Workshop Information


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Workshop on Innovative Solutions for Sea Mine Disposal
Sea Mine Countermeasures: Exploring Neutralisation Options

Tuesday 14 April - Wednesday 15 April 2009
NURC, A NATO Research Centre, La Spezia, Italy

VENUE & TRAVEL INFORMATION

map of La Spezia

NURC is located in the "zona portuale" of La Spezia, in the region of Liguria, inside the Marina Militare "base" at Muggiano. The nearest airports are Pisa (90 km) to the south, and Genova (110 km) to the north. Our suggestion is to land in either of these two airports and rent a car there to reach La Spezia.

La Spezia is also linked by rail to the major cities in Italy. The train station, 10 km from NURC, is La Spezia Centrale -- train schedules are available at www.trenitalia.it. There is bus and taxi service from the train station to NURC. Taxis are not allowed inside the base.

Visiting the Centre

You must be registered for the Workshop to enter the Centre. Please bring two photo identification (ID) documents with you.

  • Stop at the guard/visitor entrance of the base to obtain a base visitor ID and a temporary car permit if you are driving. You will need to surrender a photo ID document in exchange for the visitor pass.
  • Drive along the main road and follow the signs to NURC. The visitor parking area is located on the right, past the stop sign.
  • There will be a 2nd securiy check at the entrance of the building. You will be given a NURC visitor ID in exchange for your 2nd photo ID document.
  • Note that cell phones are not permitted in the building; lockers are available to hold your cell phone. Laptops are authorised only with prior arrangement.

Travel Information

Air
Pisa International Airport is the closest airport to Lerici (90 km).  Pisa is connected to Milano and Roma by regular domestic flights.  Pisa also has direct connections from London, Frankfurt, Munich, Paris CDG, and Brussels CRL.  Genova (120 km) and Florence (170 km) airports are also nearby.  Genova has direct daily connections to Frankfurt, Zürich, London LGW, and Munich.  Trans Atlantic flights usually arrive at either Milano (230 km) or Roma (415 km).

Rail
The nearest railway station to the Centre is in La Spezia. There are multi-daily train connections from Genova, Firenze, Milano and Roma to La Spezia.  From Pisa airport, take a shuttle to the Pisa train station (30 minutes), then take a train to La Spezia (1 hour).  From the Malpensa airport in Milano, take a bus shuttle to the train station Centrale (1 hour), and then take a train to La Spezia (3-4 hours).  From Genova airport, take a shuttle to the train station Genova Principe(40 minutes), and then take a train to La Spezia (90 minutes). The Italian Rail Web Site is: http://www.trenitalia.it

Bus/Taxi
Journey time by taxi from the central railway station of La Spezia to the Centre is around 15 minutes.  Expect to pay approximately €20-25 Euro (tipping not included).  Taxi bookings at Central railway station in La Spezia: 0187-714-805.

Journey time by bus from the central railway station of La Spezia to NURC is around 30 minutes. The bus stops just in front of the naval base (Mariperman).  Bus tickets can be purchased at the Railway stations, most magazine dealers, and coffee bars.

Car
It is possible to drive from most European cities to the La Spezia and Lerici area, without leaving the motorways.  Note: as you exit the motorway, you have to pay a toll.  Almost every “self-service Viacard” gate will accept credit cards.  From Genova or Parma, drive towards Livorno and exit the motorway at the La Spezia or, if you drive to Lerici, at Sarzana toll station. Follow road signs to Lerici.  From Rome, Florence, Livorno, or Pisa, exit the motorway at La Spezia or, if you drive to Lerici, at the Sarzana toll station and follow road signs to Lerici.

In order to drive in the town of Lerici in the summertime, one must obtain a driving permit.  If staying at the Hotel Florida or Venere Azzurra this may be obtained upon check-in.  If staying at any other hotel, you will not be able to obtain a permit and it will not be possible to drive into the “down town” section of Lerici.

Climate
Temperatures in La Spezia are relatively mild in April, with an average high of 19 ºC.  The weather may be unpredictable, so we advise bringing suitable wet weather clothing.

Credit Cards
Generally, most credit cards (Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Eurocard) are accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops.

Dress Code
The dress of the day for military and civilian invitees at the workshop is business casual. 

.Electricity Supply
The voltage in Italy is 220 Volts and 50 Hertz.

Meals and Refreshments
During the workshop participants will have access to the Centre’s cafeteria (approximately €5 for a full meal) and the Centre’s coffee bar (small cost required for vouchers).

Telephone
The International Dialing Code for Italy is +39 and the area code for Lerici and La Spezia is 0187.  Phone Cards can be purchased at several places (i.e., airport, rail station, coffee bar, magazine dealers) and they are less expensive than using the room phones in the hotels.

Time Change
La Spezia follows central European time (GMT +01:00).  In April the time will be 2 hours ahead of GMT, to include daylight savings time.