Travel Booklet | 43rd National Selection Conference of EYP Greece

43rd National Selection Conference of EYP Greece

TRAVEL BOOKLET

Welcome words Dearest Officials, It is our great honour and pleasure to welcome you to Athens, capital of Greece and home of the 43rd National Selection Conference of EYP Greece. This occasion is indeed special, given that a sense of normalcy returns to the world and Greece, so do the physical sessions. Fostering greater unity during such turbulent times is imperative, as underlined by the vision of the session “One for all, all for one”. The future is only guaranteed through concentrated effort and commitment to the values that rally us under a common banner of peace, prosperity, and progress, which the youth of today and tomorrow will carry.

The Organising Team has made extensive and thorough preparations to ensure that Athens 2022 will be a success, but more importantly, to make sure that you will enjoy your stay not just as simple visitors, but as Athenians and Greeks would.

An atmosphere of cordiality and hospitality, reminiscent of the days of our ancestors will undoubtedly leave you with everlasting memories. To help you and share the unique Greek experience, we have created this booklet, taking you on a trip through time, from Antiquity and the Golden Age of Athens to the revitalization of the city in the 20th century, and the brave steps it takes in the 21st.

It is our hope that your stay will leave you with new friendships, and unforgettable experiences. Welcome, to the city of the Goddess of Wisdom, the Torch of Democracy.

On behalf of the Organising Team, Angeliki, Eirini, George, Xanthi

The city of Athens Athens is an old city, covered in a veil of ancient myths and many stories, both real and fictitious. The name of the city heralds from a myth. The mythos of Athens is a story from the Era of Gods. King Cecrops was ruling over the city, which at the time had no name. Poseidon, God of the Sea, and Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, competed over who the city would be named after. They decided that whoever bestowed a gift better than the other’s, then the city would be named after them. Poseidon summoned the might of the seas, struck the ground with his mighty trident, which rumbled, and salt water sprouted from where the God struck (another version, from Vergil, states that Poseidon gifted the Athenians the horse). Athena however, offered a more modest and less grandiose gift, an olive tree. King Cecrops decided Athena’s gift bested Poseidon’s and thus, the city was named Athina (Athinai or Athens, as it’s known today).

Athens is a city that has been continuously inhabited since 5000 BCE. It has ruled over others and has been ruled by others throughout the eons and throughout that time, its history and life continued, in one shape or form. To highlight the continuous endurance of the city, here are some facts from different points in time.

Athens…from Antiquity…

Athens is the home and/or birthplace of history’s most influential thinkers. Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, Sophocles, Euripides, Hippocrates, as well as many others, made their impact in Ancient Greece and the world from Athens. It is also one of the oldest named cities in existence, and one of the few who are still inhabited to this day.

Athens led the Delian League, an alliance that was meant to protect the Greek city states from the Persian Empire’s ambitions. The Athenians manipulated the League and effectively reformed it into an arm of their own ambitions, to enforce and secure their domination in the Greek world.

Athens fell from grace after the League’s defeat in the Peloponnesian War. After a brief period of independence, it fell under the influence of the rising Kingdom of Macedon. After Alexander the Great’s death and his empire’s fracturing, the city-state remained under Macedon rule until the Roman Republic established its authority over the now defeated Kingdom of Macedon.

Athens was now part of the Province of Achaea, and was granted the privilege of being a Free City.

The city of Athens Athens…to the Modern Era Athens experienced a sharp decline during Ottoman rule. After the War of Independence and the establishment of the Kingdom of Greece, King Otto transferred the capital from Nafplio to Athens, and made a concentrated effort to build up the city. Numerous architects, both Greek and foreign, worked to realise the King’s ambitious plans, which continued, despite a change in the reigning Monarch and numerous financial hardships.

The city experienced a boom in the aftermath of the Great War. British and American companies improved and added upon Athens’s infrastructure. It experienced a very turbulent time during the Interwar period. Being the seat of power, the city witnessed regime change after regime change, coup after coup, going from Kingdom to Democracy to Kingdom until a Dictatorship with Royal support was established in 1935.

2004 is a landmark year, as Athens is one of the very few cities which has held the Olympics twice. Athens held the first Modern Olympics, the I Olympiad in 1896 and in 2004, the XXVIII Olympiad (28th). The Olympics of ’04 led to such a grand reconstruction and restructuring of the city, that their impact is still felt -and praised- to this day by the city’s inhabitants.

