Travel
AAIA Tour 2015
Australian Archaeologists in Greece: Torone, Zagora and Beyond
Tour Leaders: Helen Nicholson and Archondia Thanos
September 19 to October 3
In late 2015 the AAIA will conduct an exclusive, boutique tour to Greece for its supporters
and Friends. As one of our supporters you are fascinated by the history of Greece and the
work the Institute and its archaeologists have undertaken for many decades.
This 16 day expedition follows an itinerary designed to highlight the research and
fieldwork undertaken by Australian archaeologists in Greece since ground was first
broken at the site of Zagora on Andros in the 1960s. Take this unique opportunity
to learn more about the Institute and its work while getting a rare behind the scenes
glimpse into the world of professional archaeologists working in Greece.
PRICE:
AU$7450, land only
(inclusive of domestic
flights in Greece)
+ single supplement $1250
For further information, and
bookings, please contact
[email protected] or
call +61 (2) 9351 4759
International tickets can be
purchased through our travel
partner PREMIUM HOLIDAYS
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
* Meet Australian team members working at Zagora on the island of Andros and hear about the
important research they are undertaking.
* Follow in the footsteps of the highly successful long-weekend excursion organised by the
Athens Friends of the AAIA to spectacular Santorini, home to the famous Bronze Age site of
Akrotiri.
* Spend time off the tourist trail on the Sithonia Peninsula and visit the seaside village of
Torone, where Australian archaeologists have worked for 30 years.
* Go behind the scenes with visits to the French and American Institutes in Athens and the
British School, all founded in the 19th century.
* Enjoy an evening drink with members of the Athens Friends of the AAIA.
* Taste local cuisine, visit Greek wineries and experience the vibrant culture of modern Greece.
The Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens is
uniquely placed through its expertise and experience to
offer a tour that brings to participants insider knowledge
of the archaeological sites of ancient Greece, its many
museums, and the Foreign Archaeological Schools of
Athens; in addition we have our favourite lunch spots,
tavernas and wineries! This is a boutique tour, for a
maximum of 18 people, led by Australian archaeologists
with years of experience in the field, in museums and in
education.
The AAIA Premises at the University of Sydney
ABOUT US:
The AAIA was established in 1980. It is one of the seventeen
“Foreign Schools” in Athens, scholarly institutions in the capital of
Greece, each of which represents a different nation. Some of these
institutions have been in existence for well over a century.
The AAIA exists to promote research about the Hellenic World in
Australia and in Greece. Its legal role is to negotiate permits with
the relevant Greek Ministry for Australian scholars to undertake
fieldwork in Greece. It has hosted major excavations at the site of
Torone in northern Greece and the site of Zagora on the Cycladic
Island of Andros, and also supports excavations at Nea Paphos in
Cyprus. In addition to its formal role, the AAIA supports students
through scholarships, and operates libraries in both Sydney and
Athens as well as a hostel in Athens.
Audience at the AAIA’s 30th Anniversary Celebrations
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
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•
Porterage
All tips to guides, drivers and at meals provided
All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 9 dinners
Ferries & economy class flights in Greece
15 nights’ accommodation
Two qualified archaeologist as tour leaders, with local
guides at selected sites and museums
• Comprehensive tour notes
• Entrance fees to museums and sites in the itinerary
Supporters walk out to our excavations at Zagora
NOT INCLUDED:
• International Airfares
• Travel Insurance
• Expenses of a personal nature (including laundry &
phone calls)
• Drinks
Interior of the AAIA Hostel in Athens
View of the Caldera on Santorini taken during a recent AAIA Friends tour
The plataea at Chora on Andros
TOUR LEADERS:
Our tour will be led by Helen Nicholson and Archondia Thanos, two Australian professional
archaeologists and experienced tour leaders who will provide commentary and context about archaeology in
Greece, and share stories and information on the sites and museums visited.
Helen has worked on archaeological projects in
Greece (including the Institute’s own site at Torone),
Italy, Cyprus, Jordan and Uzbekistan. Over the last
twenty years she has led over thirty overseas tours,
largely for the Centre for Continuing Education
at the University of Sydney. All have had a focus
on archaeology and cultural heritage of the places
visited. Helen is delighted to be leading the AAIA’s
tour to Greece later this year, an expedition which
she has been instrumental in shaping.
Archondia Thanos holds degrees in Archaeology and
Museum Studies from the University of Sydney, as
well as an M.Phil from the National Kapodistrian
University of Athens and a Doctorate from the
University of Oxford. Archondia’s research concerns
various areas of the ancient world; particularly the
Greek Bronze Age and the History of Archaeology.
