The Scientific Programme of the 4ICEGE is enriched with various social events and tours in order for delegates to explore the host city and country and for the conference to be an enjoyable and memorable event for everyone.

Sunday, 24.06.2007,  20.30
WELCOME RECEPTION (included in fee)
 - terrace of conference venue  “I. Vellidis”, live Jazz Band
The secretariat will operate from 16.00 –20.00 on Sunday which will give the opportunity for attendants, to register before the welcome reception.

Monday, 25.06.07, 18.00
Various events, such as:

 and others are scheduled.  Most are offered free of charge. Please be advised by to tour form.

Tuesday, 26.06.2007, 21.30
PARTY (included in fee)
-  Remezzo Palace (Marina-Kalamaria), D.J.

Wednesday, 27.06.2007- 20.30    
GALA DINNER     € 30 / per person
The gala dinner will feature a gourmet feast of Greek cuisine accompanied by Greek music and dancing at Moni Lazariston*

*Moni Lazariston was built in 1886 by the monks of Saint Paul Vincent battalion, and functioned as a Seminary until 1913 after which  it had various uses until 1978 when it was seriously damaged during the 1978 Thessaloniki earthquake.. In 1980 the whole building was declared as preserved due to its historical importance and was open to the public, in 1997 after significant construction, with theatrical performances, concerts and other activities.


Thursday, 28.06.07, 18.00
Various events, such as:

 and others are scheduled.  Most are offered free of charge. Please be advised by tour form.

Sunday, 24.06.2007

1. Departure: 09.00        Duration: 4 hours
2. Departure: 16.00        Duration: 4 hours
Price: €30                      (including: transportation by coach bus, coordinator, professional guide, entrance to museum)

Departure: 10.00            Duration: 6 hours
Price: €60                  (including: transportation by coach bus, coordinator, professional guide, entrance to museum, lunch)

Dion	Olympus

Dion, a Panmacedonian sanctuary, founded in the 5th century BC, dedicated to the father of Gods, Zeus, at the foothill of Mt. Olympus. This sacred place was for the Macedonians everything that Zeus’ sanctuary in ancient Olympia was for the rest of the Greeks. One of the best water suppliers and draining of ancient Greece has been saved in Dion. Sanctuaries of many Gods such as pantheons have been discovered a few years ago.

The excursion to Dion includes a visit to the archaeological museum (where the most ancient musical instrument of the world is exhibited). It also includes a visit to the archeological site, where the participants will have the opportunity to walk through the ancient town and see the sanctuaries, the public baths, and the home of Dionysos (an ancient villa with a wonderful mosaic). Furthermore; they can visit the Old Christian church, the ancient agora, the theatre, etc.
The excursion continues to the foothill of Mount Olympus.

Link about Dion:
http://alexander.macedonia.culture.gr

Link about Mount Olympus:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Olympus

Monday, 25.06.2007

- for accompanying persons (included in fee)
  Departure: 09.30          Duration: 4 hours

Departure: 18.00 (at the end of sessions)    Duration: 2 hours (approximately, according to event)

Tuesday, 26.06.2007

Departure: 09.00            Duration: 6 hours
Price: €60                  (including: transportation by coach bus, coordinator, professional guide, entrance to museum, lunch)

Pella	Vergina

VERGINA: The city of Aigai, the ancient first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia, was discovered in the 19th century near Vergina, in northern Greece. The most important remains are the monumental palace, lavishly decorated with mosaics and painted stuccoes, and the burial ground with more than 300 tumuli, some of which date from the 11th century B.C. One of the royal tombs in the Great Tumulus is identified as that of Philip II, who conquered all the Greek cities, paving the way for his son Alexander and the expansion of the Hellenistic world.

PELLA: The capital of the Macedonian State from the early 4th century BC that reached the height of its prosperity in the Hellenistic period.  One of the most organized urban units of ancient Macedonia evolved on the Hippodamean system of urban design and included an important commerce center, its Agora that gathered the entire productive activity of Pella and its surrounding regions.  The urban architecture of the city depicts the typical ancient Greek house type, with a peristyle courtyard, as well as a significant palace complex.  Mosaic decoration of extra-ordinary beauty is a well preserved element in the archaeological site of Pella

Links about Pella, Vergina:

http://www.culture.gr

http://whc.unesco.org

Wednesday, 27.06.2007

Departure: 07.30            Duration: 9 hours
Price: €65                     (including: transportation by coach bus, sail with boat, coordinator, professional guide, lunch)

Mount Athos

An Orthodox spiritual centre since 1054, Mount Athos has enjoyed an autonomous statute since Byzantine times. The 'Holy Mountain', which is forbidden to women and children, is also a recognized artistic site. The layout of the monasteries (about 20 of which are presently inhabited by some 1,400 monks) had an influence as far afield as Russia, and its school of painting influenced the history of Orthodox art.  Each of these monasteries safeguards Byzantine and late-Byzantine relics whose religious and historical value is immeasurable. 

