GREEK ISLANDS SEA TURTLE ADVENTURE
for more details and booking click here
limited places available
On this journey you’ll join a sea turtle conservation project in Kefalonia, a picture-perfect Greek island with idyllic white sand and bright turquoise seas. Combine tons of fun, active adventures, blissful beach time, cultural immersion AND gain 30 hours of college service credit!
The sea turtles that inhabit the shore of Kefalonia are endangered and at risk of extinction; negatively affected by human activity and changes in the climate. During your project work, you will be monitoring and protecting the turtles, both in the sea and during their nesting on the beaches. You’ll take part in surveys, nest patrols, turtle tagging and data collection. You’ll assist in the protection of their environment by monitoring the seagrass and helping with beach cleans.
While not on project you’ll get to explore both Kefalonia and surrounding islands by kayak, boat and paddle board! There’ll be more delicious Greek meals than you can dream of. Get to grips with the ancient civilization on which modern society is built as you marvel at the impressive architecture of Epidavros and the Acropolis. Explore colorful cobblestone streets, mix with the locals, climb to get the best views, cook up a storm, watch the sun go down and then dance the night away Greek style. Learn, grow and have the time of your life!
Limited places available - sign up now so you don’t miss out!
International flights not included. Option to be met by your GIA representative at JFK to join group flight to Athens. Participants arriving into Athens on Day 1 will be met at Athens by GIA representative for flight to Kefalonia.
10th - 22nd July, 2024
*Please note you will be doing service that supports the sea turtle population, without handling them physically. Please note that turtles are not guaranteed on this program.
Day 1: Arrival Kefalonia
You'll be greeted by your tour manager at the airport in Kefalonia and will be taken to drop your bags at the hotel in Argostoli, the lively capital of Kefalonia. Have a wander around town and along the pretty promenade before heading out for dinner together as a group to enjoy your first of many delicious Greek meals!
Overnight: Kefalonia
(D)
Day 2: Project Introduction and Snorkel Practice
Begin your day with an orientation meeting to get to know the project and the team. Learn all about the turtles, the harbour and the nesting process. Then cool off with some snorkel practice at the beach.
You’ll have some free time to see the beautiful beaches and settle into island life. Why not head over to beautiful Makris Gialos for some paddle board fun? In the evening, there will be a couple more presentations about Sea Turtle biology and seagrass ecology before your meal.
Overnight: Kefalonia
(B,D)
Day 3: Harbor Sea Turtle Survey and Meet the Bees!
This morning it’s off to the harbor for a morning snorkel survey to observe and record the turtles and their behaviour. They concentrate in the harbour when fishing boats return with the morning catch. If any turtles are in danger you'll be helping them out, so it's life saving work!
After your hard work, you’ll enjoy a visit to a beekeeping hive in the afternoon. Don your beekeeper suit and learn all about the bees, hives and vital work they do for humans (as well as tasting the delicious honey!).
Later on you’ll have another presentation about the use of drones in conservation and a practical workshop, before a fabulous evening meal.
Overnight: Kefalonia
(B, D)
Day 4: Beach Nest & Snorkel Surveys plus Greek Cookery Class!
This morning you will arrive at the beach early, searching for fresh turtle tracks and then locating, marking, measuring and protecting all nests that were laid during the previous night. In the afternoon, after some downtime, you’ll take part in another snorkel survey off the beach.
In the evening, explore more of Greece’s amazing culinary traditions while you roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty at your traditional cooking class. You’ll learn how to make a delicious Greek meal with a local family at an organic farm. You’ll then be able to sit down together to savor the fruits of your labor!
Overnight: Kefalonia
(B,D)
Day 5: Project Work & Sea Kayaking Adventure
Today in the morning you’ll do another habor snorkeling survey. Then it’s off on an active adventure to explore the island by kayak. You’ll spend the rest of the day taking in the coastline from another perspective - from the sea! You’ll pass different coastlines of caves, natural arches, rock gardens, remote white sandy beaches and high limestone cliffs.
In the evening you’ll continue your project work by taking part in a beach clean up before heading out to dinner.
