Greece - The land chosen by the Gods A Glorious Past - A Prosperous Future
Greece is the land of the twelve Olympian Gods, the cradle of the Western civilisation, the birthplace of democracy, the origin of drama, history, philosophy and sciences.
Most modern sciences such as medicine, history, philosophy, geography, astronomy, physics, mathematics, as well as artistic activities such as poetry and sculpture made their roots back in the ancient times of Greece.
Greece has inherited a sophisticated culture and a language that has been documented for almost three millennia. Today’s spoken language has been an evolution of the Ancient Language spoken at Pericles’ golden age in 5th century B.C. Very few languages and cultures can demonstrate such continuity. Greeks are proud of their cultural heritage, and the notion of the unbroken continuity between their ancient and modern culture.
For thousands of years Greece was the gate between the east and the west. Today, it is a modern, fast developing European country.
Greece has been moving dynamically into the new millennium by undertaking more than 300 important infrastructure and urban projects, as well as investment programmes in telecommunications and information technology. This allows the country to face the global challenges of the twenty first century and upgrade the services provided to millions of visitors who annually enjoy its unique climate and lifestyle.
The ancient tradition still vivid to our days together with the ancient monuments scattered throughout the country, combined with the golden sun, the physical beauty, the unique hospitality, all modern comforts, the necessary infrastructure, the long tourism experience, the upgraded services provided, make Greece a particularly attractive destination for eminent delegates.
GEOGRAPHY
Greece consists of the mainland and about 3,000 small and big islands covering an area of 131,957 sq. km.
ABOUT ATHENS
Athens - the cradle of civilization
Athens is the capital of Greece. The city of Socrates, Pericles and Aristotle which took its name by its protector, goddess Athena, daughter of Zeus, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge.
The Athenians were the first to realise the immense cultural importance of the democratic discussion and the creative exchange of views and ideas.
Athens is a modern metropolis, having strong links with the past and many prospects for the future. It is a vibrant city with great appeal and charm. It is among the most beautiful, hospitable and exciting cities in Europe and also one of the safest and most affordable.
It is impossible to describe all the sites of interest and cultural opportunities offered by Athens, which is another one good reason to participate in our Congress. You will have the chance to visit Acropolis, the marble temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, built in the 5th century BC. Parthenon is one of the most extraordinary architectural achievements in the world.
The Dionyssos Theatre, built in the 4th century BC in honour of the Greek god of food and wine, where the plays of Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes were performed.
Visiting Plaka, which lies in the shadow of the Acropolis, a labyrinth of small streets, countless stores and restaurants, you will have a taste of Greek vitality and hospitality. Monastiraki flea market is truly worth a visit, as well as the National Archaeological Museum and the Cycladic Museum.
TRAVELLING TIPS
TRAVELING, PASSPORT, VISA
All foreign visitors entering Greece must possess valid passports, except citizens of the European Union countries. Participants should check with travel agents, Greek consulate offices or diplomatic missions in their own countries, whether or not a visa is required.
The Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, opened in March 2001, is dedicated to customer satisfaction and provides high security standards and top quality service for all travellers. It is connected daily with over 50 cities around the world. The Athens International Airport is located 33 km southeast of Athens and is easily accessible by car and metro. Public transport connects to Athens and the port of Piraeus is provided by express airport bus connections on a 24-hour basis.
Athens Metro network consists of 2 lines (Line 2 and Line 3) and 23 station with trains arriving every 3 minutes during rush hours and every 5-10 minutes during the rest of the day. An additional line (Line 1) of the ISAP network (www.isap.gr) connects the Port of Piraeus with the northern suburb "K'ifisia" via central Athens. The Athens Metro connects Syntagma Square with the Athens International Airport in 30 minutes and runs every 30' minutes.
Useful tips:
- While inside the train, announcements are made before every stop.
- Metro tickets are sold at the stations’ cashiers and by automatic tellers.
- Metro tickets are valid on ISAP trains but not vice-versa.
- Remember to validate your ticket before you move on to the platform.
- Metro operates form 06.00-23.40 daily.
The suburban train of Athens, a modern project inaugurated in July 2004, connects the centre of Athens (Larissis train station) to the Athens International Airport via 9 stations in 41 minutes. The suburban train operates from 04:26 to 23:36, with departures every half an hour. The coaches are modern and offer plenty of facilities for the comfort of passengers.
The tram was enthusiastically welcomed in Athens, in July 2004, nearly 40 years after the old tram routes were terminated in the Greek capital. Its 5 routes operate daily, serving 47 stations. Tram vehicles arrive every 8 minutes between 06:00-01:00.
Buses
The broad bus network of Athens covers almost every point of the city and the suburbs with 7,500 stops. The fleet consists mainly of modern buses, environmentally friendly, with air conditioning and facilities for the elderly and passengers with special abilities.
Useful tips: Tickets must be bought before boarding (from bus terminals and from the majority of kiosks) and validated in the designated machines (orange coloured) within the vehicles. To stop a bus for embarkation you must make a hand signal to the driver. To disembark you have to notify the driver by pressing the “stop” button in time.
Taxis
Taxis are yellow with a red-letter taxi-sign on top and are moderately priced - possibly the least expensive in Europe. Have in mind that taxis in Athens can be stopped on their way with a hand signal and they often take more than one passenger at a time embarking and disembarking at different points. For exclusive use of a taxi you are advised to order one by telephone since they are organised into radio-linked groups called "radio taxis". In any case you can request a taxi from your hotel’s concierge.
CURRENCY
Euro is the official currency of Greece. Foreign currency, traveller’s checks and Euro cheques can be exchanged at the exchange bureaux at the airport, upon arrival at the hotel or at banks located throughout Athens.
BANKS
Banks are open from Monday to Thursday 8:00-14:30 and on Friday 8:00-14:00; on Saturdays and Sundays they are closed. ATMs are widely available in Greece for Master, Diners, American Express or Visa cardholders.
CREDIT CARDS
All major credit cards are accepted in almost all hotels, shops and restaurants. Stickers in the front windows will advise you as to which cards are accepted.
On Sundays all shops are closed, except tourist shops.
CLIMATE
The climate in Greece is mostly dry and temperate. Especially in Athens, Southern Greece and the islands, the climate is typical Mediterranean with warm and dry summers and mild winters. During September the temperature in Athens ranges between 18°C and 25°C.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity is 220 V/50 Hz. Plugs are the standard continental (DIN) type with two round pins.
HEALTHCARE
Emergency treatment is free to all in public hospitals. Public and private hospitals can be found in big cities. Small and large islands usually have hospitals and health centres. An ambulance team will be in attendance throughout the Conference.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Ambulance
166
Emergency Fire Brigade
199
Emergency Hospitals
1434
English-Greek Medical Information
210 8983146
Forest Service
191
Athens International Airport
210 3530000
Pharmacies on duty
1434
Poisoning Treatment Center
210 7793777
Police
112
SOS Doctors
1016
Telephone Directory Service
11888
Tourist Police
171
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The international access code for Greece is +30. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the USA or Canada, 0044 for the United Kingdom). Public payphones are available all over Greece and use phone cards, which can be purchased from kiosks. For information concerning mobile phone use in Greece (telephone transmissions are based on GSM technology), please ask your provider.
WATER
Tap water is generally drinkable in Athens. For places outside Athens water quality varies, so please ask your hotel reception.
