Hello Todd, It is a pleasure working with you and the Singers, it is a pleasure to be working with you, the singers, and the alumni of The Kingwood Chorale and The Lonestar College Chorus for the 2028 Performance Tour. Please find here within the link to the tripsite and the additional information below the initial proposals for tours to Italy, The UK, and Spain. As you read through the information and itineraries, you will see the advantages of each destination. All three tours offer strong educational, cultural, and artistic opportunities to the singers and other travelers alike. I am here to make any and all changes to any of these proposed destinations to ensure that they are indeed in-tune with your vision for the 2028 tour. I look forward to the process of orchestrating this tour together. 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. Tour Inclusions Roundtrip airfare from Houston flying into Barcelona and out of Seville Option 1, into Edinburgh and out of London Option 2, and into Venice and out of Rome Option 3 Airport and airline taxes, and current fuel surcharges Accommodations at centrally located 4-star-hotels Rooming in double -room occupancy Single room accommodations available for an additional fee of $1,350 per person Breakfast daily and dinners at local restaurants as indicated in the itinerary 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 Arrangements for all proposed performances as per the individual day-by-day itineraries Rental of an electronic keyboard as needed per the performances 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 All Entrances as outlined in the itineraries 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 Option One: Spain10-Days/8-NightsTravelers #2 Free3 Free40 Air and Land: $7179Land Only: $5399Air and Land: $7339Land Only: $557935Air and Land: $7379Land Only: $5599Air and Land: $7579Land Only: $579930Air and Land: $7539Land Only: $5799Air and Land: $7779Land Only: $599925Air and Land: $7799Land Only: $6079Air and Land: $8079Land Only: $6339Option Two: Scotland, Wales, England10-Days/8-NightsTravelers #2 Free3 Free 40Air and Land: $7639Land Only: $5739Air and Land: $7799Land Only: $589935Air and Land: $7879Land Only: $6039Air and Land: $8079Land Only: $617930Air and Land: $8139Land Only: $6199Air and Land: $8379Land Only: $643925Air and Land: $8579Land Only: $6499Air and Land: $8879Land Only: $6939Option Three: Italy10-Days/8-NightsTravelers #2 Free3 Free40Air and Land: $7539Land Only: $5699Air and Land: $7699Land Only: $587935Air and Land: $7839Land Only: $5979Air and Land: $8039Land Only: $619930Air and Land: $8179Land Only: $6339Air and Land: $8399Land Only: $657925Air and Land: $8679Land Only: $6839Air and Land: $8979Land Only: $7139 Based on “Land and Air” out of Houston flying into Barcelona and out of Seville Option 1, into Edinburgh and out of London Option 2 and into Venive and out of Rome Option 3 accommodating the group in double occupancy rooms. SAMPLE VENUES Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Choir Santa Maria Nera Lucca The church of Santa Maria Nera owes its name to the sculpture that reproduces the image of a black virgin. This is an exact 19th century reproduction of the Madonna of Loreto which, it is said, was flown to Italy by angels and whose original was completely burned in a devastating fire in 1921. Also known as Santa Maria Corteorlandini, the church is one of the city’s hidden gems and a fantastic example of baroque style in Lucca. The interior is stunning and provides a welcoming venue for visiting choirs. Band Choir Sant’Agnese Rome Sant’Agnese in Agone is a seventeenth Baroque church in Rome, Italy. It faces onto the Piazza Navona, one of the main urban spaces in the historic centre of the city and the site where the Early Christian Saint Agnes was martyred at the ancient Stadium of Domitian. A number of architects were involved in the construction of the church, including Girolamo Rainaldi and his son Carlo Rainaldi, and two of the foremost Baroque architects of the day; Francesco Borromini and the sculptor Gianlorenzo Bernini. The church serves as a cultural gathering point for the entire city with concerts throughout the year often featuring visiting ensembles. Choir Choosing the Right Venue St. Peter’s Basilica Rome Charged as being “the greatest of all churches of Christendom,” St. Peter’s Basilica, in Vatican City, is nearly 400 years old and possesses a wealth of history, culture, and art. Adorned with works of famous Italian Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo, St. Peter’s is a popular site not only for Christians, but for historians and tourists alike. Not only have Encore groups had the opportunity to explore such a remarkable sight, but some have also performed for the Pope himself! Choir Orchestra Sant’Andrea della Valle Church Rome It is hard to imagine a more dramatic church than Sant’ Andrea della Valle, it is therefore not hard to understand why Puccini set the first act of his opera, Tosca, in the Barberini Chapel. It is here that Angelotti seeks a hiding place from the Roman chief of police and Tosca’s suspicions of her lovers’ supposed infidelity are aroused. This is a venue of unmatched opulence and operatic history and would be the perfect venue for a choral performance. Band Choir Orchestra Scuola Grande di San Rocco Venice Located next door to the church of San Rocco is the Grand School of San Rocco. Completed in 1560, the design was similar to other scuola in Venice, characterized by two halls, one at ground floor level, the other at first floor level. The upper hall provides a magnificent performance space that can accommodate orchestras of up to 100 members as well as choral ensembles. In its heyday, the scuola was an important patron of music