Greece: Coastal Conservation

Trip Name
Greece: Coastal Conservation

Who It’s For
High school students (grades 9–12)

2026 Sessions
Session 1: June 16 – July 1, 2026
Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure and return.
Exact flight times and meeting details will be shared after enrollment.

Location
Athens, Lefkada, and Kefalonia, Greece

Trip Length
16 Days

Service Hours
20–30

Tuition
$7,395

This is the plan—but plans can shift. Weather, group energy, and new opportunities sometimes lead us to make changes. No two trips are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes the experience so memorable.

Days 1–2: Arrive in Athens
We meet at Athens International Airport (ATH) on Day 2, where leaders are waiting to greet participants. After transferring to our hotel and settling in, we take a walk through the city and catch our first glimpse of the Acropolis.

Day 3: Explore Athens
We spend the day exploring the historic hills of Athens, visiting the Acropolis and learning about Greek history from local experts. In the evening, we walk through the Plaka neighborhood and enjoy dinner at a traditional Greek taverna.

Day 4: Transfer to Lefkada & Prep for Kayaking
We leave Athens behind and head west by private bus to the coastal island of Lefkada. Our sea kayaking guides meet us there to begin preparations—checking equipment, organizing gear, and getting ready for our expedition.

Days 5–8: Sea Kayaking the Ionian Archipelago
We spend four days paddling around the Ionian Islands, camping on remote beaches, and exploring hidden coves and caves. We visit places like Skorpios and Thilia, snorkel along the coastline, and explore massive sea caves used in WWII. Each night, we cook meals over a beachfire and sleep under the stars.

Day 9: Ferry to Kefalonia & Island Exploration
We say goodbye to Lefkada and travel by ferry to Kefalonia, home to the next part of our adventure. After settling in, we explore some of the island’s caves and beaches and get ready to begin conservation work.

Days 10–15: Turtle & Marine Conservation
We spend five full days working with local scientists on sea turtle conservation. Early mornings are spent surveying beaches to identify and monitor nests, while afternoons involve observing turtles in the harbor, snorkeling over seagrass meadows, and collecting important ecological data. Alongside hands-on fieldwork, we learn about turtle biology, marine ecology, and conservation methods. We wrap up our final night with an RLT-style banquet before flying back to Athens.

Day 16: Fly Home from Athens
After an unforgettable adventure, we return to Athens and fly home.

We stay in a mix of hotels and rustic campsites throughout the trip.

Group Tents – Teens sleep in shared tents (2–3 per tent), organized by gender identity. In hotels, rooms are shared slumber-party style.

Rustic Facilities – Campsites are basic with access to toilets and occasional showers. Showers available every few days.

Setup & Breakdown – Everyone helps pitch tents, prep food, and pack up camp—teamwork is part of the adventure.

What to Expect – Starry skies, saltwater swims, and waking up steps from the beach. You’ll live simply and sleep close to the coastline.

Meals are fresh, flavorful, and often cooked as a group.

Cook Crew – Teens rotate through helping prep meals at camp and clean up together.

Simple + Fresh – Think Greek sandwiches, gyros, pasta, rice bowls, and grilled veggies. Meals are filling, balanced, and made with local ingredients.

All Diets Welcome – We accommodate all allergies and dietary needs—vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.

Snacks + Hydration – Water breaks and snack stops are built in, especially on active days.

Flights
Families book flights to and from Athens, Greece (ATH).
Do not book flights until you receive the required travel windows from our team.

Escorted Flight Option
An optional group flight with an RLT leader is available from the New York area.

Unaccompanied Minor Info
If your teen flies as a UM, we’ll share exact arrival and pick-up instructions.

Packing
We’ll send a detailed packing list in advance. Everything fits in a duffel or backpack.

Key items include:

Quick-dry clothing

Swimsuit + towel

Sleeping bag + sleeping pad

Snorkel gear (mask/fins)

Sturdy sandals or water shoes

Luggage Note
One checked bag and a small carry-on backpack recommended.

Forms & Waivers
After enrollment, you'll complete:

Health and medical forms

Participant agreement

Emergency contacts

Medical Clearance
No doctor’s visit needed unless there's a new or complex condition.
We review every form to ensure we’re prepared.

Medications
All medications must be listed in your medical form. Leaders hold and dispense them as needed.

Behavioral Expectations
We’ll send a Code of Conduct to review with your teen—this helps create a respectful and inclusive group environment.

Trip Insurance
Required for all international trips. You’re free to choose any provider—visit our FAQ for recommendations.

Vaccinations
We follow CDC guidelines for international travel. Check that your teen is up to date on routine vaccinations.

Passport
A valid passport is required. Make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of the trip.

Device-Free Philosophy
Phones are collected on Day 1 and returned at the end of the trip. No tablets, smartwatches, or personal electronics allowed.

Why?
Because disconnecting helps teens:

• Build deeper relationships

• Be present in their surroundings

• Gain confidence without constant tech

Cameras Welcome
Digital cameras or GoPros are great—anything that doesn’t connect to the internet. Trip leaders take photos and share a gallery post-trip.

Communication
We’ll send updates to families while the trip is running. In emergencies, our 24/7 on-call team is available.