary WiFi. The air-conditioned rooms feature elegant décor, flat-screen TVs, and fully equipped bathrooms. Guests can enjoy concierge services and a business center. Nearby attractions include the Black Tower and the Budějovický Budvar Brewery. Hluboká nad Vltavou Castle, Český Krumlov, and the Austrian border are also within easy reach.

Hotel Ananas

Vienna

Vienna’s largest four-star hotel is perfect for your stay in the enchanting city. Location wise, it is only a five minute walk from the famous Naschmarkt outdoor market, hosting 170 stands for you to explore. It is also only 100 meters from the closest metro station, making traveling through the city an easy endeavor. Relax and enjoy breakfast in the hotel restaurant Zum Moser, or have a snack in the Johann Strauss bar and café. Comfort and convenience are both products of this Vienna hotel!

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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