Greece: Island Turtle Conservation

Students stay in comfortable, gender-separated hotel rooms on the island of Kefalonia during the Greece: Island Turtle Conservation program. The primary accommodation is a highly rated property with a pool, gardens, panoramic views, a restaurant, and a poolside dining area. Rooms typically accommodate 2–4 students and provide a relaxed, social environment after daily conservation work and activities.

All rooms include private bathrooms with hot water and Western-style toilets. The hotel offers air conditioning and Wi-Fi, helping students stay comfortable in the summer heat. Accommodations used by Rustic Pathways are carefully vetted for safety, cleanliness, and suitability for teen travelers. Specific properties may vary by session and are subject to change based on availability.

Meals during the program feature classic Greek dishes that are popular with students. Breakfast is eaten at the hotel and often includes items such as bread, fruit, yogurt, eggs, and other simple, familiar options.

Lunches and dinners vary depending on the day’s activities and whether students are on a boat or on land. Meals may include Greek salads, skewered meats like souvlaki, locally caught fish, fresh produce, and other Mediterranean dishes. Students will also have opportunities to try local specialties and enjoy meals together as a group.

Students receive regular access to safe drinking water, and bottled or filtered water is readily available during the program. To reduce plastic waste, participants should bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day.

Dietary Requirements / Food Allergies – We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other common dietary requirements on this program. Please be sure to include this information on your medical form so that staff can prepare, and consider bringing a few favorite snacks if you have specific preferences.

Most students travel to Greece on a chaperoned group flight that departs from Newark (EWR) and arrives in Athens (ATH). A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader meets students at the airport in Newark, assists with check-in and security, and travels with the group to Greece. Upon arrival in Athens, the group connects to a domestic flight to Kefalonia International Airport (EFL), where Program Leaders meet the group and accompany students to the accommodations for the coming week.

This program includes domestic flights within Greece between Athens and Kefalonia, which are coordinated by Rustic Pathways. The advertised dates for Greece: Island Turtle Conservation include international travel time to and from the United States, but international flights themselves are not included in the program cost. Families who are not using the chaperoned group flight should coordinate arrival and departure plans with Rustic Pathways so students can meet the group at the appropriate time and location.

Visa – There are no visa requirements in Greece for students traveling on United States passports for this short-term program. Students traveling with Rustic Pathways on passports not issued by the United States are responsible for determining their own visa requirements. Please check with the appropriate consulate or embassy well before departure.

This program includes a moderate level of physical activity. Students walk along sandy beaches during early-morning nesting surveys, participate in beach cleanups, and spend time outdoors observing sea turtles from the harbor and along the coastline. Some days also include swimming and snorkeling during seagrass mapping or coastal exploration.

No advanced athletic ability is required, but participants should be comfortable walking on sand, spending several hours outside in the sun, and being active in warm summer weather. Before taking part in any snorkeling activities, students complete a brief swim test to ensure they are safe and confident in the water.

Students may bring their phones on the Greece: Island Turtle Conservation program, but they are expected to follow Rustic Pathways’ cell phone policy. Phone use is not permitted during group activities, meals, or times when it distracts from the program experience. Students are encouraged to stay present, connect with new friends, and fully engage in conservation work and cultural activities.

Wi-Fi is available at the hotel, although connection speeds can vary and may not be reliable everywhere on the island. Many international phone plans work in Greece, but families should confirm coverage and costs with their provider before departure. Parents will receive updates from Rustic staff during the program and can contact Rustic’s 24/7 emergency line in case of urgent concerns.

Most core costs such as accommodations, meals, in-country transportation, and scheduled activities are included in the Greece: Island Turtle Conservation program fee. Students should budget extra money for personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, phone or internet use during free time, and any optional purchases.

Rustic Pathways recommends bringing approximately $150 per week for souvenirs and incidentals. Greece uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Students are encouraged to exchange money into euros before departure or upon arrival, and to convert any remaining euros back to their home currency at the airport on the return trip if needed.

Students can expect warm to hot summer weather on Kefalonia during the program dates. Typical daytime highs in June, July, and August are in the upper-80s °F (around 31°C), with mild evenings and plenty of sunshine. The Ionian Islands generally experience very little rain during this period, although occasional short showers or storms are still possible.

Because many activities take place outdoors on beaches, in the harbor, or on boats, Rustic Pathways recommends packing lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen. A light layer is useful for cooler evenings or air-conditioned indoor spaces.

Laundry service is limited on this program. The hotel may offer laundry service for an additional fee, but it is not guaranteed and may not be available every session.

Students should pack enough clothing for the full program and bring lightweight, quick-dry items that can be hand-washed if needed. Small items such as socks or T-shirts can often be rinsed in the sink and hung to dry in the room.

Students should wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for warm summer weather and outdoor activities. Lightweight fabrics such as cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics are ideal for long days in the sun. Outfits should be appropriate for beach walks, service projects, and boat days.

Because the program focuses on marine conservation and time near the water, students should pack swimsuits, a rash guard or sun shirt, water shoes or sturdy sandals that can get wet, and closed-toe shoes for walking or short hikes. Modest clothing is recommended for visiting local towns and villages. A hat, sunglasses, and a light cover-up are essential for sun protection.

Student health and safety are top priorities on all Rustic Pathways programs, including Greece: Island Turtle Conservation. Rustic uses trained Program Leaders and local partners, carefully vets accommodations and activities, and follows established risk management procedures. Staff are available 24/7 to support students, supervise activities, and respond to any emergencies that may arise during the trip.

Parents are encouraged to review Rustic Pathways’ comprehensive Health & Safety measures for detailed information about supervision, emergency response, and safety protocols while abroad.

Rustic Pathways offers an optional Travel Protection Plan for students participating in the Greece: Island Turtle Conservation program. This plan is designed to help protect families from unexpected events such as trip cancellation or interruption, medical emergencies, lost or delayed baggage, and certain travel delays.

Coverage details depend on the specific policy selected. Families should review the full policy documentation provided by Rustic’s insurance partner before purchasing. Learn more about the Travel Protection Plan.