employing musicians such as Giovanni Gabrieli. In 1958, Stravinsky’s Threni was premiered at the scuola with the composer himself conducting. Show All 17 Venues Show Less Choir St. Giles’ Cathedral Edinburgh Sometimes regarded as the mother church of Presbyterianism, this 900 year-old cathedral (or the High Kirk) is a prominent feature of the Edinburgh skyline. Dedicated to St. Giles’, the patron saint of Edinburgh, the cathedral is one of Scotland’s most important and prominent historic buildings. Five services are held every Sunday, as well as daily and special services. Choir Greyfriars Church Edinburgh Greyfriars Kirk, nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and founded in 1620, is not only a site of significant historical importance but also a dynamic venue for cultural events. Renowned for its role in Scottish Reformation history and as the resting place of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal terrier, the church offers a deeply atmospheric setting. Its rich historical backdrop, characterized by Gothic architecture and ancient tombstones, complements its modern role during events such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Kirk’s resonant acoustics and evocative environment make it a favorite venue for concerts and performances. Choir Chester Cathedral Chester Chester Cathedral, a Grade I listed landmark in the heart of Chester, England, provides a breathtaking setting for musical performances. Steeped in history dating back to the 10th century, this former Benedictine abbey showcases a harmonious blend of Norman and Gothic architecture. Its majestic interiors and rich heritage offer ensembles an unforgettable opportunity to perform in a truly historic venue. Choir Holy Trinity Church London Holy Trinity Church, located in the heart of London, stands as a beacon of historical and architectural significance. With its origins dating back to the Victorian era, this Anglican church is celebrated for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture, designed to inspire awe and reverence. The church’s striking façade features intricate stonework, towering spires, and beautiful stained glass windows that cast colorful patterns inside the sanctuary. Holy Trinity is not only a place of worship but also a vibrant community center, hosting a variety of cultural and social events that enrich the local community. The church remains a cherished landmark, offering peace and spiritual solace to all who visit. Choir Santa Maria del Pi Barcelona Situated in the part of the city of Barcelona known as Barri Gotic, is located 14th century Gothic style church known as Santa Maria del Pi. The church is known for its large rose stained glass window, which is one of the largest in the world, it’s Catalan Gothic Style which is essentially bare of any sculptures, and its robust buttresses that give it its characteristic appearance. Choir Basílica Pontificia San Miguel Madrid This Basilica represents the Vatican in Madrid as it is the Basilica Pontificia de San Miguel. Built in the late 1700’s, it has amazing acoustics and is located behind the Plaza Mayor. The audience can hold over 400 people and the church has an historical organ located on the first floor at the church feet. It is consider among the best jewels of Spanish Baroque and is perfect for traveling choirs! Choir San Jerónimo el Real Madrid Located in central Madrid, San Jerónimo el Real, also known as Los Jerónimos, was built as a monastery in 1503 during the time of Queen Isabella I. For more than three centuries, the monastery was the site of the investiture of the Prince of Asturias, or the heir to the Spanish throne. The church was closed in 1836 during the War of Independence and subsequently used as the headquarters of the artillery. With such a vital history, it’s no wonder why our groups seek to write their own chapters in the continuing tale of Los Jerónimos. Choir San Manuel y San Benito Church Madrid The Church of San Manuel y San Benito is a Catholic church located in Madrid. The building, which was designed by Fernando Arbós y Tremanti, was built at the beginning of the twentieth century and was declared an official Cultural Monument in 1982. This church is a fantastic venue for choral concerts and Mass participations. Choir Basílica de San Isidro Labrador Madrid The Real Basílica Colegiata de San Isidro, also known as the Colegiata de San Isidro, is a magnificent Baroque church in the heart of Madrid, offering a historically rich and acoustically resonant setting for choral performances. Once the city’s cathedral, this 17th-century basilica is adorned with ornate altarpieces, soaring vaulted ceilings, and the revered relics of San Isidro, Madrid’s patron saint. Its grand architecture and sacred significance create an inspiring atmosphere for choirs seeking an unforgettable performance experience in one of Spain’s most historic venues. Choir Santo Tomé Church Toledo Originally built in the 12th century, Santo Tomé got a complete makeover two centuries later when the Lord of Orgaz provided the necessary funding. When he died in 1312, he left a great deal of his wealth for adornment and enlargement of the church. Today, it is home to El Greco’s most famous painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz, which is a very popular sight in Toledo. This painting was commissioned for the church (the burial site of Orgaz) in 1586 to pay tribute to his instrumental donations. Choir Omnium Sanctorum Church Seville The Omnium Sanctorum Church in Seville is a13th-century church with a unique stone doorway & Gothic windows, located in the Feria district of Seville. It’s elaborate interior and wonderful acoustics make it a fantastic venue for choral performances. Choir Cathedral of Seville Seville