Olentangy Berlin High School – Italy

Dear Thai

I’m so delighted to be able to introduce you to the amazing destination that is Italy 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 permanently 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


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.

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.

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 one main meal daily as per your itinerary
  • All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary
  • 48 hour water bus pass in Venice
  • Private motor launch transfer Venice airport – hotel
  • 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 3 concert performance opportunities and one liturgy performance
  • Rental of an electronic keyboard
  • 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 music stands  
  • Any meals not listed in your itinerary 
  • Printed programs for the concerts 

Pricing Options

TravelersPriceFree Spots
From Chicago
50$5,1792
45$5,2792
40$5,4792
From Columbus
50$5,6392
45$5,7392
40$5,8992

Based on “Land and Air” out of Chicago/Columbus as indicated, accommodating the group in Twin rooms.

Payment Deadlines

DateAmount
March 31, 2025$200
September 30, 2025$1,000
November 30, 2025$1,000
January 30, 2026$1,000
March 30, 2026$1,000
May 30, 2026$1,000
July 15, 2026Balance due

Suggested schedule only, flexibility can be discussed

Sample Venues

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

Church of San Stae

Venice

The Church of San Stae, located along the Grand Canal in Venice, is a Baroque gem offering a striking and atmospheric venue for performances. Known for its elegant façade and richly decorated interior, the church provides excellent acoustics that are particularly well-suited for small ensembles and choral groups. Performing in this historic setting allows musicians to immerse themselves in Venice’s artistic heritage while connecting with audiences in an unforgettable environment.

St. Paul’s Within the Walls

Rome

Located in Rome, this venue stands out for its welcoming approach to an eclectic repertoire, offering ensembles a unique platform to explore a diverse range of music. This flexibility is particularly notable given the venue’s historic significance as the first Protestant church in Rome, built in 1873. With its stunning blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, adorned with striking mosaics and stained glass, the church not only provides an aesthetically magnificent backdrop for performances but also an acoustically rich environment. The combination of architectural beauty, historical depth, and openness to varied musical genres makes St. Paul’s an ideal venue for choral groups.

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.

Hotel Riviera Venezia Lido

Venice

Hotel Riviera Venezia Lido, set in a historic palace, enjoys a prime location overlooking the lagoon, just steps from the waterbus stop, with St. Mark’s Square about 10 minutes away. Convenient links to Marco Polo Airport, Piazzale Roma, and Venezia Santa Lucia Station make it an ideal base. Located on peaceful Lido, the hotel offers a tranquil alternative to bustling Venice, with local attractions including beaches and the Venice Film Festival. Rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, offering scenic lagoon views and unforgettable sunsets.

Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

Florence

The Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, a 4-star property in Florence, offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and Italian charm. Located along the Arno River, just a short walk from Florence’s historic center, the hotel provides easy access to iconic landmarks such as the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio. Guests enjoy spacious, well-appointed rooms, on-site dining featuring Tuscan cuisine, and exceptional hospitality, making it an ideal base for exploring the beauty and culture of Florence.

Hotel Nord Nuova Roma

Rome

Located in a historic building with a chic interior, this establishment sits in the heart of Rome, offering an ideal base for exploring the city’s famed attractions. Complimentary Wi-Fi and daily fitness area access enhance guests’ stay, while the roof garden provides a tranquil spot to enjoy snacks and city views. Just a 20-minute stroll away are the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Roman Forum, with easy public transportation access for broader exploration.

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.

Get A Quote