Hi Lori, It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary that we’ve carefully curated for your trip to Switzerland, France and Germany. 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 pleased to offer individual (or group), online billing so that you do not have to spend multiple hours chasing participants for money. All your participants can be billed directly by Encore Tours — this is a feature that Encore Group Leaders especially appreciate! Using our autopay system, participants can also choose their own payment schedule to suit personal financial requirements. The last payment is processed 45 days prior to departure and enrollment is free! 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 Rooming in twin/double room occupancy. Breakfast and dinner daily 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 three concert performance opportunities 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 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 Spots30$5,899130$6,099235$5,8992 Based on “Land and Air” out of San Francisco accommodating the group in twin or double rooms. Payment Deadlines DateAmountMay 15, 2024$200August 15, 2024$1,000November 15, 2024$1,000February 15, 2025Balance due Sample Venues Please find information on the three proposed venues for formal concerts during your tour. In addition there is the opportunity for an impromptu performance in the Black Forest in a stunning setting! Choir Galluskirche Kriens The Galluskirche is a historic church located in the town of Kriens, near Lucerne in Switzerland. The church is dedicated to Saint Gall, an Irish missionary who is one of the patron saints of Switzerland. A beautiful example of Baroque architecture, with a striking façade and elegant interior. The church is known for its ornate decorations, including frescoes, statues, and altars. An active place of worship, and visitors are welcome to attend services or explore the church’s interior during designated visiting hours. The church also hosts occasional concerts and cultural events. Choir Martinskirche (St. Martin’s Church) Freiburg im Breisgau St. Martin’s Church, located in Freiburg’s old town, is a Roman Catholic church initially built for Franciscans in the 13th century, now under Dominican pastoral care. Originating from a small chapel given by Count Conrad I, it expanded due to the Franciscans’ growth, culminating in a larger church completed in 1318. Over centuries, its interior has been modified to reflect various styles and was partially destroyed during WWII. Restoration efforts, including the organ, have been undertaken by the Dominicans since 2009. Choir The Church of the Holy Spirit (Heiliggeistkirche) Heidelberg The Church of the Holy Spirit (Heiliggeistkirche), Heidelberg’s most famous church, is centrally located in the market place of the old city center. Its steeple prominently towers over the town. First mentioned in 1239, the current late Gothic structure was started in 1398 on the site of previous churches, marking it as the third sacred building there. Construction spanned around 150 years, with the choir consecrated in 1411 and the nave completed in 1441. Steeple construction began probably in the same year, paused, and finished in 1544. After being damaged by fire during the War of the Palatine Succession in 1709, the church was rebuilt, adding a baroque spire. Hotels This tour is based on 3* and 4* hotels in locations convenient to the sights and venues you will be visiting. Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us