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Greece · Summer 2027

Teen travel programs to Greece

On Rustic Pathways teen travel programs to Greece, students support the work of Wildlife Sense on Kefalonia, the largest island in the Ionian Sea, surveying loggerhead turtle nests at dawn and monitoring the harbor. On a separate culture and food program, students explore Venice and Verona in Italy before taking in the Acropolis, Delphi and a Greek cooking class.

  • 2 programs
  • 9 or 12 days
  • Ages 14–18
  • From $3,495 Program Tuition
See the two programs Compare Greece with similar countries↓
A Rustic Pathways group gathers at sunrise on a beach in Greece beside wooden nest-protection frames, one student holding a blue sieve A student leaps off a boat past a Greek flag into clear blue water in Greece

From $3,495 Program Tuition2 programs · Ages 14–18 · 11 departures

See the programs
See the programs
Operating in Greece
Since 2024
Local language
Greek, plus Italian on Italy & Greece
Getting there
Optional chaperoned group flight from Newark

Two Greece programs for summer 2027

Rustic Pathways offers two Greece teen travel programs for summer 2027: 9-day Island Turtle Conservation with service hours on Kefalonia and 12-day Italy & Greece focused on food and culture.

Compare the Greece programs

The two Greece programs vary by length, Program Tuition, where students stay and what they do.

The two Rustic Pathways programs in Greece compared
Island Turtle Conservation$3,495Italy & Greece: Culture, Food & Exploration$5,395
Choose this if…Your teen wants field research with sea turtles on a Greek island.Your teen wants food, culture and ancient sites in Italy and Greece.
Length9 days12 days
Program Tuition$3,495$5,395
Where students stayLodging a short drive from the nesting beaches on Kefalonia, in the Ionian SeaA base property in the Veneto region, then a central hotel in Athens
Service or learning20 service hours with Wildlife Sense: nesting beach surveys, seagrass mapping and harbor turtle monitoringNo service hours; a Venetian mask-making workshop, Italian and Greek cooking classes and a Greek dance class
AdventureCave of Melissani, a full-day boat outing along the coast, island hopping, a sunset dinnerVenice canals, the Acropolis and Parthenon, Mycenae and the Lion Gate, Delphi
See dates→See dates→

Prices are in U.S. dollars. Program Tuition is not the total cost. Flights to and from the program, the enrollment fee, medical insurance (required), travel insurance (optional) and personal expenses are separate.

Students crouch on a beach searching the sand for sea turtle nests in GreeceStudents kneel on the sand around a sea turtle nest on a beach in Greece

Which Greece program fits your teen?

Greece has two separate programs in different places: sea turtle fieldwork on Kefalonia, and a culture and food program that starts in northern Italy and ends in Athens.

Choose in Greece…

Look beyond Greece if…

  • Your teen wants marine science for longer at lower tuition: Italy, 12 days at $3,395.
  • You want less science and service, and two countries at $5,395 with a surf lesson and Barcelona: Portugal, from Lisbon to Barcelona.
  • You want lower tuition and a shorter flight from the U.S., with a sea turtle program among the choices: Costa Rica, from $2,495.

What Greece Program Tuition includes

Greece Program Tuition ranges from $3,495 to $5,395 for 9 or 12 days, including accommodations, scheduled meals, ground transportation, airport transfers within designated windows, and planned activities. The flights between Athens and Kefalonia, and from Italy to Athens, are also included.

Included

  • Accommodation for every program night
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from the first meal after airport pickup through the last meal before airport drop-off
  • Airport transfers within the published arrival and departure windows
  • Ground transportation during the program
  • Flights between Athens and Kefalonia and from Italy to Athens
  • All scheduled activities, excursions and entrance fees listed in the program itinerary
  • Gratuities and donations, so students never need to bring money to give away
  • Program Leaders housed on site and available overnight
  • 24/7 emergency support line for families

Not included

  • Flights to and from the program, including the optional chaperoned group flight
  • A one-time enrollment fee, starting at $100 when you enroll early and rising closer to departure
  • Medical insurance with coverage in Greece, plus Italy on Italy & Greece (required)
  • Travel insurance (optional, and strongly recommended)
  • Personal expenses, such as spending money, laundry and phone data

Compare 2027 departures

Summer 2027 teen travel departure dates by program

Rustic Pathways’ Island Turtle Conservation and Italy & Greece programs depart between June 16 and July 28, 2027 (11 departures). Compare these dates program by program in the timeline below.

