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 France! 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 on a major Airlines from LAX flying into and out of Paris Airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges Accommodations at the conveniently located superior 3 and 4-star-hotels Rooming in double-room occupancy. Breakfast at your hotel daily and dinners at local restaurants every evening All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary Performance at the D-Day Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony Joint Performance with a local Choir in the Loire Valley Evening concert performance in Paris 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 Vox Headsets Entrances to Two Loire Valley Chateaux, Versailles Palace and Gardens, Palais Garnier, Seine Boat Ride, Top Floor Eiffel Tower What’s Not Included? Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines Instrument stands Any Instrument Rental Extra Ground Transportation of Large Musical Instruments or other Performance Equipment Any meals not listed in your itinerary Programs for the concerts Allocations of specific seat assignments on flights Pricing Options Travelers #1:1530 Air and Land: $4479Land Only: $287925Air and Land: $4599Land Only:$299920Air and Land: $4839Land Only:$323920 Based on “Land and Air” out of Da[llas flying into and out of London or No Airfare/Land Only accommodating the group in double occupancy rooms. Payment Deadlines DateAmountFebruary 15, 2025$200April 15, 2025$500June 15, 2025$750September 15, 2025$750November 15, 2025$750January 15, 2026$750Final BalanceApril 1, 2026 SAMPLE VENUES Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Band Choir American Cemetery Normandy Honoring nearly 10,000 American soldiers who died in Europe during World War II, this site is a historical landmark in memory of the 1944 invasion of Normandy. This cemetery and memorial is located near Omaha Beach and the English Channel, close to the Normandy landings. With the US flag flying proudly, visitors can attend the flag-lowering ceremony, which occurs twice each day. Performances here are sure to be emotional and inspiring. Choir Chateau de Blois Loire Valley The Château de Blois, located in France’s picturesque Loire Valley, is not just an architectural marvel from the 13th century but also serves as an enchanting performance venue. This historic castle, with its blend of Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical styles, provides a unique setting for various cultural events. It hosts theatrical performances, concerts, and art exhibitions within its grand halls and expansive grounds. The annual events held here leverage the dramatic and historical ambiance of the castle, making each performance a memorable experience for attendees. Choir L’Église de la Madeleine Paris La Madeleine is a prestigious performance venue in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. This Roman Catholic church was built in true Neo-Classical style inspired by the Roman temple Maison Carrée with over fifty columns carrying the building. The church’s pipe organ was built in 1845, restored in 1927 and the organist position has been held by major organists/composers, Saint-Saëns and Fauré to name a few! We hope your group can be one of the select ensembles to have the opportunity to perform here! Hotels Novotel Caen Côte de Nacre Caen The Novotel Caen Côte de Nacre is a 4-star, family-friendly hotel located just minutes from Caen’s city center, making it an ideal base for exploring the Normandy region. With spacious, well-appointed rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and on-site amenities such as a seasonal outdoor pool, a restaurant serving regional cuisine, and free parking, the hotel offers comfort and convenience for both leisure and business travelers. Its proximity to historic landmarks, including the Memorial de Caen and the D-Day beaches, adds to its appeal for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. Learn More Novotel Bayeux Bayeux The Novotel Bayeux is a 4-star hotel set in a peaceful garden near Bayeux’s historic center. It features a seasonal heated outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant serving French cuisine, and modern, air-conditioned rooms with Wi-Fi. Conveniently located, it offers easy access to the Bayeux Tapestry, cathedral, and D-Day landing beaches, making it an ideal base for exploring Normandy. Learn More Novotel Blois Centre Val de Loire Blois The Novotel Blois Centre Val de Loire is a 4-star hotel just a 10-minute walk from Blois’ historic center and close to Loire Valley châteaux. Renovated in 2018, it offers modern, air-conditioned rooms, a seasonal outdoor pool, a terrace, and the Gourmet Bar restaurant. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, meeting spaces, and charging stations. Learn More Hôtel Mercure Paris Montparnasse Raspail Paris Experience the essence of Parisian charm at the 4-star Mercure Raspail Montparnasse hotel, nestled in the vibrant heart of the City of Lights. Situated within easy reach of iconic landmarks such as the catacombs, the Senate, Luxembourg Garden, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, the hotel offers an authentic Parisian experience. Enjoy the convenience of complimentary Wi-Fi and air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable stay while you explore all that the city has to offer. Learn More