Chalkidiki is one of the most beautiful places to visit.  The relaxing landscape with lovely sandy beaches framed by trees and traditional taverns is an ideal place for vacation.

Departure by bus from “I. Vellidis” Congress Centre in the morning for Ormos Panagias, Chalkidiki and then, sail to the west coast of Mount Athos. The boat will sail along the coastline in order to maximize the viewing of some of the most prominent monasteries with magnificent architecture and enjoy the unique landscape.
During the cruise, there will be a stop at one of the beautiful beaches of Chalkidiki for a swim.

Links about Mount Athos:

http://www.inathos.gr

http://www.culture.gr

http://www.macedonian-heritage.gr

Friday, 29.06.2007

Departure: 09.00            Duration: 6 hours
Price: €60                  (including: transportation by coach bus, coordinator, professional guide, entrance to museum, lunch)
           

Friday, 29.06.2007- 2.07.2007

Departure: 08.00            Duration: 3 days

Price:   €600/ per person in a single room
           €480/ per person in a double room

(including: transportation by coach bus, 3 nights of accommodation, coordinator, professional guide during the entire trip, 3 lunches, entrance to museums & archeological sites)                        

The first stop at Meteora which is comprised of gigantic vertical rock pillars that owe their name to the fact that they look like they are hanging between sky and earth. On the top of these rocks are many monasteries that were built in the 14th century. 

 Lunch will be at Meteora. The tour will continue to Arahova for the first night’s accommodation.
The famous and beautiful village of Arahova is in the mountain range of Parnassos. Arahova is a charming traditional Greek town, and is very close to the famous site of Delphi.

Tour Delphi, the next day, which was known in ancient times as the center of the world where some of the most important monuments are located such as the Temple of Apollo, The Theatre of the sanctuary.

Stop for lunch at Galaxidi, a picturesque traditional village built by the sea, and then pass by and visit the Rion-Antirion Bridge.

Reach Athens, the capital of Greece in the evening.
Athens, cradle of democracy and western civilisation, is one of the few places on earth that can boast a history of over 5,000 years. In Athens universal values such as democracy were born and flourished, philosophical and political meditation that later affected the course of the Western civilisation was developed, and where literature, fine arts and sciences reached an unparalleled acme. Modern Athens is a vibrant city with great appeal and charm. Hospitable and exciting, Athens hosted the 2004 Olympic Games, and has many points of interest.

Stay in Athens for the following two nights. 
The first day in Athens will start at 09.00 a.m. with a tour of the Acropolis, visit to the Parthenon and other monuments and the Acropolis Museum.  A city tour will follow along with lunch at Plaka, one of the most well known and characteristic places in Athens located at the foot of the Acropolis.

The second day in Athens will give the opportunity to attendants to spend free time to explore other places of interest such as the Panathenaic Stadium, the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, the Zappion Hall (19th century buildings), archeological and cosmopolitan treasures of this great city, and also get a stunning view of the city from Lykavitos Hill in central Athens, Sunday morning is the best time to visit the famous Monastiraki.
The street vendors, the various antique shops and second-hand bookshops create a unique atmosphere worth experiencing.

Meteora	Delphi	Athens

Link about Meteora:
http://www.meteora-greece.com

Link about Delphi:
http://www.united-hellas.com

Friday, 29.06.2007- 2.07.2007

Departure: 07.30                        Duration: 3 days
Price: €500/ per person in a single room
         €400/ per person in a double room

(including: transportation by coach bus to port,  sail with boat, coordinator, professional guide, lunch, two nights H/B at Porto Carras or Sani Resort, transportation to airport)
The Mount Athos tour (Wednesday 27th) was already described. 

Chalkidiki

Additionally at the end of the tour participants may extend their vacation in Chalkidiki.  Chalkidiki offers the ideal surrounding for a beach holiday.  Pine-trees, vineyards and olive groves cover the hills descending to crystal waters and sandy beaches.  Homely Greek villages and modern tourist resorts such as Porto Carras Grand Resort and Sani Resort combine traditional beauty and hospitality with contemporary luxury and comfort

 Links about Chalkidiki:

www.halkidiki.com

www.halkidiki-hotels.gr