Excursions

This tour will be a great chance for relaxation before the conference! We will start in the morning and our first stop will be in Veria, where  you can find authentic mediterranean city life in the midst of significant historical and religious legacies. The approximately 50,000 residents counting city, with its attractive old town and numerous churches from the Byzantine period, is located in northern Greece, about 68 km west of Thessaloniki, at the edge of the central Macedonian lowland.

After our stop, we will continue our trip, heading to our final destination, Metéora. The Metéora (Greek: suspended rocks, suspended in the air or in the heavens above – etymologically similar to “Meteorite”) is one of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos.

The six monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars, at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios River and Pindus Mountains, in central Greece. We can locate the first traces of their history from 11th century, when the first hermits settled there. The rock monasteries have been characterized by UNESCO as a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage and they form one of the most important stations of cultural map of Greece. The nearest town is Kalambaka, a very beautiful small town, where we are going to stay for one night.

On our way back to Thessaloniki, we will also have the chance to visit Tempi valley and the famous Pineios river.

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Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia

Visitgreece.gr – the official tourism web site for Greece

No visit to Thessaloniki is complete without visiting the magnificent peninsula of Halkidiki. During this tour you will have the chance to discover one of the most famous beaches of Halkidhiki, the Five Star Sani Resort beach, where pine forests reach right down to the sea shore and crystal clear waters reflect the sunlight. If you are looking for an isolated paradise listening the silence of the sea, while you can enjoy delicious cocktails in cosmopolitan atmosphere Halkidiki & Sani Resort is the place to be!

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Sani Resort

Visitgreece.gr – the official tourism website for Greece

Join this tour and explore a city with a long history reflected in its important monuments, streets, squares, neighborhoods and secret corners. This is a tour for the fascinating history of Thessaloniki.
Initially, our first stop is in the Rotunda, which was a massive circular structure with a masonry core that had an oculus like the Pantheon in Rome. It has gone through multiple periods of use and modification as a polytheist temple, a Christian basilica, a Muslim mosque, and again a Christian church (and archaeological site).
After the Rotunda we will visit the  famous Acheiropoietos-Basilica Church. It  was built on the 5th century. It is dedicated to the Holy Mother of God. Being a three-aisled basilica with a wooden roof, it is a beautiful sample of Paleo-Christian byzantine architecture.
Finally we will make a stop at the Paleo – Christian temple of Agia Sophia, one of the most impressive Byzantine churches of Thessaloniki. Located in the center of the city as well, it is a very beautiful “Domed Basilica” style temple with an imposing architecture, beautiful wall paintings and elaborate mosaics.

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inthessaloniki

Panagia achiropiitou

Arch of Galerius and Rotonda

The streets of the city still echo with the gallop of ancient legends such as King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. This is the co-reigning city of the Byzantine Empire –in our thousand year old churches you will still hear the same hymns and psalms today. Go back to the Ottomans’ prime in the 16th century, and feel the tides of change as western ideas merge with eastern traditions in this major urban centre. Thessaloniki is the theatre in which the awe inspiring play of history is performed by a constant movement of cultures.

Thessaloniki’s legendary past and its unique mix of cultures shape a lively present. New ideas are visible all around and it could not be any other way given that the city is part of the European Union’s Innovation Zone and a centre of major international institutions.

Join this tour to capture Thessaloniki’s past and to explore the modern contemporary Thessaloniki. With an expert guide, stroll around the historical heart of city to see the White Tower – the symbol of the Thessaloniki and enjoy a guided tour of the  Archaeological museum. Absorb jaw-dropping views of Thermaikos gulf by visiting Thessaloniki renovated waterfront and the famous rendition of “Umbrellas” symbol of the modern contemporary Thessaloniki.

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The White Tower

Umbrellas Sculpture

AMTH

Alexander the Great Monument

Vergina (Greek: Βεργίνα) is a small town in northern Greece, located in the regional unit of Imathia, Central Macedonia. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Veroia, of which it is a municipal unit. The town became internationally famous in 1977, when the Greek archaeologist Manolis Andronikos unearthed what he claimed was the burial site of the kings of Macedon, including the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. The finds established the site as the ancient Aigai. The site of the Royal Tombs under a modern roof hosts the main excavation, as well as an exhibition of the major finds from the burials. It is protected by UNESCO as world cultural heritage and comprises a unique discovery of an enormous universal impact. Don’t lose the opportunity to visit this archaeological treasure of Macedonia!

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Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia,

Visitgreece.gr – the official tourism web site for Greece

Shaped like Poseidon’s trident and sticking out into the Aegean Sea, Halkidiki is a treat for visitors. Lush green forests that reach right down to the beach; golden sunlight reflected in the turquoise waters; a traditional style with a rich gastronomic and cultural heritage. Endless coves, unique architectural sites, perfectly preserved Christian monument and a host of unexplored treasures all add their own rich touch to the unique canvas that is Halkidiki.

Our first destination will be Ammouliani island. Our hotel is located in the village of Ammouliani. Ammouliani island is located at Mount Athos Gulf of Halkidiki.  A crystal blue sea, abundant in fish. A rich seabed with a lively underwater life. The green colour dominates all over the area, since the island is verdant with olive plantations. Paths inside the island give the opportunity to wander around away from the traffic.The ideal weather conditions from May until October make the island the ideal vacations spot. We will have the opportunity to relax, swim, walk, taste greek cuisine and generally pass two unforgettable days.

On Sunday, after we depart from Ammouliani, we will have the unique opportunity to take a cruise and admire Mount Athos (Greek: Όρος Άθως). Athos  is a mountain and peninsula in Macedonia, Greece. A World Heritage Site and self-governed state in the Hellenic Republic, Athos is home to 20 stavropegial Eastern Orthodox monasteries under the direct jurisdiction of the patriarch of Constantinople. Today Greeks commonly refer to Mount Athos as the “Holy Mountain” (Greek: Agion Oros). Being on board you will have the chance to watch this cultural treasure under the lovely greek sky.

On the way back you will have free time at Ouranoupolis. Try the delicious fresh fish in a  traditional greek tavern of the quaint fishing village or a typical Greek snack. Ouranoupolis  is an ancient city and a modern village in Halkidiki. It was founded by Cassander in the late 4th century BC. The village of Ouranoupolis is situated on the coastline in the northwest part (the very beginning) of the Athos peninsula, part of the bigger Halkidiki peninsula.
This is a great package for participants looking to combine relaxation and exploration!

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Mount Athos