Calendar tip: Each bar runs from the day a program starts to the day it ends. Select one to view that departure.

Program
  1. Jun 14
  2. Jun 21
  3. Jun 28
  4. Jul 5
  5. Jul 12
  6. Jul 19
  7. Jul 26
  8. Aug 2
  9. Aug 9
Turtles
  1. Island Turtle Conservation, June 16 to 24: Jun 16
  2. Island Turtle Conservation, June 23 to July 1: Jun 23
  3. Island Turtle Conservation, July 7 to 15: Jul 7
  4. Island Turtle Conservation, July 21 to 29: Jul 21
  5. Island Turtle Conservation, July 28 to August 5: Jul 28
Italy & Greece
  1. Italy & Greece: Culture, Food & Exploration, June 17 to 28: Jun 17
  2. Italy & Greece: Culture, Food & Exploration, June 24 to July 5: Jun 24
  3. Italy & Greece: Culture, Food & Exploration, July 1 to 12: Jul 1
  4. Italy & Greece: Culture, Food & Exploration, July 8 to 19: Jul 8
  5. Italy & Greece: Culture, Food & Exploration, July 15 to 26: Jul 15
  6. Italy & Greece: Culture, Food & Exploration, July 22 to August 2: Jul 22

Greece vs. Italy, Portugal and Costa Rica

Greece differs from Italy, Portugal & Spain and Costa Rica by offering two programs: 9 days of sea turtle fieldwork on Kefalonia or 12 days exploring food and culture in Italy and Greece. Italy offers marine biology in Imperia; Portugal & Spain features surf, cities and culture from Lisbon to Barcelona; and Costa Rica offers turtles, surfing or service at the lowest tuition.

Greece compared with Italy, Portugal and Costa Rica
This pageGreece$3,495–$5,395Italy$3,395Portugal & Spain$5,395Costa Rica$2,495–$3,495
Choose this if…Your teen wants turtle fieldwork, or Italian and Greek food and history.Your teen wants Mediterranean marine biology for less Program Tuition.1Your teen wants surf, cities and culture across two countries in 12 days.2Your teen has a specific interest: turtles, surf or service.3
Length9 or 12 days12 days, 10 nights12 days, 10 nights8 days, 7 nights
Program Tuition$3,495–$5,395$3,395$5,395$2,495–$3,495
Local languageGreek, plus Italian on Italy & GreeceItalianPortuguese and SpanishSpanish
Time difference in July47 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern6 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern5 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern2 hours behind U.S. Eastern
Travel time from New York59 hr 10 min nonstop7 hr 55 min nonstop6 hr 55 min nonstop5 hr 17 min nonstop
Travel time from Los Angeles14 hr 20 min, 1 stop13 hr 50 min, 1 stop13 hr 20 min, 1 stop6 hr 7 min nonstop
Travel time from Miami13 hr, 1 stop9 hr 40 min nonstop8 hr 25 min nonstop2 hr 50 min nonstop
Travel time from London3 hr 35 min nonstop1 hr 55 min nonstop2 hr 45 min nonstop14 hr 5 min, 1 stop
Travel time from Hong Kong15 hr 5 min, 1 stop18 hr 40 min, 1 stop17 hr 40 min, 1 stop22 hr 45 min, 1 stop
Getting therePassport. Optional chaperoned group flight from Newark, to Athens or Italy by program.Passport. Optional chaperoned group flight from Newark.Passport. Starts in Lisbon, ends in Barcelona.Passport. Optional chaperoned group flights from Los Angeles, plus Newark or Miami by date.
Land vs. waterKefalonia turtle beaches, or Venice to the Peloponnese, by program.Marine biology on the Ligurian coast at Imperia.Surf and a boat day in Portugal, Costa Brava in Spain.Volcano, turtle beach or surf coast, by program.
ServiceTurtle fieldwork, 20 hours; none on Italy & GreeceMarine biology study12 service hours, including farm work in SpainSchools, trails, turtles or beaches, 12 to 26 hours
2027 departures11 across two programs2: Jul 1, Jul 156: Jun 24, Jul 1, Jul 8, Jul 15, Jul 22, Jul 2918 across four programs
See the Greece programs↑View Italy programs→View Portugal & Spain programs→View Costa Rica programs→

Prices are in U.S. dollars. Program Tuition is not the total cost. Flights to and from the program, the enrollment fee, medical insurance (required), travel insurance (optional) and personal expenses are separate.

