Greece

Voyage to the Islands

Santorini, Crete & the Aegean Sea

The Experience

Set sail on a Greek island hopping adventure through the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean. Explore the islands of Crete and Santorini along the way!

Trip Highlights

  • Live in the rural coastal town of Uvita in Costa Rica’s Osa region
  • Surf warm and friendly waves, whether you’re a first-time surfer or a pro on a board
  • Volunteer on various marine conservation projects & microplastics initiatives
  • Live in the rural coastal town of Uvita in Costa Rica’s Osa region
  • Surf warm and friendly waves, whether you’re a first-time surfer or a pro on a board
  • Volunteer on various marine conservation projects & microplastics initiatives

Program Overview

On this program you will discover Costa Rica’s Osa Province, where you’ll be amazed by the variety of beautiful beaches, mangroves and animal life. Stay active daily while surfing warm waves and learn the true art of surfing. Experience the essence of the ocean-minded “Pura Vida” lifestyle as you learn how to surf from skilled instructors and work to support ocean conservation.

Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and rich biodiversity of Costa Rica in one of the most unique places on the planet. You’ll volunteer with local ecological groups to help conserve the beaches, while collecting data on microplastics as a citizen scientist.

This program combines two program themes — Environmental Stewardship and Sports Leadership — to cultivate a one-of-a-kind summer experience.

KEY DESTINATIONS

REGION: EUROPE

COUNTRY: GREECE

CITY: ATHENS

ISLAND: SANTORINI

ISLAND: CRETE

AT TEEN TRAVEL NETWORK, YOU'RE NOT ONLY TAKING A JOURNEY IN MILES, BUT A JOURNEY OF SHARED EXPERIENCES AND SELF-DISCOVERY.

PROGRAM ITINERARY

THIS ITINERARY IS AN APPROXIMATION OF THE OVERALL PROGRAM EXPERIENCE. THE ORDER OF ACTIVITIES ON YOUR TRIP MAY CHANGE.
IF A PARTICULAR SCHEDULED EXPERIENCE IS CANCELED, WE MAY REPLACE IT WITH AN ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITY.

Day 1: Arrival

Contaminants generated by unsustainable practices around the world find their way into the sea, impacting the precious ecosystem in Whale Bay and its wildlife. During this program, your community service projects will depend on what’s most needed by your host community and its local habitats at the time of your arrival. This might involve taking part in reforestation initiatives along the coast and protecting beaches from erosion, making education signs and supporting local research initiatives, and/or helping conservationists and marine biologists with their ongoing projects. Our marine conservation projects in the Bahia Ballena community depend on the ocean tides, so sometimes we’ll work at our service sites in the morning, and other times in the afternoon.

Days 2-3: Athens

Learn all about world-famous “Tico” culture through engagement with your host community and the local leaders you meet along the way. We’ll take surfing classes with Bodhi Surf School and discover more about their passion for ocean stewardship. As a group, we will cover topics critical to environmental stewardship, such as the Marine National Park concept, sustainability in marine tourism development and preservation of natural resources. Enjoy a relaxing yoga class to stretch your tired muscles and increase your range of motion and flexibility, which is critical as you progress in your surfing. We’ll also visit a new Marine Conservation Education Center, established by a local group of marine biologists and scientists. We’ll plug into their research and learnings to understand future careers in this space and what impact a teen can have now.

Day 4: Athens → Santorini

No GLA program is complete without adventure! Discover the thrill of ziplining through the jungle canopy. The course you’ll experience consists of nine cables, eleven platforms, two rappelling stations and two suspension bridges, and ends with a Tarzan swing. The best part about this tour is that the ecology of the area is not disturbed in any way. Enjoy a brief hike to a nearby waterfall, where you can take a dip to cool off. The entire group will also experience an epic adventure by boat to the Caño Island. While on the island, explore your local surrounding and take part in a snorkeling excursion, where we will snorkel amongst vibrant local marine life. We’ll also journey to Manuel Antonio National Park, considered the crown jewel of Costa Rica, where we’ll spot incredible native wildlife, including monkeys that live and play along the coast. And that doesn’t even include all the waves you’ll be catching during your several surfing expeditions!

