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Post Conference Tour

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Post-Congress Field Trip: Cephalonia Island and Athens City Tour

April 4–7, 2025

The ECM9 post-congress field trip offers participants an opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity, conservation efforts, and unique landscapes of Cephalonia Island, part of the Cephalonia-Ithaca UNESCO Global Geopark, before concluding with a cultural visit to Athens.

Kefalonia is home to a remarkable variety of plant and animal life, with the National Park of Mt. Ainos serving as a biodiversity landmark. Mt. Ainos (Alt. 1,628 m) is the tallest mountain in the Ionian Islands and is often visible from Patras. The park shelters the Kefalonian fir (Abies cephalonica), an endemic Greek fir species first described on Cephalonia (locus classicus) in 1838 by J.W. Loudon. Mt. Ainos is the only place in the entire Ionian region where this species is found, and its presence led to the designation of Mt. Ainos as a National Park in 1962.

In total, Cephalonia is home to more than 750 plant taxa, with approximately 450 occurring within the National Park. Among them are two National Park endemics, Viola cephalonica (Cephalonian violet) and Scutellaria rupestris subsp. cephalonica (Cephalonian skullcap), alongside several other Cephalonian and Greek endemic species. Notable rare plants include the striking peony Paeonia mascula subsp. russoi. The island’s invertebrate fauna includes 63 recorded species of Lepidoptera and over 15 species of Odonata. Among no-mammalian vertebrates, Cephalonia hosts three Greek endemic lizards: Anguis cephalonica, Algyroides moreoticus and Algyroides nigropunctatus and is an important site for the logerhead turtle Caretta caretta.

Mammalian Fauna of Cephalonia

A total of 36 mammal species have been recorded on Cephalonia. Notably, the mole (Talpa stankovici) is found exclusively on Mt. Ainos within the Ionian region, with the closest populations occurring in the mountains of northern Peloponnese. The southeastern slopes of Mt. Ainos also host a small herd of semi-wild horses, consisting of approximately 35-40 individuals. These horses, derived from the Pindos mountain breed, belong to the mountain type of Greek horses that locals historically purchased from western mainland Greece for labor purposes. They are usually found near the spring of the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, the only natural water source on the entire mountain. The most significant component of Cephalonia’s (and Ithaca’s) mammalian fauna is its impressive diversity of bats, with more than 15 recorded species. The island’s complex and diverse geological features, which contributed to its designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark (along with Ithaca), provide ideal habitats for these species, making it an essential area for bat conservation in the Mediterranean. Finally, the unique coastal cave system of Cephalonia, is used by the Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus monachus.

Kefalonia-Ithaca UNESCO Global Geopark

Kefalonia and Ithaca have recently been recognized as an UNESCO Global Geopark (https://kefaloniageopark.gr/en), highlighting their exceptional geological heritage. The Geopark features 68 geosites spread across both islands, showcasing unique geological formations, coastal landscapes, and underground wonders. Visitors can explore an extensive network of 10 georoutes, providing access to diverse geological phenomena such as limestone caves, karst formations, and dynamic coastal cliffs. Notable geosites include Melissani Cave, with its stunning underground lake, and Drogarati Cave. Important formations for bat species include the network of caves in the eastern part of Cephalonia (Fytidi Cave, Agalaki Cave, etc.), Petasi Cave on Mt. Ainos, and Grouspa Cave near the island’s capital, Argostoli. These features play a significant role in understanding the region’s natural history and contribute to conservation and sustainable tourism efforts.

Itinerary

Cephalonia is an extremely popular holiday destination, and once you visit the island, you will undoubtedly want to return. With its crystal-clear seas, white sandy beaches, warm hospitality, and exceptional cuisine, Cephalonia offers an unforgettable experience. The island’s wildlife is a fascinating blend of diverse and captivating species, and its geological complexity is unique! Thus, on this post-conference tour, we aim to introduce you to its natural wonders.

April 4 – Departure from Patras to Kefalonia

In the afternoon, we will depart from Patras, stopping at Kyllini Castle, in order to enjoy dinner with a panoramic view of the Ionian Sea. Following this, we will take the ferry to Kefalonia, where we will spend the next two nights.

April 5 & April 6 (until afternoon)– Exploring Kefalonia biodiversity and geodiversity

The two days will be dedicated to experiencing the unique natural environments of Kefalonia, taking a glimpse at its remarkable diversity.