Is teen travel to Greece safe?

Yes, teen travel to Greece is safe on a supervised Rustic Pathways program. The U.S. State Department rates Greece Level 1, the lowest of its four advisory levels,6 and Italy, the other country on Italy & Greece, Level 2;7 summer falls in Greece’s warm, rainless season.8

Rustic Pathways has run programs in Greece since 2024, with Program Leaders housed on site and available overnight and a 24/7 emergency support line.

Students in blue shirts crouch at the edge of a pebbly beach in Greece, working on the sand below a scrubby hillsideStudents sit in the sand around a nest marked off with red and white tape and stakes on a beach in GreeceTwo students in snorkels and fins float in clear shallow water in Greece, one holding a blue foam floatStudents float in a ring holding hands in clear blue sea in Greece, seen from a boat above

Why book Greece with Rustic Pathways

Booking with Rustic Pathways brings a chaperoned flight option, the MyRustic portal and an advisor you can call.

  • A Rustic Pathways group sits in a row along a large Kefalonia sign on the harbor front in Greece, with a sailing ship and green hills behindStudents in matching purple shirts kneel and stand on a harbor walkway in Greece, with mountains across the bay

    In Greece since 2024

    Rustic Pathways has run Greece programs since 2024 and student travel since 1983. Island Turtle Conservation students work with Wildlife Sense marine biologists on Kefalonia; both Greece programs visit Athens.

  • A Rustic Pathways student group stands with luggage in an airport terminal before a group flightRustic Pathways students in matching green shirts sit together on a chaperoned group flight

    Chaperoned group flights

    U.S. students on either program can join an optional chaperoned group flight from Newark: to Athens for Island Turtle Conservation or to Italy and back from Athens for Italy & Greece. Program Tuition includes flights between Athens and Kefalonia and from Italy to Athens, but not the chaperoned group flight.

  • Students sit in a circle on a stone terrace beside a white chapel in Greece as the sun sets over the seaA Rustic Pathways group in swimsuits and sarongs stands beneath a rocky overhang at a sea cave in Greece

    MyRustic portal

    MyRustic (myrustictrip.com) is Rustic Pathways’ free, web-based parent and student portal. It holds enrollment forms, billing, the full itinerary, travel logistics and a moderated daily photo feed.

  • Emily Green, Admissions Counselor at Rustic PathwaysScott Ingram, Director of Admissions at Rustic Pathways

    A travel advisor to call

    Scott Ingram, Director of Admissions, and Emily Green, Admissions Counselor, answer Greece questions before you enroll. Call +1 440-975-9691 or schedule a call.

Greece in their words: student takeovers

After the program, students take over the Rustic Pathways Instagram with their own photos and stories. Here are three from Greece programs in summer 2026.

  • “My favorite part of the trip was swimming on the boat day and getting to spend time exploring a new culture and place alongside new people and friends.” Violet M., on Instagram

    “Hi, my name is Violet. I went on the Greece Turtle Conservation trip this June. I was super excited for this trip because I got to go alongside one of my best friends, Havana. While going with a friend from home definitely helped make my experience even more fun, I can confidently say that even without her, I would have made some amazing friends.

    I was lucky enough to make friends who I am still in contact with. Going on this trip allowed me to learn more about meeting people who aren’t from my social circle and how to expand my horizons. This trip also helped me learn how much I value my friends from home while making me excited to make so many more friends throughout my life.

    My favorite part of the trip was swimming on the boat day and getting to spend time exploring a new culture and place alongside new people and friends.”

    Violet M., Greece: Island Turtle Conservation, summer 2026

  • “I snorkeled with turtles, ate amazing food, made so many friends, watched sunrises and sunsets and so so much more!” Meghan K., on Instagram

    “Hi!! My name is Meghan Kelly and I went on the Greece Turtle Conservation trip. I made so many fun, happy memories on this trip and wouldn’t trade it for the world. I snorkeled with turtles, ate amazing food, made so many friends, watched sunrises and sunsets and so so much more!

