Dear Steve, It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary that we’ve carefully curated for your trip to Southern Italy. 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.’ It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary we’ve carefully curated for your trip to Southern Italy in 2026. 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. Sincerely,Robin H Teague617-958-9528 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. Recruitment Tools Our new Recruitment Meeting tool streamlines your recruitment process, offering customizable templates, automated reminders, and integrated RSVP tracking to ensure maximum attendance. It simplifies meeting logistics, allowing you to focus on sharing the excitement of your upcoming tour and inspiring participants to join. This tool is designed to make your recruitment efforts as smooth and successful as possible, helping you to build a strong and engaged group. Tour Inclusions Roundtrip airfare Airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges Accommodations at conveniently located 3- or 4-star hotels Rooming in twin/triple room occupancy. Breakfast daily and dinners per your itinerary, including a pizza-making class 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 Ferry to Naples Guides in Taormina, Sorrento, Rome, Pompei Entrances to the Colosseum, Vatican, Greek Theater in Taormina, a Sicilian puppet show in Acireale, Hydro to Capri, Cable Car to Mt. Etna. Two masses and three performances fully promoted weighted keyboard or piano, if possible Vox Headsets Ruins of the Greek Theater Taormina Sicily Italy 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 SpotsNo air fare45$5,9492$4,37740$60492$4,47735$6,2992$4738 Based on “Land and Air” out of MCI, the group will be accommodated in twin/triple rooms. Payment Deadlines DateAmountJanuary 15$200March 15$1,000May 15$1,000July 15$1,000September 15$1,000November 15$1,000January 15, 2026Final payment Sample Venues Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Band Choir Sant’Agnese Rome Sant’Agnese in Agone is a seventeenth Baroque church in Rome, Italy. It faces onto the Piazza Navona, one of the main urban spaces in the historic centre of the city and the site where the Early Christian Saint Agnes was martyred at the ancient Stadium of Domitian. A number of architects were involved in the construction of the church, including Girolamo Rainaldi and his son Carlo Rainaldi, and two of the foremost Baroque architects of the day; Francesco Borromini and the sculptor Gianlorenzo Bernini. The church serves as a cultural gathering point for the entire city with concerts throughout the year often featuring visiting ensembles. Choir St. Peter’s Basilica Rome Charged as being “the greatest of all churches of Christendom,” St. Peter’s Basilica, in Vatican City, is nearly 400 years old and possesses a wealth of history, culture, and art. Adorned with works of famous Italian Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo, St. Peter’s is a popular site not only for Christians, but for historians and tourists alike. Not only have Encore groups had the opportunity to explore such a remarkable sight, but some have also performed for the Pope himself! Choir Acireale Cathedral Acireale This historic gem is renowned for its baroque grandeur and intricate interior, making it an exceptional venue for choral performances. Dating back to the 15th century and dedicated to the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the cathedral underwent significant renovations over the centuries, embodying a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Its impressive acoustics and atmospheric setting provide a magnificent backdrop for choral groups, while the central location offers easy access to Acireale’s charming piazzas, local cafes, and scenic coastal views. Band Choir Orchestra San Francesco Cloister Sorrento The San Francesco Cloister, located in the heart of Sorrento, is a beautifully preserved medieval venue, perfect for intimate gatherings and performances. Dating back to the 14th century, the cloister features elegant stone columns, charming arches, and a peaceful garden courtyard, creating a tranquil and timeless atmosphere. Ideal for choral and acoustic ensembles, the space captures the essence of Sorrento’s rich history. Situated near the town’s main attractions, the cloister offers an enchanting and historical backdrop, blending artistry with the serene charm of the Amalfi Coast. Hotels This is some content 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. Learn More Hotel Continental Taormina Taormina In the heart of Taormina, just steps from the Cathedral and Corso Umberto, Hotel Continental offers comfort with stunning views of the bay and Mount Etna from its sun terrace. Rooms feature air conditioning, satellite TV, private bathrooms, and some include balconies or terraces. Guests can relax in the garden, enjoy the bar lounge, and access free Wi-Fi throughout. With a beach shuttle, nearby parking, and easy access to Taormina’s ancient Roman amphitheater, the hotel provides an ideal base for exploring the area. Learn More Art Hotel Gran Paradiso Sorrento The 4-star Art Hotel Gran Paradiso offers sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, complete with an outdoor pool and a complimentary shuttle to central Sorrento. Rooms are air-conditioned and feature contemporary artwork, with balconies—some overlooking the sea. The restaurant specializes in Italian and Sorrento cuisine, served on a terrace with panoramic sea views. Guests can enjoy a fitness center, massage services, and 24-hour assistance for transportation and tours to Capri, Ischia, and Pompeii. Conveniently located between Sorrento and Sant’Agnello, the hotel ensures a relaxing and scenic stay. Learn More Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us