 Highlights include:

  • Monastery of St. Gerasimos: It is Kefalonia’s most sacred site, located in the serene Omala Valley. We’ll get the chance to explore the monastery’s historic bell tower, underground hermit chamber, and the lush vineyards that surround this spiritual gem.
  • Omala Valley & Local Winery: We will taste the authentic flavors of Kefalonia with local Robola wine, extra virgin olive oil, honey, and traditional sweets. An opportunity to learn about the island’s agricultural heritage while enjoying these delightful samples.
  • Myrtos Beach Photostop: Capture memorable photos of one of Europe’s most stunning beaches, celebrated for its dazzling white pebbles and turquoise water colors.
  • Ainos National Park – Home to the endemic Kefalonian fir (Abies cephalonica), and several other endemic plant taxa, the mole Talpa stankovici and the semi-wild horses (Equus caballus) that roam its SE slopes. A great opportunity for breathtaking views and photographs.
  • Drogarati Cave & Melissani Lake – These impressive karst formations showcase a significant part of Kefalonia’s geological history. Drogarati Cave is renowned for its exceptional acoustics, while Melissani Lake offers a mesmerizing experience as visitors sail across its crystal-clear waters. The underground lake reveals a magical palette of blues as sunlight filters through its collapsed roof, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.
  • Grouspa Cave – Located south of Razata village, near Argostoli, the capital of Cephalonia this cave consists of two chambers that communicate through a small opening. The first constitutes a doline (often visited by edible dormice!) and the second, inner chamber is rich in very beautiful speleothems and up to seven bat species at any time. All you need to see them is climb down a ladder and bring along a flashlight or headlamp!
  • Karavomilos Lake – A unique hydrological feature demonstrating the island’s underground water network.
  • Fiskardo Village – Step into Kefalonia’s Venetian past at Fiskardo, a harbor village untouched by the island’s 1953 earthquake. Its vibrant atmosphere and colorful houses are must-see.
  • Assos Villages – An opportunity to stroll through the picturesque streets of Assos, a charming village known for its traditional architecture and spectacular coastal views.

April 6 (evening) – Kefalonia to Patras

In the evening, we will return to Patras to spend the night before continuing our journey to Athens the next morning.

April 7 – Athens City Tour and Departure

Starting from Patras we will arrive in Athens (approximately at 10.30) for a city tour, followed by transfer to the Eleutherios Venizelos airport.

*For those who do not want to follow the tour of Athens, there will be an option for direct transfer to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport from Patras.

Key Themes of the Trip

  • The role of Kefalonia-Ithaca UNESCO Global Geopark in biodiversity conservation
  • Mammalian fauna and protected areas of Kefalonia
  • Human-wildlife interactions and conservation challenges

Geological and hydrological features shaping the island’s ecosystem

Practical Information

Total Price: €350 per participant

Included:

✔ Three nights’ accommodation (4-star hotel) with breakfast

✔ Transfers for all scheduled activities

✔ Entrance fees to visited sites

✔ Expert local guides

✔ Athens city tour and transfer to the airport

✔ Bottled water and personal maps

✔ All taxes

Not Included:

✘ Ferry tickets (€28 per person round trip)

✘ Personal expenses

Payment Method: Via bank transfer

IBAN: GR3101102250000022500418235
SWIFT/BIC code: ETHNGRAA
Bank name: National Bank of Greece
Name of beneficiary: Ioanna Kotsi
Deposit description: Post conference tour (your full name)

When you proceed with the payment, please send a copy of the transaction receipt at [email protected] 

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Contact

Prof. Amandine Everard

Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and BIOtechnology (WELBIO), UCLouvain, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium

Bio

Amandine Everard is a researcher associate from the FNRS (Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique) at UCLouvain in Brussels, Belgium. She is professor and leading a researcher group studying the roles of gut microbes in the regulation of host metabolism and food intake at the Louvain Drug Research Institute.

She is author of more than 50 research publications in that field and her work is internationally recognized as she is part of the Highly Cited Researcher over the world.

Summary

Gut microbes: a promising therapeutic target for obesity and type-2 diabetes?

