Hello Cheryl! It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary that we’ve carefully curated for The Patrons’ trip to Germany starting in beautiful Dresden and continuing to historic Leipzig to hear the glorious concerts of The Bach Choir! It is so wonderful that The Bach Choir of Bethlehem has been invited to participate once again in this important festival, and bringing the Patrons on this truly special tour will further strengthen the bonds between your donors and the organization! 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. Welcome to Encore Tours, where your dream tour awaits. 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. 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 on Major Airlines from Newark, flying into Berlin and out of Leipzig Airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges Accommodations at the Hotel Gewandhaus in Dresden and Hotel Seaside Park or Hotel Steigenberger in Leipzig Rooming in double-room occupancy. Breakfast at your hotel daily One Welcome Cocktail reception in Dresden at the Gewandhaus, One Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant in Dresden, One BachFest Welcome Cocktail Reception in Leipzig, and One Farewell Dinner Reception in Leipzig with The Bach Choir Members and Staff Entrances: Green Vault, Frauenkirche incl. introduction and organ concert by the church organist, Meissen Porcelain Factory, Thomaskirche + introduction to the Thomaskirche by its Musical Director, Bach Archive, Mendelssohn House Private deluxe air-conditioned motor coach and driver for arrival and departure transfers and transfer from Dresden to Leipzig Services of a professional Tour Manager/s throughout your program Basic gratuities for the tour manager and bus driver What’s Not Included? Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines Any meals not listed in your itinerary Allocations of specific seat assignments on flights Travelers #The Bach Choir of Bethlehem Patrons Option One Gewandhaus Dresden and Hotel Steigenberger Leipzig 40 Plus 1 FreeAir and Land: $6099Land Only: $489930 Plus 1 FreeAir and Land: $6299Land Only: $509920 Plus 1 FreeAir and Land: $6739Land Only: $5539Travelers #The Bach Choir of Bethlehem Patrons Option Two Gewandhaus Dresden and Hotel Seaside Leipzig40 Plus 1 FreeAir and Land: $5379Land Only: $427930 Plus 1 FreeAir and Land: $5579Land Only: $447920 Plus 1 FreeAir and Land: $6019Land Only: $441920 Pricing Options Based on “Land and Air” out of Newark flying into f Berlin and out of Leipzig or No Airfare/Land Only accommodating the group in double occupancy rooms. Guided tour of Dresden 1 Welcome Dinner Dresden, 1 Welcome Cocktail Reeption Leipzig, 1 Farewell Reception with The Bach Choir Leipzig Payment Deadlines DateAmountApril 15, 2026$200June 15, 2026$750August 15, 2026$1,500October 15, 2026$2,500Final BalanceFebruary 15, 2027 Hotels Seaside Park Hotel Leipzig The Seaside Park Hotel Leipzig is a 4-star hotel with a 1913 Art Nouveau façade and Art Deco interiors, located across from the central train station near major sights. Its 288 rooms feature modern amenities, with some offering balconies. Highlights include the STEAKTRAIN restaurant, an Art Deco bar, a spa with sauna and whirlpool, and eco-friendly touches. Guests praise its location, staff, and stylish atmosphere, making it a strong choice for both leisure and business stays. Learn More Gewandhaus Dresden Dresden Gewandhaus Dresden, Autograph Collection is a refined five-star boutique hotel located in Dresden’s historic Altstadt, within easy walking distance of the Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, and the Elbe River promenade. Blending restored baroque character with contemporary elegance, the property offers stylishly appointed guest rooms with marble bathrooms, modern amenities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. On-site features include a full-service restaurant and bar, an indoor pool and sauna, fitness facilities, and attentive concierge service, making it an excellent upscale option for Encore groups seeking comfort, character, and a central location in Dresden. Learn More Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Handelshof Leipzig Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Handelshof is a distinguished five-star historic hotel in the heart of Leipzig’s Old Town, just steps from the Naschmarkt, Nikolaikirche, and the vibrant Market Square. Housed in a landmark former trade fair building dating back to the early 20th century, the property combines classic grandeur with modern comfort and offers 176 elegantly appointed, air-conditioned and sound-proofed rooms and suites. Guests enjoy extensive amenities including free Wi-Fi, refined on-site dining, a spa and wellness area with fitness facilities, meeting and event spaces, valet parking, airport shuttle service, and attentive 24-hour reception, making it an excellent upscale option for leisure and business travelers alike. Learn More