Hello Caroline, It is my pleasure to offer the two options of Italy or Quebec Province for the 2027 Performance Tour. I want you to know that you were indeed heard when you shared your about how we can work together to make this 2027 tour the best possible to date. Please know that I am available to make any and all changes to this initial proposal to ensure either itinerary meets all the needs of the ensemble and reflects your high standards of cultural opportunities and musical highlights. I look forward to the process of orchestrating this tour together. 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 airfare from Houston flying into Florence and out of Rome or into Montreal and out of Quebec City Airport and airline taxes, and fuel surcharges Accommodations at centrally located 4-star-hotels Rooming in double/twin room occupancy Single room accommodations available for additional fees Breakfast daily and dinners at local restaurants as indicated in the itinerary All sightseeing and entrances as featured in the itinerary 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 drivers Arrangements for all performances and liturgies as outlined in the itineraries Rental of an electronic keyboard as needed per the performances 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 Vox Headsets All Entrances as outlined in the itineraries What’s Not Included? Baggage Fees imposed by the airlines Instrument stands Any meals not listed in your itinerary Programs for the concerts Allocations of specific seat assignments on flights Pricing Options Option One ItalyTravelers #2 Free45Air and Land: $6479Land Only: $479940Air and Land: $6679Land Only: $497935Air and Land: $6899Land Only: $523930Air and Land: $7239Land Only: $557925Air and Land: $7699Land Only: $6039Option Two Quebec Province Travelers #2 Free 45Air and Land: $4179Land Only: $333940Air and Land: $4339Land Only: $349935Air and Land: $4499Land Only: $367930Air and Land: $4679Land Only: $387925Air and Land: $4939Land Only: $4139 Based on “Land and Air” out of Houston flying into Florence and out of Rome or into Montreal and out of Quebec City accommodating the group in double occupancy rooms. SAMPLE VENUES Please note that venues are not confirmed until expressly stated by your Program Consultant. Choir Santa Maria Nera Lucca The church of Santa Maria Nera owes its name to the sculpture that reproduces the image of a black virgin. This is an exact 19th century reproduction of the Madonna of Loreto which, it is said, was flown to Italy by angels and whose original was completely burned in a devastating fire in 1921. Also known as Santa Maria Corteorlandini, the church is one of the city’s hidden gems and a fantastic example of baroque style in Lucca. The interior is stunning and provides a welcoming venue for visiting choirs. Band Choir Sant’Agnese Rome Sant’Agnese in Agone is a seventeenth Baroque church in Rome, Italy. It faces onto the Piazza Navona, one of the main urban spaces in the historic centre of the city and the site where the Early Christian Saint Agnes was martyred at the ancient Stadium of Domitian. A number of architects were involved in the construction of the church, including Girolamo Rainaldi and his son Carlo Rainaldi, and two of the foremost Baroque architects of the day; Francesco Borromini and the sculptor Gianlorenzo Bernini. The church serves as a cultural gathering point for the entire city with concerts throughout the year often featuring visiting ensembles. Choir Choosing the Right Venue St. Peter’s Basilica Rome Charged as being “the greatest of all churches of Christendom,” St. Peter’s Basilica, in Vatican City, is nearly 400 years old and possesses a wealth of history, culture, and art. Adorned with works of famous Italian Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo, St. Peter’s is a popular site not only for Christians, but for historians and tourists alike. Not only have Encore groups had the opportunity to explore such a remarkable sight, but some have also performed for the Pope himself! Choir Orchestra Sant’Andrea della Valle Church Rome It is hard to imagine a more dramatic church than Sant’ Andrea della Valle, it is therefore not hard to understand why Puccini set the first act of his opera, Tosca, in the Barberini Chapel. It is here that Angelotti seeks a hiding place from the Roman chief of police and Tosca’s suspicions of her lovers’ supposed infidelity are aroused. This is a venue of unmatched opulence and operatic history and would be the perfect venue for a choral performance. Band Choir Orchestra Notre Dame Basilica, Montreal Montreal Located in Old Montreal, The Notre Dame Basilica’s Gothic exterior faces the Place d’ Armes square. Upon entry, visitors are stunned by the colorful and intricate designs found on the ceiling and walls which depict scenes of Montreal’s religious history. Musical programming includes regular choral and organ performances; perhaps your group is next! Show All 8 Venues Show Less Band Choir Orchestra Oscar Peterson Hall at Concordia University Montreal This hall has hosted internationally-renowned musicians, including members of Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Arlo Guthrie, Ranee Lee and Oliver Jones. The intimate 570-seat hall draws from Japanese influences as seen the horizontal grid of birch planks that forms the stage’s backdrop. The spacious hardwood stage is easily seen from all vantage points in the room, and adjustable acoustic panels allow for a wide spectrum of natural sound. Choir Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church Montreal Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, located in Montreal’s Plateau-Mont-Royal district, is a Baroque Revival church originally built in 1872 and reconstructed in 1912 following two major fires. It features a neoclassical façade with copper-domed bell towers and an ornate