Dear Jean-Marie and Danielle, I’m so delighted to be able to introduce you to my native United Kingdom (especially Wales!) and to guide you through the fully customized and updated itinerary that we’ve designed for your possible performance tour incorporating the Llangollen Festival Your travel experience is completely personalized to meet your musical goals and travel desires; our service will be utterly seamless, and your peace of mind totally assured thanks to our guaranteed prices without surcharge or supplement and our industry-leading protection plans. And what truly sets your Encore experience apart from any other? Maybe it’s our spectacular venues, handpicked for their ability to enchant and engage, coupled with guaranteed audiences to elevate every performance. Or our world-leading tour managers who bring every destination to life and handle the tiniest detail. Of course it could also be our meticulous planning, personal attention and comprehensive support before, during and after your tour! Being permanently based in-country gives me a unique perspective on the destination, and there’s no substitute for having experienced it personally! Whatever you need, an Encore tour transcends the ordinary and gives you a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Let Encore Tours make your dream performance tour a reality! Let’s talk soon!Julian 617 958 9501 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 Peace of mind comes standard when you travel with Encore. Every traveler is automatically enrolled in our Basic Protection Plan, which includes medical coverage while on tour and limited trip interruption benefits—so you’re covered if the unexpected happens. For those who want even more flexibility and confidence in their plans, our Ultimate and Ultimate-Plus Protection Plans offer expanded medical coverage, greater trip interruption benefits, and the ability to cancel for any reason up to four days before departure and receive a full refund. 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 airfare Airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges Accommodations at conveniently located 3-star hotels: 3 nights Edinburgh 4 nights Llangollen Festival (provided by the Festival) Breakfast and dinner daily (may be replaced with lunch to adapt to your itinerary All sightseeing and entrances as per itinerary Guided tour of Edinburgh (includes Castle and Crown Jewels) Piper Workshop in Edinburgh Stirling Castle Ullswater boat trip Ceilidh folk dance evening Snowdonia Tour/Conwy Castle Llangollen Heritage Railway Pontcysyllte Aqueduct boat trip 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 driver Arrangements for 2 concert performance opportunities in Edinburgh Participation in the Llangollen International Eisteddfodd including competition and registration fees for 3 categories Rental of an electronic keyboard or piano where required 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 What’s Not Included? Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines Specific seat assignments/allocations on flights Instrument and sheet music stands Any meals not listed in your itinerary Printed programs for the concerts Concert tickets for Festival headline performers Pricing Options PayingTravelersPriceFree Spots50$5,539445$5,579440$5,679435$5,9394 Based on “Land and Air” out of SEA accommodating the group in twin and triple rooms Reduction for No Air Fare = $1,650 Payment Deadlines DateAmountJune 24, 2025$200July 24, 2025$650Aug 24, 2025$650Sept 24, 2025$650Oct 24, 2025$650November 24, 2025$650Dec 24, 2026$650Jan 24, 2026$650Feb 24, 2026Balance due Sample Performance Venues Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. 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. Band Choir Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Llangollen The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is a world-renowned cultural festival that has been held annually since 1947. This vibrant festival hosts performances from international choirs, dancers, and musicians, all competing and celebrating global arts and music. The main stage is an impressive outdoor pavilion, set against the backdrop of the scenic Dee Valley, creating an inspiring atmosphere for both performers and audiences. The venue also features a range of smaller stages and spaces for workshops, parades, and exhibitions. 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. Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End Edinburgh Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End is a modern hotel located in the lively Tollcross area, within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Haymarket Station. The hotel features 228 air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and in-room coffee and tea facilities. Guests enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast, a fitness center, and an on-site bar and restaurant, along with 24-hour front desk service and paid private parking. Certified by the Green Tourism Program, it’s a convenient and sustainable choice for visitors to Edinburgh. Learn More Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us