She has extensive excavation experience in Greece,
Italy, Cyprus and the Middle East and has conducted
many tours to Greece.
FITNESS LEVELS:
In order to visit and enjoy archaeological sites, natural attractions of the countryside and the historical
centre of towns it is usually necessary to walk, as bus and car access is difficult. This walking often involves
stairs and slopes, as well as cobbled, slippery and uneven surfaces. When visiting archaeological sites we
often walk along rough tracks and loose surfaces. A comfortable pair of shoes with a good grip and support
is essential. You should be fit enough to walk for periods of up to 90 to 120 minutes with only short
breaks. On a few days you will be on your feet all day although where possible these will be broken up with
refreshment breaks. The itinerary has been designed to take a more leisurely journey and allows free time to
explore the places we stay in order to enjoy the local cuisine, go for a swim or just relax.
Please contact us if you have any concerns or wish to discuss the physical requirements of this tour.
AAIA Tour 2015
Australian Archaeologists in Greece: Torone, Zagora and Beyond
Additional Information
Weather
Late Summer is a pleasant time to visit Greece when many of the summer tourists holidaying on the islands and
coastal beaches have left. We should expect warm to hot days that may range from around 19º to 25.º In Thessaloniki
temperatures will be a little cooler. The temperature will drop by several degrees at night. It is reasonable to expect
wind, especially on Andros, as well as rain and grey skies on some days.
Meals
Breakfast (B) each day is in the hotel and these will range from a full English breakfast buffet selection to more modest
fare. There are nine dinners (D) and four lunches (L) included.
Accommodation
The accommodation on this tour ranges from five star to quite basic rooms and facilities but has been chosen because
of its location and proximity to modern facilities. In both Athens and Thessaloniki we stay in well regarded, five star
Electra Palace hotels. In the Chalkidiki our hotel is quite close to Torone while on both Andros and Santorini the hotels
are in town.
• Thessaloniki (2 nights): This centrally located 5 star hotel is well placed for exploring Thessaloniki on foot.
http://www.electrahotels.gr/electra-palace-hotel-thessaloniki/the-hotel
• Porto Kourfo, Chalkidike (2 nights): The picturesque setting and proximity to Torone more than mitigates the
quite basic rooms in this 2 star hotel. http://www.portokoufohotel.gr/indexeg.php
• Santorini (4 nights): These hotels, situated in Fira Town, proved popular with the Athens Friends of the AAIA on
their recent visit. http://www.costamarina.gr/; http://www.pelicanhotel.gr/
• Athens (3 nights): This well located 5 star hotel is in the historical, vibrant Plaka district at the foot of the Acropolis.
http://www.electrahotels.gr/electra-palace-hotel-athens/the-hotel
• Andros (3 nights): Our hotels are located in the charming coastal town of Chora.
http://www.eglihotel.gr/flash_eng/index_eng.html; http://www.archontikoeleni.gr/EN/index.php
Santorini
Porto Kourfo
Chora, Andros
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Friday 18 September
Group flights with Emirates depart from Australia
with connections from Dubai to Thessaloniki. For those
arriving in Thessaloniki before the group your tour
leaders are staying in the hotel tonight.
Day 2 - Saturday 19 September
The group flight arrives in the late afternoon and upon
arrival transfer and check into our centrally located hotel.
After time to freshen up we take a leisurely evening stroll
in the environs of the hotel and enjoy a welcome drink.
Overnight Thessaloniki.
Day 3 - Sunday 20 September
Tradition holds that Kassander founded Thessaloniki in
the 4th century BCE although archaeology has revealed
that people lived here in the Bronze Age. Centuries later
it was made the capital of the Roman tetrach Galerius
and the via Ignatia, still visible today, was once the
main overland route from Rome to Constantinople.
Today we walk and explore sites and monuments in
the city including, the Museum of Byzantine Culture,
Archaeological Museum, Roman Forum and triumphal
arch. This evening we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight Thessaloniki, B, D.
Day 4 - Monday 21 September
Before leaving Thessaloniki for the Chalkidiki we drive
to the Upper City and take in the view near the walls
that once protected this important city on the Roman
road from Rome to Constantinople. On our drive to the
Chalkidike, via the coastal road, there is free time for
lunch. In the afternoon we continue to Porto Koufo and
check into our hotel. There is time for a swim before
dinner.
Overnight Porto Koufo, B, D.
