Our trip will include the cities of Istanbul, Bursa and Izmir
Hosted by Raindrop Turkey House
At the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, TURKEY will amaze you with its exciting mix of cultures, great food, and friendly people.
Useful Tips for Turkey Visitors
Arriving in Istanbul:
We will visit the city’s most famous sites: the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, the Roman Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, the underground cistern, and the unforgettable Grand Bazaar.
From Istanbul we will drive to Bursa…
Bursa was the first capital (late 1200s-early 1300s) of the Ottoman Empire. The two founding sultans, Orhan and Osman, are buried here, and this is where the empire’s great architectural style was first developed.
The city clings to the slopes of Uludag, the Bithynian Mount Olympus, and thus got its nickname Green Bursa from the surrounding forests. Now a large, bustling city, much of the greenery has disappeared beneath the urban sprawl. Bursa’s traditional industries of silk weaving and fruit processing have long since been supplemented by motor vehicle manufacturing (it’s “Turkey’s Detroit”) and other industry.
In Izmir…
We will spend a day in the Roman ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John and the archaeological museum.
***IMPORTANT***Please read carefully***
Students MUST have a valid passport to travel to Turkey. If your student’s passport is already expired, or will expire prior to Oct. 30th, 2012 your student will need a new passport. Turkish government requires that your passport be valid for 6 months after your scheduled departure date from Turkey. Please apply for a new passport no later than January 13, 2012 in order to ensure that your student’s passport arrives prior to departure.
An easy place to get your passport is at the Travis County District Clerk – No appointment necessary. All information required to get your passport is here.
Travel Dates: April 21-30, 2012
Students: PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR PASSPORT!
Packing List - ***Please remember – ONLY 1 SMALL CARRY-ON (preferably a school size backpack) AND 1 MEDIUM SIZED SUITCASE TO CHECK*** PACK LIGHT!!! PACK LIGHT!!! PACK LIGHT!!!
Flight Information
Constantinople Group Flight Information
Istanbul Group Flight information
Itineraries
Forms:
Permission Slip/Medical Form – Due by Dec. 15, 2011
Cost: $1,750
Includes: international airfare and taxes, all accommodations and meals, local guides, driver, escorts, all entrance fees for places on the itinerary.
Does not include: Visa ($20 for the visa – to be paid at the port of entry), tip money for bus drivers and tour guides, spending money
Payment must be made by check or money order only. No cash or credit cards can be accepted.
***IMPORTANT – Please make your check or money order payable to “Raindrop Foundation” and be certain to write your student’s name in the Memo line of your check for each payment.***
Payment can be dropped off in the AGS Office.
You can pay in full right away, if you wish, or you can follow the dates below in order to pay in installments.
Payment Plan:
Payment 1: Jan. 13, 2012 – $500
Payment 2: Feb. 13, 2012 – $500
Payment 3: Mar. 1, 2012 – $750
For those needing assistance, you may request a scholarship below. The AGS Amigos Scholarship committee decisions shall be awarded in the committee’s sole discretion and does not guarantee or promise that a scholarship shall be awarded. Please download the form below. Once you have filled it out, scan it and email it to Leslie Ragland for consideration by the AGS Scholarship Committee.