Explore England in Song and Story with VocalEssence!
Join the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and founder Philip Brunelle, MBE, on an extraordinary 10-day tour to England from July 21-31, 2025*. Organized by professional tour company ACFEA, this once-in-a-lifetime trip is designed for music lovers and adventurers alike, blending breathtaking performances you won’t see anywhere else, with rich cultural experiences, and historic exploration. Want to know more? Watch our webinar broadcast from January 7, 2025 where we “Spilled the Tea” on the tour!
Click the button below to reserve your spot today!
RESERVE SPOT
*Exact dates and timing may shift by a day or two as we solidify the tour schedule.
Tour Dates – July 21—31, 2025*
Mon, July 21, 2025 – Departure from Minneapolis
- 4:00 pm – Check in at Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport
- 6:55 pm – Depart on Aer Lingus flight to Dublin
Tues, July 22, 2025 – Transfer from Dublin to London
- 11:15 am – Depart on Aer Lingus flight to London Heathrow
- 12:40 pm – Arrive in London Heathrow airport
- Transfer by coach to hotel and afternoon at leisure
- 6:30 pm – Welcome dinner at a local restaurant (travel by foot)
Wed, July 23, 2025 – London
- Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour during which you will see St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the House of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace
- Lunch Independent
- Entrance to the Tower of London
- Attend VocalEssence concert (TBD)
Thurs, July 24, 2025 – London
- No coach today, explore London at your leisure!
- Lunch and dinner independent
Fri, July 25, 2025 – London
- No coach service; explore London at your leisure!
- Lunch and dinner independent
- Attend a VocalEssence concert (TBD)
Sat, July 26, 2025 – Hereford
- Breakfast in hotel
- 8:00 am – Depart by coach to Stratford-upon-Avon (2.5 hrs)
- 11:00 am – guided walking tour including entrance to Shakespeare’s Birthplace
- Lunch independent
- 3:00 pm – Continue to Hereford and check into Green Dragon Hotel
- Dinner at a restaurant
Sun, July 27, 2025 – Hereford
- 8:30 am – Excursion by coach to Brecon Beacons for sightseeing (c. 1.5 hrs)
- Lunch independent
- 1:15 pm – Transfer by coach to Leominster (c. 1.5 hrs)
- 3:15 pm – Attend VocalEssence performance at Leominster Priory as part of the Three Choirs Festival
- Dinner independent
- Sunday evening – optional add on concerts with Three Choirs Festival
Mon, July 28, 2025 – Bath
- Breakfast in hotel
- Optional morning event at Green Dragon Hotel
- Depart by coach to Bath, stopping en route in the Cotswolds villages for independent sightseeing
- Lunch independent
- Arrive in Bath and check into the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
- Dinner independant
- Attend VocalEssence concert at Bath Abbey
Tue, July 29, 2025 – Bath
- Breakfast in hotel
- No coach today
- 9:30 am – Guided walking tour
- c. 11:45 am – Entrance to the Roman Baths
- Afternoon and evening at leisure and dinner independent
Wed, July 30, 2025
- Breakfast in hotel
- 8:30 am – Excursion by coach to Stonehenge (c. 1 hr 15 min)
- Entrance to Stonehenge
- Continue by coach to Salisbury (c. 30 min)
- Lunch independent and afternoon at leisure
- c. 3:00 pm – Continue by coach to Windsor (c. 2 hrs)
- Farewell dinner at a local restaurant
- c. 8:00 pm – Transfer by coach to final hotel for check in (c. 20 min)
Thurs, July 31 – Departure from London
- Breakfast at hotel
- 7:30 am – Transfer by coach to Heathrow Airport
- 9:50 am – Depart on Aer Lingus flight to Dublin
- 11:15 am – Arrive at Dublin airport; Clear U.S. Immigration and Customs
- 2:45 pm – Depart on Aer Lingus flight to Minneapolis/St. Paul airport
- 5:25 pm – Arrival at Minneapolis/St. Paul airport
- AM Departure for Minneapolis and arrival at MSP airport
*All activities subject to change. Driving times are estimates based on normal road conditions and do not include allowances for meal or rest stops.
Lodging will be booked by our expert tour partners at ACFEA. The lodging for companion tour participants will be at mid-grade level lodging areas that include breakfast.
All rooms are priced for double occupancy. Should you not have a roommate, we can work to pair you with another tour participant if desired, or upgrade you to single occupancy for an additional fee (approx. £1,080). Additional lodging details will be provided closer to tour departure.
July 22-26, 2025 – London: Thistle London Hyde Park Kensington Gardens
July 26-28, 2025 – Hereford: Green Dragon Hotel
July 28-30/31, 2025 – Bath: Doubletree by Hilton Bath
Note: July 31 will be either in Bath or London based on flight departure time.
Tours and outings will be planned and led by our partners at ACFEA. They will work for a balance between exciting visits while allowing time for self-guided/planned sightseeing. Planned sightseeing activities for the tour includes:
- Wander the charming streets of Bath, famous for its Roman history and stunning Georgian architecture with entrance and tour of the Roman Baths.
- Discover the rolling hills and picturesque villages of the Cotswolds.
- Walk in the footsteps of literary legend at Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Take a visit to the legendary and mythical Stonehenge with lunch in Salisbury.
