Dear Michelle, I’,m delighted to introduce our proposal for Italy, one of the ‘original and best’ Encore destinations! As always your travel experience is completely personalized to meet your musical goals and travel desires; our service will be utterly seamless, and your peace of mind totally assured thanks to our guaranteed prices without surcharge or supplement and our industry-leading protection plans. And what truly sets your Encore experience apart from any other? Maybe it’s our spectacular venues, handpicked for their ability to enchant and engage, coupled with guaranteed audiences to elevate every performance. Or our world-leading tour managers who bring every destination to life and handle the tiniest detail. Of course it could also be our meticulous planning, personal attention and comprehensive support before, during and after your tour! Being permanently based in Europe gives me a unique perspective on the destination, and there’s no substitute for having experienced it personally! Whatever you need, an Encore tour transcends the ordinary and gives you a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Let Encore Tours make your dream performance tour a reality! Let’s talk soon!Julian 617 958 9501 View your tripsite for ITALY here 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 Peace of mind comes standard when you travel with Encore. Every traveler is automatically enrolled in our Basic Protection Plan, which includes medical coverage while on tour and limited trip interruption benefits—so you’re covered if the unexpected happens. For those who want even more flexibility and confidence in their plans, our Ultimate and Ultimate-Plus Protection Plans offer expanded medical coverage, greater trip interruption benefits, and the ability to cancel for any reason up to four days before departure and receive a full refund. 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. Domestic Fundraiser Info Sheet 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 current fuel surcharges Accommodations at conveniently located 3 and 4-star hotels 2 nights Cremona area 2 nights Tuscany 2 nights Rome Rooming in twin room occupancy Breakfast daily Lunches and dinners as indicated on itinerary All sightseeing, entrances and upgraded meals as per itinerary Private deluxe air-conditioned motor coaches and drivers Instrument truck throughout Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout your program (1 per bus) Basic gratuities for the tour manager and bus/truck drivers Arrangements for 1 formal concert performance and 1 masterclass/workshop Rental of an electronic keyboard where required 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 (European tours only) What’s Not Included? Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines Specific seat assignments/allocations on flights Instrument and sheet music stands Any meals not listed in your itinerary Printed programs for the concerts Instrument hire. Example prices will be given by your consultant Pricing Options # of payingPrice perpersonFree Spots# of buses40$5,4394150$5,3395160$5,4796270$5,27972 Based on “Land and Air” out of Columbus accommodating the group in twin rooms Payment Deadlines DateAmountJan 31, 2027$200 Mar 31, 2027$1,000Jun 30, 2027$1,000Sep 30, 2027$1,000Nov 13, 2027Balance due Provisional suggestion only, subject to further discussion Sample Performance Venues Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Orchestra Auditorio Arvedi, Museo del Violino Cremona Auditorio Arvedi, located within Cremona’s Museo del Violino, stands as a modern architectural gem designed to highlight the exquisite sound of Stradivari instruments. This unique venue combines innovative design with optimal acoustics, specifically tailored for string ensembles. Its intimate setting allows audiences to experience the richness of your music with unparalleled clarity, making every performance an unforgettable experience. The hall not only showcases Cremona’s celebrated violin-making heritage but also serves as a cultural beacon, hosting concerts and educational events. Choir St. Paul’s Within the Walls Rome Located in Rome, this venue stands out for its welcoming approach to an eclectic repertoire, offering ensembles a unique platform to explore a diverse range of music. This flexibility is particularly notable given the venue’s historic significance as the first Protestant church in Rome, built in 1873. With its stunning blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, adorned with striking mosaics and stained glass, the church not only provides an aesthetically magnificent backdrop for performances but also an acoustically rich environment. The combination of architectural beauty, historical depth, and openness to varied musical genres makes St. Paul’s an ideal venue for choral groups. Sample 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 Impero Cremona Hotel Impero, a 4-star gem in the heart of Cremona, offers elegant accommodations with views of the Cathedral and easy access to the city’s historic center. The rooms, some recently renovated with modern design, are equipped with LCD TVs, air conditioning, and free WiFi. Guests can start their day with a buffet breakfast and enjoy happy hour at the partner bar, Hobos. With its prime location near Cremona’s top attractions, including the Museum of Violin, Hotel Impero is perfect for those seeking a comfortable and stylish stay in this charming medieval city. Learn More Hotel Settentrionale Esplanade Montecatini This serene 4-star hotel is perfectly positioned just a short walk from the town center, offering an oasis of tranquility. Guests can unwind by the crystal blue outdoor pool and garden or enjoy the shade on the summer terrace beneath blooming wisteria. With the option to dine at the onsite restaurant or explore the quaint town on a complimentary bike provided by the hotel, relaxation and rejuvenation are assured. Learn MOre Grand Hotel Tiberio Rome This modern and chic four-star establishment is set in a tranquil residential neighborhood. Elegantly adorned, it’s positioned less than a mile from Vatican City, the site of the acclaimed Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. The location benefits from excellent access to public transportation, including the Metro, buses, and local FM3 railway services, making all of Rome’s prime attractions readily accessible. The hotel features a sophisticated lobby bar and the spacious restaurant “Le Terrazze di Tiberio.” If you’re looking to relax, head to the 6th-floor terrace to enjoy breathtaking views of St. Peter’s Dome and Monte Mario. Learn More Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us