Getting to Athens City Centre + Stanley Hotel

From the Airport to Athens City Centre Metro Take the Metro (Line 3/ Blue Line) towards Nikaia and get off at “Syntagma” or “Monastiraki” station. Keep in mind that this particular route departs every 30 minutes at XX:02 and XX:32, starting at 06:32 a.m.

The organising team recommends this option.

Suburban Railway train + Metro Step 1: take the Suburban Railway train towards Piraeus or Ano Liosia and get off at “Neratziotissa” station. These trains depart at XX:09 and XX:52, starting at 05:52 a.m.

Step 2: take the Metro (Line 1/ Green Line) from “Neratziotissa” station towards Piraeus, and get off at “Monastiraki” station.

Bus Take the X95 Express Bus Route (Athens Airport to City Centre/ Syntagma) and get off at “Syntagma Square”, which is the terminal bus stop. This is a 24/7 operating route that departs from the Athens Airport Arrivals Terminal (between Exit 4 and 5) every 15-20 minutes.

Getting to Athens City Centre + Stanley Hotel From the Airport to Stanley Hotel Metro Step 1: Take the Metro (Line 3/ Blue Line) towards Nikaia and get off at “Syntagma” station.

This particular route departs every 30 minutes at XX:02 and XX:32, starting at 06:32 a.m.

Step 2: Take the Metro (Line 2/ Red Line) from “Syntagma” station towards Anthoupoli and get off at “Metaxourghio” station. The Stanley Hotel is located right at the Metro exit.

The organising team recommends this option.

Suburban Railway train + Metro Step 1: take the Suburban Railway train towards Piraeus and get off at “Athens Central” station. These trains depart at XX:09, starting at 06:09 a.m.

Step 2: take the Metro (Line 2/ Red Line) from the “Larissa Station” towards Elliniko and get off at “Metaxourghio” station. The Stanley Hotel is located right at the Metro exit.

Bus + Metro Step 1: Take the X95 Express Bus Route (Athens Airport to City Centre/ Syntagma) and get off at “Syntagma Square”, which is the terminal bus stop. This is a 24/7 operating route that departs from the Athens Airport Arrivals Terminal (between Exit 4 and 5) every 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Take the Metro (Line 2/ Red Line) from “Syntagma” station towards Anthoupoli and get off at “Metaxourghio” station. The Stanley Hotel is located right at the Metro exit. The first metro departs from the “Syntagma” station at 05:38 a.m.

From the Athens Central train station to the Athens City Centre Metro Take the Metro (Line 2/ Red Line) from the “Larissa Station” towards Elliniko and get off at “Syntagma” station. The first metro departs from the “Larissa Station” at 05:31 a.m.

From the Athens Central train station to the Stanley Hotel Metro Take the Metro (Line 2/ Red Line) from the “Larissa Station” towards Elliniko and get off at “Metaxourghio” station. The Stanley Hotel is located right at the Metro exit. The first metro departs from the “Larissa Station” at 05:31 a.m.

Getting to Athens City Centre + Stanley Hotel From the “Kifissos” station to the Athens City Centre Taxi + Metro Step 1: Take a Taxi to the “Elaionas” station. This will cost approximately 5.00€.

Step 2: Take the Metro (Line 3/ Blue Line) towards Doukissis Plakentias/Airport and get off at “Syntagma” or “Monastiraki” station. The first metro departs from the “Elaionas” station at 05:31 a.m.

From the “Kifissos” station to Stanley Hotel Taxi + Metro Step 1: Take a Taxi to the “Elaionas” station. This will cost approximately 5.00€.

Step 2: Take the Metro (Line 3/ Blue Line) towards Doukissis Plakentias/Airport and get off at “Syntagma” station. The first metro departs from the “Elaionas” station at 05:31 a.m.

Step 3: Take the Metro (Line 2/ Red Line) from “Syntagma” station towards Anthoupoli and get off at “Metaxourghio” station. The Stanley Hotel is located right at the Metro exit.

From the “Pedion Areos” station to the Athens City Centre On foot + Metro Step 1: Walk to the “Victoria” station. This is approximately a 5 minute walk.

Step 2: Take the Metro (Line 1/ Green Line) from the “Victoria” station towards Piraieus and get off at “Monastiraki” station. The first metro departs from the “Victoria” station at 05:31 a.m.

From the “Pedion Areos” station to Stanley Hotel On foot + Metro Step 1: Walk to the “Victoria” station. This is approximately a 5 minute walk.