The gut microbiota is a key player involved in health and diseases. Gut microbes have been identified as important regulators of host metabolism. Therefore, different tools targeting the gut microbiota such as probiotics, are studied to reduce obesity and metabolic disorders. Probiotics have a long history of use even if a clear definition only emerged at the end the twentieth century. The more commonly exploited species are lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Over these last years, other genus were also proposed as potential beneficial microbes and are referred as next-generation beneficial bacteria candidates. Among the potential next-generation beneficial bacteria that are under investigation in the context of obesity, Akkermansia muciniphila seems to be a promising candidate. Akkermansia muciniphila is inversely associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiometabolic diseases and low-grade inflammation. We demonstrated that this bacterium was able to counteract diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders in mice. Nowadays, a large body of evidence also demonstrates the causal beneficial effects of Akkermansia muciniphila in several preclinical models. In order to translate these preclinical data into human applications, we administered this bacterium in volunteers suffering from overweight and metabolic syndrome. This study demonstrates that pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila was safe and well tolerated in humans. Moreover, this first exploratory study reveals that Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila has also protectives effects on the deleterious progression of the metabolic syndrome over time in humans. In conclusion, these results support the interest of targeting gut microbes to counteract metabolic disorders.

Prof. Konstantinos Gerasimidis

Professor of Clinical Nutrition, University of Glasgow

Bio

Professor Konstantinos Gerasimidis is Professor of Clinical Nutrition. He has graduated in Nutrition and Dietetics and completed his postgraduate studies in Clinical Nutrition. During his doctoral research at the University of Glasgow, he explored the effect of exclusive enteral nutrition on the gut microbiota and nutritional status of children with Crohn’s disease; Professor Gerasimidis also leads a laboratory team which explores the role of gut microbiota and its interaction with diet in the onset, propagation, and management of acute and chronic conditions. He has a strong interest in exploring the effect of habitual diet, elimination diets and artificial nutritional support on the gut microbiota of children and adults with inflammatory bowel disease.

Summary

In the human gut resides a complex microbial community whose size is at least equal to that of the human body eucaryotic cells, but with a functional capacity which outnumbers that of the host by a number of 100. Recent evidence suggests that this microbial community, often named as the gut microbiome, is important not only for the onset of infectious disease but also for the development of non-communicable conditions, including conditions of the digestive tract. Diet is a major regulator of the human gut microbiome composition and function. However, the role of diet in the causal pathway between the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal disease can be complex. For example, in patients with coeliac disease, it is unclear if the gut microbiome plays a role in the underlying disease pathogenesis, or any changes observed are the effects of treatment with gluten free diet. Likewise, beneficial members of gut microbiome, like Bifidobacteria, have been implicated in the aetiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but treatment of active IBS symptoms with a low FODMAP diet further decreases the concentration of these species, and interventions with probiotics have had modest only effects. An exciting area of future research is whether we can use microbial signatures as prognostic markers of adverse disease outcomes in conditions, like intestinal failure, and also if dietary manipulation of the gut microbiome can control disease activity outcomes in patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Dr Siv Kjølsrud Bøhn

Associate professor, Norwegian University of Life Sciences

Bio

Siv Kjølsrud Bøhn (PhD) is Associate professor at Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Her current scientific focus on improving health via impacting the gut microbiota. Bøhn participates in various clinical trials across different patient populations, mainly taking the responsibility of trial- design and implementation and outcomes ranging from the microbiota-effects, molecular biomarkers, to method validations and measures of fatigue and health-related quality of life. Bøhn has teaching and supervision expertise within nutrition, public health, cell biology, biotechnology, and immunology.

Bøhn has a solid background molecular effects of diet interventions in different patient populations with hands-on experience from clinical trial design, trial implementation and biobanking, biomarker profiling of inflammation and gene expression analysis as well as statistics and bioinformatics.

Summary

Introducing the gut microbiota – why do we have bacteria in our guts and why are they important for health?

On all bodily surfaces that are exposed to the environment we find a complex and diverse ecosystem of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa), collectively termed the microbiota. During the last decades it has become clear that the microbes in the gut (‘the gut microbiota’), are serving many beneficial roles for our health and that disturbances in the gut microbiota are associated with the development of many different diseases. During evolution we have adapted to co-exist with the microbes using efficient strategies to keep the microbes in check in the mucosal linings. At the same time, the microbes help us to digest ‘left-over’ food components that are otherwise indigestible to us. The products of bacterial metabolism in the gut not only provide energy, but also serve other roles such as regulating the immune responses. However, we are only at the beginning of understanding how the gut microbiota and their metabolic products affect our health.

The lecture will introduce the microbiota and broadly explain why we have bacteria in our guts, what they are doing there, how we control them, how they are affected by the food that we eat and why disturbances in the microbiota may lead to diseases of various kinds.