Dear Laurie, It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary that we’ve carefully curated for your trip to Northern Spain. 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.’ It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary we’ve carefully curated for your trip to Northern Spain in 2026. 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, 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. 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. 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 twin double room occupancy. 4 days in Madrid, 2 in Burgos, and 3 in San Sebastian with 1 farewell dinner in Madrid and overnight. Breakfast daily, two dinners as per your itinerary, and one wine tasting lunch All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary Prado museum, Alcazar, Avila Medieval Walls, Cathedral, museums in Burgos, Bilbao museum, Toledo, Segovia, Avila, Salamanca,Valladolid, Burgos, Bilbao, Gernika, San Sebastian, Hondarribia and Biarriz, Pamplona and Madrid 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 three concert performance opportunities, two mass participation One Performance in Madrid or Toledo, depending on site inspection. One Performance in Salamanca or Burgos, depending on site inspection An exchange in Valladolid is organized independently. One Performance in San Sebastian Rental of an electronic keyboard, piano, or organ, if available 2 Mass participations in Toledo and Hondarribia 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 for over 50 lbs. Instrument stands Any meals not listed in your itinerary Programs for the concerts Allocations of specific seat assignments on flights 12-day tour Madrid, Burgos, Salamanca, Madrid Pricing Options: 2 small buses and one large bus TravelersPriceland only Free 55$5,979$4,599360$5,839$4,499365$5,779$4,4493ONE Extra Large Bus55$5,579$4,239360$5,479$4,129365 $5,399$4,0793 Based on “Land and Air” out of LAX, the group will be accommodated in twin double rooms. Payment Deadlines to be determined by Laurie and Robin DateAmountMay 15$200August 15$1,000October 15$1,000November 15 $1,000January 15, 2026Final Payment Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. 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 Catedral Vieja de Salamanca Salamanca This Romanesque church is home to an ancient, medieval spirit. Architecturally speaking, a defensive building, linked to the period of resettlement. The dome of the Old Cathedral is commonly known as the “Torre del Gallo” (Cockerel Tower) due to the weather vane in the shape of a cockerel on top. Choir Semiario Mayor de Burgos Burgos The Seminario Mayor de Burgos offers an intimate and historic setting for choral performances in one of Spain’s most culturally rich cities. Overlooking the majestic Burgos Cathedral, this grand seminary features elegant neoclassical architecture, spacious halls, and a serene atmosphere perfect for sacred and classical repertoire. Its acoustically resonant interior enhances the purity of choral voices, creating a moving experience for both performers and audiences. With its deep ties to Spain’s religious and musical traditions, the Seminario Mayor provides choirs with a unique opportunity to perform in a setting that blends history, spirituality, and artistic excellence. Choir Cathedral of the Good Shepherd San Sebastián The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in San Sebastián is a breathtaking neo-Gothic masterpiece and an outstanding venue for choral performances. Built in the late 19th century, it is the largest church in the Basque Country, featuring towering spires, intricate stained glass windows, and a majestic pipe organ that enriches its already superb acoustics. Located in the heart of San Sebastián, this cathedral offers choirs a grand and reverberant space, ideal for sacred and classical repertoire. Performing in this architectural gem provides an unforgettable experience, combining musical excellence with the serene beauty of one of Spain’s most picturesque coastal cities. Choir Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Coro San Sebastián The Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Coro in San Sebastián is a stunning Baroque church that provides an intimate yet majestic setting for choral performances. Dating back to the 18th century, this historic basilica is known for its ornate façade, intricate altarpieces, and beautifully vaulted interior that enhances vocal harmonies with rich, resonant acoustics. Nestled in the heart of the city’s Old Town, the basilica offers choirs an inspiring venue steeped in history and spiritual significance. Performing here allows ensembles to experience the unique blend of cultural heritage and musical excellence that defines this beloved landmark. Sample Hotels Please note that hotels are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. 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 Hotel Silken Gran Teatro Burgos Hotel Silken Gran Teatro, a 4-star property in the heart of Burgos, offers a stylish and comfortable stay for group travelers. Overlooking the Arlanzón River and just steps from the historic city center, the hotel provides easy access to top cultural sites, including the UNESCO-listed Burgos Cathedral. Groups will appreciate the modern accommodations, well-equipped meeting spaces, and on-site dining, making it an ideal choice for ensembles and touring groups. With its prime location and excellent amenities, Hotel Silken Gran Teatro ensures a seamless and enjoyable stay in this historic Spanish city. Learn More Silken Amara Plaza San Sebastián San Sebastián This 4-star hotel in San Sebastián offers a stylish and convenient stay for group travelers visiting Spain’s renowned coastal city. Situated near the Urumea River and within easy reach of the city center, it provides quick access to cultural landmarks, performance venues, and the stunning beaches of La Concha. Groups will appreciate the modern accommodations, spacious communal areas, and excellent on-site amenities. With its prime location and thoughtful services, this hotel is an ideal choice for groups seeking comfort and accessibility in the heart of the Basque Country. Learn More Hotel PCM Forum Alcalá Alcalá de Henares This modern 4-star hotel is located in the center of Alcalá de Henares, with easy access to Madrid and just 9.9 miles from Barajas Airport. It features a rooftop terrace with a hot tub and solarium—open during the summer months—offering panoramic views of the city. Guests enjoy stylish, soundproofed rooms with flat-screen TVs and free WiFi throughout. Within walking distance of Alcalá University, the Cathedral, and the Cervantes Museum, the hotel is ideal for both cultural visits and business stays. Private parking is available on site, and the IFEMA Exhibition Center is just a 20-minute drive away. Learn More Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us