Hello Juan-Jose! 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 countries of Japan and Ireland. 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 LAX flying into Tokyo and out of Kyoto or into and out of Dublin including all airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges Accommodations in 4-star well located hotels in twin and double rooms Breakfast at your hotel and dinners at local restaurants and your hotels each day All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary Private deluxe air-conditioned motor coach and driver less the days UOA 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 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 Options Tour Option OneIrelandTravelers #2 Free Spots 40Air and Land: $4579Land Only: $317935Air and Land: $4699Land Only: $329930Air and Land: $4879Land Only: $347925Air and Land: $5099Land Only: $3699Tour Option TwoJapanTraveler #2 Free Spots 40Air and Land: $5739Land Only: $417930Air and Land: $5899Land Only: $429925Air and Land: $6099Land Only: $453920 Based on “Land and Air” out of LAX flying into and out of Dublin Option 1 or into Tokyo and out of Kyoto Option 2. No Airfare/Land Only prices also available. accommodating the group in double occupancy rooms. SAMPLE VENUES Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Choir Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church Galway Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, founded in 1320 and granted collegiate status in 1484, is the largest medieval parish church in continuous use in Ireland and has witnessed over 700 years of Galway’s religious and civic history—including a rumored visit by Christopher Columbus in 1477. With its rich acoustics, centuries-old stonework, and central location, it offers a stunning and historically resonant setting for choral performances. Choir Saint Mary’s Church Killarney There is evidence of a church at the site St. Mary’s Church in Killarney as far back as the 1200s. The name of the town itself–Killarney (in Irish: Cill Airne)–means “Church of the Sloes.” Today, St. Mary’s is known for its wonderful acoustics and the beauty of its building. The church regularly hosts concerts of local artists as well as visiting choirs and orchestras from around the world. Band Choir Orchestra Christ Church Cathedral Dublin Situated in medieval Dublin, Christ Church is not only the seat of the Roman Catholic archbishops but is also the seat of the Church of Ireland. Founded around 1028 the cathedral was rebuilt and renovated many times throughout history and is now accented by flying buttresses, high arching stone ceilings, and, most notably, the Grand Organ which appears to be floating in the air! The Cathedral is home to one of the most reputable choirs in Ireland whose origins trace back to 1493 when the choir school was founded. Band Choir Orchestra Exchange Concert: Toyko Tokyo Taking part in an exchange concert with a local choir in Tokyo offers enriching cultural and educational benefits. Participants from your ensemble will collaborate with a local school, deepening their understanding of Japanese musical traditions and practices while sharing their own. This interaction enhances musical skills, broadens cultural perspectives, and fosters lasting friendships among young musicians. Choir Orchestra Tokyo Union Church Tokyo A welcoming and acoustically warm performance space located in central Tokyo. The church regularly hosts visiting ensembles and provides a supportive environment for choral and instrumental groups. Conveniently situated in Omotesando, the venue offers excellent visibility and an appreciative audience base. Show All 7 Venues Show Less Band Choir Orchestra Tokyo Soho High School Tokyo Looking to work with a local band while playing overseas? This can easily be arranged with a joint concert at Tokyo Soho High School or one of many other nearby schools. Band Choir Orchestra Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum Mt. Fuji Area The Kawaguchiko Music Forest is a small theme park and museum. Its main hall displays antique music boxes, mechanical organs and other automatic musical instruments — mostly from European countries. The main building also houses a fabulous concert hall where musicians from around the world perform. Enjoy performing in this scenic location with beautiful views of Mount Fuji, walking paths through the gardens and an amazing winding canal. Payment Deadlines DateAmountMay 15, 2026$200July 15, 2026$500September 15, 2026$1,000November15, 2026$1,000Final BalanceJanuary 15, 2027 Hotels Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway Galway Less than a 20-minute walk from Galway city center, the modern 4-star hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, free underground parking, and a fine restaurant. The spacious rooms are decorated in warm colors and feature TVs, tea/coffee making facilities, showers, and in-room safes, with baths and fridges available on request. Guests can enjoy a wholesome breakfast and international cuisine in the evenings at the Grain & Grill Bar and Restaurant, which also serves light snacks in a more informal setting. Nearby activities include horse-riding, fishing, and surfing. The hotel is ideally located for exploring Connemara and West Ireland. Learn More Great Southern Killarney Killarney This 4-star hotel, renowned for its distinctive architecture and warm hospitality, has been welcoming guests for over 160 years. Located in the heart of Killarney and near a train station, it offers easy access to the Kerry Way, Killarney National Park, and Muckross Lake. Relax by the open fire, enjoy afternoon tea, and explore 6 acres of gardens. Golf enthusiasts can visit nearby courses, while families can enjoy Killarney House Gardens. Established in 1854, this Victorian landmark is a perfect base for exploring local attractions and activities like mountain biking, horse riding, and hiking trails. Learn More Clayton Hotel Leopardstown Dublin This 4-star hotel, nestled at the foothills of the Dublin mountains, provides the perfect balance between the vibrant city life of Dublin and the serene wilderness of Wicklow. Guests are treated to comfort in meticulously clean and expansive rooms, each equipped with flat screen TVs, plush pillows, cozy duvets, and facilities for making tea and coffee. The hotel also offers guests the opportunity to maintain their fitness routine in the gym, as well as options to dine and unwind at the on-site restaurant and bar. Learn More Shinjuku Washington Hotel Tokyo Located in the heart of Shinjuku, this large, modern hotel offers comfortable rooms and excellent access to Tokyo’s most vibrant district. Guests enjoy an easy walk to restaurants, shops, Shinjuku Station, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The property includes multiple dining options, convenient on-site services, and reliable comfort ideal for touring groups. Learn More Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo Kyoto Situated just steps away from Kyoto Station, this stylish hotel provides a perfect blend of convenience and comfort for travelers exploring the historic city of Kyoto. As well as the comfortable spacious rooms, an on-site coffee roastery, several bars and restaurants and a concierge service all ensure that guests’ needs are met. Its prime location near major transportation hubs makes it an ideal starting point for discovering Kyoto’s cultural landmarks and attractions. Learn More Venues