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 countries of Scotland and Ireland! 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 Direct Non-stop Roundtrip airfare on a major airline from Chicago flying into Edinburgh and out of Shannon Airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges Accommodations at the conveniently located 4-star-hotels throughout 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 Afternoon concert series Concerts St. Giles – Edinburgh, and two evening concerts Glasgow and Belfast 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 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 #2 Free Spots 45Air and Land: $4539Land Only:$327950Air and Land: $4799Land Only:$353960Air and Land: $4579Land Only:$3539 Based on “Land and Air” out of Chicago flying into Edinburgh and out of Shannon or No Airfare/Land Only accommodating the group in double occupancy rooms. Payment Deadlines DateAmountJanuary 30, 2025$200March 15, 2025$500May 15, 2025$750July15, 2025$1,000September 15, 2025$1,000November 15, 2025$1,000Final BalanceJanuary 10, 2026 SAMPLE VENUES Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Choir St. Giles’ Cathedral Edinburgh Sometimes regarded as the mother church of Presbyterianism, this 900 year-old cathedral (or the High Kirk) is a prominent feature of the Edinburgh skyline. Dedicated to St. Giles’, the patron saint of Edinburgh, the cathedral is one of Scotland’s most important and prominent historic buildings. Five services are held every Sunday, as well as daily and special services. Choir Jordanhill Parish Church Glasgow Jordanhill Parish Church, in Glasgow’s west end, has a history dating back to 1854, when it began as Hillhead Free Church. The congregation moved to its current building in 1905 after structural issues with its original location. Over time, the church’s name evolved with shifts in Scotland’s religious landscape, becoming Jordanhill Parish Church in 1979. Rich in history, it remains a cherished part of the community. Choir Belfast Cathedral Belfast Belfast Cathedral, also known as St. Anne’s Cathedral, is a stunning landmark in the heart of Belfast with a history that spans over a century. Construction began in 1899, replacing an earlier parish church on the site, and the cathedral was dedicated in 1904. Over the years, it has been adorned with magnificent mosaics, carvings, and stained-glass windows, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship. As a symbol of Belfast’s spiritual and cultural heritage, the cathedral continues to serve as a place of worship and a venue for significant civic and artistic events, making it an enduring icon of the city. Hotels Apex Waterloo Place Hotel Edinburgh This 4-star hotel in Edinburgh’s historic New Town seamlessly blends contemporary comfort with classic elegance. Guests can enjoy spacious, well-appointed rooms with luxurious amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and upscale toiletries. The hotel features an indoor swimming pool and spa for relaxation, as well as an on-site restaurant serving a delectable menu of local and international cuisine. Its prime location offers easy access to popular attractions such as Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle, and the Royal Mile. Additionally, the nearby Waverley Train Station ensures convenient travel for all visitors. Learn More Maldron Hotel Glasgow City Glasgow This modern 4-star property in the heart of Glasgow offers stylish accommodations within easy walking distance of the city’s top attractions, including George Square and Buchanan Street. Guests will enjoy spacious rooms with contemporary amenities, a vibrant on-site restaurant, and excellent transport links nearby, making it an ideal base for both business and leisure travelers. The property also features a well-equipped fitness center and meeting facilities, ensuring comfort and convenience during your stay in Scotland’s cultural capital. Learn more Leonardo Hotel Belfast Belfast This 4-star accommodation offers modern comfort and convenience in the heart of Belfast, just a short walk from City Hall, the Titanic Quarter, and the lively Cathedral Quarter. Guests can unwind in well-appointed rooms featuring free Wi-Fi and spacious work areas or enjoy a hearty breakfast and drinks at the stylish on-site bar and restaurant. With its prime location and excellent service, it serves as an ideal base for exploring the city’s cultural and historical highlights. Learn More