TRAVEL GREEN to Euneos courses' venues

In a time when taking care of the environment is more important than ever, the Erasmus+ program stands out not just for promoting educational exchanges and cultural understanding but also for promoting sustainable travel. Explore our recommendations for green travel to our destinations.

TRAVEL GREEN to Ohrid

**From Neighboring Countries:** Teachers from neighboring countries such as Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece can travel to Ohrid by bus, car, or train. The road connections are generally good, and cross-border bus services are frequent and direct, especially from major cities like Tirana, Sofia, Belgrade, and Thessaloniki.

**Rail Travel:** While direct train services to Ohrid are limited, connections can be made through Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, with subsequent bus transfers to Ohrid.

TRAVEL GREEN to Rovaniemi and Ivalo/Inari, Finnish Lapland

**From Finland and Neighboring Baltic Sea countries:** Teachers traveling from within Finland or from Sweden can reach Rovaniemi and Ivalo by rail, bus, or car. Rovaniemi is accessible by train from major Finnish cities like Helsinki and Oulu, with comfortable and environmentally friendly rail services extending through to Rovaniemi. However, rail services do not extend to Ivalo; the last major stop is in Rovaniemi, after which travelers can switch to bus services to reach Ivalo/Inari.

**Bus Travel:** Comprehensive bus services connect Rovaniemi and Ivalo with other Finnish towns and cities. The bus journey from Rovaniemi to Ivalo takes approximately 3-4 hours and offers stunning views of the Lapland wilderness.

**Crossing from Sweden: **For those coming from Sweden, the most common route involves crossing the border at Haparanda-Tornio, then continuing by bus or car. This route is especially scenic and allows for a deeper appreciation of the Nordic landscapes.

These travel options provide robust connectivity to Finnish Lapland's educational course locations, supporting the Erasmus+ program’s emphasis on green travel by offering sustainable, scenic travel options to Rovaniemi and Ivalo.

TRAVEL GREEN to Porto, Portugal

 **From Neighboring Spain:** Teachers from Spain can travel to Porto easily by train, bus, or car. The road and rail links are especially robust between Porto and cities like Vigo, Santiago de Compostela, and Madrid. High-speed trains and frequent bus services offer convenient cross-border connectivity.

**Rail and Bus Travel:** Porto is well connected within Portugal via its extensive rail and bus networks. Direct trains from Lisbon and other major Portuguese cities like Coimbra and Faro are available, providing efficient travel options that support green initiatives.

**Coastal and Inland Routes:** For those traveling by car, the scenic routes along the coast or through the interior offer a pleasant journey, with Porto being accessible via major highways.

This connectivity facilitates easy and sustainable travel for educators planning to attend courses in Porto, enhancing their experience while adhering to the principles of green travel as advocated by the Erasmus+ program

TRAVEL GREEN to Thessaloniki, Greece

**From Neighboring Countries:** Teachers from countries like Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Turkey can easily travel to Thessaloniki by bus, car, or train. The road and rail networks connecting these countries with Thessaloniki are well-developed, facilitating straightforward travel.

**Rail Travel:** Thessaloniki is well-connected by train to Sofia and Belgrade, and there are direct international bus services from cities such as Skopje and Istanbul. These options are both economical and convenient for participants coming from nearby regions.

**Local Greek Travel:** For domestic participants, Thessaloniki is a major hub in the Greek railway and road network, making it accessible from all major Greek cities. The city also hosts Greece's third-largest airport, offering additional travel options for those coming from further afield within Greece.

This setup ensures easy access for educators attending courses in Thessaloniki and promotes the use of sustainable travel methods in line with the Erasmus+ green travel policies.

TRAVEL GREEN to Barcelona and Malaga

**From France:** Teachers can travel to both Spanish cities by high-speed train (Renfe-SNCF cooperation), car, or bus. Major French cities like Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse have direct train routes that connect to Barcelona. Road travel is also quite feasible given the proximity and quality of the motorways.

**From Portugal:** Travel options include trains and buses to both destinations. Although there is no direct train from Lisbon to Barcelona or Malaga, connections can be made through Madrid. Buses provide direct services to these cities and may be more economical.

**Erasmus+ Green Travel Policy:**

  - The program advocates for the use of green travel methods for distances under 500 km. This guideline is particularly relevant for educators coming from the aforementioned neighboring countries. Opting for buses or car-sharing over air travel can be a more sustainable choice and is often quite feasible given the geographic proximity.

  - For educators traveling from slightly further regions within these countries, while they may exceed the 500 km limit, the emphasis on selecting the greenest travel options available still applies.

**Incentives for Green Travel:**

  - Schools and educational institutions that opt for green travel methods are eligible for increased support from the Erasmus+ program.

  - This support accounts for the potential 1-2 day increase in travel time each way, facilitating a more relaxed and environmentally conscious travel plan.

**Support from National Offices:**

  - National Erasmus+ Offices in the respective countries can offer assistance and guidance to applicants regarding sustainable travel options and the details of obtaining increased funding.

This plan helps to promote environmental sustainability while supporting educational mobility in the Balkan region. It encourages the use of eco-friendly transportation options, aligning with the Erasmus+ program's goals to enhance educational exchanges and reduce the environmental footprint of travel.