Hello Susan! 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 culturally rich country of 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. No matter what the destination, it is such a pleasure for me to work with you!!! Welcome to Encore Tours, where your dream tour awaits. 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 Flights departing from San Francisco flying into and out of Paris including all airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges Accommodations in 4-star well located hotels in twin and double rooms Rooming in double-room occupancy. Breakfast at your hotel and dinners at local restaurants each day 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 Organization, venue hire, and pre-concert advertisement for all concerts as outlined in the day-by-day Entrances to all sites and museums listed in the itinerary Vox Headets What’s Not Included? Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines Extra Ground Transportation of Large Musical Instruments or other Performance Equipment Any meals not listed in your itinerary Allocations of specific seat assignments on flights Pricing Travelers #2 Free Spots 45Air and Land: $5139Land Only: $379940Air and Land: $5239Land Only: $393935Air and Land: $5399Land Only: $409930-Air and Land: $5639Land Only: $429920 Based on “Land and Air” out of San Francisco flying into and out of Paris accommodating the group in double occupancy rooms. SAMPLE VENUES Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. 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. Choir Saint-Patrice Church of Bayeux Bayeux Saint-Patrice Church in Bayeux, France, is a historic Roman Catholic edifice renowned for its exceptional acoustics, making it a favored venue for choral performances. The church’s Renaissance-style bell tower, constructed between 1544 and 1548, stands as Bayeux’s sole monument in this architectural style. The nave, rebuilt in the 19th century, enhances the church’s auditory qualities, attracting music enthusiasts and choral groups. The church’s commitment to music is further exemplified by its hosting of various concerts and its welcoming approach to visiting choirs. This blend of historical significance and musical focus makes Saint-Patrice Church a distinguished venue for choral events. Choir Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer Normandy Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, a coastal commune in Normandy, provides a relaxed and picturesque setting for performances. With its scenic public spaces and welcoming atmosphere, it offers a charming venue option for groups seeking an informal and memorable experience in a seaside town. Choir Church of Saint-Pierre Le Mont-Saint-Michel The Church of Saint-Pierre, nestled along the Grande Rue of Le Mont-Saint-Michel, is a historic parish church dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Dedicated to Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, this intimate sanctuary features colorful stained-glass windows and a serene ambiance, making it an ideal setting for choral performances. Its rich acoustics have attracted various musical ensembles, including the Windborne Singers, who delivered a memorable rendition of “Stabat Mater” within its ancient walls. The church’s historical charm and musical allure offer an inspiring venue for choirs seeking a unique performance experience. Choir Blois Cathedral Blois Blois Cathedral, located in the heart of the Loire Valley, provides an inspiring setting for ensembles with its striking Gothic architecture and resonant acoustics. Surrounded by the historic charm of Blois, including the nearby Château de Blois, the cathedral offers a unique opportunity for performers to connect with audiences in a space steeped in history and culture. Its central location makes it an excellent addition to a tour exploring the Loire Valley’s rich heritage. Show All 11 Venues Show Less Choir Church of Saint-Julien Tours The Church of Saint-Julien in Tours, France, is a remarkable blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with origins dating back to a 6th-century Benedictine abbey. Rebuilt multiple times due to conflict, natural disaster, and war, its current 13th-century form features a striking Romanesque bell tower, Gothic nave, and stunning stained glass by Max Ingrand and Jacques Le Chevallier. Though damaged during World War II, the church miraculously survived and has since been restored. With excellent acoustics and a long spiritual legacy, Saint-Julien offers a resonant and atmospheric setting for choral performances. Choir Chartres Cathedral Loire Valley This gothic-style Roman Rite Catholic cathedral was built between 1194-1250 and is the last cathedral to have occupied the grounds since the 4th century. The church’s almost perfect preservation is astounding; it still holds most of the original stained glass windows and its architecture has gone almost unscathed since the 13th century. Dominating the cathedrals exterior are its flying buttresses, large windows, and beautiful spires. 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! 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! 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 St. Salvator’s Cathedral Bruges St. Salvator’s Cathedral in Bruges, Belgium, is a stunning blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture and serves as the city’s main Roman Catholic cathedral. Renowned for its rich musical tradition, the cathedral houses a historic organ originally built in the early 18th century and later expanded, which now features prominently in the long-running Kathedraalconcerten series. With excellent acoustics and a legacy of sacred music, St. Salvator’s provides an inspiring venue for choral performances, making it a sought-after setting for touring ensembles. Payment Deadlines DateAmountJune 30, 2025$200July 30, 2025$500September 15, 2025$1,000November15, 2025$1,000January 15, 2026$1,000February 15, 2026$1,000Final BalanceApril 1, 2026 Hotels Novotel Caen Côte de Nacre Caen The Novotel Caen Côte de Nacre is a 4-star, family-friendly hotel located just minutes from Caen’s city center, making it an ideal base for exploring the Normandy region. With spacious, well-appointed rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and on-site amenities such as a seasonal outdoor pool, a restaurant serving regional cuisine, and free parking, the hotel offers comfort and convenience for both leisure and business travelers. Its proximity to historic landmarks, including the Memorial de Caen and the D-Day beaches, adds to its appeal for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. Learn More Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Paris Located in the heart of Paris, this 4-star hotel combines luxurious comfort with easy access to iconic attractions such as the Panthéon, Luxembourg Gardens, and the Catacombs. The accommodations are spacious, featuring contemporary amenities and select rooms offer stunning views of the city. Ideal for business and leisure, the hotel provides over 50,000 square feet of flexible event space with comprehensive planning and catering services. Guests can indulge in classic French cuisine with a modern twist at the signature restaurant and bar, and enjoy additional amenities like a fully equipped fitness center, enhancing every stay in the vibrant Montparnasse area. Learn More Venues