Nanotechnology in Medicine V: Converging Disciplines to advance Next-Generation Therapeutics
Venue Information
Sicily
Sicily is the largest and most populous island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 20 regions of Italy. The Strait of Messina divides Sicily from the “toe” of Italy’s boot. Sicily offers exceptional beaches, charming villages and towns, warm waters of the Mediterranean as well as a multitude of ancient ruins and archeological sites. Its geography is mostly hilly, with little flat land. Throughout history, Sicily has been at the crossroads of cultures, landscapes and cuisine.
Giardini Naxos
The small coastal town of Giardini Naxos is situated along a sandy beach that is quite popular for those seeking the sun. The area is very historic with the very first Greek settlers in Sicily landing here and colonizing what they called Naxos in 734 BC. (Naxos is a Greek island where, according to legend, Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods grew up.) The town was destroyed about 300 years later by neighboring Siracusa. The Naxos survivors then establish Taormina on the cliff, deeming it a safer location. There is a small archeological museum in Naxos that is surrounded by a park. Naxos has beautiful views of Mount Etna.
UNAHotel Naxos Beach
Via Recanati 26, 98035 Giardini Naxos
The conference hotel has an excellent location in Giardini Naxos with extensive meeting facilities, several swimming pools, and a private beach o the Ionian Sear. The meeting room boasts natural light and modern AV equipment. There is ample space for posters and table-top exhibits. The hotel boasts a variety of guest services including free onsite parking, wireless internet, cable/satellite TV, refrigerator, mini-bar, fitness center, daily maid service, concierge, laundry/dry cleaning services, several shops, two tennis courts and a soccer field.
The nearest airport is the Catania “Fontanarossa” International airport that is approximately one hour from the hotel. When registration opens, ECI will make available through a local provider private shuttle transportation from and back to the airport for conference participants.
Conference Excursion
The conference excursion will be to Taormina with a visit to the Greek-Roman theater and free time to stroll the beautiful narrow streets and to have dinner own your own in one of the many restaurants in the city. The original theater was built by the Greeks in the third century BC, but much of what is visible today is a Roman upgrade. The most striking feature of this theater is how its stage frames the view of Mount Etna. The theater sits atop a rocky hill (earth), overlooking the sea (water), with a gentle breeze (air), and a volcano in the distance (fire). The semicircular rows of seats are arranged to give everyone an equally good view of the performers and to enhance the acoustics. The Romans removed the first ten rows of seas to create an area large enough for gladiator battles and also added a wall to protect spectators from the wild animals used in the games. The theater is still in use today. ECI will provide a list of recommended restaurants in Taormina.
Transportation
Transportation Options from Catania Airport to the UNAHotel Naxos Beach
Bus
The least inexpensive option is to travel by bus from the airport (the stop is on the right as you exit Terminal A). Take the bus for “Recanati – Giardini Naxos”. Timetables are available at www.etnatrasporti.it. The duration is approximately one hour. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosk near the bus stop. Upon arrival, it is possible to walk to the hotel (approximately 700 m distance), if you follow Viale Dionisio for about 50 m, turn right onto Viale Jannuzzo and follow it for about 350 meters, turn into Via Recanati and then turn right into Via Pietro Rizzo up to the entrance of the hotel.
Buses typically depart hourly except on weekends.
Train
Take a taxi from the airport to the Catania Centrale station where you will purchase ticket to Alcantara. Exit at Alcantara station and take a taxi to the hotel.
Taxi
Taxis are available at the airport for the 28 mile journey.
Rental Cars
Rental cars are available at the airport; however, we do recommend making reservations. Be certain to have an International Driving Permit (available through AAA).
Individual and Group Transfers
You can choose an individual transfer or a group transfer. The group transfer will be organized by the expected time of arrival at Catania Airport within the range of one hour. For example, if two people are arriving at 11:30 am and 6 people are arriving at 12:00 pm, then the transfer would be 8 people. The rate of a “group” transfer is €60 per person for arrival hours between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm. For arrivals between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am there is a night supplement of €20 per person.
An individual transfer (for one – three persons) in a private vehicle with driver is €140. The night supplement is €35 per transfer.
Other requests will be quoted individually by Ms. Davi. Please note that banking fees are added by the vendor.
Please use the following form when contacting Ms. Davi: