Dear Roger, Please find below a fully customized itinerary that we’ve carefully curated for your trip to Austria and the Czech Republic. 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. We have a wonderful musical and travel network in both countries who will ensure every detail is perfect. I really look forward to working together on a great tour! Best, James 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 Rooming in twin or double rooms Buffet Breakfast daily $25 per person meal allowance at Los Angeles and Prague airports EUR 20 per person daily lunch allowance Restaurant dinner daily All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary Private deluxe air-conditioned touring motor coach and driver throughout Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout your program All gratuities including for the tour manager and bus driver Three fully-promoted concerts One masterclass with Salzburg Domkapellmeisterin Andrea Fournier 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 PayeesAir IncludedLand OnlyFree Spots42$5,799$4,0797 Based on a departure from Los Angeles (LAX) $880 Single Room Supplement Up to four adult payees traveling as additional chaperones may receive a $1,160 discount Payment Deadlines DateAmountMay 15th, 2024$200August 15th, 2024$1,000November 15th, 2024$1,000February 1st, 2025Balance Due Sample Venues These are venues we think will provide a rich and varied musical experience for your choir. Confirmation is subject to our submitting your ensemble bio and repertoire. In Prague we have two options listed for your concert there and can discuss multiple further options in any of the cities. Choir Christuskirche Hallstatt Located in the heart of charming Hallstatt, Christuskirche is a neo-gothic-style Protestant church known for its historic bone chapel and its picturesque lakeside location. In fact, for centuries, this tiny town was only accessible by boat, which allowed the town to keep its traditional character. Hallstatt, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a perfect location for concert performances as well as visiting its historic salt mines. Band Choir Orchestra St. Nicholas Church Prague This gorgeous baroque-style church right in the Old Town Square of Prague, was completed in 1735. The interior was inspired by the chapel of St. Louis-des-Invalides in Paris. Its prime location in the heart of the main square makes it a wonderful place to hold concerts and attract large audiences. Band Choir Orchestra Church of the Holy Savior Prague This church, located just off the Old Town of the city, is the largest Protestant church in Prague. It was originally built in Gothic-Renaissance style in the early 1600’s and has been reconstructed several times to its current glory. It is a wonderful venue for choral music and there are many concerts which take place in this very special venue. Hotels We are currently holding space at the below hotels for your ensemble. Theater Hotel Salzburg Salzburg Located in Salzburg’s Schallmoos district, at the base of Kapuzinerberg hill, the 4-star Theater Hotel Salzburg offers a prime location for exploring the city. Within a mile of both Mirabell Palace and Salzburg Main Train Station, it’s an ideal base for visitors. The hotel features modern, well-appointed rooms with amenities like cable TV and a mini-bar. Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet and relax in the lobby bar with its wide beverage selection. Attractions such as Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Residence, and Hohensalzburg Fortress are nearby. Gnigl Train Station is just a short walk away, enhancing guests’ convenience. Learn More Occidental Praha Five Prague The 4-star Occidental Praha Five is perfectly located for exploring Prague, near the historic district and just steps from Novy Smichov shopping center and Andel metro station for easy city access. It offers 134 modern, comfortable rooms, facilities for small events, dining options, and a fitness studio with a sauna. Ideal for both tourists and business travelers looking to experience Prague’s culture and music scene. Learn More Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us