Step 2: Take the Metro (Line 1/ Green Line) from the “Victoria” station towards Piraieus and get off at “Omonoia” station. The first metro departs from the “Victoria” station at 05:31 a.m.

Step 3: Take the Metro (Line 2/ Red Line) from “Syntagma” station towards Anthoupoli and get off at “Metaxourghio” station. The Stanley Hotel is located right at the Metro exit.

Getting to Athens City Centre + Stanley Hotel THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND You must have your ID/Passport AND Academic/University ID with you in order to issue a youth/student ticket.

Youth/student tickets can only be issued at a booth, and NOT via an automated machine.

You should use the same ticket (the Airport Metro one) when leaving the Airport with the Metro and/or the Suburban Railway. If using both, make sure to validate it in both means of transport.

You can hop on/off the Metro/Buses/Trolleybuses/Trams with the same ticket, without purchasing a new one, for 90 minutes. Just make sure to validate it when entering a new means of transport or a new metro line, if needed.

The Ticket Prices:

Metro Line 3/ Suburban Railway departing from the Airport Standard Fare: 9.00€ Youth/Student: 4.50€ X95 Express Bus Line (Airport to Athens City Centre) Standard Fare: 6.00€ Youth/Student: 3.00€ Metro Lines 1,2,3 /Buses/Trolleybuses/Trams Standard Fare: 1.20€ Youth/Student: 0.50€

(from/towards

“Doukissis

Plakentias”

Station)

Live life like a Local Me Kolonaki Recommended by Stefanos, Head Organiser If you are looking for the perfect, healthy brunch, we’ve got you covered! Me Kolonaki offers a wide variety of dishes, inspired by the traditional Greek cuisine but with an added twist.

Price Range: €5 - €25 Dietary Options: Vegan Options, Vegetarian Friendly Location: Kapsali 10, Kolonaki How to get there: Hop on the Metro and get off at “Euaggelismos” station (Metro Line 3, the Blue Line), then walk along the “Vassilisis Sofias” Avenue, take a right turn on “Irodotou” Street and then a left turn on “Kapsali” Street.

Natural History Museum + Natu Cafe Recommended by Drosini, Head Organiser If you wish to save yourself some time and combine a museum visit with a coffee under the warm, Greek sun, Natu is your way to go!

This green cafe is hidden inside the Natural History Museum!

Price Range: €15 - €40 Dietary Options: Vegan Options, Vegetarian Friendly Location: Levidou 13, Kifissia How to get there: Hop on the Metro and get off at “Kifissia” station (Metro Line 1, the Green Line), then walk along “Dragoumi” Street, take a right turn on “Othonos” Street and then another right turn on “Levidou” Street.

Live life like a Local Ama Lachei stis Nefelis Recommended by Natalie, Core Organiser If you’re looking for a traditional greek lunch or dinner, Ama Lachei stis Nefelis should be a must-visit!

This “Mezedopoleio” (a restaurant with “mezedes” a.k.a small dishes to accompany your wine or ouzo) is located in the heart of the city and offers you the true Greek experience!

Price Range: €14 - €25 Dietary Options: Vegetarian Friendly

Efimerida ATH Recommended by Elena, Core Organiser If you arrived a few days earlier and need to catch up with university papers or if you need to polish yet another application before PED hits, this is the ideal place to do so! Efimerida (meaning newspaper in Greek) ATH, is located close to the University and is the place for combining your morning coffee with some work,work,work.

Price Range: €5 - €15 Dietary Options: Vegan Options, Vegetarian Friendly Location: Visarionos 9 & Sina 6, Athens How to get there: Hop on the Metro and get off at “Panepistimio” station (Metro Line 2, the Red Line), then walk along “Panepistimiou” Avenue and then take a left turn onto “Sina” Street.

Location: Kallidromiou 69, Athens How to get there: Hop on the Metro and get off at “Victoria” station (Metro Line 1, the Green Line), then walk along “Cheiden” Street, take a right turn onto “28is Oktovriou” Street and then turn left onto “Vasileos Irakliou” Street. Continue onto “Deligianni” Street, then turn left into “Ioustinianou” Street and then turn right into “Kallidromiou” Street.

Live life like a Local Espressaki Cafe Bistro Recommended Organiser

by

Eleftheria,

Core

Enjoy the best hot chocolate in town in a warm, vintage environment! If you’re feeling extra, you can always pair it with one of Espressaki’s famous desserts. Just ask the waiter! A perfect way to finish your day!

