Hello Kristine! It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary that we’ve carefully curated for your trip to Wales & Scotland. 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 Airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges Accommodations at conveniently located 3- or 4-star hotels 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 3 nts Llangollen, 1 night Glasgow, 2 nts Highlands/Plockton Area, 1 nt Aberdeen, 2 nts Edinburgh Participation in the Llangollen Eistedfodd – choir registration fee is included and competition 3 exchange concerts with local schools 1 impromptu sing in Isle of Skye Chapel 1 hour cruise on the famous Loch Ness Bagpipe demonstration/workshop Edinburgh Local Guides: Edinburgh Entrances: Edinburgh Castle Vox headsets 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 TravelersPriceFree Spots50$6,179560$5,939570$5,7395 Payment Deadlines DateAmountMarch 1, 2025$200June 1, 2025$1,000October 15, 2025$1,000February 1, 2026Balance Due Sample Venues Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Band Choir Orchestra Exchange Concert: Glasgow Glasgow An exchange concert in Glasgow immerses your ensemble in one of Scotland’s most energetic music hubs. With a rich history of fostering diverse musical styles, Glasgow offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with local performers and experience the city’s passion for live music. Known for its legendary venues and vibrant arts scene, Glasgow provides an exciting backdrop for sharing music and building connections. Beyond the performance, exploring the city’s cultural depth and creative spirit makes for a truly memorable and impactful musical exchange. Band Choir Orchestra Exchange Concert: Edinburgh Edinburgh An exchange concert in Edinburgh offers a chance to engage with Scotland’s rich musical traditions and collaborate with local musicians. Known for its lively arts scene and welcoming community, the city provides an opportunity to share music in a meaningful way. Outside of the performance, Edinburgh’s historic landmarks and cultural heritage add to the experience, making it a well-rounded and rewarding destination for musical exchange. Band Choir Orchestra Exchange Concert: Plockton Plockton Plockton offers a quiet, intimate setting for musicians seeking meaningful cultural exchange. With its strong tradition of Scottish folk music, this coastal village provides a unique opportunity to connect with local musicians and share musical traditions in a peaceful environment. Surrounded by serene landscapes, performances in Plockton allow for a personal and reflective experience, fostering genuine connections and a deeper appreciation for music in a more relaxed setting. 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. Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us