2025 Summer Travel Recap

At Encore Tours, we work with music directors and their exceptional ensembles all year long. From high school choirs and university wind ensembles to community orchestras and church vocal groups, we design performance tours that inspire. But summer has a unique energy. It is when the world feels more open, and performers have time to explore, and music takes center stage in plazas, cathedrals, and concert halls across the globe. It is our busiest season, and one of the most rewarding.

This summer, Encore travelers brought their music to life throughout Europe and beyond. They performed in unforgettable venues, engaged with new cultures, and returned home with more than applause. They came back transformed. Now, as the season winds down, we are reflecting on what made summer 2025 so meaningful. Here is a look at the highlights.

Performance Highlights

Every great tour begins with the right stage. The most rewarding performances happen in venues that align with the ensemble’s sound, purpose, and identity. That means strong acoustics, a meaningful location, and a setting that supports the goals of the program.

This summer, groups performed in a wide range of spaces. Some sang in centuries-old basilicas or played in world-class concert halls. Others shared their music outdoors in castle courtyards, seaside amphitheaters, and lively public piazzas. Whether seeking intimacy or impact, directors had access to venues that felt artistically and culturally significant.

Each concert was carefully planned in collaboration with trusted local partners. Events were promoted in advance to ensure engaged audiences, giving ensembles the opportunity to share their music with communities that truly listened.

One group leader shared, “The students were in awe and loved the location. It was absolutely beautiful.” Another reflected, “What more could you ask for?” These moments are the result of thoughtful planning and a deep understanding of what makes a performance meaningful.

The venue is never just a backdrop. It becomes part of the story and helps shape an experience that stays with performers long after they return home.

Tour Managers

Our Tour Managers are the steady hands that make your tour feel effortless. They are not just guides. They are educators, cultural interpreters, and problem solvers who know your itinerary inside and out. Many come from musical backgrounds. All are multilingual professionals who love what they do and care deeply about your success.

“This was the best Tour Manager we have ever had,” one group leader shared. “She had a perfect mix of structure, fun, and deep knowledge of the area.” Another noted, “She went above and beyond at every turn and helped bring local history into focus for our performers.” One group leader remarked that their guide’s “organizational skills were outstanding. Communication skills were excellent. We always knew what we were doing next and when. Yet he was flexible with the schedule when necessary.”

Tour Managers help with rehearsals, find last-minute supplies, coordinate performances, and bring calm when unexpected issues arise. They are the kind of people who make a group feel at home in a new country.

Accommodations

Where you stay shapes your entire experience. It’s more than just a place to sleep. It becomes a home base for discovery, a space to recharge between performances, and a setting for connection and reflection. That’s why we prioritize hotels that are clean, comfortable, and centrally located.

“This was first rate on all levels. Location perfect, food wonderful, rooms spacious and great beds. Love this place!” one group leader raved. Another shared, “Loved being right across from the beach. Beautiful views and a safe area for the kids.” And from a third: “This was a great location for our group. We were within walking distance to everything we needed.”

Each property is selected with group needs in mind, from easy access to city highlights to practical details like meal service and rehearsal space. If something needs adjusting during the tour, our team and tour managers respond quickly with solutions so directors and their performers can stay focused on the music.

“I will definitely recommend [Encore] to ANYONE I know who is considering a tour.”

Sara M, Choir Group Leader

The Encore Team

Long before your first rehearsal abroad, the Encore team is working behind the scenes to bring your tour to life. It starts with your Program Consultant, who listens carefully, learns your ensemble’s goals, and helps build a customized itinerary that reflects your vision.

“We felt truly understood from the beginning,” said one group leader. “Our consultant knew exactly what we needed and helped us craft the perfect itinerary.” Another shared, “Everything from the pacing to the cultural stops felt like it was designed just for us.” A third added, “James made it clear that we could do anything—absolutely anything—we wanted. When our original plan didn’t attract enough singers, he worked hard to revise the itinerary and make it work. I’m so grateful for that level of care.”

Once your trip is confirmed, our Flights, Operations, and Traveler Support teams take the reins on logistics. From hotel assignments and ground transportation to group seating and last-minute flexibility, they ensure the experience runs smoothly from start to finish.

Cultural Immersion

A great tour is not just about performance. It is about discovery. At Encore, we build in cultural experiences that are authentic, local, and immersive. From private cooking classes to hands-on workshops and guided city walks, we help your group connect with the places you visit in meaningful ways.

One director told us, “The walking tours gave our students such a deep connection to the neighborhoods and the history. It was a highlight of the trip.” Another shared, “Everything we ate felt authentic and delicious. We felt like we were really experiencing the local flavor.”

Whether it is flamenco in Spain, a market tasting in Provence, or learning about sacred chant in Rome, these moments add richness and context to your journey. We partner with trusted local experts who bring culture to life in a way that guidebooks never could.

Looking Ahead

Summer 2025 was full of music, connection, and discovery. We are grateful to every group leader, traveler, and family who trusted us with their journey. The notes may have faded, but the memories will resonate for years to come.

If this recap has you dreaming about your next adventure, we would love to help you start planning. We’ll help you turn your vision into a world-class performance experience.