General Information

The 28th Symposium of the Collegium will be held on the beautiful island of Ischia, located in the Bay of Naples, 10 km off the western coast of Italy.

Ischia, historically called Pitecusae, has been colonized in by the Greeks, Syrausansa, Romans, Saracens, Turks, and Aragonese; all of whom were interested in its excellent strategic position as well as its therapeutic hot-spring waters and of course its attractive landscape. The result of all this varied history can be seen in the ruins of various outposts, towers, and "tufa" rock shelters hidden all over the island.

Ischia, the "Green Island", is extraordinary because it offers nature, culture, history and myth within a framework of breathtaking landscape and picturesque architecture.

The currency used in Ischia is the Euro. There are ATMs, or Bancomats, widely available for cash withdrawal. Credit cards are also accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops.

The electrical current in Italy is AC - the cycle is 50Hz 220 V. The European Plug with round prongs is used.

The official language of the 28th Symposium is English, and the official language of Ischia is Italian. English and German are also widely spoken on the island.

Buffet-style lunches will be served in the Regina Isabella hotel following the Oral Abstract Sessions on 26, 28, 29 April. Lunch is included in the registration fee for both delegates and accompanying persons.

All Social Events are included in the registration fee for both delegates and accompanying persons.

The Welcome Reception will be held poolside at the Regina Isabella Hotel. The pool is set on the sea shore of Lacco Ameno, on the Bay of Naples. Musical entertainment will be provided along with refreshments and an assortment of hors d'oeuvres.

Following in the tradition of past Collegium meetings, a boat ride will take place on the third day of the meeting. Participants will board boats near the Regina Isabella Hotel at 12:00. Boats will travel around the island from Lacco Amerno to Forio for lunch at two local restaurants at 13:00. The boats will then depart from Forio at 15:00 with a stop in St. Angelo for shopping and sightseeing. There will also be an opportunity for swimming near St. Angelo on a small stone beach with thermal water. Participants will board the boats in St. Angelo at 17:00 to travel back to Lacco Ameno, arriving at 18:30.

An elegant dinner will be held on the last evening of the Symposium at the Regina Isabella Hotel. The indoor restaurants, with their panoramic windows facing the bay, will provide the perfect setting for the dinner. The hotel restaurants are well known for fine Mediterranean cuisine and a spectacular wine list. Musical entertainment will be provided at the end of the evening for dancing.

Ischia is on Central European Time (CET), which is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

In Italy service is normally included in the restaurant or bar bill, and additionally in most restaurants a cover charge, which ranges from 1 to 3 Euros, depending on the restaurant, is automatically added to the check. Tipping cab drivers is unusual, but appreciated, especially if they help you with your luggage. Tipping hotel porters is also appreciated.

There is no airport on the island of Ischia; however, it is very easy to reach the island by flying into Naples International Airport. The Naples Airport is connected to all major European cities and there are direct flights from North America. The Collegium will arrange transportation from the airport to Naples harbor and thence to the meeting venue. This is included in the registration fee.

It is recommended that participants wishing to attend the Welcome Reception on the evening of 25 April arrive no later than 16:00 that same day to allow for airport transfer times.

The scientific program of the 28th Symposium will take place in the Angelo Rizzoli Conference Centre, which is directly across the Santa Restituta Square from the headquarter hotel, the Albergo della Regina Isabella. Posters will be displayed in the 'Gallery of Posters', which acts as the entrance to the Conference Centre.

The average temperature on the island at the end of April is between 15°C/60°F and 20°C/68°F