At Encore Tours, the safety and well-being of each tour participant is our top priority. We are dedicated to ensuring every traveler enjoys a once-in-a-lifetime experience without compromising on safety. For the past three decades, our comprehensive safety and support infrastructure has been a cornerstone of our commitment to you. Global Network Our US-based team is always connected, monitoring safety events worldwide to make proactive security decisions. This means we are always prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any situation that might arise. With offices in key cities like London, Paris, Madrid, and Rome, along with partner offices worldwide, we ensure localized support wherever you are. This extensive network allows us to provide immediate assistance and support no matter where your tour takes you. Whether it’s handling a minor issue or responding to an emergency, our global presence means that help is never far away. “Encore Tours’ global office network made a significant difference in our tour experience. When we faced a minor issue in Paris, their local office provided immediate assistance.” — Emily R., 2021 Group Leader Dedicated Staff and Duty Officer System Our round-the-clock Duty Officer system is available every day to address any emergencies promptly and professionally. This ensures that help is always just a phone call away, providing peace of mind for directors, participants, and their families. Our dedicated US-based staff constantly monitors global events, ready to make proactive decisions to ensure your safety. This 24/7 support system is a crucial part of our commitment to your well-being, ensuring that you can focus on enjoying your tour without worrying about unexpected issues. “The 24/7 Duty Officer system is a game-changer. Knowing that there was always someone available to handle emergencies provided us with immense peace of mind.”— Mark J., 2023 Group Leader The Role of Our Tour Managers Our top-quality Tour Managers are with groups at every step, equipped with mobile phones to access our 24-hour support system for any needs that arise. Their training and experience ensure they can handle any situation with confidence and care. Before departure, group leaders receive detailed safety information and emergency contact numbers to maintain group safety and guidelines throughout the trip. This preparation ensures that everyone knows how to stay safe and what to do in case of an emergency. “Both Christine and Raquel were incredible, going above and beyond to ensure our group’s safety and well-being throughout the tour. This was the most important thing when we made our decision to travel with Encore Tours. The safety measures in place provided immense peace of mind.” — Carling F., 2024 Group Leader Peace of Mind Through Our Protection Plans All travelers are automatically enrolled, at no extra charge, in our Basic Protection Plan. For additional peace of mind, we recommend upgrading to one of our paid plans, like more than half of our travelers do each year. These best-in-class plans offer increased on-tour coverage and flexibility, including the ability to cancel for any reason and receive a full refund. Additionally, our Ultimate-Plus Protection Plan includes instrument insurance, providing up to $5,000 of coverage for your valuable equipment. “The medical insurance provided by Encore was a huge relief. One of our students needed medical attention, and the process was smooth and efficient.”— Sarah L., 2022 Group Leader Support for Special Needs We are committed to ensuring that every participant, regardless of their needs, can enjoy a safe and enriching travel experience. We provide tailored support for travelers with special needs or disabilities, ensuring accessibility and comfort throughout the journey. Our tour managers and staff are trained to assist with various requirements, making sure that all participants feel included and supported. We work closely with our partners to ensure that accommodations, transportation, and venues are accessible and equipped to handle special needs. From arranging wheelchair-friendly transportation to ensuring accessible hotel rooms, our goal is to create a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone. “They accommodated special needs, moved the piano for one of our students, and ensured everyone had what they needed.”— Graham J., 2019 Group Leader Dynamic Itinerary Adjustments At Encore Tours, we understand that flexibility is key to a successful tour experience. Our itineraries are fully customizable, allowing us to quickly and efficiently tweak plans mid-tour when necessary. This dynamic approach ensures that your tour can adapt to changing circumstances, whether it’s an unexpected event or a simple change in preferences. Our team is always ready to make adjustments to your itinerary to ensure the safety and satisfaction of your group. This level of customization and responsiveness is a hallmark of our commitment to providing the best possible travel experience. “Sonia was able to change the itinerary to fit our needs perfectly, making the tour more enjoyable for everyone.”— Matthew G., 2018 Group Leader Emergency Evacuation Services Encore partners with Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), a world-class provider of comprehensive student travel insurance. For 20 years, Encore and its participants have benefited from CISI’s immediate access and preferred support services. Since 1991, CISI has insured over one million international students and cultural exchange participants worldwide, traveling to more than 190 countries annually. CISI offers 24/7/365 worldwide assistance services, covering everything from a lost passport to an emergency evacuation. With doctors and translators on staff, CISI provides toll-free, worldwide access to benefits, care providers, and emergency assistance. Encore and CISI vigilantly survey the global landscape to evaluate risk and remain at peak preparedness. Using iJET and their Worldcue database, CISI reviews and assesses potential risks for their insureds, providing detailed information on specific destinations regarding crime, security, civil unrest, terrorism, and kidnapping. This ensures participants are informed and prepared for any potential risks. Included in Encore’s insurance plans is a benefit for emergency evacuation if a security-related event, such as political unrest or a natural disaster, occurs. Since 2010, CISI has safely evacuated over 100 students from world crises in countries such as Nepal, Israel, Egypt, Japan, Syria, Thailand, and Haiti. Additional Benefits As divisions of the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), Encore Tours benefits from over 40 years of experience in organizing quality international educational experiences. This affiliation underscores our commitment to providing safe, enriching travel opportunities. We carry $50 million in general liability insurance and a $1 million indemnity bond with the USTOA, providing peace of mind for all involved. This financial security means that we are well-prepared to handle any eventuality. Our comprehensive refund policy provides coverage in the event of a travel warning issued by the US State Department due to a terrorist attack. This policy ensures that you can plan your tour with confidence, knowing that you are protected. “Encore Tours’ commitment to safety is unmatched. From start to finish, we felt secure knowing that their experienced team was monitoring global events and ready to respond to any situation.” — Debra L., 2024 Group Leader We believe that every performance tour should be an enriching, inspiring, and above all, safe experience. With our comprehensive safety measures and dedicated support, you can focus on sharing the universal language of music with the world, knowing that we’ve got you covered every step of the way. For detailed information about our safety policies or to address any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at encoretours@acis.com or call 877-460-3801. We’re here to ensure your travel experience is safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
November 8, 2024 Encore Tours Taking Your Ensemble to Slovakia: A Hidden Gem for Music Lovers With its charming cities, dramatic landscapes, and deep-rooted cultural heritage, Slovakia is an ideal destination for ensembles seeking unique performance opportunities. Backstage Blog
October 30, 2024 Encore Tours Taking Your Ensemble to Hungary Welcome to Hungary, a land where rich musical traditions blend with breathtaking landscapes and centuries-old cultural heritage. Backstage Blog
October 28, 2024 Encore Tours A Haunting Classical Playlist for Halloween Halloween is right around the corner, and that means it’s time for trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, and spooky fun. Backstage Blog