Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra Tour to Central Europe 2026

Dear Scott,

It’s my pleasure to offer this fully customized itinerary we’ve carefully curated for your proposed performance tour to Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria. Your goals and desires are our priority in every aspect of your tour, 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.

Kind regards,
Robin Teague

Your Encore Benefits

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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
  • Airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges
  • 3 night Leipzig, 2 nights Dresden, 2 nights Prague, 3 nights in Vienna accommodation at conveniently located 3/4-star hotels
  • Hotel rooming in twin/double rooms
  • Breakfast daily and selected dinners as per your itinerary
  • All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary
  • English-speaking local guides in Eisenach, Leipzig, Dresden, Prague, Vienna
  • Entrances: Wartburg Castle, Bach Museum, Thomaskirch, Boat cruise down the Vltalva river, St. Vitus Cathedral, Mozart Haus
  • Private deluxe air-conditioned motor coaches and driver
  • Services of an Encore Tour Manager throughout your program
  • Basic gratuities for the tour manager and bus driver
  • 4 fully promoted concerts
  • All concert arrangements include venue rental and allocation, all necessary concert permits, all pre-concert advertisement/promotion, and on-site concert assistance
  • Pre-concert rehearsal time, where possible
  • Vox Headsets

What’s Not Included?

  • Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines  over 50lb allotment
  • Any meals not listed in your itinerary 
  • Programs for the performances
  • Allocations of specific seat assignments on flights 

Pricing Options 11 days

PayeesPriceEnrichment
fee $100
Free
Spots
45$5,139$5,2392
40$5,199$5,2992
45$5,239$5,3393
40$5,399$5,4993

A guide to rental instrument costs (not included). Prices are an estimate only and are per instrument per concert; 100 enrichment fee to cover cost

  • Cello: EUR 80 per one cello / one concert
  • Basses: EUR 125 per one d-bass / one concert
  • music stands EUR 20 per person

Payment Deadlines

DateAmount
September 25$200
October 15, 2025$1,000
November 15, 2025$1,000
December 15, 2025$1,000
January 15, 2026$1,000
February 1, 2026Final payment

Sample Venues

Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Vienna

In the heart of Vienna stands St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its towers dominating the Austrian skyline. St. Stephen’s was constructed in 1137 above the ruins of two earlier churches. Unmistakable with its colored tile roof, it has become one of Vienna’s most recognized landmarks. As a host to hundreds of performances year-round, this venue is a great option for your performance tour.

Musikverein

Vienna

The Musikverein is one of the most prestigious classical performance venues in the world. The globally-esteemed acoustics and architectural grandeur make the ‘Great Hall’ an unparalleled location for a classical concert. The Musikverein, home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, has an impressive calendar of classical events. It would be a true honor for any classical performer to play here.

Lukaskirche

Dresden

Lukaskirche (also known as Derden Luka Kirche) in Dresden offers a breathtaking setting for choral performances, renowned for its superb acoustics and striking neo-Romanesque architecture. Originally consecrated in 1903, the church has been lovingly restored and now serves as both a place of worship and a cherished cultural venue. Its spacious interior and resonant soundscape make it an ideal location for sacred and classical choral repertoire, while its central location in Dresden adds convenience for touring ensembles.

Church of the Holy Savior

Prague

This church, located just off the Old Town of the city, is the largest Protestant church in Prague. It was originally built in Gothic-Renaissance style in the early 1600’s and has been reconstructed several times to its current glory. It is a wonderful venue for choral music and there are many concerts which take place in this very special venue.

Kursaal

Bad Schmiedeberg

The Kursaal in Bad Schmiedeberg is a versatile concert hall known for hosting a wide range of musical events throughout the year. With its spacious stage and excellent acoustics, it comfortably accommodates large ensembles and offers an inviting setting for both choral and instrumental performances.

Sample 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.

Vienna House Easy by Wyndham Leipzig

Leipzig

This stylish 4-star property is conveniently located in the heart of Leipzig, just a five-minute walk from the main train station and a short stroll from Augustusplatz, the Gewandhaus, and Opera Leipzig. Bright, spacious rooms feature contemporary furnishings, free high-speed WiFi, and smart design touches. Guests can start their day with a generous breakfast buffet, relax in the cozy lounge, or explore the lively cafés and shopping streets nearby. With excellent public transport connections and easy access to the city’s renowned performance venues, it’s an ideal base for groups experiencing Leipzig’s rich musical and cultural heritage.

Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s Prague

Prague

Located in the popular Andel district, this 4-star hotel is known for its modern design and amenities. All rooms have air conditioning, bathrooms, and satellite TV, with apartments and studios also featuring kitchenettes and seating areas. The Restaurant Delight offers a regional breakfast open to all, while Oscar’s Bar & Brasserie provides snacks, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy the fitness studio, saunas, and whirlpool for an extra charge. The hotel is near pedestrian zones with cafés, restaurants, and the Andel Shopping Mall, and its proximity to the Andel Underground Station and tram lines makes exploring the city easy.

Hotel Ananas

Vienna

Vienna’s largest four-star hotel is perfect for your stay in the enchanting city. Location wise, it is only a five minute walk from the famous Naschmarkt outdoor market, hosting 170 stands for you to explore. It is also only 100 meters from the closest metro station, making traveling through the city an easy endeavor. Relax and enjoy breakfast in the hotel restaurant Zum Moser, or have a snack in the Johann Strauss bar and café. Comfort and convenience are both products of this Vienna hotel!

Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance.

Customize Your Tour

Are you ready to take your ensemble to new places? Get a quote from one of our tour consultants who will help you customize a trip to meet your goals.

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