Welcome Reception, Sunday 24 August 2008 (19:00-22:00)
The welcome reception will be held on the terrace of the "Ioannis Vellidis" Congress Centre.
Cultural Event, Monday 25 August 2008 (20:30-22:30)
All conference participants are cordially invited to participate in the social event, which is free for registered conference attendees and their spouses. The social event will be a concert-tribute to Manos Hadjidakis, the famous Greek composer, which will be given by Ms. Melina Botelli and Mr. Yiannis Finas. The concert is hosted by the Ministry of Macedonia-Thrace and will take place in the gardens of the Government House. Pick-up (at 20:00) and drop-off of the participants will be in front of the "Ioannis Vellidis" Congress Centre with pre-arranged transportation.
Beach Party, Wednesday 27 August 2008 (19:00)
The beach party will take place at the beach of Epanomi (approximately 25 km from the city's center). All conference participants are warmly invited to bring bathing suits and towels to enjoy the sea and live music with drinks that will be served at a cash bar operating during the party. Transportation to and from Epanomi beach is free for registered conference attendees and their spouses. Pick-up and drop-off of the participants will be in front of the "Ioannis Vellidis" Congress Centre.
Official Dinner, Thursday 28 August 2008 (20:00)
The conference dinner will take place at the “Kitchen Bar” located in the Old Harbor of Thessaloniki (see location on map).
Tickets will be available at the Registration Desk until Tuesday evening.
Accompanying Persons Program - Excursions
Thessaloniki City Tour, Monday 25th August 2008
The best introduction to Thessaloniki, this panorama drive through the city will introduce you to all the main sites and monuments of exceptional historical importance.
You will visit the Archaeological Museum, walk through the tiny streets with traditional houses that lead to the Byzantine walls and towers and will stop at the Citadel to enjoy a panoramic view of Thessaloniki.
Later, you will stop at the early Byzantine basilica of Saint Demetrious, built on the ruins of a Roman bath where the patron saint of the city lost his life. You will have the opportunity to see the International Fair of Thessaloniki grounds and the University area.
The triumphal Arch of Emperor Galerius and the excellently preserved circular “Rotonda”, the Galerius Mausoleum are close by and there will be time to take a look.
In front of the White Tower - the symbol of Thessaloniki - that stands on the waterfront you will make a photo stop and this is where the tour ends.
Meteora - One of the most amazing places in Greece, Monday 25th August 2008
We can locate the first traces of their history from the 11th century, when the first hermits settled there. UNESCO has characterised the rock monasteries as a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage; they form one of the most important stations of cultural map of Greece. Twenty-four of these monasteries were built, despite incredible difficulties, at the time of the great revival of the eremitic ideal in the 15th century. Their 16th-century frescoes mark a key stage in the development of post-Byzantine painting.
If you have seen pictures of Greece or spend any time looking through travel brochures then you have certainly been impressed by the monasteries perched on top of enormous rocks and have probably wondered how on earth they built them. The rocks themselves are impressive, rising from the plains of Thessaly a few miles northwest of Kalambaka. Nowdays these rock faces are climbed by professional and amateurs looking for a challenge.
Mount Athos Boat Tour, Tuesday 26th August 2008
Southeast of Thessaloniki is Mount Athos or “Aghion Oros”, a unique place to visit. The “Holy Mountain” has been an autonomous monastic state since the 11th century by order of an Imperial Byzantine decree. It still enjoys a special status of autonomy within the Greek State.
Having reached Ormos Panagias, by coach, we will board the ship for a cruise around the coastline of the monastic republic of Athos. The cruise around Mount Athos is a wonderful combination of knowledge and pleasure. We will have the chance to enjoy the view of the beautiful scenery and the Byzantine monasteries of exceptional and unique architecture. According to regulations we will have to maintain a distance of 500 metres from the shore during the entire cruise. From the bridge of the ship, a tour guide will explain the historical background and give a full description of the Monasteries, helping us get more familiar with the landscape and the history of the world-wide unique peninsula. The cruise ends as we cross back to Ouranoupolis where we will stop for lunch in a Greek taverna. From there, the boat and the coach will take us back to Thessaloniki.
Halkidiki – Swimming Day, Wednesday 27th August 2008
With its characteristic three peninsulas Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos, Halkidiki resembles a trident piercing the Aegean. Sunny, golden sandy beaches, deep and picturesque gulfs, traditional villages and modern tourist resorts, small islands and sheltered bays, pine-clad hills descending to the sea, Mediterranean climate and magnificent natural beauty compose the picture of Halkidiki. Homeland of Aristotle, Halkidiki’s history dates back to prehistoric times based on the findings in the Petralona cave.
You will have the opportunity to sunbathe and swim to some of the most picturesque beaches of Greece, surrounded by pine trees and summer sounds. Water sport activities will be possible. You will depart from Thessaloniki in the morning to reach one of the most beautiful beaches. You will enjoy a fish lunch in one of the sea side tavernas and a cold coffee in the afternoon before returning back to the city.
Vergina-Veria-Naoussa Tour, Thursday 28th August 2008
The archaeological site at Vergina testifies to the culture of the Macedonian kingdom. The site contains the ruins of the royal family’s summer palace, where, in later years, Philip II was assassinated and buried. The discovery of his tomb in 1977 was hailed as one of the greatest archaeological finds of the century. The rich and impressive artefacts that were unearthed can be viewed there along with the tombs themselves and the amazing frescoes, rare samples of painting from antiquity.
After an hour’s drive from Thessaloniki, by coach, we will visit Vergina, the museum of Vergina and the ancient royal tombs of Philip, the King of Macedonia and father of Alexander the Great.
Veria is our next stop, a picturesque town with a unique landscape and architecture. We will drive through the city, see St. Paul’s Altar, take a rest and enjoy a coffee at a traditional café and walk for a while through the lovely streets of the city, full of old Byzantine churches and unique historical monuments.
We will then take the coach to Naoussa, for a visit to one of the most well known wineries in Greece. We will be offered a guided tour to the production facilities and cellars, attend a multi-media presentation on the history of wine-making in Naoussa and a wine a tasting session. We will enjoy a rich lunch in the winery restaurant accompanied by special wines.
How to register for the Social Program
Please fill in the relevant Social Program section of the Registration and Reservations Form where also the cost of all the above programs is indicated.
Should you need any further information or clarification please do not hesitate to contact the Conference Secretariat: eac2008@artion.com.gr
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