Day 1: Pre-Conference Transfer Tour

Costa Navarino is three and a half hours drive from Athens International Airport. Private transfers are available from Athens Airport as well as transfer by bus (subject to minimum numbers). There are flights into Kalamata Airport daily. Kalamata Airport is situated 75km from Costa Navarino. The Conference Secretariat have organised transfers to and from the hotel by means of private taxis, buses and by way of a guided tour each way which includes lunch. We recommend an overnight stay in Athens before transferring to the Romanos Hotel, Costa Navarino. For Post-Conference Transfer Tour see Day 8.

Friday 19th September

Corinth Canal - Ancient Mycenae - Nauplion Transfer Tour

Departs: 08.30, Arrives: 19.00 (approx.)
Cost: $AUD 280.00 Child: $AUD 200.00

Commencing at Athens International Airport, the transfer to Costa Navarino begins with a visit to the famous Corinth Canal which connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean. Participants can enjoy a coffee and take in the view of this piece of Greek history that is still navigated today. The tour will then continue to the remarkable hilltop fortress of Mycenae, once the centre of Mycenaean civilization, recognised for its impressive architecture and intimate connection with the legends of Greek history, including King Agamemnon and the epics of Homer.

After lunch at Nauplion (formerly the capital of Greece), delegates will continue the journey on to The Romanos Hotel traversing the Peloponnese and arriving at the hotel for an evening check-in.

Tour includes escorted transfer, entrance to all sites, English speaking guide, and lunch.

Day 2: Pre-Conference Cultural Day Options

Saturday 20th September

OPTION 1:
Day Tours - Methoni Castle - Gialova

Departs: 11.00, Returns: 16.30 (approx.)
Cost: $AUD 180.00 Child: $AUD 120.00

The trip to Methoni Castle begins with a scenic journey via the Bay of Navarino and the city of Pylos, both steeped in history. Methoni Castle itself is striking; a city fortified from ancient times and today one of the most photographed castles in Greece.

Following the guided tour of Methoni, delegates will travel to the picturesque fishing village of Gialova for lunch and free time to explore or enjoy a coffee by the banks of the Bay of Navarino.

OPTION 2:
GOLF DAY Tournament - Navarino Dunes

The Costa Navarino Resort boasts some of the newest and most stunning golf courses in Greece. Delegates not touring to Methoni can choose the option a special golf tournament at one of the three available golf courses. Participants will need to let the Secretariat know their handicap in advance of the tournament. Tee fees are payable at the Hotel. Golf clubs are available for hire.

Welcome Reception - Romanos Hotel

Commences: 19.00
Cost: Delegates & Accom. Person included in Registration
Guest: $AUD 200.00 Child: $AUD 50.00

Welcome Reception at the Romanos for all delegates and guests.

Day 3: Cultural Concert Evening

Sunday 21st September

Departs: 18.00, Returns: 23.00 (approx.)
Cost: $AUD 100 (subsidised ticket for Delegate and Accompanying Person)
Guest: $AUD 300.00 Child: $AUD 100.00

Participants will depart for the Fortress of Pylos to enjoy an elegant evening of Greek and Classical music at our cultural concert recital (weather permitting). The Fortress of Pylos is one of the best preserved castles in Greece, a splendid example of sixteenth century military architecture with a stunning view overlooking the Bay of Navarino. Built by the Ottomans in 1573 during the Turkish occupation, the fortress has passed through many hands including the Venetians. Following the performance, participants may dine (at their own expense) in the traditional seaside "tavernas" of Pylos. Return transfers will be available from 22.30 but participants who choose to remain longer will have to arrange their own return to the Romanos Resort.

Day 4: Cultural Tour - Koroni

Monday 22nd September

Afternoon tour - Koroni

Departs: 17.00, Returns: 22.30 (approx.)
Cost: $AUD 200.00 Child: $AUD 120.00

The town of Koroni was founded in ancient times. The Greek geographer Pausanias in his book "Messiniaka" reports many temples of Greek gods and a copper statue of Zeus. In the 6th and 7th centuries AD, the Byzantines built an impressive fortress there which today houses a working convent.

