Social Programme
SUNDAY 31 MAY 2009
9.30am - 4 .00pm
SAMOS ISLAND TOUR
This tour provides a wonderful chance to explore the island before the Conference begins. Samos is a mid-sized island, with plenty to see, yet the orientation day trip is easily achieved. Departing from the Doryssa Seaside Resort we first visit the small port of Pythagorion, birth place of the father of Mathematics. This seaside village has an attractive harbour, with tavernas, coffee bars and shops combined with yachts, fishermen and their boats that are the quintessential scene of the Greek Islands. From Pythagorion progress to Heraion, birth place to the goddess Hera to visit the ruins of the Temple of "Imbrassia Hera", before moving on to the Monastery of Megali Panagia. This monastery has been restored from fire damage by a small group of young monks and has significant wall paintings within the church, which were spared by the fires. The next stop is at the traditional mountain village of Kourmaradei for coffee, visit the potteries and sample the herbs and honey. This area is famous for production of the Justice cups of Pythagoras. Next head to the island's northern coast to Karlovassi, the second largest town on the island, for a tour of the town, before then heading to Potami a seaside village to visit an 11th century church. Also free time for a swim, walk to the waterfalls and lunch at your own selection before departing back towards the hotel.
Delegates are advised to wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain; a sun hat, swim wear and sunscreen are recommended. Lunch is not included in tour cost.
Cost $200 Adult $100 Child
7.00pm - 10.00pm
OPENING CEREMONY AND WELCOME RECEPTION
The Conference will be formally opened in the Conference room. Delegates are then invited to join the Conference Committee, meet up with other delegates and enjoy a cocktail reception and Greek hospitality poolside at Doryssa Seaside Resort
Cost is included in registration fee for delegates & registered accompanying persons.
Guests: Adult $180 Child: $50
MONDAY 1 JUNE 2009
5.00pm - 11.00pm
WINE MUSEUM TOUR TASTING AND KOKARI DINE AROUND
Wine production is one of the major industries of Samos, with the island producing 8-9 million tons of grapes annually on the slopes of Mount Ambelos. Commercial wine production on the island is cooperated entirely by the Union of Samos Winemaking Associations - a locally controlled co-operative, with the majority of the wine for export and some production being focused on sacramental wines.
This tour offers the opportunity to visit the Museum in Malagari, just out of Vathy (capital of Samos) and to learn of traditional wine making, its tools and customs together with the history of wine in the region. In addition to the museum tour in small groups there will be the opportunity to taste a range of local wines.
Following the wine experience the tour will proceed on to the picturesque seaside village of Kokari 10 kms out of Vathy on the northern coast of the island. The lively range variety of bars, tavernas and cafes give a great range of options for dinner and drinks with weather permitting beautiful sunset views.
Coaches will return to the hotel from approximately 9.30pm with the last coach departing at approximately 10.30pm.
Delegates are advised to wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Dinner is not included in tour cost.
Cost $140 Adult $50 Child
TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2009
3.00pm - 5.00pm
COOKING LESSON
(Limited to maximum of 30 participants-registered delegates and accompanying persons only)
Back by popular demand. Learn the tricks and traditions of Greek cooking including some local specialities under the instruction of Tassos Diavatis and the hotel's chef. Held on site at the Doryssa Seaside Resort this class provides the opportunity to learn, taste and enjoy a range of dishes in relaxed surroundings. Participants will also receive a booklet of recipes to take away from the class.
Cost $55 Adult N/A Child
6.00pm - 11.00pm
CULTURAL PERFORMANCES, COCKTAIL RECEPTION,
AND SAMOS DINE AROUND
A coach transfer will take delegates from the Doryssa Seaside Resort to the city of Samos, where local performers will provide a short collection of cultural performances and local folklore dancing accompanied with a cocktail reception.
The entertainment will be provided centrally within the city and serve as an enjoyable prelude to an evening of time at leisure to dine out, enjoy some late night shopping or explore this small city. Coaches will return to the hotel from approximately 10.30pm as they fill with the last coach departing at approximately 11.00pm.
Delegates are advised to wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Dinner is not included in tour cost.
Cost is included in registration fee for delegates & registered accompanying persons.
Guests: Adult $90 Child: $50
WEDNESDAY 3 JUNE 2009
8.00am-6.00pm
CRUISE TO EPHESUS AND KUSADASI
A coach transfer will take delegates from the Doryssa Seaside Resort to the Port in Samos town to join our private cruise of 18 nautical kms to the Turkish coastal city of Kusadasi. After clearing the Customs where you will be required to leave your passport as part of the formalities, coaches will transfer the group to the ancient city of Ephesus. This must-see archaeological site flourished under the Ionians and the Romans and has of recent times enjoyed much expert restoration and is most impressive whilst there is still much to achieve. See examples of ancientl life explained by expert guides.