    This trip taught me that who you share experiences with can be just as meaningful as the experience itself. The friendships I made, the support I received from my Program Leaders, and the many connections I made while volunteering all made a huge impact on making my trip so memorable.

    Beyond the friendship aspect of the trip, I loved experiencing the beautiful Greek culture and community. This trip gave me a new perspective on both the world around me and the impact we have on it.

    This trip genuinely was the best thing I have ever experienced and will cherish it forever. The laughs and smiles we all shared will never be forgotten. I LOVE RUSTIC PATHWAYS!!!!!!!!”

    Meghan K., Greece: Island Turtle Conservation, summer 2026

  • “Before this trip, I’d never travelled alone, so I was a bit nervous about meeting new people.” Ewan K., on Instagram

    “Hi! My name’s Ewan, and I just got back from the Greece Island Turtle Conservation trip in Kefalonia.

    Before this trip, I’d never travelled alone, so I was a bit nervous about meeting new people. However, right from the start, everyone was talking, and pretty soon it felt like I’d known everyone for years.

    One of my favourite memories from this trip came from after a day of service. While walking back to the bus, we found a giant branch, and as we waited for the bus, we all played limbo. Our leaders put on carnival music, and everyone joined in, and it was a great time. Corny? Probably. But it was great.

    Thanks to Jake, Eva, and Emma for making this trip great, along with Wildlife Sense and everyone else that went on the trip! Wouldn’t have been the same without you all.”

    Ewan K., Greece: Island Turtle Conservation, summer 2026

Greece teen travel FAQ

How is Greece different from other countries for teen travel?

Greece differs from other countries for teen travel through its mix of ancient Greek history, Mediterranean island wildlife and hands-on cultural traditions. Students choose between two programs: studying loggerhead sea turtles on Kefalonia, or exploring Greek and Italian cuisine, dance and historic sites.

Which Greece program is right for my teen?

Choose Island Turtle Conservation for your teen if they are interested in marine conservation science, or Italy & Greece for food, culture and historic sites. Island Turtle Conservation lasts 9 days ($3,495) and includes 20 service hours with Wildlife Sense on Kefalonia. Italy & Greece lasts 12 days ($5,395) and offers no service hours.

Do students need to speak Greek?

No, students do not need to speak Greek on either Greece program. Program Leaders accompany students, Wildlife Sense biologists lead turtle fieldwork, and cooking and dance classes are hands-on.

What is the weather like in Greece in summer?

Summer weather in Greece is hot and dry, with average highs of 84–95°F (29–35°C) during the hottest period from late July to early August. Skies are generally clear, with rare short storms and coastal sea breezes that moderate the heat.9 Students should carry water and sun protection.

What do students need to travel to Greece, and how do flights work?

Students need a passport and medical insurance valid in Greece (and Italy for Italy & Greece). U.S. citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day Schengen period; other nationalities may need a visa. Check current ETIAS requirements and CDC travel guidance.

Optional chaperoned flights depart Newark for Athens (Island Turtle Conservation) or Italy (Italy & Greece, returning from Athens). Program Tuition covers staff-accompanied Athens to Kefalonia and Italy to Athens flights, but not the Newark group flights.

Where to go instead of Greece

Browse all countries→

Footnotes

  1. The Italy column covers Mediterranean Marine Biology. Italy & Greece: Culture, Food & Exploration, which also visits Italy, is listed with the Greece programs on this page. ↩
  2. The Portugal column covers Portugal & Spain: Culture & Coast. ↩
  3. The Costa Rica column covers its four 8-day programs. ↩
  4. Time differences are for July, from the IANA time zone database. Times include daylight saving time where it applies. ↩
  5. Fastest one-way flight, including layovers, on the days students fly in 2027 (Google Flights, October 2026). Not the chaperoned group flight. ↩
  6. Advisory level as of October 2026. Check travel.state.gov for the current level before travel. ↩
  7. Italy advisory level as of October 2026: the U.S. State Department travel advisory for Italy. ↩
  8. Summer climate: the Hellenic National Meteorological Service, the climate of Greece. ↩
  9. Summer climate: the Hellenic National Meteorological Service, the climate of Greece. ↩

Greece has 11 summer 2027 departures across two programs.

Compare the two programs