Price Range: €5 - €15 Dietary Options: Vegetarian Friendly Location: Evinou 3, Athens How to get there: Hop on the Metro and get off at “Ampelokipi” station (Metro Line 3, the Blue Line), then walk along the “Leoforos Alexandras” Avenue, take a right turn onto “Dim.Soutsou” Street and then take a left turn onto “Tsocha” Street. Cross the “Vasilissis Sofias” Avenue and continue onto “Pirri” Street. Finally, take a left turn onto “Evinou” Street.

Little Tree Books and Coffee Recommended by Xanthi, Core Organiser Enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea – your call- and munch on delicious cakes, pastries and carefully prepared sandwiches, or choose something from their vegan options laid out on the coffee counter that will definitely tempt you. As the bookshop operates as a multi-purpose venue, the opening hours are extended, so if you want to lose yourself in an evening chatter over books, this is the place to do so.

Price Range: €5 - €15 Dietary Options: Vegan Options, Friendly and Gluten Free Options

Vegetarian

Location: Kavalloti Street 2, Makrygianni, Athens How to get there: Hop on the Metro and get off at “Akropoli” station (Metro Line 2, the Red Line), then walk along “Makrygianni” street and then take a right turn onto “Chatzichristou” Street.

COVID - 19 Regulations Entering the country A. Travellers arriving in Greece, during the period from 11.04.2022 until 18.04.2022, holding a European Union Digital Covid Certificate (https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-worktravel-eu/coronavirus-response/safe-covid-19-vaccines-europeans/eu-digital-covidcertificate_en) are not obliged to show an extra negative COVID test result upon their arrival.

In particular, entry of travellers coming from EU member states and Schengen countries, as well as from the 37 non-EU countries that have joined the EU Digital Covid Certificate system, namely: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Benin, Cabo Verde, Colombia, El Salvador, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Israel, Iceland, Jordan, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, “Chinese Taipei (not recognized as a State by Greece)”, Thailand, Tunisia, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, The Vatican, is permitted by showing the EU Digital COVID Certificate, which contains information about one of the following: a) Vaccination certificate (for those who have completed vaccination for COVID-19 at least fourteen (14) days before arrival) valid for 9 months after the completion of the basic vaccination and without time limit for travellers who have received the booster dose, or b) Certificate of recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection issued 14 days after the day of the first positive COVID-19 test (PCR or Rapid Antigen test) and valid for 180 days thereafter, or c) Certificate of negative test result, namely, negative molecular test result (PCR) performed up to 72 hours before the scheduled arrival or negative Rapid Antigen test result performed up to 24 hours before the scheduled arrival.

More information: https://travel.gov.gr/#/

COVID - 19 Regulations Indoors Indoor restaurants & cafes, nightclubs, music spaces, theatres and cinemas are exclusively for guests who can present an official certificate of vaccination or recovery from Covid-19 (as per country entry requirements).

You will be required to show proof of vaccination or recovery or a negative PCR or Rapid Antigen Test to enter shops (not supermarkets). You also need to hold an identification document in order to be able to prove that you are the holder of the certificate, if needed.

You will also need to wear a mask in congested outdoor spaces and indoors (public transport, shops, taxis and public utilities, as well as private communal areas in hotels etc).

Outdoors Outdoor restaurants, cafes, bars & clubs etc are operating up to a maximum 85% capacity, serving only seated customers and 10 people per table.

Guests to all outdoor entertainment venues are required to show proof of vaccination or recovery (as per country entry requirements) or a PCR or Rapid Antigen test. Paper or digital certificates are accepted. As for identification documents, the same goes for outdoor activities.

Don't Forget 1. Travel Tickets.

2. Travel Documents (ID or Passport).

3. Academic ID, to make sure you get those amazing student discounts on public transportation and museums.

4. The European COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate or Proof of Recovery from COVID-19 or Proof of a Negative COVID-19 PCR Test.

5. Issue a European Health Insurance Card. It’s not mandatory but it will make your life so much easier in case you need medical assistance during your stay in Greece.

6. Extra Cash, for our social events and/or your extra days in Athens.

7. Power Adaptors, if needed. Remember that Greek power plugs and sockets are either type C or type F. 8. Appropriate Clothes (for 18-22 °C).

9. Your positive vibes.

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