Following this tour the group will return to Kusadasi for a short guided walk prior to a traditional Turkish lunch and cultural experiences at the Ottoman Caravan Suriel constructed in 1618. Following lunch there will be time to sit and enjoy another drink or coffee or to explore and try bargainning at the Bazaars where a wide variety of leather goods, carpets, gold alabaster, cotton goods, jewellery as well as traditional sweets and nuts can be found.
The bazaars are within a short walk of the harbour where delegates need to be ready to depart at 6.00pm, to cruising back to Samos and the coach transfer ride back to the Doryssa Seaside Resort and an evening at leisure.
Delegates are advised to wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain; a sun hat and sunscreen are recommended. Port Taxes and Turkish entry taxes (visas) together with buffet lunch including initial drinks are included in tour cost.
Cost $280 Adult $150 Child
THURSDAY 4 JUNE 2009
1.15pm-5.30pm
ARCHEOLOGICAL AND SPECIALITY CULTURAL TOUR
This is a specialty tour which will take you through the Pre-historic, Archaic, Hellenistic and Byzantine periods of Samos. The first stop is the Archaeological Museum in Samos. This museum is home to the colossal statue of Kouros from the 6th century BC as well as a collection of Archaic Sculptures, Pottery, Bronzes and Ivory objects. Following the museum visit the next stop is at the village of Vlamari to visit the 17th century Byzantine Monastery of Agia Zoni and its frescos. Then travelling inland for a scenic tour the next visit is to the village of Mitilineoi home to many seeking refuge from Lesbos after an earthquake there in 1700. In addition to the interesting architecture of the buildings this area is of great paleontological interest. Excavations revealed the remains of animals from 8-10 million years ago, and the small Museum of Paleontology contains prehistoric animal fossils. On the return trip there will also be a visit to Monastery of Spiliani, founded inside a big cave which is devoted to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. Given the need for a prompt departure Delegates will be provided with a picnic lunch box on tour departure from the hotel.
Delegates are advised to wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain; a sun hat and sunscreen are recommended
Cost $160 Adult $80 Child
FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2009
20.30 hrs onwards
CONFERENCE DINNER
The Conference Dinner will take place at the Doryssa Seaside Resort. The evening will feature entertainment, dancing and quality local & themed cuisine. Dress: Lounge suit/ Jacket, collar & tie.
Cost is included in registration fee for Delegates & registered Accompanying Persons.
Guest Adult $340 Child: N/A
SATURDAY 6 JUNE 2009
7.30am-6.30pm
PATMOS FULL DAY TOUR
This is a full-day tour providing the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful island of Patmos. A coach transfer from the Doryssa Seaside Resort to the harbour at Pythagorion for the boat trip to Patmos. This journey will be on one of the commercial vessels, unless booking numbers require a private charter but from arrival on Patmos this will be a private tour. Patmos is considered one of the holiest places often referred to as. a second Jerusalem. On arrival a short bus trip will take you to the Monastery of St John the Theologian which has not only religious importance but also impressive architecture. Nearby is the Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John wrote the Book of the Revelations in the Bible. Our great guides add to this with their knowledge and commentary. The whole island of Patmos is picturesque with its unique style of houses, wonderful beaches and the attractive traditional village of Chora. The Monastery is an impressive piece of architecture in addition to its religious significance. Its 15 metre tall walls give the image of a fortress, in the middle of the island and during pirates attacks the inhabitants were protected. Above the only gates, there is what is called a killer, which is a kind of balcony, from which the inhabitants were able to pour hot oil, to prevent the pirates from entering. After the tour you will have free time in Skala to lunch and shop. Return to Samos Boat and transfer to hotel.
Delegates are advised to wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain and some quite steep walking. Lunch is not included in tour cost.
Cost $270 Adult $150 Child
IMPORTANT: Tours will only operate if sufficient numbers are achieved. Delegates are advised to book all tickets prior to conference. Additional tickets will only be available at the conference subject to cancellations and single seat availability.
MONASTERY DRESS CODE: In order to be able to enter religious sites on day tours or pre & post tours appropriate clothing is required. Ladies are required to cover shoulders and must not wear shorts or a short skirt. Having a sarong to put on over other clothing items is acceptable. Men are not allowed to wear shorts.