Day 5 - Tuesday 22 September
This morning we consider the rich history of Torone that
has been home to people since the Neolithic period. We
start our day with a visit to the Archaeological Museum
of Polygros. It is here that finds from the Australian
excavations at Torone are held and the museum provides
a good insight into the Sithonia Peninsular in antiquity.
We then drive to Torone and visit the accessible
archaeological remains. In the 5th century BCE this
seaside village sided with the Persians and during the
Peloponnesian War its was taken by the Spartans under
the command of Brasidas. We enjoy dinner in a local
taverna in Torone before returning to the hotel.
Overnight Porto Koufo, B, D.
Day 6 - Wednesday 23 September
After breakfast we check out of our hotel and return to
Thessaloniki. The area around Thessaloniki is home to a
flourishing wine industry. We visit a winery and enjoy
lunch with the opportunity to become acquainted with
and sample wines from the area and the local cuisine. We
then transfer to the airport at Thessaloniki for our late
afternoon flight to Santorini, via Athens. Transfer and
check into our hotel.
Overnight Santorini, B, L.
Day 7- Thursday 24 September
In 2013 the Athens Friends of the Australian
Archaeological Institute at Athens enjoyed an excursion
to Santorini and over the next two days we follow in
their footsteps. Santorini, or Thera as it was known in
antiquity, was home to a flourishing society in the second
millennium BCE, brought to an end by the volcanic
eruption of the island. Although scholars may debate the
exact date of this eruption its effects were catastrophic.
Today we visit the Thera Archaeological Museum. There
is also a visit to ancient Thera, settled in the 9th century
BCE, and consideration of the island’s Greco‐Roman past.
Overnight Santorini, B,D.
Day 8- Friday 25 September
Archaeological excavations bought to light the town of
Akrotiri covered for around 3,500 years with metres of
ash and pumice from the volcanic eruption. Akrotiri
allows us to glimpse what towns and houses were like
in the Aegean Bronze Age. There is also a visit to the
Prehistoric Thira Museum where some of the artefacts
from the site are displayed. In the afternoon we continue
our exploration of Greek wine and cuisine with a visit to
the Gaia Estate winery.
Overnight Santorini, B, L.
Day 9 - Saturday 26 September
Today is at leisure, affording an opportunity to relax
and watch the sunset over the Aegean and to explore
Fira town. For the more energetic, take a walk along the
edge of the caldera. In the afternoon there is the option of
taking a Greek cooking class.
Overnight Santorini, B.
Day 10 - Sunday 27 September
This morning after breakfast we transfer to the airport
for the short flight to Athens. On arrival in Athens we
make a visit to the Benaki Museum before checking in
to our hotel in the Plaka. This afternoon we visit the
new Acropolis Museum and the Acropolis itself. In the
evening we enjoy a talk by Dr Stavros Paspalis, Deputy
Director of the AAIA.
Overnight Athens, B.
Day 11 - Monday 28 September
Today we take the metro to the Kerameikos, the ancient
burial ground of Athens and today a refuge in the midst
of the busy modern city. Afterwards we continue to
the ancient Agora. This afternoon we consider the role
foreign archaeological schools play in the research,
survey and excavation of Greece’s past. We visit the
American School of Classical Studies founded in 1881
and British School at Athens founded in 1886. We also
take a walk through the spectacular gardens at the French
School, founded in 1846.
Overnight Athens, B, D.
Day 12 - Tuesday 29 September
After breakfast we drive to the port at Rafina and take
the local ferry to Andros, one of the Cycladic Islands in
Aegean Sea. We transfer and check into our hotel where
there is free time for lunch and to explore the town of
Chora. Over the next three days the focus is on the site of
Zagora where the Australian Archaeological Institute at
Athens’ is currently undertaking research and excavation.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s Professor Alexander
Cambitoglou directed the first major excavations on the
island at Zagora. Forty years on a team of Australian
archaeologists have returned to the site. Tonight we meet
members of archaeological team undertaking research
and collating the results of excavations carried out in
2012, 2013 and 2014 and join them for dinner in a local
restaurant.
Overnight Andros, B, D.
Day 13 - Wednesday 30 September
Today is devoted to the archaeology of Zagora. We start
with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Andros
where finds from earlier excavations at Zagora are
displayed and the more recent finds are stored. There will
be opportunities throughout the day to ask questions and
discuss the current research with the experts.
Overnight Andros, B, L.
