Hello Sean! It’s my pleasure to personally guide you through the fully customized itinerary that we’ve carefully curated for your trip to “The Windy City!” The itinerary features classic Chicago sites and sounds. The choir will benefit from educational experiences like the Lake Michigan architectural tour, to a hands-on visit of the Field Museum of Natural History. Add to these things a fun and musical exchange concert hosted by a local Chicago are youth choir, and the chance for the choir to provide music at a Saturday afternoon mass at a Chicago Catholic Church, and top the tour off with attending a Symphony or Broadway Touring Show performance, and I hope you agree we have a well-rounded fun and educational tour to offer the choir! From 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. Welcome to Encore Tours, where your dream tour awaits. Link to Tripsite: https://acis.com/tripsite-trip-overview/?key=MjAyNnw5NTA1Nw== 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. 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 transportation from St. Pius X High School to Chicago and all land transportation in Chicago via private deluxe motorcoach Accommodations at the conveniently located Chicago Hilton 720 Michigan Avenue Rooming in double-room occupancy. Breakfast at your hotel daily and dinners at local restaurants each day All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout your program Concert Arrangements including Venue Rental, Pre-concert advertisement and on-site concert assistance Coordination of liturgical participation at a local Chicago Catholic Church Basic gratuities for the tour manager and bus drivers What’s Not Included? Instrument stands Any Instrument Rental Extra Ground Transportation of Large Musical Instruments or other Performance Equipment Any meals not listed in your itinerary Programs for the concerts Travelers #2 Free Spots30Land Only/Bus Tour: $203920 Pricing Options Based on Land Only/Bus Tour St. Pius X High School to Chicago round trip chartered motorcoach accommodating the group in double occupancy rooms. Payment Deadlines DateAmountNovember 30, 2025$200December 20, 2025$500January 15, 2026$750Final BalanceFebruary 05, 2026 SAMPLE CHICAGO EXPERIENCES Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Non-Performing Field Museum of Natural History Chicago Explore one of the world’s leading natural history museums, home to the famous T. rex “Sue,” towering dinosaur exhibits, and captivating cultural displays. Students discover science and world cultures through interactive experiences and a collection of more than 40 million artifacts. Non-Performing Chicago Symphony Orchestra Performance Chicago Attend a performance by the renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra, one of America’s most celebrated ensembles. Enjoy an evening of exceptional artistry at historic Symphony Center as the CSO performs a masterwork program on April 10, 2026. Non-Performing Architectural Cruise on Lake Michigan Chicago Take in Chicago’s world-famous skyline from the water on a narrated architectural cruise. Learn about the city’s iconic skyscrapers, innovative design, and the resilience that rebuilt Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871, all while enjoying sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the downtown waterfront. Hotels Hilton Chicago Chicago Located in the heart of downtown, the Hilton Chicago combines classic grandeur with modern comfort. Overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan, the hotel offers easy access to Chicago’s top attractions, including the Art Institute, Millennium Park, and the Symphony Center. Rooms are elegantly appointed with contemporary amenities, and the property features multiple dining options, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. Its convenient location and historic charm make it a favorite for performance groups and discerning travelers visiting the city. Learn More