Dear Jonathan, It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary that we’ve carefully curated for your trip to NYC and Portugal! 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. Sincerely,Robin H 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. 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. Recruitment Tools Our new Recruitment Meeting tool streamlines your recruitment process, offering customizable templates, automated reminders, and integrated RSVP tracking to ensure maximum attendance. It simplifies meeting logistics, allowing you to focus on sharing the excitement of your upcoming tour and inspiring participants to join. This tool is designed to make your recruitment efforts as smooth and successful as possible, helping you to build a strong and engaged group. Tour Inclusions Roundtrip airfare Airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges Accommodations at conveniently located 3- or 4-star hotels Rooming in quad room occupancy in the USA and twin/triples in Portugal. B/d daily, $20 pp stipend for lunch on day 5. Please note, dinner day 5 and breakfast day 6 are served on overnight flight All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary Inclusions: 4 nights NYC, 1 overnight flight, 3 nts Lisbon Participation in MAP’s Guest Conductor Series at Carnegie Hall 2 concerts in Portugal Guides: NYC, Lisbon Entrances: Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall, One World Observatory, Jeronimo’s Monastery Vox headsets 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 Arrangements for 3 concert performance opportunities 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 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 TravelersPriceFree Spots40$7,799140$7,905240$8,2594 Based on “Land and Air” out of SFO, accommodating the group in quads in the USA and twin/triple in Portugal. Pricing Options Extension extra cost 3 nights ADHE (Angra do Heroísmo) Based on twins/triples Breakfast and dinner daily Tour Manager Driver services + Gratuities Guide: Local English Guide flight to/from Lisbon/Azores TravelersPriceFree Spots25$3,039220$3,199215$3,2391 Payment Deadlines DateAmount$200$1,000$1,000$1,000$1,000$1,000$1,000February 1 2028Final payment Sample Venues Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Choir Basilica de Estrela Lisbon The Basílica da Estrela in Lisbon, formally known as the Basílica do Sagrado Coração de Jesus, is an iconic performance venue renowned for its blend of late Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. Commissioned by Queen Maria I in 1779 to fulfill a vow for the birth of her son, the construction completed in 1790 boasts a majestic facade with twin bell towers and a prominent dome. Internally, the basilica features opulent marble decorations and intricate artistic styles ranging from Baroque to Rococo. Its superb acoustics and spacious interior make it a prestigious location for classical concerts and choral performances, attracting musicians globally. Choir Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Loreto Lisbon The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Loreto, established in 1518, is a beautiful church in the heart of Lisbon that was originally built to serve the growing Italian community in Lisbon at the time. The church was badly damaged in the 1755 earthquake and was rebuilt in 1785, thankfully with much of the original Italian marble intact. 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. Hilton Garden Inn New York/Times Square Central New York The Hilton Garden Inn New York – Times Square Central offers comfortable accommodations in the heart of Manhattan. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, alarm clock, and a private bathroom with a shower, hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries. Guests can enjoy convenient amenities including a 24-hour front desk, a lobby bar, and a business center. Ideally located just steps from Broadway and Times Square, the hotel is also within walking distance of Central Park, with Newark Airport just 11 miles away. Learn More Lutécia Smart Design Hotel Lisbon This 4-star hotel in Lisbon combines contemporary style with thoughtful amenities, offering a sophisticated base for exploring Portugal’s vibrant capital. Located in a bustling area with easy access to public transportation, the hotel features sleek, modern rooms, an on-site restaurant serving Portuguese and international cuisine, and a fitness center. Its convenient location and stylish design make it an excellent choice for groups looking to experience Lisbon’s rich culture and charm in comfort. Learn More Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us