- Take a guided tour of London including St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace.
- Explore the Tower of London–a secure fortress, royal palace and infamous prison.
All tours and activities subject to change.
Concerts & Performances
VocalEssence expects to have a minimum of three performances which will be confirmed closer to the date. The proposed performances include:
- 1-3 performances in London that is to be determined, including one concert with the BBC Singers
- A performance at the Three Choirs Festival in Hereford.
- A performance at Bath Abbey.
Investment
The total cost of the tour depends on final airfare, lodging, and number of attendees (the cost will be reduced with more attendees). We estimate the total cost to be approximately $6,500-7,000 per person for double occupancy. This cost could change depending on activities and lodging.
Payment will be on a schedule, with a $100 per person deposit to reserve your spot. A portion of your tour cost will be due on March 1 with the remaining balance due on May 1.
Note: A portion of your tour fee (9-12%) is intended to help fund the tour activities and administrative costs for VocalEssence and will be considered a fully tax-deductible donation.
Included
- Airfare: Standard airfare from MSP Airport is included in the tour cost. Should you wish to travel from an alternate airport or upgrade your flight class, the tour company will work with you to do so.
- Mid-Level Lodging: Nine nights in superior tourist class hotels with double/twin rooms accommodations in ideal locations at the height of the UK’s most popular season
- Transportation: Travel in style with air-conditioned motor-coaches and experienced guides/couriers
- Meals Included: Breakfast daily and three specially selected dinners
Not included
- Beverages other than coffee and tea with breakfast, and water with dinner
- Passport and UKETA fees, if applicable
- Checked or oversized baggage fees, if applicable (one checked bag and personal item is included)
- Trip cancelation and interruption insurance
What if I want to arrive separately, travel from another location, or upgrade my flight status?
Our partners at ACFEA will work with you to make separate flight arrangements as needed or will charge a reduced price without airfare to accommodate your preferences and flight needs! Anyone whose plans deviate from the standard airfare itinerary can work with ACFEA to book alternate flights or can receive a discount for booking their own travel.
I'm traveling with a singer, can I room with them?
Due to logistics, the singer will be lodged with you and other tour companions in upgraded hotel rooms. Our partners at ACFEA will work with you to ensure that your singer can stay with you and get to any rehearsals or singer engagements as required. There will be a to be determined upgrade fee to cover upgraded lodging.
Why should I go on this trip vs. my own travels?
This tour will provide a very unique experience planned by expert travelers. All of your flights, transportation, and lodging will be chosen for you so you don’t have to lift a finger planning! Of course, there will be plenty of spare time built in for things you might want to do that is not planned for the tour. We also have Philip Brunelle drumming up a few fun surprises that are not to be missed!
How do I know if I can keep up with the fun activities?
We recommend the tour for those who can handle their own luggage, walk for around 20 minutes, and handle a few stairs. We will accommodate some accessibility needs on a case-by-case basis, however we cannot guarantee those with mobility issues will be able to participate in all tour activities.
What if I do or don't want to explore on my own?
We have built in plenty of time for relaxing and self-exploration. Some tour participants will wish to explore with their companion or solo. For those who don’t, VocalEssence staff and other tour participants may be available to join you on certain explorations!
Since 1955, ACFEA Tour Consultants has been creating custom tours for performing arts groups throughout the world.
As accomplished musicians, ACFEA staff know firsthand the special needs and concerns groups may have when touring abroad. When they combine that experience with their global network of travel experts and concert representatives, they are able to create opportunities for life-changing experiences worldwide.
Tours designed by ACFEA are tailor-made to fit each group, reflecting that ensemble’s unique interests, abilities and expectations. They incorporate elements like festivals or exchanges into itineraries, as well as competitions, homestays, philanthropic opportunities, and countless other special touches – all made possible by the practice of responding to each group’s particular objectives. They are dedicated to designing an exceptional tour for every group, whether it be a veteran of many collaborations with ACFEA or one taking its first step into the world of touring.
Concert tours can be powerful tools for fostering real connection between individuals, groups, and communities. Believing in equity and inclusion for all is a prerequisite for this, so ACFEA strives to function as an anti-racist and inclusive organization, and they embrace diversity and promote accessibility throughout the tour planning process.
What about travel insurance?
While travel insurance is not planned as part of your tour costs, you may choose to seek out travel insurance on your own. You can use your own travel insurance provider, or ACFEA has information on their recommended travel insurance.
What travel documents do I need?
All travelers will require a valid passport (full book, not passport ID) and fill out the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) with a small fee.
Visit the US Department of State’s website for information on applying or renew your visa. We recommend applying early as Passports can take several months for approval.
There is also a new procedure for UK travel called the United Kindom’s Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA). This is a simple form filled out in advance of departure with a small feel and replaces a typical travel visa. The new process is more simple, online, inexpensive, and valid for two years. To learn more, visit the UKETA Website.
How much luggage can I bring?
Each traveler is allowed one personal carry on or under seat item and one checked bag included in the cost of airfare. Due to the potential limited space on coaches, we do not recommend traveling with more than that. Additional fees for checked or carry on bags, oversized, or heavy bags will be the responsibility of the traveler.