Overnight: Kefalonia
(B, D)
Day 6: Full day of Project Work and Movie Night!
An early morning beach nest survey followed by some downtime. Relax on the beach or head down to Saint Theodore’s Lighthouse for some stunning views. In the afternoon, another snorkel survey calls and in the evening we’ll head out to the square and have a delicious Greek gyro, as the locals do. Later there’ll be an outdoor movie evening!
Overnight: Kefalonia
(B,D)
Day 7: Last Day of Project Work and it’s off to the Beach!
This is your last day of project work. Say a sad goodbye to the turtles in your final morning survey. In the afternoon, you’ll then head over to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches of Myrtos and Petani for swimming and relaxation. After all your hard work, you deserve it! In the evening we have a final wrap up and head out for a celebratory meal!
Overnight: Kefalonia
(B,D)
Day 8: Ships ahoy! Boat trip to Ithaca island.
Today you'll take to the seas and set off to nearby island Ithaca on a full-day boat trip. Ithaca is renowned as the home of Odysseus from Homer's epic tales and is truly stunning. Plenty of stops for swimming in the blue seas and a picnic lunch in paradise.
Overnight: Kefalonia
(B,D)
Day 9: Heading to the Peloponnese
This morning you’ll experience real Greek island hopping on your Greek island ferry! On the mainland, you’ll be picked up and taken by bus to the picturesque seaside town of Nafplion where you’ll be able to explore the charming narrow cobbled streets. This afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to climb the 999 steps up to Palamidi Fortress to enjoy the breathtaking views. Make sure you spend some time strolling and people watching around the bustling streets, full of cafes, restaurants, and shops. Topped off with a delicious seafront dinner.
Overnight: Nafplion
(B, D)
Day 10: Epidaurus Amphitheater and the Sanctuary of Asklepios
Today you’ll discover the magnificent ruins of Epidaurus and the wonders of ancient Greek engineering and architecture as you experience the incredible acoustics of the enormous and beautiful amphitheater. Delve deeper with your tour guide as you learn about ancient Greek culture and mythology at this UNESCO world heritage site. In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time in Nafplion before an evening meal.
Overnight: Nafplion
(B,D)
Day 11: Awesome Athens
You’ll head off to Athens today by bus. After check in and a freshen up, enjoy a walk around this fascinating city. You’ll visit the Temple of Zeus and then walk up Mount Lycabettus to get the very best views over the city.
This evening enjoy a lovely meal in a Greek taverna in the centre.
Overnight: Athens
(B, D)
Day 12: Acropolis & Greek Dancing
This morning begins with sightseeing in Athens. Here you will visit the Parthenon, see the Greek soldiers guard change (second only to the British guard change for its impressive nature) and take a break to try some typical ‘on the go’ goodies as you walk around, such as the koulouri and famous Greek coffee.
This afternoon you will have more exploration time, perhaps an opportunity to buy some souvenirs and gifts, or to visit the ancient agoras and/or Tower of the Winds.
This evening enjoy a typical Greek meal in a stunning location up in the hills overlooking Athens and learn some Greek dance moves while there. Opa!
Overnight: Athens
(B, D)
Day 13: Departure
Time to say Yassas to Greece! You will be taken to the airport in time for your flight home. We hope to see you back here soon!
(B)
Total Cost: From $4995
What is included
Activities and Entrances
Greek Dancing
Full Day Boat Trip to Ithaca
Sea Kayaking Adventure
Paddle Boarding
Greek cookery class
Bee-keeping visit
Guided visit to Epidavros
Guided visit to the Acropolis
Outdoor Cinema Night
Palamidi Fortress Entrance
Day trip to some of Kefalonia’s most beautiful beaches.
Project:
Snorkel surveys to monitor the seagrass
Harbor surveys to monitor the sea turtle behavior
Nesting walks to check on the welfare of the turtle nests and ensure they are safe
Presentations about ecology, conservation, climate change, biology and technology.
Beach clean duties
Not included in this Trip:
International flights (we can set these up for you)
Visa costs
Cancellation insurance (Medical up to $50,000 and baggage insurance are included)