Built to demonstrate Seville’s wealth in the years after the Reconquista, the Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral today and third-largest church in the world. According to legend, the cathedral’s builders had decided to build a church “so beautiful and so great that those who see it built will think [they] were mad.” It may have taken hundreds of years to complete, but with 80 chapels, beautiful domes, and a stunning interior, performing here is sure to leave your group with memories of a lifetime. Hotels Please note this quotation is based on 4-star standard well-located hotels in all cities. Munich and Salzburg Hotel information is contained in email dated April 26, 2024. Hotel Villa Mabapa Venice This 4-star hotel, housed in an elegant Art-Nouveau building, is set in peaceful gardens on Venice-Lido. Just a 10-minute walk from Lido Beach and less than half a mile from the Lido San Nicolò water-bus stop, Villa Mabapa offers easy access to Venice’s historic center, reachable in 20 minutes by water bus. The hotel provides free parking and free WiFi throughout. Rooms feature a classic design, with most offering wood floors, along with air conditioning, a minibar, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Guests can enjoy a blend of Venetian and international cuisine at the restaurant, with the option to dine on the terrace by candlelight during summer. Learn More Hotel Roma Florence Overlooking the picturesque Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Hotel Roma offers a refined stay in the heart of Florence’s historic center. This elegant 4-star hotel combines classic Florentine architecture with modern comfort, featuring beautifully appointed rooms, a welcoming lounge bar, and attentive service. Guests are just steps from the city’s most iconic attractions, including the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio, making it an ideal base for soaking in Florence’s rich cultural heritage and timeless charm. Learn More Grand Hotel Baglioni Florence This 4-star establishment, situated in the heart of Florence, has upheld a tradition of splendid hospitality and excellence for more than 100 years. Since opening its doors in 1903, it has become a favored lodging for kings, heads of state, distinguished artists, and intellectuals, earning its place as a cultural beacon. The hotel melds elegance with comfort, providing amenities such as complimentary WiFi, room service, and laundry facilities. Among its most enchanting features is the summer rooftop terrace, offering guests panoramic views of the city’s breathtaking beauty. Learn More Bettoja Hotel Massimo d’Azeglio Rome This 4-star hotel offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern convenience, situated in the heart of Rome. Hidden from the hustle and bustle yet centrally located, it provides an authentic “Fin de Siècle” ambiance. Established in the late 19th century, the hotel boasts a rich heritage of hosting historical figures and contains a remarkable collection of artefacts from the Risorgimento era. Guests can enjoy the tranquility of Santa Maria Maggiore and the vibrant atmosphere of nearby Via Cavour, Via Nazionale, and the glittering Monti neighborhood, all within a short walk from the property. Learn More Bettoja Hotel Atlantico Rome This 4-star hotel, set in the heart of Rome, combines classic elegance with modern comforts. Bettoja Hotel Atlantico is ideally located near Termini Station, offering easy access to the city’s major attractions. The hotel features stylish, air-conditioned rooms equipped with free WiFi, a minibar, and flat-screen TVs. Some rooms offer panoramic views of Rome. Guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast in a charming dining room and access to an on-site bar. The hotel’s rooftop terrace provides a relaxing space to take in the cityscape. Popular landmarks like the Colosseum and Roman Forum are just a short walk away. Learn More Show All 19 Venues Show Less Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel Edinburgh The Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel, a stylish 4-star establishment, is perfectly situated in the heart of Edinburgh, offering travelers a luxurious base for exploring the city’s rich history and attractions. With spacious rooms, a fitness center, and proximity to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Haymarket train station, and tram stops, it combines comfort with convenience. The hotel’s location also allows easy access to iconic sites such as Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, and Grassmarket, as well as Edinburgh Zoo and the picturesque canal basin nearby, ensuring a memorable and authentic local experience for all guests. Learn More voco Edinburgh – Haymarket Edinburgh Centrally located in Edinburgh, voco Edinburgh – Haymarket, an IHG Hotel, offers air-conditioned rooms, a fitness center, and free WiFi. This 4-star hotel features room service, a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant serving Scottish and European cuisine, and a bar. Rooms are equipped with essentials such as a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and safety deposit box, with some offering city views. Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast and utilize the on-site snack bar and business area. Nearby attractions include the EICC, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Royal Mile, with Edinburgh Airport just about 5 miles away. Learn More 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 Menlo Park Hotel Galway This four-star, family owned hotel offers the perfect base for exploring the wonderful city of Galway. Located less than a mile from Eyre Square, adjacent to the Wild Atlantic Way, and close to the N6 bus, transportation is easily accessible. During your stay, take advantage of the modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, television with over 70 channels, laundry service, and more. Learn More Maldron Hotel Liverpool City Centre Liverpool This 4-star hotel is perfectly situated in Liverpool City Centre, offering air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi, and a bar. With 24-hour room service and a concierge available, it caters to all guest needs. Rooms are equipped with a desk, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and tea-making facilities. Guests can enjoy a buffet, continental, or Full English/Irish breakfast each morning. Nearby attractions include Albert Dock, Liverpool Central Station, and ACC Liverpool, with Liverpool John Lennon Airport just 7.5 miles away, making it a convenient choice for visitors. Learn More Clayton Hotel Cardiff Cardiff The 4-star Clayton Hotel Cardiff offers modern comfort in the city center, steps from Cardiff Central Rail Station and landmarks like the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle. Air-conditioned rooms feature free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and luxury bathrooms. Guests can enjoy the Vitality Breakfast and international dining at The View Restaurant or unwind with snacks and drinks at the stylish bar. St. David’s Shopping Center and Cardiff Motorpoint Arena are within a 5-minute walk. Learn More Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria London Featuring a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar, this 4-star hotel is located in the center of London, just a 2-minute walk from Victoria Train Station. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy drinks at the snack bar and stay in air-conditioned rooms equipped with a desk, electric kettle, fridge, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom with a shower. A buffet or continental breakfast is available daily. Nearby attractions include Victoria Tube Station, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace, with London City Airport just 11 miles away. Learn More Holiday Inn London – Kensington Forum London The Holiday Inn Kensington Forum is in a peaceful spot located quite close to the Kensington High Street shops. 706 modern rooms provide high speed WiFi alongside a variety of other modern amenities such as a flat screen TV. This comfortable hotel also hosts a private garden as well as the Health Club with a full length swimming pool, sauna steam room, and gym. Learn More Hotel Barceló Sants Barcelona Discover a one-of-a-kind, modern 4-star hotel with sleek contemporary design. Guests are greeted with a distinctive ambiance that sets this establishment apart. Service is known for its professionalism, while the hotel’s ideal location directly above a major transport hub provides unmatched convenience and accessibility. With consistent guest acclaim for its comfortable amenities and exceptional breakfast, this hotel is a preferred choice for travelers seeking a contemporary and convenient experience in Barcelona. Learn More Hotel Lleo Barcelona This charming and modern hotel, adorned with bright and welcoming décor, is ideally situated in the heart of Barcelona. It serves as the perfect base for exploring the city, located near La Rambla and just a short walk from Plaza Catalunya. After a day of sightseeing, guests can unwind at the rooftop swimming pool and enjoy a few drinks at the bar, or retreat to their rooms and stay connected with high-speed Wi-Fi. Learn More Hotel voco Madrid Retiro Madrid Hotel Voco Madrid Retiro, a 4-star property, offers a stylish and convenient stay for group travelers in Spain’s vibrant capital. Located near the iconic Retiro Park, the hotel provides easy access to Madrid’s cultural landmarks, including the Prado Museum and Puerta del Sol. Groups will appreciate the modern accommodations, welcoming communal spaces, and excellent amenities designed for comfort and relaxation. With its prime location and well-appointed facilities, Hotel Voco Madrid Retiro is an excellent choice for ensembles and touring groups seeking a refined stay in the heart of Madrid. Learn More Novotel Madrid Center Madrid Located in the heart of Madrid, this 4-star hotel offers convenience and comfort for visitors exploring the vibrant Spanish capital. Its central location provides easy access to renowned attractions such as the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, and Puerta del Sol. With modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, it serves as an ideal base for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the cultural and historical richness of Madrid. Learn More Exe Sevilla Macarena Seville Experience the enchantment of Seville at this luxurious 4-star hotel, located near the Macarena basilica and the Andalusian Parliament building. Elegant rooms surround a picturesque Sevillian patio, boasting sophisticated decor and essential amenities for a lavish stay. Relax by the outdoor pool or utilize the eight meeting rooms for business or private events, while convenient services like private parking and Wi-Fi guarantee a seamless experience. Learn More Hotel Ribera De Triana Seville Experience an exceptional stay at this 4-star hotel situated in Seville’s vibrant Triana district. Enjoy well-lit rooms with comfortable amenities, paired with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and River Guadalquivir from select superior rooms featuring terraces. Treat yourself to delicious dining options at the on-site restaurant and bar, and unwind with premium amenities including a gym, jacuzzi, Turkish bath, solarium, and outdoor pool. Highly recommended for unparalleled vistas and an unforgettable stay. Learn More Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us