Participants will have free time to visit both the quaint shops surrounding the main street as well as Koroni's ruined Byzantine fortress.

Alfresco dinner in waterfront taverna with local entertainment.

Day 5: Cultural Tour - Sparta / Mystras

Tuesday 23rd September

Day Tour - Sparta - Mystras

Departs: 08.00, Returns: 18.30 (approx.)
Cost: $AUD 280.00 Child: $AUD 200.00

Drive through the Taygetos Mountains, enjoying spectacular views of the breath-taking Langada Gorge and Langada Pass. The city of Mystras, protected by UNESCO, is a reminder of a glorious bygone age where Greek letters and culture flourished under the reign of the Palaiologoi dynasty. It was the birthplace of the last Byzantine emperor before the Fall of Constantinople. The tour encompasses the fortress, the churches (many intact with their original ornate frescos) the houses, the convent and museum. Return via the historic city of Sparta.

Includes escorted transfer, entrance fees to Mystras, English speaking guide and lunch.

Day 6: Highlight Cultural Tour - Ancient Messini

Wednesday 24th September

Afternoon Tour - Ancient Messini

Departs: 15.00, Returns: 19.00 (approx.)
Cost: $AUD 140.00 Child: $AUD 100.00

Visit the awe-inspiring city of Messini - the largest working archaeological site in the Peloponnese and the second largest city in Ancient Greece. Delegates will be taken on a guided tour of this magnificent 2500 year-old site led by the Director of the Messini Excavation and Restoration, Professor Petros Themelis. Visit the Arcadian gate, the central temple, sanctuaries, theatres and the stadium, surrounded by 9km of fortified walls and towers

Includes return transfers, entrance fees to site and museum.

Fishing Village Dinner

Departs: 20.00, Returns: 23.00 (approx.)
Cost: $AUD 40.00 Child: $AUD 20.00

For participants looking for a dining adventure we will arrange a transfer to Marathopolis for open air dining in a seaside taverna

Day 7: Cultural Afternoon

Thursday 25th September

Cultural Practice - Greek Dancing Lesson

Commences: 16.40, Cost: Complimentary

Conference Gala Dinner

Commences: 19.00
Cost: Delegates and Acc. Person included in Registration
Guest: $AUD 300.00 Child: $AUD 120.00

The Conference Gala Dinner will take place at the Romanos Hotel, Costa Navarino.

Dress Code: lounge suit; jacket, collar and tie.

Day 8: Post Conference Transfer Tour - Ancient Olympia

Costa Navarino is three and a half hours drive from Athens International Airport. Private transfers are available from Athens Airport as well as transfer by bus (subject to minimum numbers). There are flights into Kalamata Airport daily. Kalamata Airport is situated 75km from Costa Navarino. The Conference Secretariat have organised transfers to and from the hotel by means of private taxis, buses and by way of a guided tour each way which includes lunch.

Friday 26th September

TRANSFER Tour - Ancient Olympia

Departs: 08.00, Arrives: 19.00 (approx.)
Cost: $AUD 280.00 Child: $AUD 200.00

Participants will depart through beautiful countryside to arrive at Ancient Olympia - birthplace of the Olympic Games and one of the most iconic landmarks in Greece. The site is also home to one of the seven ancient wonders - the Temple of Zeus, and the place where the eternal flame is lit for today's modern Olympic Games.

Explore the ideals of Ancient Greece on a guided tour encompassing the main site, incredible new museum and the ancient stadium - an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of athletes from over 3000 years ago.

There will then be a short stroll to a nearby restaurant for lunch, before we continue our journey across the northern Peloponnese, with a stop for coffee and refreshments, before arriving at Athens International Airport.