Dear Sean, It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary that we’ve carefully curated for your trip to France. 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. Sincerely,Robin 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. 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 as per your itinerary All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary Private deluxe air-conditioned motor coach and driver Metro carnet in Paris Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout your program Basic gratuities for the tour manager and bus drivers Formal Concert: Afternoon concert at La Madeleine(TBC) Formal Concert: evening exchange concert Normandy area (TBC) Formal Concert: evening exchange concert at Chateau de Blois(TBC) 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 Mass Participation: Notre Dame de Versailles(TBC) Mass Participation: Basilique Notre Dame du Rosaire (TBC) Mass Participation – Ash Wednesday Normandy (TBC) Informal: American Cemetery Ceremony (TBC) 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 includes a $200 early registration discount TravelersPriceFree Spots30$5,279235$5.099240$4,979245$4,879250$4,7792 Based on “Land and Air” out of Philadelphia accommodating the group Double/Triple rooms. Payment Deadlines determined by Sean and Robin DateAmountJuly 31$200August 31$1,000October 1$1,000December 15Final payment Sample Venues Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Choir L’Église de la Madeleine Paris La Madeleine is a prestigious performance venue in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. This Roman Catholic church was built in true Neo-Classical style inspired by the Roman temple Maison Carrée with over fifty columns carrying the building. The church’s pipe organ was built in 1845, restored in 1927 and the organist position has been held by major organists/composers, Saint-Saëns and Fauré to name a few! We hope your group can be one of the select ensembles to have the opportunity to perform here! Choir Notre Dame Cathedral Paris Located in the heart of Paris, Notre Dame is one of the most magnificent churches in the world. It has starred in numerous books and films across the ages—most notably Victor Hugo’s tale of the Hunchback, Quasimodo, who lived in the bell towers. Speaking of bells, Notre Dame has five, the largest being the great Bourdon bell, Emmanuel, which weighs just over 13 tons. No doubt one of the most sought-after venues in the world, we are proud to have Notre Dame on our venue list! (Note: Notre Dame is currently closed for repairs and is expected to re-open in December 2024.) Band Choir American Cemetery Normandy Honoring nearly 10,000 American soldiers who died in Europe during World War II, this site is a historical landmark in memory of the 1944 invasion of Normandy. This cemetery and memorial is located near Omaha Beach and the English Channel, close to the Normandy landings. With the US flag flying proudly, visitors can attend the flag-lowering ceremony, which occurs twice each day. Performances here are sure to be emotional and inspiring. Choir Chateau de Blois Loire Valley The Château de Blois, located in France’s picturesque Loire Valley, is not just an architectural marvel from the 13th century but also serves as an enchanting performance venue. This historic castle, with its blend of Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical styles, provides a unique setting for various cultural events. It hosts theatrical performances, concerts, and art exhibitions within its grand halls and expansive grounds. The annual events held here leverage the dramatic and historical ambiance of the castle, making each performance a memorable experience for attendees. Choir Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen (Rouen Cathedral) Normandy Rouen Cathedral, a stunning example of French Gothic architecture, is located in Rouen, France. Built between the 12th and 16th centuries, it features a detailed façade, towering spire, and impressive stained glass windows. The cathedral is known for housing the tomb of Richard the Lionheart and has inspired artists like Claude Monet. Today, it remains an active place of worship and a major cultural landmark, drawing visitors worldwide to appreciate its historic and artistic significance. Mass Participation Please note that masses are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Choir Church of Notre-Dame, Versailles Versailles The Church of Notre-Dame in Versailles, built between 1684 and 1686, stands as the city’s first parish church and is located near the Palace of Versailles. Notable for its classical architecture, the church features a façade adorned with statues, a high vaulted nave, and intricate stained glass windows. Historically, it has hosted numerous significant events, including royal baptisms and weddings. Today, it continues to serve as a key spiritual and cultural site, offering regular services and attracting visitors keen to explore its architectural beauty and historic significance. Choir Basilique Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire de Lourdes Lourdes The Basilique Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire de Lourdes (also known as (Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary), was completed in 1899 in Lourdes and is a major Roman Catholic pilgrimage site known for its Byzantine-style architecture and stunning mosaics. Situated below the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and near the Grotto of Massabielle, the site of Saint Bernadette’s visions, it features three domed interiors richly adorned with mosaics. This basilica attracts millions of visitors and pilgrims annually, drawn by its spiritual significance and architectural beauty. Suggested Hotels Traveling on a performance trip is a moving experience, and our goal is to ensure that all travelers have a life-changing experience. We also know that time is money, and comfort is essential. That’s why, when you’re touring with Encore, you will always stay in well-located, three- or four-star hotels—right in the heart of the destination you came to see. Hotel Central Tours BW Tours Located in the city center of Tours, Hotel Central Tours BW offers convenient access to the highlights of the city. The Loire castles, museums, concert halls, cathedrals, and shops are all nearby. Enjoy high speed internet, comfortable rooms with a coffee maker and mini-bar, and the cocktail lounge during your stay. Relax at the hotel coffee shop and longue after full days of exploring the nearby sites. Learn More Novotel Amboise Amboise Situated in the picturesque hills of Amboise, this modern 4-star Novotel hotel offers a tranquil and inviting atmosphere ideal for exploring nearby Renaissance masterpieces like Amboise, Chenonceau, and Chambord. The hotel’s prime location provides a peaceful, friendly setting perfect for business trips, family vacations, or romantic getaways. Guests can enjoy a cultural and historical experience in a convenient and comfortable environment. Learn More Hôtel Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel Paris Conveniently situated in the heart of the City of Light, the 4-star Mercure Center Tour Eiffel offers an ideal home base for your Parisian getaway. Just steps away from the iconic Eiffel Tower, the hotel provides easy access to public transit and nearby attractions like the Quai Branly Museum and Les Invalides, as well as charming local shops and restaurants. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a delicious daily breakfast, all within the comfort of your cozy accommodations at Mercure Center Tour Eiffel. Learn More Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us