ISORC 2007 will be held on the Greek island of Santorini from 7-9 May 2007. The venue for ISORC is the Petros M. Nomikos Conference Center in the town of Fira. In addition to the information below, there are many travel guides and web sites on Santorini, such as www.santorini-island.biz. Transportation By Air Air transportation to Athens International Airport (ATH) is available on a regularly scheduled basis through nearly all of the major international airlines. Air transport from Athens to Santorini (JTR) takes less than an hour and is available multiple times per day. It is normally possible to arrange flight schedules so that overnight stays in Athens are not required when connecting to and from Santorini. By Sea Sea passage from Athens to Santorini can be a relaxing experience and is recommended for the awe-inspiring approach to the port at the base of the immense caldera cliffs. Ferries for Santorini leave from the port of Piraeus (TZE), approximately one hour's taxi drive away from the Athens airport. Rail transportation is also available from the airport to the ferries, with the train station directly across the street from the Piraeus port. There are two broad classes of boats which service the Aegean islands: traditional ferries, and high-speed ferries. The traditional boats are slower, have open decks, often make more stops, and are relatively inexpensive. The high-speed ferries are faster, enclosed, and are more costly. Boat schedules are available on line through www.gtp.gr. Be sure to check the transit time in addition to the departure time for any boat you are considering, as some boats make many stops on the way to Santorini. There is only one seaport in Santorini (ATI). Slower boats can take 10 hours, and high-speed boats as little as 4 hours, depending on schedule and number of stops. Be sure to check the route and schedule when booking. Upon arrival in the small port of Santorini you will be greeted by many hoteliers clamoring to make last-minute bookings, and taxi drivers looking for fares. Be aware that taxi prices vary considerably with negotiating skill. An inexpensive public bus to the center of Fira is available and meets most boats; tickets are purchased on the bus. Some hotels have pickup service from the port if you arrange the details beforehand. The drive up the caldera face to the town of Fira can be breathtaking; be sure your camera is handy! Getting Around Fira/Firostefani The town of Fira, is continuous with the town of Firostefani. These towns are readily explored on foot, and many establishments are not accessible by any other means. Vehicles, even scooters, are not allowed on most of the pathways in the heart of the town. Getting Around Santorini The island of Santorini is small enough that it can be circumnavigated in a single day by motorized vehicle. There is frequent bus service from Fira to all of the other towns and beaches; the bus depot is near the center of town and the inexpensive tickets are purchased in cash on the bus. Cars, motorized scooters, and bicycles are readily available for hire, but you must have a motorcycle license to rent even the smallest of scooters. Also, many hotels, especially those facing the caldera, do not have parking facilities. The central taxi station is in Fira. Although it is possible to hail cabs, they are relatively infrequent, and best arranged by phone. When calling for a cab, be prepared for a long and somewhat ill-defined delay before one arrives. Make sure that the taxi driver sets the meter when you enter the cab. Longer taxi rides should normally not exceed Eur 20. Local travel agencies offer day trips to the nearby islands and especially the volcano and hot springs in the caldera. If you visit the volcano, be prepared to walk uphill for 20 minutes. You will need a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. If you visit the hot springs, be aware that the high mineral content, especially sulfur, can discolor swimwear.