Days 5-7: Santorini

Your Home Base on this program is located in a coastal region of Costa Rica. Known for its stunning beaches and protected ecological areas, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty at every turn. Students will have access to a pool, pool table, large outdoor spaces, tables and chairs in covered areas. There’s also a stretch of private beach half a mile away! Students are permitted to visit the beach at the staff’s discretion and with supervision. Meals will be healthy and vary between staple foods and local cuisine. The group will stay in gender-segregated rooms with roommates, and have private bathrooms as well as air conditioning.

Day 8: Santorini → Crete

Contaminants generated by unsustainable practices around the world find their way into the sea, impacting the precious ecosystem in Whale Bay and its wildlife. During this program, your community service projects will depend on what’s most needed by your host community and its local habitats at the time of your arrival. This might involve taking part in reforestation initiatives along the coast and protecting beaches from erosion, making education signs and supporting local research initiatives, and/or helping conservationists and marine biologists with their ongoing projects. Our marine conservation projects in the Bahia Ballena community depend on the ocean tides, so sometimes we’ll work at our service sites in the morning, and other times in the afternoon.

Days 9-10: Crete Adventure in Heraklion

Learn all about world-famous “Tico” culture through engagement with your host community and the local leaders you meet along the way. We’ll take surfing classes with Bodhi Surf School and discover more about their passion for ocean stewardship. As a group, we will cover topics critical to environmental stewardship, such as the Marine National Park concept, sustainability in marine tourism development and preservation of natural resources. Enjoy a relaxing yoga class to stretch your tired muscles and increase your range of motion and flexibility, which is critical as you progress in your surfing. We’ll also visit a new Marine Conservation Education Center, established by a local group of marine biologists and scientists. We’ll plug into their research and learnings to understand future careers in this space and what impact a teen can have now.

Days 11-12: Celebrating Greek Culture

No GLA program is complete without adventure! Discover the thrill of ziplining through the jungle canopy. The course you’ll experience consists of nine cables, eleven platforms, two rappelling stations and two suspension bridges, and ends with a Tarzan swing. The best part about this tour is that the ecology of the area is not disturbed in any way. Enjoy a brief hike to a nearby waterfall, where you can take a dip to cool off. The entire group will also experience an epic adventure by boat to the Caño Island. While on the island, explore your local surrounding and take part in a snorkeling excursion, where we will snorkel amongst vibrant local marine life. We’ll also journey to Manuel Antonio National Park, considered the crown jewel of Costa Rica, where we’ll spot incredible native wildlife, including monkeys that live and play along the coast. And that doesn’t even include all the waves you’ll be catching during your several surfing expeditions!

Day 13: Departure

Your Home Base on this program is located in a coastal region of Costa Rica. Known for its stunning beaches and protected ecological areas, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty at every turn. Students will have access to a pool, pool table, large outdoor spaces, tables and chairs in covered areas. There’s also a stretch of private beach half a mile away! Students are permitted to visit the beach at the staff’s discretion and with supervision. Meals will be healthy and vary between staple foods and local cuisine. The group will stay in gender-segregated rooms with roommates, and have private bathrooms as well as air conditioning.

Dates & Tuition

13-Day Travel Program
2023 Dates
 JUN 23 – JUL 05, 2023
 JUL 09 – JUL 21, 2023
Trip Duration: 13 days
Program Tuition: $5,999
Student/Staff Ratio: 6 to 1
Language Hours: N/A
Lodging Type: Boutique Hostels
Age Range: 14-18 Years Old

Tuition Includes All Major Program Expenses, Such As:

  • 24/7 parent support hotline during the program
  • Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
  • Cultural activities, tours and excursions
  • Pre-departure materials and support
  • Educational materials
  • Airport pick-up/drop-off
  • Local transportation to each destination
  • Secure overnight lodging at each location
  • 3 meals per day
  • Professional full-time staff and experts

TRAVEL CHANGES EVERYTHING

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