VocalEssence Companion Tour Summer 2025

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.

*Exact dates and timing may shift by a day or two as we solidify the tour schedule.

Tour Information

Tour Dates – July 21 – 31, 2025

July 20-21, 2025 – Departure from Minneapolis

  • Check in at MSP Airport for overnight flight to London, arriving on July 21.
  • Check into the hotel and dinner at a local restaurant.

July 22-25, 2025 – Exploring 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.
  • Entrance to the Tower of London.
  • Attend VocalEssence concert (TBD).

July 26-27, 2025 – Hereford

  • Depart by coach to Stratford-upon-Avon with guided sightseeing tour including entrance to Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
  • Continue to Hereford and check into hotel.
  • In Hereford, enjoy an excursion by coach to Brecon Beacons for sightseeing and lunch.
  • Attend VocalEssence Three Choirs Festival performance. 

July 28-30, 2025 – Bath

  • Depart by coach to Bath, stopping en route in the Cotswolds villages for independent sightseeing and lunch.
  • Arrive in Bath and check into the hotel.
  • Guided walking tour, lunch and dinner and afternoon free for independent touring.
  • Entrance to the Roman Baths.
  • Attend VocalEssence concert at Bath Abbey.
  • Excursion by coach to Stonehenge and Salisbury. L
  • Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Friday, July 31 – Departure from London

  • Depart for Minneapolis and arrival at MSP airport.

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.

Tours and outings will be planned and lead by our partners at ACFEA. They will work for a balance between exciting visits while allow 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.

Concerts & Performances

VocalEssence expects to have a minimum of three performances which will be confirmed closer to the date. The proposed performances include:

  • A performance in London that is to be determined.
  • 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

  • Standard 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: Comfortable accommodations in ideal locations at the height of the UK’s most popular season.
  • Transportation: Travel in style with air-conditioned motorcoaches and experienced guides.
  • 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 visa fees, if applicable
  • Checked baggage fees, if applicable
  • 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!

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!

Who is ACFEA?

Since 1955, ACFEA Tour Consultants has been creating custom tours for performing arts groups throughout the world.

As accomplished musicians, our staff know firsthand the special needs and concerns your group may have when touring abroad. When we combine that experience with our global network of travel experts and concert representatives, we’re 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. We can 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. We 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 we strive to function as an anti-racist and inclusive organization, and we 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. ACFEA will be sharing travel insurance recommendations closer to departure.