Dear Andrei, It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary that we’ve carefully curated for your trip to Scandinavia and the Baltics States. 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 a twin room occupancy. Breakfast and dinners as per your itinerary All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary Private deluxe air-conditioned motor coach and driver Instrument Truck that is temperature-controlled for the instruments. Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout your program Basic gratuities for the tour manager and bus drivers Ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki Ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn Arrangements for 4 concert performance opportunities, and one workshop 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? Extra large 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 12-day tour, 4 performances TravelersPriceFree SpotsBuses70$6,6193280$6,4193290$6,26932 Based on “Land and Air” out of SFO, accommodating the group in Twin rooms. Pricing Options: 10-day tour, 3 performances without Vilnius TravelersPriceFree SpotsBuses70$6,0793280$5,9193290$5,79232 Instrument rental cost per instrument per day Suggested Instrument Rental Costs (per concert, in USD): 1 full-size cello – $175 per cello 1 French horns – $175 per horn Tuba – $195 per instrument 1 double bass – $175 per bass Timpani set (29–28”, 26–25”, 24–23”; possibly 4 drums depending on repertoire) – $205 per set Bass drum with stand – $90 per instrument Snare drum with stand – $90 per instrument Crash cymbals (pair) with stand – $70 per instrument Suspended cymbal – $70 per instrument Xylophone – $115 per instrument Percussion trap table – $60 per concert Airline and flight times Outbound:LH 455 – San Francisco (SFO) to FrankfurtDepart: 2:40 PMArrive: 10:30 AM (next day) LH 455 – Frankfurt to StockholmDepart: 12:00 PM-2:00 PMArrive: 2:00 PM-4:00 PM Return:TBD flight number Riga or Vilnius to FrankfurtDepart: 6:00 AM-7:00 AMArrive: 7:30 AM-8:30 AM Return:LH 454 Frankfurt to SFODepart: 10:30 AM-1:00 PMArrive: 1:00 PM-4:00 PM Payment Deadlines to be determined by MSYO and Robin DateAmountMay 15$200August 15$750October 15$750January 15, 2027$750May 15, 2027$750August 15, 2027$750October 15, 2027$750December 15, 2027$750February 15, 2028Final Payment Sample Venues Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Band Choir Orchestra Helsinki Music Centre Helsinki The Helsinki Music Centre (Musiikkitalo) is a striking, contemporary venue in the heart of Helsinki, serving as home to the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Sibelius Academy. The complex features multiple performance spaces, including its renowned vineyard-style main concert hall with seating for approximately 1,700 guests, as well as several smaller halls and flexible venues that accommodate a range of ensemble sizes and audience capacities. Designed with world-class acoustics tailored for unamplified orchestral and choral music, each space offers exceptional clarity and balance, supported by modern production capabilities and adaptable staging. As part of a broader cultural hub with rehearsal rooms and educational facilities, it provides an inspiring and versatile setting for both formal concerts and collaborative performance experiences. Band Orchestra Estonian Music and Theatre Academy Concert Hall Tallinn The Estonian Music and Theatre Academy Concert Hall in Tallinn is a modern, purpose-built performance venue at the heart of the academy’s state-of-the-art concert and theatre complex, offering a refined setting for orchestral, choral, and chamber performances. Seating approximately 480 guests, the four-story hall is renowned for having some of the finest acoustics in Estonia, designed to support clarity, balance, and dynamic range across a wide variety of musical styles. Its contemporary Nordic-inspired design, flexible staging capabilities, and integration within a larger creative hub that includes rehearsal spaces, studios, and a black box theatre make it an ideal environment for both formal concerts and collaborative performance experiences. Band Choir Orchestra Great Guild Hall Riga The Great Guild Hall, one of the oldest and buildings in Riga, is located in the center of the Old Town of Riga. The history of the building dates back to the 14th century, when the Guild of German merchants held its meetings here. The building is not only a historical monument, but also the home of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra (LNSO) and a lively meeting place for lovers of classical music. Band Orchestra LSSO Concert Hall Vilnius The LSSO Concert Hall in Vilnius, Lithuania, is a premier cultural venue renowned for its excellent acoustics and elegant design. Established to serve as a central hub for musical performances, it hosts a wide range of events, from classical concerts to contemporary music shows. The hall is particularly favored by orchestral groups for its state-of-the-art facilities and spacious stage, providing an ideal setting for both performers and audiences. Reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Vilnius, the LSSO Concert Hall continues to be a vital part of the city’s vibrant arts scene. 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. Scandic Kaisaniemi Helsinki Scandic Kaisaniemi is a modern hotel situated in the heart of Helsinki, offering comfortable accommodations with easy access to the city’s key cultural and historical sites. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, a stylish restaurant, and convenient amenities, making it an ideal base for both relaxation and exploration. With its central location near Helsinki Central Station, guests can easily reach famous landmarks, shopping districts, and vibrant dining options. Perfect for groups seeking a blend of comfort and convenience, Scandic Kaisaniemi offers a welcoming atmosphere for any ensemble. Learn More Tallink City Hotel Tallinn Located in the heart of Tallinn, the Tallink City Hotel is a stylish 4-star property offering modern accommodations just steps from the city’s main attractions. With a sleek contemporary design, the hotel features comfortable rooms, an elegant restaurant serving international cuisine, and a well-equipped wellness center. Guests can enjoy easy access to Tallinn’s Old Town, shopping districts, and cultural landmarks, making it an excellent choice for both leisure and business travelers. Learn More Tallink Hotel Riga Riga Tallink Hotel Riga is a 4-star hotel offering elegant, air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV, a minibar, modern bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi. The lobby bar serves drinks, light meals, and signature cocktails, and a sauna is available for group reservations with prior booking. Conveniently located, the hotel is a short walk from Riga’s historic Old Town, the Latvian National Opera, the Central Train Station, and the International Bus Station. Nearby, guests can also explore the Origo and Stockmann shopping centers for additional dining and shopping options. Learn More Neringa Hotel Vilnius Located in the heart of Vilnius, Neringa Hotel is a stylish 4-star property blending historic charm with modern comforts. Recently renovated, the hotel offers elegant rooms, a fitness center, and a renowned restaurant serving classic Lithuanian cuisine. Its prime location on Gediminas Avenue places guests within walking distance of Vilnius’ Old Town, cultural landmarks, and vibrant shopping districts, making it an excellent choice for both leisure and business travelers. Learn More Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us