interior highlighted by stained glass windows, chandeliers, and detailed plasterwork. Acclaimed for its acoustics, the church serves as a venue for orchestral, choral, and organ performances. It houses three Casavant Frères organs, including the four-manual Opus 615, making it particularly well-suited for grand organ works and large ensembles. Band Choir Orchestra Dufferin Terrace Québec City This ¼-mile promenade overlooks the St. Lawrence River right by the Château Frontenac in Québec City. The terrace is by far the most visited tourist attraction in Québec City and provides a great opportunity for a performance or even a parade. Hotels Please note this quotation is based on 4-star standard well-located hotels in all cities. Munich and Salzburg Hotel information is contained in email dated April 26, 2024. Starhotels Michelangelo Rome Starhotels Michelangelo in Rome is a welcoming 4-star hotel offering 179 stylish rooms, many with views of St Peter’s dome. Rooms feature plush bedding, soundproofing, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and minibars, combining classic charm with modern comfort. The on-site restaurant, The Dome, serves authentic Roman dishes in an elegant setting, while the bar offers a relaxed spot for drinks and light bites. Just steps from St Peter’s Basilica and within walking distance of the Vatican Museums and Castel Sant’Angelo, the hotel enjoys a prime location for exploring historic Rome. Guests highlight the friendly staff, generous breakfast, and overall comfort. Learn More Bettoja Hotel Atlantico Rome This 4-star hotel, set in the heart of Rome, combines classic elegance with modern comforts. Bettoja Hotel Atlantico is ideally located near Termini Station, offering easy access to the city’s major attractions. The hotel features stylish, air-conditioned rooms equipped with free WiFi, a minibar, and flat-screen TVs. Some rooms offer panoramic views of Rome. Guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast in a charming dining room and access to an on-site bar. The hotel’s rooftop terrace provides a relaxing space to take in the cityscape. Popular landmarks like the Colosseum and Roman Forum are just a short walk away. Learn More Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale Montecatini Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale is an elegant four-star property located in the spa town of Montecatini Terme, offering classic Tuscan hospitality in a refined setting. Family-owned for generations, the hotel features beautifully decorated interiors with antique furnishings, a spacious lobby, and inviting lounges that reflect old-world charm. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms, a seasonal outdoor pool, and traditional Tuscan cuisine at the on-site restaurant. With its central location near Montecatini’s thermal baths and easy access to Florence, Pisa, and Lucca, the Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale is an ideal base for Encore Tours travelers exploring Tuscany. Learn More Grand Hotel Panoramic Montecatini This 4-star hotel on the northern edge of Montecatini Terme’s famed thermal parks offers a tranquil stay surrounded by lush gardens. Its modern amenities include spacious, light-filled lounges and an impressive winter garden with glass walls overlooking a terrace and swimming pool. Rooms and suites are uniquely furnished, with select rooms featuring a spa bath, two bathrooms, or a private balcony or garden, adding a touch of exclusivity and comfort for guests seeking a relaxing retreat in Tuscany. Learn More Sandman Hotel Montreal-Longueuil Montreal Positioned near Montreal Casino and the picturesque Old Port of Montreal, Sandman Hotel Montreal – Longueuil offers a blend of convenience and amenities. Guests can relax with a drink at the hotel bar, stay active in the gym, and utilize versatile conference facilities. With its central location, exploring the vibrant attractions of Montreal and Longueuil couldn’t be easier. Learn More Show All 8 Venues Show Less Best Western Ville-Marie Montreal Montreal Best Western Ville-Marie Montreal enjoys a prime location at the foot of Mount Royal Park, providing guests with immediate access to serene natural beauty while being just steps away from the vibrant downtown area. This ideal setting places visitors within walking distance of popular attractions such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, McGill University, and the bustling shopping and dining options on Saint-Catherine Street, offering the perfect blend of urban excitement and tranquil retreat. Learn More Travelodge by Wyndham Hotel & Convention Centre Quebec City Québec City Travelodge by Wyndham Hotel & Convention Centre Quebec City is a modern, full-service hotel located in the Sainte-Foy district, just minutes from downtown and key attractions. The property offers 231 comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and espresso machines. Guests enjoy an indoor pool, fitness center, sauna, and on-site Jules Verne Bistro-Bar. With 12,000 square feet of meeting space, free parking, and easy access to highways and public transit, it’s a convenient choice for both leisure and business travelers exploring Quebec City. Learn More Hotel Le Concorde Québec City Located in the vibrant heart of Quebec City, this hotel is a stone’s throw from museums, cultural attractions, and activities. Its central position allows easy access to the city’s historic sites, lively markets, and cobblestone streets, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the local heritage and festivities. Whether interested in exploring art, history, or enjoying the lively atmosphere, guests will find themselves perfectly placed to experience all that Quebec City has to offer. Learn More Have any additional questions? Reach out to your program manager directly, or contact us for any assistance. Contact Us