MASIR 2006 - SANTORINI MEETING

2nd MASIR Conference
Measuring Antigen-Specific Immune Responses
Santorini, Greece, 14-17 June 2006

We will depart by coach from our collection point to the Athinios port, where we will board a traditional caique for a tour of the world-famous Caldera. First stop is the dormant volcano of Nea Kameni, where a winding path from the tiny jetty leads to the summit of the crater where one can occasionally see sulphurous fumes penetrating through the black lava rocks. This is followed by a chance to swim for the boat to the hot springs, which lie, between Nea (new) Kameni and Palea (old) Kameni. We will then head to the inhabited island of Thirassia where we will enjoy a leisurely lunch and then we propose a donkey ride up to the tiny village of Manolas. Cost per person: 25 €. The cost includes the following: Transfer from hotels of residence or conference venue to the Athinios port and back; Boat ticket; Entrance fees to the Volcano; Official English speaking guide; Escorts from Zita.

The traditional settlement of Oia is located on the northern tip of the island, high on the cliff-top. It hosts the most magnificent views on Santorini and a picturesque road, with cliffs on one side and sea on the other. A square overlooks the sea and visitors are encouraged to observe a truly fantastic sunset well worth saving on film. The architecture of Oia is typical Santorinian with houses sunk deep into the volcanic soil, their whitewashed walls and blue domes sparkling in the sunlight. Oia in 1900 had close to 9,000 inhabitants with virtually all of them mariners, of whom today many live in Piraeus. After the devastating 1956 earthquake and 80 years later, it has just 500 permanent residents. Oia today also hosts a cultural centre, a central art gallery and many other Greek art galleries. Many shops sell handicrafts, souvenirs, jewellery and other items to help you remember your visit. Cost per person: 15 €. The cost includes the following: Transfer from hotels of residence or conference venue to Oia and back; English speaking escort; Escorts from Zita.

At the southern end of Santorini lies the ancient excavation site of Akrotiri. This site is a must to visit during your stay on the island and one, which will impress you. Much of the credit for the finds at Akrotiri, which date back as early as 3000 B.C went to the late Prof. Dr Spyridon Marinatos, a well known Greek archaeologist. Professor Marinatos found the paved streets of Akrotiri, lined with multi story houses and all connected by a sophisticated central drainage system. Most of the ground floor apartments were used as storerooms and the upper floors were the living quarters for what appear to have been wealthy families; each house had at least one room lined with frescoes, some among the most magnificent yet found in Greece. The original inhabitants of the town, used to the hazards of living on a volcano, had enough warning from earth tremors to clear out before the eruption, dated about 1500 B.C.; the only remnant of a living thing found during the excavation was the skeleton of a pig. What happened to the people once they left remains a mystery; they may have made it to safety, although no traces have been found, or they may have all died while escaping in the tidal waves that followed the eruption. Since the archaeological site is closed for technical renovations, participants will have the chance to visit only the Museum. Santorini is famous for the wineries and the excellent grapes varieties that produce the most famous Greek wines. During this excursion we will have the chance to visit a traditional winery and take a look of the way that wine is produced. The excursion will end up at the beautiful village of Perivolos where people can enjoy their lunch and also swim. After free time in Perivolos the coaches will return back at the hotels of residence Cost per person: 30 €. The cost includes the following: Transfer from hotels of residence to the museum – winery - villages and back; Entrance fee to the museum; Entrance fee to the winery; English speaking escort; Escorts from Zita.