Excursions
For the Mid-congress excursion it is possible to choose one of the following three options:
1. ● Alpi Marittime Natural Park a) a 2-hour easy hike and lunch at the historical Royal Hunting Lodge; b) a 4-hour more demanding hike up to 2,400 m asl. 2. ● Langhe Region - visit to a natural reserve, wine tasting and traditional lunch. 3. ● Venaria Royal Residence and La Mandria Natural Park. ● Post-congress excursion (30-31 August). Excursions have limited number of participants, priority will be based on registration order. Congress participants will be allowed to collect spiders and other arachnids during Mid-congress excursions. |
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Accompanying persons are entitled to attend a Special Program full of pleasant activities to fill the time when scientists are busy with the congress (see here).
Mid-congress Excursions
The Mid-congress excursions will take place on 27th August.
1. Alpi Marittime Natural Park
Alpi Marittime Natural Park covers a surface area of 28,455 hectares and spreads over three alpine valleys (Gesso, Stura, Vermenagna) and five municipalities (Aisone, Entracque, Roaschia, Valdieri, Vernante). The Park high mountain landscape is characterized by the presence of more than eighty lakes, each of these with particular features as far as shape, size, and color are concerned. The area of Alpi Marittime is famous all over the world for being an alpine biodiversity hotspot. More than 2,600 botanic species (30 endemic) are recorded. The fauna includes chamois, alpine ibex, marmot, wolves, black grouses, rock ptarmigans, and many migratory species. There are seven couples of golden eagles and the bearded vulture.
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a) Piano del Valasco
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b) Rifugio Questa
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2. Langhe Region Excursion
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3. Venaria Royal Residence & La Mandria Natural Park
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Traditionally used as the King personal Hunting Reserve, la Mandria Natural Park was founded in 1978 by the regional council of Piedmont, it occupies a wide area North-West of Torino. It is the largest enclosed park in Europe, with a surface of some 3,000 hectares, surrounded by a 35 km long wall built in mid-19th century. The park included one of the last relics of the forest which once covered the whole Po plain.
The excursion includes the visit to the Royal Residence and to the Park. Lunch will be served in the Park restaurant.
The excursion includes the visit to the Royal Residence and to the Park. Lunch will be served in the Park restaurant.
Post-congress Excursion
The Post-congress excursion will take place after the congress, on 30-31 August and has limited number of participants,
priority will be based on registration order.
If you would like to participate to the post conference excursions please consider to book additional nights on your accommodation request.
priority will be based on registration order.
If you would like to participate to the post conference excursions please consider to book additional nights on your accommodation request.
On day one a bus will be organized to reach the Bossea Cave, located about 100 km South of Torino. Bossea cave is the largest cave in Piedmont open to visitors. It counts 81 species of cave dwelling organisms (most of them steno-endemic, including cave spiders, palpigrads and cave beetles).
Day one will be dedicated to the presentations of the first results of the CAVELAB Project, an interdisciplinary research project focusing on the effect of temperature on cave ecosystems. The interactive session will be organized inside the cave, with speakers from different disciplines, including experts of cave biodiversity, cave ecology and cave physics. An exquisite dinner will be served in a local restaurant nearby the cave. It is advisable to visit the cave with suitable clothing (temperature 9° C). Collection is not permitted. |
On day two participants will discover
the gastronomic heaven of EATALY, a high-end Italian food market
comprising a variety of restaurants, food and beverage stations, bakery,
and retail items. Eataly was born in 2000 and is sponsored by Slow Food,
an international movement founded by Carlo Petrini in 1986. Promoted as
an alternative to fast food, it strives to preserve traditional and
regional cuisine and encourages farming of plants, seeds and livestock
characteristic of the local ecosystem.
After tasting the delicacies of the local cuisine, participants will move to the QC Terme Torino, for one afternoon dedicated to hydro massages, saunas, steam baths and relaxation rooms: a corner of peace and wellness in the heart of the city and a relaxing aperitivo in the outdoor pool (bring your swimming suite)! |