Program Overview
On our summertime adventure in the Ionian Sea, we’ll explore the grand island of Kefalonia, one of Greece’s most beloved destinations marked by sandy coves and idyllic seaside towns while we participate in important marine conservation work.
We partner with a wildlife organization dedicated to protecting the sea turtle species that frequent this area’s beaches. These turtles are at risk of extinction due to a variety of factors, including human activities. Our goal will be to monitor the turtles that nest on Lourdas and Ammes beaches and assist with a strategy for future conservation efforts. Some of your volunteer duties will include evening patrols to look for nesting turtles, tagging turtles for monitoring, observing and collecting data about sea turtle interactions, and conducting health and safety talks in the community.* We will also help with beach cleanup!
Outside of our valuable service efforts, we’ll visit some of Greece’s most popular destinations, swim through turquoise blue waters, relax on three island paradises, indulge in local cuisine, and explore the ancient culture that is at the heart of Western Civilization with plenty of opportunities to interact with the hospitable Greek locals who are so passionate about their beloved country.
*Please note you will be doing service that supports the sea turtle population without handling them physically. Turtles are not guaranteed on this program. Participants should be prepared to wake up early some mornings for turtle nest patrolling.
During this program, you will…
- Earn up to 30 hours of service working in marine conservation and research
- Participate in sea turtle environmental education workshops in the community
- Enjoy surfing in Greece, known for its crystal-clear blue waters and pristine white sand beaches
- Patrol sea turtle nesting beaches and take part in scientific research
- Kayak, snorkel, and swim in the Ionian Sea
- Visit the mysterious archeological site of Delphi, considered in ancient times to be the center of the universe
- Eat like a Greek with plump tomatoes, local feta, and fresh calamari served by the sea
- Climb the Acropolis for a close-up look at the Parthenon, one of the most spectacular ancient ruins of the world
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM NEW YORK (JFK)
DAYS 2-8: KEFALONIA SEA TURTLE SERVICE PROJECT
Kefalonia, Greece’s grand island of the Ionian Sea is our home for the first part of our trip, and where we will conduct our important service work protecting the local sea turtle population. Kefalonia’s rugged coastline is marked by dramatic limestone cliffs, colorful seaside towns, and white sandy beaches. This is the perfect place to learn from local Grecians and to experience their classical culture—away from the crowds and the typical tourist path!
As soon as we arrive, we’ll receive an introduction to sea turtle conservation, health and safety from local experts and researchers. Over the next four days, we’ll participate in evening patrols and be ready to spring into action if there is any nesting or hatching activity that happens during the night or early morning. You’ll help collect nest and behavior data, and tag turtles so scientists can track how well they’re doing as they travel. As turtles are wild animals, there is no guarantee of what each day may look like, but that is part of what makes this program so exciting!
Our service work will be paired with plenty of fun activities! You’ll explore picturesque coastal towns, savor authentic cuisine, and kayak around the island. We’ll also visit local beaches and caves, where the striking contrast of turquoise blue waters and white pebble beaches creates a view you’ll never forget as you splash in the surf and unwind under the Mediterranean sun.
For our final day on the island of Kefalonia, we’ll do one last morning harbor survey with Wildlife Sense Kefalonia, our marine conservation partner to wrap up our service component. Then, we’ll spend the afternoon exploring the island’s charming capital city. Wander the lively main square and down its iconic flagstone streets. Discover architectural wonders that date back to the 15th century, take an authentic Greek cooking lesson and savor the delicious dinner you will craft by hand. Kefalonia’s residents are known to be the friendliest and wittiest of Grecians. Enjoy this last day interacting with locals who are always ready with a smile, a helping hand and even a joke!
DAYS 9-10: ATHENS
Leaving Kefalonia, we will head to Athens and go back in time almost 4,000 years to where western civilization was born and new ideas about philosophy, government, and democracy thrived. We will stand atop the magnificent Acropolis and imagine ancient Greek life as it was thousands of years ago as you marvel at the architectural wonder of the Parthenon. Enjoy wandering amongst the lively markets full of fresh food and authentic handmade goods before we celebrate our final night together with a special dinner on a rooftop terrace overlooking the city of Athens lit up at night.
DAY 10: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE USA
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do students like most about the Greece: Sea Turtle Service trip?
Students love that they are able to have a hands-on experience helping protect the endangered sea turtles on the Greece: Sea Turtle Service trip. Combining these meaningful service projects with adventure and exploration provides for a well-rounded experience.
Teens also love that they are able to discover the culture and history of Greece while exploring Athens and contrast their experiences in the city with the charm of the Greek islands.
Students love that they are able to have a hands-on experience helping protect the endangered sea turtles on the Greece: Sea Turtle Service trip. Combining these meaningful service projects with adventure and exploration provides for a well-rounded experience.
Teens also love that they are able to discover the culture and history of Greece while exploring Athens and contrast their experiences in the city with the charm of the Greek islands.
Where do we stay?
Our hotels are chosen specifically in safe areas and are well suited to facilitating group supervision. We stay in centrally located accommodations, usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
In Kefalonia we will stay in a local, beachside accommodation, allowing for easy access to our sea turtle patrolling shifts! In Athens we stay at a great hotel only a five minute walk in the center of Athens near Syntagma.
For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.
Our hotels are chosen specifically in safe areas and are well suited to facilitating group supervision. We stay in centrally located accommodations, usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
In Kefalonia we will stay in a local, beachside accommodation, allowing for easy access to our sea turtle patrolling shifts! In Athens we stay at a great hotel only a five minute walk in the center of Athens near Syntagma.
For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.
What is included?
Tuition cost includes ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts and dinners.
Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; lunches; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.
Tuition cost includes ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts and dinners.
Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; lunches; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.
What is the food like in Greece?
In a word – delicious! At TFT, we believe food should be an integral part of the travel experience and always make an effort to eat at authentic establishments when we can. What better way to immerse yourself in the culture of a place than by sampling the local delicacies, and we encourage students to do so whenever possible! Just as we stay away from Americanized hotel chains, we try to avoid restaurants with menus that cater only to tourists because every good traveler knows the best food is found wherever the locals are eating!
In Greece, we will enjoy class Greek cuisine, including the original Greek salad with mouth-watering tomatoes and locally made feta, famous grilled meats and fresh seafood, and world-renowned baklava. The secret to Greek food is the fresh, simple ingredients, and you’ll begin to understand why this is the secret to one of the best diets in the world: the Mediterranean diet! We also love to have picnics al fresco, and do this whenever possible, which is a great way to taste some local food while sitting out in the fresh air taking in the sights and sounds of our surroundings.
Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.
In a word – delicious! At TFT, we believe food should be an integral part of the travel experience and always make an effort to eat at authentic establishments when we can. What better way to immerse yourself in the culture of a place than by sampling the local delicacies, and we encourage students to do so whenever possible! Just as we stay away from Americanized hotel chains, we try to avoid restaurants with menus that cater only to tourists because every good traveler knows the best food is found wherever the locals are eating!
In Greece, we will enjoy class Greek cuisine, including the original Greek salad with mouth-watering tomatoes and locally made feta, famous grilled meats and fresh seafood, and world-renowned baklava. The secret to Greek food is the fresh, simple ingredients, and you’ll begin to understand why this is the secret to one of the best diets in the world: the Mediterranean diet! We also love to have picnics al fresco, and do this whenever possible, which is a great way to taste some local food while sitting out in the fresh air taking in the sights and sounds of our surroundings.
Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.