Greece Student Travel Programs for Teens

Yes. Greece is one of Europe’s safest destinations with low crime rates and a strong tourism infrastructure. Rustic Pathways has operated programs in Greece for years with established local partnerships, vetted accommodations, and trained staff providing 24/7 support. Students stay in small-group settings with constant supervision.

Absolutely. Greece is very welcoming to female travelers. Our programs maintain appropriate staff ratios and accommodation arrangements. Students explore together in supervised groups, and Greek culture is notably hospitable to visitors. Our female Program Leaders provide additional perspective and support.

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands, located off Greece’s western coast in the Mediterranean Sea. The island sits between the Greek mainland and Italy, a 45-minute flight from Athens. Unlike crowded Santorini or Mykonos, Kefalonia remains relatively undeveloped, making it ideal for conservation work and authentic Greek island experiences.

Kea (Tzia) Island is part of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. It lies just southeast of Athens and is reached by a short ferry ride from the port of Lavrio on the mainland. Because of its proximity to Athens, Kea is less tourist-heavy than many of the central Cycladic islands, while still offering historic villages, coastal trails, and classic Aegean landscapes.

No. English is widely spoken in Greek tourist areas and by our local partners. Students will learn a few Greek phrases as part of the cultural experience, but language barriers are minimal.

Students live in comfortable shared accommodations (2-5 per room). Rooms include private bathrooms, air conditioning, and access to common areas. Rustic Pathways program leaders stay on site with students to provide 24/7 supervision.

Moderately active. Students should be comfortable swimming and snorkeling, walking on beaches and uneven paths, and handling early morning wake-ups (5:30 AM for nesting surveys). No prior experience required; training is provided.

All students complete a swim test before any swimming activities. Non-swimmers or weak swimmers can participate in beach-based surveys, harbor monitoring, and all non-water activities. Please discuss specific concerns with our admissions team.

None required. Programs include comprehensive training on all survey techniques, species identification, and data collection protocols. Enthusiasm matters more than experience.

Yes. Students contribute to ongoing research monitored by Mediterranean conservation organizations. Data collected on turtle populations, nest locations, and seagrass health feeds into multi-year studies. This is real science, not make-work.

Students on the Kefalonia Island Turtle Conservation program fly through Athens and spend their final night there before departure. The program focuses on Kefalonia Island, where the conservation work takes place.

The Athens to the Aegean Islands program spends more time in Athens, exploring historic sites such as the Acropolis.

The 16-day Italy & Greece program begins in Northern Italy (Verona, Venice) with cultural immersion and pasta-making before traveling to Kefalonia for sea turtle conservation. The 30-day European Adventure adds Portugal and Spain, starting with Atlantic surfing before continuing through all four countries. Both end with the Kefalonia turtle conservation program.

Lodging, ground transportation, meals, activities, domestic flights within Greece, conservation training, and 24/7 staff support. Not included: international airfare, personal snacks, souvenirs.

Programs serve students ages 14-18. The Italy & Greece combo and European Adventure programs may have slightly different age groupings, check specific program pages.

Greece: Athens to the Aegean Islands

• June 16-24, 2026 (Available)
• June 23-July 1, 2026 (Available)

Greece: Island Turtle Conservation

• June 16-24, 2026 (Full)
• July 28-August 5, 2026 (Full)
• August 4-12, 2026 (Limited)
• August 11-19, 2026 (Available)

Italy & Greece: Cultural Immersion and Turtles

• June 16-July 1, 2026 (Limited)
• June 23-July 8, 2026 (Available)
• June 30-July 15, 2026 (Limited)
• July 14-29, 2026 (Very Limited)

European Adventure: Portugal, Spain, Italy & Greece

• June 16-July 15, 2026 (Available)
• June 30-July 28, 2026 (Available)

Students on the Island Turtle Conservation program in Kefalonia receive documentation for 20-36 service hours (depending on program) that most schools accept for community service requirements. Some schools grant academic credit check with your counselor before enrolling.