Travel

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.

AAIA Tour 2015Australian Archaeologists in Greece: Torone, Zagora and Beyond

Tour Leaders: Helen Nicholson and Archondia ThanosSeptember 19 to October 3

PRICE:

AU$7450, land only(inclusive of domestic flights in Greece)

+ single supplement $1250

For further information, and bookings, please contact arts.aaia@sydney.edu.au 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.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:• 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

NOT INCLUDED:• International Airfares• Travel Insurance• Expenses of a personal nature (including laundry &

phone calls)• Drinks

Interior of the AAIA Hostel in Athens

Supporters walk out to our excavations at Zagora

Audience at the AAIA’s 30th Anniversary Celebrations

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

View of the Caldera on Santorini taken during a recent AAIA Friends tour The plataea at Chora on Andros

Day 1 - Friday 18 SeptemberGroup 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 SeptemberThe 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 SeptemberTradition 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 SeptemberBefore 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 SeptemberThis 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

AAIA Tour 2015Australian Archaeologists in Greece: Torone, Zagora and Beyond

Additional InformationWeatherLate 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.

MealsBreakfast (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.

AccommodationThe 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

Day by Day ItinerarySantorini Porto Kourfo Chora, Andros

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 SeptemberAfter 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 SeptemberIn 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 SeptemberArchaeological 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 SeptemberToday 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 SeptemberThis 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 SeptemberToday 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 SeptemberAfter 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 SeptemberToday 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 OctoberThere 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 OctoberWe 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 OctoberThis 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 OctoberFlights from Greece arrive back in Australia in the evening.

Tour Booking Form

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: arts.aaia@sydney.edu.au

Passenger 1

Personal Details

Australian Archaeologists in Greece: Torone, Zagora and Beyond Name of Tour: Departure Date:

Title & full name (as it appears on your passport)

Address (number and street)

Suburb

Country

Preferred phone number

Email address

State Postcode

Passport number

Country of Issue Date of Birth

Emergency contact (name and phone number)

Relationship to emergency contact

I would like: a sole-occupancy room a twin bed room* a double bed room*

* to share with

Passenger 2Title & full name (as it appears on your passport)

Address (number and street)

Suburb

Country

Preferred phone number

Email address

State Postcode

Emergency contact (name and phone number)

Relationship to emergency contact

I would like: a sole-occupancy room a twin bed room* a double bed room*

* to share with

Please include a photocopy of the photo page of your passport with this form as proof of identity

Where possible the AAIA can organize twin-share accommodation on your behalf. Please indicate if this is desired.

Expiry date Passport number

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Dietary Needs & Medical Information Passenger 1

I have no medical conditions that the AAIA needs to know about

Passenger 2

The AAIA needs to know that I have the following medical conditions

I have no special dietary needs/allergies

I have the following special dietary needs/allergies

I am vegetarian

Deposit

Booking Conditions

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(Please make payable to the University of Sydney - AAIA)

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MasterCardDiners Club

Card holder’s name

Card number

Security code

Signature of card holder

Expiry dateI wish to pay by:

To secure your position, a $500 non-refundable deposit, payable in Australian dollars, is required per person.

Number of passenger(s)

$Total deposit

I have read and can comply with the fitness guidelines

I have no medical conditions that the AAIA needs to know about

The AAIA needs to know that I have the following medical conditions

I have no special dietary needs/allergies

I have the following special dietary needs/allergies

I am vegetarian

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.

Passenger 1

Passenger 2

I/we, the undersigned, have completed this form correctly and in full, and have read the conditions and agree to and meet all terms

Date

PAYMENT. Final payment is due on 15 July.

CANCELLATION. The $500 p.p. deposit due at booking is non-refundable, 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 have read and can comply with the fitness guidelines