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Greece Student Travel Programs for Teens

Rustic Pathways offers three Greece summer programs for high school students ages 14–18, each centered on authentic sea turtle conservation on Kefalonia Island, the largest of the Ionian Islands and a critical Mediterranean nesting habitat for endangered loggerhead turtles.

Students live on the island while learning conservation field methods from experienced practitioners and exploring the rhythms of Greek island life. Since 1983, Rustic Pathways has guided more than 40,000 teens through safe, meaningful travel experiences. See all Greece programs

✔︎ Since 1983✔︎155,829+ Alumni✔︎6:1 Staff Ratio✔︎4.9/5.0 Rating

Greece • Italy
Italy & Greece: Cultural Immersion and Turtles
Two Mediterranean adventures in one
Duration
16 days
Price
$6,890 + airfare
View Dates
Greece
Greece: Island Turtle Conservation in Kefalonia (Ages 14–18)
9-day teen program in Kefalonia, Greece: protect loggerhead turtles, earn 20 service hours.
Duration
9 days
Price
$3,495 + airfare
View Dates
Portugal • Italy • Spain • Greece
European Adventure: Teen Tour Through Portugal, Spain, Italy & Greece
Portugal, Spain, Italy & Greece — the ultimate summer journey
Duration
30 days
Price
$13,680 + airfare
View Dates

Explore Summer Programs in Greece

Programs in Greece center on marine conservation work on Kefalonia Island, where teens learn field research skills while experiencing Mediterranean island culture. Each program blends conservation work, cultural immersion, and meaningful summer experiences for high school students.

Greece: Island Turtle Conservation

Students join local conservation experts on Kefalonia Island to support loggerhead sea turtle research at one of the Mediterranean’s most important nesting habitats. The program introduces teens to harbor surveys, beach monitoring, and seagrass ecosystem studies while offering insight into Greek island culture.

Best for: Teens interested in marine biology, wildlife conservation, and hands-on field research.

Greece: Island Turtle Conservation →

Italy & Greece: Cultural Immersion and Turtles

This two-country program begins in Northern Italy for cultural exploration and pasta-making before continuing to Kefalonia for sea turtle conservation. Students experience two distinct Mediterranean settings while balancing hands-on environmental work with supportive cultural immersion.

Best for: Teens seeking culture, conservation, and the experience of exploring multiple countries.

Italy & Greece →

Europe Odyssey: Portugal, Spain, Italy & Greece

A 30-day multi-country journey across four European regions that combines surfing in Portugal, cultural immersion in Spain and Italy, and sea turtle conservation in Greece. The itinerary offers extended travel, varied cultural contexts, and meaningful service learning for students ready for a comprehensive summer abroad.

Best for: Teens who want the ultimate European summer with beaches, cities, culture, and conservation across four countries.

Europe Odyssey →

Compare Greece Teen Travel Programs

Program Countries Duration Ages Max Students Cost Service Hours
Island Turtle Conservation Greece 9 Days 14–18 14 $3,495 + Airfare 20
Italy & Greece Italy, Greece 16 Days 14–18 14 $6,890 + Airfare 25
Europe Odyssey Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece 30 Days 14–18 14 $13,680 + Airfare 36

Greece: Island Turtle Conservation

Duration9 Days
Ages14–18
Service Hours20
Cost$3,495 + Airfare

View Program

Italy & Greece

Duration16 Days
Ages14–18
Service Hours25
Cost$6,890 + Airfare

View Program

Europe Odyssey

Duration30 Days
Ages14–18
Service Hours36
Cost$13,680 + Airfare

View Program

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Why High School Students Choose Greece for Summer Programs

High school students choose Greece to join sea turtle conservation on Kefalonia Island, a key loggerhead habitat in the Mediterranean. Teens learn field research through harbor monitoring, beach surveys, and seagrass studies that support real conservation. Programs combine science with island life, giving students a purpose-driven, well-supervised experience.

