Transcript Slide 1
Empires Turkey Trip of Title Mr. Merl Meitner – Group Leader Agenda • • • • • • • • • • Why travel? Who is ACIS? A typical day Trip itinerary What’s included Extra benefits of ACIS Cost Protection plans Next Steps Questions and Answers Why Travel? Whether visiting an outdoor market in Provence, exploring the ruins of ancient Ephesus in Turkey, standing atop the Great Wall in China, or ordering tapas in Madrid, ACIS students: • Acquire skills and knowledge that prepare them for future success in college and careers • Gain global perspective, cultural awareness, independence and responsibility • Develop a spirit of discovery and love of learning that lasts a lifetime “The trip was absolutely amazing. It has convinced me to study abroad. It couldn’t have turned out better!” — Amanda Kesner, ACIS Participant, New Jersey Who is ACIS? • • • Premier provider of the highest quality in educational travel since 1978 Division of AIFS, the leader of international education programs since 1964 Financially secure institution with more than $130 million in annual revenue ACIS Report Card 99% Rate overall satisfaction good to excellent 99% Rate educational content good to excellent 97% Rate ACIS Tour Managers good to excellent Percentages for travel in 2008 • Wherever you are, ACIS is there: We have offices in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Sacramento, London and Paris, with affiliate offices in Rome and Madrid and local representation at every destination ACIS travels to. A Typical Day 7:30-8:45 Start your day with breakfast in your hotel 9:00-12:00 Enjoy a morning activity such as city sightseeing 12:00-1:00 Lunch. Your group may choose to take a tour manager’s suggestion for the best pizza/crepes/paella in town or browse a local market and picnic in the park 1:00-3:00 Use an ACIS Walking Tour to explore a museum or sight 3:00-6:00 Free time to shop for souvenirs, explore local neighborhoods or relax in a town square 6:30-7:30 Time for dinner 7:30-11:00 An evening activity such as a boat ride, a show or a concert will keep you entertained – or enjoy activities as organized by your group leader. Trip Itinerary Day 1 | Overnight Flight Bon voyage! Your ACIS Tour Manager will meet you at the airport and welcome you abroad. Trip Itinerary Day 2 | Istanbul Welcome to Istanbul! The city straddles the divide between Europe and Asia, and is truly a bridge between the two continents. Trip Itinerary Day 3 | Istanbul After a morning Turkish cooking class, embark on your guided sightseeing tour of Istanbul. Visit the Hippodrome, the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque, the Byzantine church of Hagia Sophia, and the enormous complex of Topkapi Palace, former home to the Ottoman Sultans. Trip Itinerary Day 4 | Ferry - Canakkale Depart Istanbul and travel down the Marmara Sea to the Dardanelles, straights that saw heavy military action during the Gallipoli Campaign in World War II. Stop and visit historic World War II sights before crossing the straights and ending the day in Canakkale. Trip Itinerary Day 5 | Kusadasi Today, journey to the ancient city of Troy. Continue to Bergama to see the ruins of Pergamon before driving to see Asklepion, one of the famed hospitals of the ancient world. End the day in seaside Kusadasi. Trip Itinerary Day 6 | Kusadasi Today, enjoy a full day excursion to the Roman ruins of Ephesus. Tour the ancient city and see the great library, the theater, and the roads still grooved by chariot wheels. Visit also the nearby House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where Mary spent her final days. Trip Itinerary Day 7 | Pamukkale Visit Aphrodisias this morning, named for the goddess Aphrodite. Continue to Pamukkale to visit the ruins of ancient Hierapolis and the while cascades of limestone created by ancient volcanic activity. Trip Itinerary Day 8 | Bursa Visit Sardis this morning to tour the Sardis Synagogue, one of the world’s oldest. Continue to Bursa for a visit to the Green Mosque and Green Tomb. Trip Itinerary Day 9 | Istanbul Visit the Koza Han Silk Bazaar before returning to Istanbul to visit the famous covered bazaar. This evening, participate in a folk dance lesson led by a professional Turkish folk group! Trip Itinerary Day 10 | Fly home What’s Included • • • • • • • • • Round-trip flights on commercial airlines Service of an ACIS Tour Manager—a highly trained, multilingual guide, educator and travel expert who provides educational commentary and activities and manages travel logistics Daily continental breakfasts and dinners Accommodations in three- and four-star conveniently located hotels Exclusive travel by Eurostar for all London-to-Paris transit Surface transportation and airport transfers Excursions and activities as indicated in your tour itinerary, including comprehensive walking tours Basic Protection Plan which provides medical coverage and cancellation insurance 24-hour global support network Extra Benefits of ACIS • • • • • • • MyAccount—a web tool that makes keeping track of payment deadlines & making payments online a snap. Educational excellence—each trip includes specific Learning Objectives we guarantee will be highlighted during the tour. Travel is Education Scholarship that awards students up to $1,000 off their ACIS tour ACIS backpack and luggage tags ACIS Participant Booklets—fun and useful pre-trip booklets including Getting Ready to Travel and the Travel Journal ACIS eKit Global phonecards that save you up to 70% on international phonecalls are available for purchase ACIS Travel Prepaid Visa Cards are a secure and convenient way to access funds while on tour Cost Program Fee Registration Fee Departure Tax Weekend Surcharge Visa Fee Total Additional fees: Adult Surcharge Upgraded Protection Plan Estimated tipping $2409 $95 $468 $80 $100 $3152 $375 (includes double room) $15/day Comprehensive $25/day Ultimate $45 for Tour Manager $18 for bus driver Please note: Price is valid until June 30th, 2010 Protection Plans Your ACIS Registration Fee includes Basic Protection coverage. For your peace of mind, we offer a range of enhanced protection plans from which you may choose. ACIS recommends that participants purchase the Ultimate Protection Plan designed specifically for your travel needs. Next Steps 1. Register for your tour by sending in the registration form with $195 ($95 Registration Fee plus $55 in program fees) or register online at www.acis.com/register. 2. Choose a Protection Plan. Information can be found in the Registration Booklet or at www.acis.com/studentsparents/insurance. 3. Get your travel documents ready. 4. Follow your payment schedule. 5. Explore www.acis.com for information on pre-trip preparation, what to expect on tour, fundraising suggestions, travel resources and more! Questions? Contact ACIS Client Services at 877-795-0813 or [email protected] www.acis.com • 877-795-0813 • [email protected]