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 cities of Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich. 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 Ensemble da Camera Violinissimo, 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 from Chicago flying into Madrid and out of Barcelona AVE High Speed Train Madrid to Barcelona Airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges Accommodations at conveniently located 4-star-hotels Rooming in double-room occupancy. Breakfast at your hotel daily and dinners at local restaurants 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 2 Formal Evening Concert performance opportunities (One Madrid and One Barcelona), 1 liturgy (Toledo), 1 informal singing opportunity Montserrat, and fee for participation in the 2025 Eric Whitacre Festival, Barcelona 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 Entrances to all sites listed in the itinerary Vox Headet Colorful architecture by Antonio Gaudi. Parc Guell is the most important park in Barcelona. Spain 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 Spots3 Free Spots 80Air and Land: $5679Land Only:$4379Air and Land: $5739Land Only:$443970Air and Land: $5799Land Only:$4499Air and Land: $5879Land Only:$457960Air and Land: $5979 Land Only:$4669Air and Land: $6079Land Only:$473950Air and Land: $5999Land Only:$4679Air and Land: $6099Land Only:$479920 Based on “Land and Air” out of Chicago flying into Venice, and out of Rome OR No Airfare/Land Only accommodating the group in double occupancy rooms. Payment Deadlines DateAmountNovember 30, 2024$200December 30, 2024$750January 15, 2025$1,500March 15, 2025$1,500May 15, 2025$1,500Final BalanceJuly 1, 2025 SAMPLE VENUES Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Choir Basílica Pontificia San Miguel Madrid This Basilica represents the Vatican in Madrid as it is the Basilica Pontificia de San Miguel. Built in the late 1700’s, it has amazing acoustics and is located behind the Plaza Mayor. The audience can hold over 400 people and the church has an historical organ located on the first floor at the church feet. It is consider among the best jewels of Spanish Baroque and is perfect for traveling choirs! Choir San Jerónimo el Real Madrid Located in central Madrid, San Jerónimo el Real, also known as Los Jerónimos, was built as a monastery in 1503 during the time of Queen Isabella I. For more than three centuries, the monastery was the site of the investiture of the Prince of Asturias, or the heir to the Spanish throne. The church was closed in 1836 during the War of Independence and subsequently used as the headquarters of the artillery. With such a vital history, it’s no wonder why our groups seek to write their own chapters in the continuing tale of Los Jerónimos. Band Choir Orchestra Auditorio Nacional de Madrid Madrid This symphonic hall was built in the early 80’s and has over 2,300 seats and a reverb time of two second. The annual program starts in September and runs through May and is open to both visiting ensembles wishing to attend a performance or perform in the hall themselves! Choir San Manuel y San Benito Church Madrid The Church of San Manuel y San Benito is a Catholic church located in Madrid. The building, which was designed by Fernando Arbós y Tremanti, was built at the beginning of the twentieth century and was declared an official Cultural Monument in 1982. This church is a fantastic venue for choral concerts and Mass participations. Choir Santo Tomé Church Toledo Originally built in the 12th century, Santo Tomé got a complete makeover two centuries later when the Lord of Orgaz provided the necessary funding. When he died in 1312, he left a great deal of his wealth for adornment and enlargement of the church. Today, it is home to El Greco’s most famous painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz, which is a very popular sight in Toledo. This painting was commissioned for the church (the burial site of Orgaz) in 1586 to pay tribute to his instrumental donations. Show All 8 Venues Show Less Band Choir Orchestra Palau de la Musica Catalan Barcelona This breathtaking concert hall was built in the early 1900s in the middle of Barcelona. Along with the stunning stained glass dome ceiling, the structure includes a number of statues and designs that stand as homages to specific musical works. The concert hall is the only hall in Europe to be lit during daylight hours solely by natural light. This UNESCO World Heritage Site seats approximately 2,200 people and has seen performances by various artists ranging from Strauss, Stravinsky, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and more! Choir Santa Maria del Pi Barcelona Situated in the part of the city of Barcelona known as Barri Gotic, is located 14th century Gothic style church known as Santa Maria del Pi. The church is known for its large rose stained glass window, which is one of the largest in the world, it’s Catalan Gothic Style which is essentially bare of any sculptures, and its robust buttresses that give it its characteristic appearance. Choir Orchestra Teatre-Auditori Sant Cugat Barcelona Built in 1993, this theater aims to provide residents and visitors a cultural experience and hopes to become one of Barcelona’s unique cultural centers. Its auditorium can seat nearly 800 audience members and averages 50,000 visitors a year. The acoustical properties are enhanced with its specially designed acoustic hood, making this an optimal performance venue for your tour. Hotels Please note this quotation is based on 4-star standard well-located hotels in all cities. Munich and Salzburg Hotel information is contained in email dated April 26, 2024. Novotel Madrid Center Madrid Located in the heart of Madrid, this 4-star hotel offers convenience and comfort for visitors exploring the vibrant Spanish capital. Its central location provides easy access to renowned attractions such as the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, and Puerta del Sol. With modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, it serves as an ideal base for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the cultural and historical richness of Madrid. Learn More Espahotel Plaza De Espana Madrid Located in the center of Madrid, the Espahotel Plaza De Espana offers easy access to highlights of this wonderful city. Comfort can also be found with spacious rooms, free internet, buffet breakfast each morning, and more. 24 hour reception is available to provide any guidance for your travels and to ensure all your needs are being met during your stay. Learn More Ayre Gran Hotel Colon Madrid This upscale hotel is located in the heart of Madrid, sitting ten minutes drive away from shopping areas of the city such as Gran Via. Explore Madrid then come back to the hotel and relax in comfort with air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, and a mini-fridge bar found in each room. You will also find a fitness suite, fitness classes, a solarium, and a wonderful terrace all on site. Comfort and convenience are both highlights of this hotel. Learn More Hotel Barceló Sants Barcelona Discover a one-of-a-kind, modern 4-star hotel with sleek contemporary design. Guests are greeted with a distinctive ambiance that sets this establishment apart. Service is known for its professionalism, while the hotel’s ideal location directly above a major transport hub provides unmatched convenience and accessibility. With consistent guest acclaim for its comfortable amenities and exceptional breakfast, this hotel is a preferred choice for travelers seeking a contemporary and convenient experience in Barcelona. Learn More Residencia Salesiana Martí-Codolar Barcelona Set in a scenic park, the Salesian Residence Marti-Codolar provides a tranquil retreat designed for travelers seeking relaxation. Housed in a delightful historic structure, guests can anticipate cozy accommodations offering countryside views, ideal for unwinding or rehearsal preparations. Situated conveniently in Barcelona’s Vall d’Hebrón neighborhood, easy access to the highway and direct links to the city center via Montbau station ensure effortless exploration. Don’t forget to explore the nearby Parc del Laberint d’Horta, a charming historic garden waiting to be discovered! Learn More Show All 6 Venues Show Less Hotel Lleo Barcelona This charming and modern hotel, adorned with bright and welcoming décor, is ideally situated in the heart of Barcelona. It serves as the perfect base for exploring the city, located near La Rambla and just a short walk from Plaza Catalunya. After a day of sightseeing, guests can unwind at the rooftop swimming pool and enjoy a few drinks at the bar, or retreat to their rooms and stay connected with high-speed Wi-Fi. Learn More Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us