In the morning
Arrival in Kalamata International Airport
After clearing customs and immigration you will be welcomed by an English speaking assistant and be transferred to The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino.
Transportation
The hotel complex is located 45 minutes from Kalamata International Airport (KLX) which offers various flights throughout the season from Europe including domestic airports. Kalamata airport is extremely well serviced to handle charter operations. Alternatively, the Costa Navarino area can also easily be reached by car from Athens. The new highway provides you with stunning views of the Peloponnese area passing by some of Greece’s most renowned sites.
The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino
Costa Navarino is the new high-end destination in the Mediterranean, stretching over a spectacular sunset-facing seaside area in the Greek region of Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese. Situated on the world-class 130-hectare Navarino Dunes site the Westin Costa Navarino, and the Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, feature low-rise villa clusters inspired by old Messinian mansions built using natural stone. All in perfect harmony with their own virgin sandy beach and pristine hillside landscapes.
19:30 - 23:00
Welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner at Flame Restaurant with traditional homemade Messinian dishes, based on time-honored local recipes.
Overnight at the hotel
| 07:00-08:00 |
Breakfast at the hotel |
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| 09:00-12:30 |
Scientific meeting for IVINS Society members
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| 13:30-15:00 |
Lunch at Pero at The Romanos, Costa Navarino  |
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| 15:00-17:30 | Free time | ||||
| 17:30-19:00 | Golf Clinic – 90 Minute Golf Experience The Golf Clinics at Navarino Golf Academy is a sophisticated and entertaining team building activity, which under the guidance of PGA Professionals, familiarize novices with golf while at the same time experienced players have the opportunity to hone their skills.   |
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| 19:30-22:30 | Beach Party at Gold Sand beach Optional. Reservations on-site |
| 07:00-08:00 | Breakfast at the hotel | ||||
| 09:00-12:30 | Scientific meeting for IVINS Society members
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| 12:30-17:00 |
Free time | ||||
| 17:00-17:30 | Scientific meeting for IVINS Society members Lecture
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| 17:30-20:00 | Messinian Authenticity – Wine Harvesting   The Messinian Authenticity program, encourages guests to experience a number of the region's local traditions and customs. Wine grapes have been cultivated in Messinia since Homeric times. Share in the local knowledge, experience a private tour to the Navarino Vineyards, learn and participate in the grape treading and join a wine tasting seminar led by an experienced sommelier. |
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| 20:30-22:30 | Dinner at Morias Restaurant (evening buffet showcasing a wide array of international cuisine and an extended wine selection).   |
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| Overnight at the hotel |
| 07:00-08:00 | Breakfast at the hotel |
| 09:00-13:00 | Transfer to the historic town of Pylos, sightseeing at Neokastro and visit of Methoni Castle  This is possibly one of the best-preserved fortresses in Greece and touring it is an indescribable experience. Right in its centre is the impressive Transfiguration of the Saviour church (Metamorphosis tou Sotiros), which functioned as a mosque during Ottoman rule. It was erected in 1573 and, invisible from the sea, played a key role in the famous Battle of Navarino. Guided tour in the historic town of Pylos and free-time for shopping |
| 13:00-15:00 |
Transfer Lunch at seaside Kohili Restauranti in Gialova |
| 15:00-17:00 | Transfer to hotel and free time |
| 17:00-19:30 | Transfer to Ancient Messini and guided tour  Messini is a significant ancient city in terms of its size, form, and state of preservation. Ancient Messini, built in 369 BC is among the best preserved archaeological sites in Greece. |
| 20:00-22:00 | Transfer to the hotel and dinner at "Da Luigi" Restaurant |
| Overnight at the hotel |
| From 08:00 | Transfers to Kalamata International Airport for departures |
Or continue with the optional part of the program as outlined below:
| 08:45-12:00 | Departure from hotel and transfer to Epidavros |
| 12:00-13:30 | Guided tour at the Sanctuary of Asclepios and large theatre of ancient Epidavros - Revisiting the Hippocratic Oath  The Sanctuary of Asclepios at Epidaurus is a remarkable testament to the healing cults of the Ancient World and witness to the emergence of scientific medicine. Situated in the Peloponnese, in the Regional unit of Argolis, the site comprises a series of ancient monuments spread over two terraces and surrounded by a preserved natural landscape. Among the monuments of the Sanctuary is the striking Theatre of Epidaurus, which is renowned for its perfect architectural proportions and exemplary acoustics. The Theatre, together with the Temples of Artemis and Asclepios, the Tholos, the Enkoimeterion and the Propylaia, comprise a coherent assembly of monuments that illustrate the significance and power of the healing gods of the Hellenic and Roman worlds. |
| 13:30-15:00 |
Transfer to the seaport town of Nafplio for lunch at Savouras traditional fish tavern  |
| 15:00-17:00 | Transfer to Hilton Athens Hotel |
| Free time in Athens and overnight at the hotel |
| 07:00-08:00 | Breakfast at the hotel |
| 08:00-17:30 | Free time |
| 17:30-19:30 |
Transfer from Athens Hilton Hotel to the Museum of Acropolis for a guided tour www.theacropolismuseum.gr |
| 19:30-21:30 | Dinner at the Museum of Acropolis Restaurant  The Museum provides a Restaurant with panoramic views of the Acropolis and breathtaking view of the historic hills of Athens. The restaurant offers a variety of hot dishes based on traditional recipes, seasonally updated. |
| 07:00-08:00 | Breakfast at the hotel |
| From 08:00 |
Transfers to the Athens International Airport for departures |