Day 14 - Thursday 1 October
There is an optional early morning trek to the site of the
excavations (not for the feint hearted or unfit). Today we
spend the morning with the Australian team at Zagora. In
the afternoon we explore the stunning scenery and small
villages on the island. This evening we enjoy dinner and
sample the local cuisine of Andros.
Overnight Andros B, D.
Day 15 - Friday 2 October
We check out of the hotel this morning and take the local
ferryback to Rafina and drive to Athens where we visit
the outstanding Museum of Cycladic Art. Afterwards
there is free time to enjoy lunch in one of the many
outdoor cafes in Kolonaki. In the evening we gather for a
farewell meal in a local restaurant.
Overnight Athens, B, D.
Day 16 - Saturday 3 October
This morning is at leisure. In the early afternoon we
transfer to the airport in Athens for the return Emirates
flight to Australia. B.
Day 17 - Sunday 4 October
Flights from Greece arrive back in Australia in the
evening.
Tour Booking Form
Name of Tour:
Australian Archaeologists in Greece: Torone, Zagora and Beyond
Departure Date:
Personal Details
Passenger 1
Passenger 2
Title & full name (as it appears on your passport)
Title & full name (as it appears on your passport)
Address (number and street)
Address (number and street)
Suburb
State
Postcode
Suburb
State
Country
Country
Preferred phone number
Preferred phone number
Email address
Email address
Postcode
Passport number
Expiry date
Passport number
Expiry date
Country of Issue
Date of Birth
Country of Issue
Date of Birth
Emergency contact (name and phone number)
Emergency contact (name and phone number)
Relationship to emergency contact
Relationship to emergency contact
I would like: a sole-occupancy room
a twin bed room*
a double bed room*
I would like: a sole-occupancy room
a twin bed room*
a double bed room*
* to share with
* to share with
Where possible the AAIA can organize twin-share accommodation on your behalf. Please indicate if this is desired.
Please include a photocopy of the photo page of your passport with this form as proof of identity
Please return completed
booking forms with a copy
of your passport(s) to:
post: AAIA
Madsen Building (F09)
University of Sydney, NSW, 2006
Australia
fax: +61 +2 9351 7693
email: [email protected]
Dietary Needs & Medical Information
Passenger 1
Passenger 2
I am vegetarian
I am vegetarian
I have no special dietary needs/allergies
I have no special dietary needs/allergies
I have the following special dietary needs/allergies
I have the following special dietary needs/allergies
I have no medical conditions that the AAIA needs
to know about
I have no medical conditions that the AAIA needs
to know about
The AAIA needs to know that I have the following
medical conditions
The AAIA needs to know that I have the following
medical conditions
I have read and can comply with the
fitness guidelines
I have read and can comply with the
fitness guidelines
Please inform the AAIA of any medication, including analgesics, you will be carrying with you. For prescription
medication please obtain a letter from your doctor outlining requirements and dosages.
Deposit
To secure your position, a $500 non-refundable
deposit, payable in Australian dollars, is required
per person.
Number of passenger(s)
Total deposit $
I wish to pay by:
Cheque
Money order
Visa
American Express
MasterCard
Diners Club
Card holder’s name
Card number
Security code
Expiry date
Signature of card holder
(Please make payable to the University of Sydney - AAIA)
Booking Conditions
PAYMENT. Final payment is due on 15 July.
CANCELLATION. The $500 p.p. deposit due at booking is nonrefundable, but may be credited to a future AAIA tour. In
the event of cancellation after final payment, the following
refund of the total amount will be given
60–45 days before departure: 75%
44–30 days before departure: : 50%
29-15 days : 25%
14 days or less before departure: no refund
TRAVEL INSURANCE. All participants are required to obtain
comprehensive travel insurance and to provide the AAIA
with the details of that policy before departure.
PASSPORT AND VISAS. All participants must have a current
passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the day of
departure, and any required re-entry permits into Australia.
The AAIA will inform participants of any visas needed for the
countries visited on the tour, however it is the traveller’s
responsibilty to meet all visa and passport requirements.
CHANGE IN PRICE OR ITINERARY. If it becomes necessary
to alter the cost of the tour, or significantly alter the route,
participants will be given the option of a full refund. A full
refund will be given if the AAIA is forced to cancel the tour.
Minor adjustments to the daily itinerary, such as a change
in hotel or activity (due for example to closure or poor
weather) may occur from time to time.
The AAIA reserves the right to ask for a medical assessment
to deem the ‘fitness to travel’ of any indended participant.
I/we, the undersigned, have completed this form
correctly and in full, and have read the conditions
and agree to and meet all terms
Passenger 1
Passenger 2
Date