Dear Don, It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary that we’ve carefully curated for your trip to Italy. 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 4-star hotels Rooming in twin room occupancy 3 Overnights in Rome 3 Overnights in Florence 2 Overnights in downtown Venice 5 Dinners at local restaurants, including beverages 1 Joint dinner with student group on Feb 15th 1 Farewell festive dinner in Venice with students , including beverages 1 Tuscan lunch including beverages Motor-coach transportation from Rome airport to Venice Tronchetto terminal One-way private water taxi transfer from Tronchetto to Venice hotel One-way private water taxi transfer from Venice hotel directly to Venice Airport Baggage transfer service from Tronchetto to hotel, and from hotel to Venice Airport Round-trip private water taxi transfers to/from the concert venue in Venice local guide services for visits twice in Rome, Florence, Verona, and Venice Reserved admissions to Colosseum & Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, Leaning Tower, Santa Croce Basilica, and Accademia in Florence , St Mark’s Basilica and Doges’ Palace in Venice Sunday Papal blessing Handling of one piece of luggage per person in/out at the hotels Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout your program What’s Not Included? Extra Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines Allocations of specific seat assignments on flights Pricing Options 30$7,329225$7,699220$8,2992 Based on “Land and Air” out of JFK, accommodating the group in twin rooms. UPP+ $550 Flights accommodating leaving after the students and coming home before the students Outbound: Delta Air Lines Flight DL230 Depart: February 11 – New York (JFK) at 7:25 PM Arrive: February 12 – Rome (FCO) at 9:45 AM Return: Arrive: New York (JFK) at 12:55 PM Air France Flight AF1327 Depart: February 20 – Venice (VCE) at 6:10 AM Arrive: Paris (CDG) at 8:10 AM Air France Flight AF4 Depart: February 20 – Paris (CDG) at 10:30 AM Arrive: New York (JFK) at 12:55 PM Payment deadlines DateAmountJune 1$200July 15$1,500August 15$1,500September 15$1,500October 15$1,500November 1, 2026final payment Sample Venues Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Choir Chiesa di San Gaetano Florence Constructed during the 1600s, church of St. Gaetano has become the archetypical baroque church in the wealthiest part of town. The façade, with its sculptural decorations, is not typical of Florentine churches. The interior is impressive and richly decorated as is customary in Baroque churches. The venue is ideal for medium to large choirs and can accommodate audiences of up to 200 people. 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. 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. Hotel NH Collection Roma Centro Rome NH Collection Roma Centro is a refined, centrally located hotel set in Rome’s elegant Prati district, within walking distance of the Vatican, Castel Sant’Angelo, and the historic center. Known for its modern design and reliable comfort, the hotel offers spacious, well-appointed rooms with contemporary amenities, along with a stylish restaurant, bar, and versatile meeting spaces. Its location provides easy access to both cultural landmarks and quieter local streets, making it a strong choice for groups seeking a balance of convenience, quality, and an authentic Roman neighborhood atmosphere. 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 Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collection Venice Splendid Venice is a luxurious 4-star hotel in the heart of Venice, offering guests an unforgettable Venetian experience. Situated near St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, its central yet secluded location ensures convenience and tranquility. With breathtaking canal views and a private dock for gondolas and water taxis, the hotel boasts elegance with rich colors, luxurious fabrics, and exquisite design elements. Indulge in Venetian cuisine at Restaurant Le Maschere, and enjoy summer evenings at the rooftop Altana for an unforgettable experience. Learn More Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us