Accommodations and Daily Life

Students stay in supervised housing near Argostoli on Kefalonia Island, with shared rooms and spaces designed for group connection and downtime. Meals highlight Greek staples like grilled fish, local feta, and fresh vegetables. Daily life balances early-morning conservation work with time to relax, explore, and connect in a slower island rhythm.

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Safety, Impact, and Transformation: The SIT Process

Safety

Students travel with trained Program Leaders who provide 24/7 supervision and maintain vetted partnerships, safe accommodations, and clear emergency protocols. A swim test is required before any snorkeling or water-based research begins. The program’s safety framework ensures students explore Kefalonia with structure, support, and immediate access to medical care if needed.

Impact

Students contribute 20–25 hours of authentic conservation service through data collection that supports long-term loggerhead turtle research. Fieldwork aligns with global conservation priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, giving teens a meaningful role in protecting endangered species. Every task connects to real ecological needs on the island.

Transformation

Through morning research, cultural interactions, and nightly reflection, students gain skills in marine science and a deeper understanding of Mediterranean ecosystems. Time with Greek communities and the Rustic Ties closing ceremony help teens process their experience and recognize their personal growth. Many return home with lasting friendships and a stronger sense of purpose.

What Your Teen Will Gain in Greece

Real Conservation Skills

Students learn to collect field data, observe wildlife behavior, and support active conservation projects that strengthen practical scientific experience.

Scientific Thinking

Workshops introduce teens to concepts in marine biology, seagrass ecology, drone monitoring, and climate science, helping them think like researchers.

Culture Through Daily Life

Meals at local tavernas, music, dance, and everyday interactions allow students to experience Greek island culture through authentic daily rhythms.

An Environmental Ethic

Working with endangered sea turtles builds a sense of responsibility and inspires long-term care for the natural world.

No trip guarantees change. But Greece offers challenge, beauty, and perspective, shaped by thousands of years of people paying attention.

Rustic helped me step outside my comfort zone and discover confidence I didn’t know I had.

Quote by: Elizabeth G, Denver, CO Program Alumni

Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Travel to Greece

Is Greece safe for teenagers?

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.

Where is Kefalonia Island?

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.

Is Greece safe for teenage girls?

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.

Do students need to speak Greek?

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.

What’s the accommodation like?

Students live in comfortable shared hotel rooms (2-5 per room) at Sunset Apartments near the beach. Rooms include private bathrooms, air conditioning, and access to common areas. The beachside location provides easy access to restaurants, program activities, and the harbor where turtles feed.

How physically demanding are the programs?

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

What if my teen can’t swim well?

All students complete a swim test before snorkeling 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.

What conservation experience do students need?

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

Is the service work meaningful?

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.

Do students visit Athens?

Students fly through Athens and spend their final night there before departure. The program focuses on Kefalonia Island, where the conservation work takes place. Students wanting extensive Athens sightseeing should consider other options.

What about the multi-country programs?

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 Europe Odyssey adds Portugal and Spain, starting with Atlantic surfing before continuing through all four countries. Both end with Kefalonia turtle conservation.

What’s included in the program cost?

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

What are the age requirements?

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

When are the 2026 travel dates?

Greece: Island Turtle Conservation

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

Italy & Greece: Cultural Immersion and Turtles

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

Europe Odyssey: Portugal, Spain, Italy & Greece

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

Can this count for school credit or volunteer hours?

Students receive documentation of 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.

What is a typical day like?

A typical day begins with early morning conservation work either 5:30 AM beach surveys or harbor monitoring followed by breakfast and a marine biology workshop. Afternoons include snorkeling, cultural activities, or excursions. Evenings feature group dinners at local tavernas, reflection time, and supervised free time exploring the island.

Schools and Private Groups

Planning a school trip or custom group experience in Greece? Rustic Pathways designs Week Without Walls programs and custom itineraries for schools seeking meaningful conservation and cultural content.

See all Greece group travel programs

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