In Person Walking Tour: Old and New Patras - 14 June 2026

The Tourism & Leisure Conference is pleased to offer the following Pre-Conference Tour.

Discover the fascinating layers of Patras — from ancient Roman landmarks to lively modern squares — on this engaging afternoon walking tour that ends with a breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Patras.

We begin with a guided visit to the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, the largest church in Greece, built on the sacred site where Apostle Saint Andrew was martyred. Here, we’ll explore both the Old and New Saint Andrew Churches and the Demetra’s Spring, an ancient water source associated with the area’s early Christian and pre-Christian history.

From there, we stroll along Trion Navarchon Street and Riga Fereou Street, two of Patras’ most vibrant thoroughfares filled with cafés, local shops, and neoclassical charm. We pause at Queen Olga’s Square and King George I Square, the beating heart of the city, where we admire the Apollo Theatre, a masterpiece designed by Ernst Ziller that stands as a symbol of Patras’ cultural heritage.

Our walk continues along Gerokostopoulou Street and Ifestou Street, both bustling with life and lined with historic façades. We then reach the Roman Stadium and the Roman Odeum, two well-preserved monuments that reveal the grandeur of Patras during the Roman era.

We’ll then visit the Pantokratoras Church, one of the oldest surviving Byzantine churches in the city, before wandering through the oldest streets of Patras that wind around the Castle of Patras, offering glimpses into centuries of layered history.

Our journey culminates at the St. Nicholas Stairs, one of the city’s iconic staircases connecting the lower and upper towns. From here, we’ll enjoy a stunning sunset view over the rooftops of Patras, the harbor, and the Rio–Antirrio Bridge — a perfect finale to our exploration.

Tour Highlights:

  • Guided visit to the Cathedral of Saint Andrew (Old & New Churches)
  • Stop at Demetra’s Spring
  • Walk through Trion Navarchon, Riga Fereou, and the city’s main squares
  • View of Apollo Theatre at King George Square
  • Visit to the Roman Odeum and Roman Stadium from the outside.
  • Stroll through the Old Town and around the Castle of Patras
  • Sunset from St. Nicholas Stairs

Includes:

  • English-speaking professional guide
  • Walking route through historic and cultural landmarks

Not Included:

  • Food and beverages

Date: 14 June, 2026
Time: 17:30 h (5 PM)
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Meeting point: Cathedral of Saint Andrew (Map)
Cost: 25 USD$

Booking: Reservations can be made by clicking the button below. Please note, that only reservations that have been paid in full will be considered confirmed and space is limited. Simply requesting a reservation will not guarantee a place on the tour.

Conference Opening Reception - 15 June 2026

The Tourism & Leisure Studies Conference is pleased to announce the Conference Opening Reception.

The International Conference on Tourism & Leisure Studies will be hosting a Opening Reception at the University of Patras directly following the last session of the day. Join other delegates and plenary speakers to enjoy drinks and light hors d'oeuvres.

Date: 15 June 2026
Time: Directly following the last session of the day
Cost: Free to all conference delegates
Location: University of Patras

There is no need to pre-register for this event.

Online Special Events

Online Welcome and Training Session

Join other delegates for a pre-conference welcome reception and training session.

We are excited to announce the online conference will be delivered on the CGScholar platform – developed by the Common Ground Media Lab, the research and technology arm of Common Ground Research Networks.

This special event will walk you through the CGScholar Event Microsite so you have a rich online experience by learning how to comment and participate online. It will also teach delegates how to update their profile and Presenter Pages in order to add digital media: video, sound, and other files.

12 June 2026 - 19:00 PM (Greece Time Zone) / 11:00 AM (Central Standard Time USA)

Online Talking Circle

Talking Circles are a distinctive feature of our in-person conference, and this year we are also taking them online. Talking Circles offer an opportunity to meet other delegates face-to-face, and engage in extended discussion about the issues and concerns they feel are of utmost importance to that segment of the Research Network. Participation is open, encouraged, and supported.

16 June 2026 - 18:00 PM (Greece Time Zone) / 10:00AM (Central Standard Time USA)