Summer Adventures

• Overview
• Itinerary
• Useful Information
• Accommodation
• FAQs

The duration of the expedition is 8 days but custom itineraries can be arranged.

• €4,990 – 8 days (Based on twin shared room)

• €950 – 8 days (Per Person based on twin shared room)
• €1040 – 8 days (Per person single occupancy)

• 25/09 - 02/10/2020

• Pre-departure support
• Return transfers to and from Airport/ bus station
• Constant  guidance and training from experienced scientists/ skipper
• Necessary project equipment (binoculars, field guides, masks and snorkels, underwater camera etc.)
• Sailing training (keeping watches, setting sails, steering, navigation etc.)
• Mooring and port expenses
• Fuel for the boat and the inflatable
• Two meals daily (breakfast in the hotel, picnic lunch on board) and beverages (except for alcoholic and soft drinks).

• International and domestic flights or bus tickets
• Airport taxes
• Medical and Travel insurance
• Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits)

• Exceptional marine wildlife with many rare species (marine mammals, birds, sea turtles etc.)
• Popular destinations in close proximity.
• Visit ancient sites, historical monuments and monasteries
• Many opportunities for summer sport and adventure activities (water sports and ski, horse riding, cycling etc.)
• Enjoy delicious local recipes and night life

We know that a successful and unforgettable trip can only be materialised with an extraordinary guide at the helm. That’s why this specific trip will be leaded and guided by a highly experienced captain and one of the finest marine expedition leaders in Greece.

This expedition will take place within the most famous islands of the Ionian Sea. The Ionian Islands are scattered along the western coastline of Central Greece comprising seven major islands (Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Paxi and Kythira) and many smaller ones. The islands are well known for their beautiful sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, charming villages and stunning scenic countryside which is verdant and flourishing with greenery, landscapes and marine wildlife.

The fauna and flora of the Ionian Islands is rich and diverse. In the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, in Laganas bay, is situated the most important nesting ground for the Loggerhead turtle in the Mediterranean. In Kefalonia, mountain Aenos has been declared as National Park due to the presence of the native species of the Greek Fir (Abies cephalonica) along with some rare species of flora and fauna.

Some of the world’s rarest marine mammals can be found in Ionian Islands waters from the Short-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis), the Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), to the Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus).

During this expedition you will have the opportunity to visit few of the most popular summer tourist destinations.

Transfer from the Aktion airport or Preveza bus station to the boat, moored in Preveza harbour. Late afternoon we depart for Lefkada Island. Two hours later we arrive in the island’s marina. We will spend our night at a hotel in Lefkada town.

Every day, weather permitting, we will sail after breakfast spending the day navigating and conducting marine wildlife surveys. For 6-8 hours every day you will have the chance to live on-board the sailing boat as part of the crew and participate to marine mammal surveys. This includes recording geographic position; assessing group size, composition and formation; observing the surface activity patterns and surfacing intervals etc. No previous experience is required as at the beginning of the survey guests, wishing to participate in the surveys, will be trained to undertake specific tasks including dolphin watching, behavioural data collection and photographic identification. You will also learn to identify and record sea turtles, birds and other fauna during navigation. When we arrive at sea turtle foraging and nesting grounds you will have the chance to get information on monitoring and patrolling nesting beaches techniques. In-depth information about the different aspects of marine mammal and sea turtle research will be given during the time spent on board through interactive lectures and open discussions.

While at sea, and for those interested, will be provided training in sailing and on board sailing tasks such basic notions of cartography, route mapping on nautical charts and basic navigation techniques. You will participate in running all aspects of the voyage steering the boat, setting up the sails, tying up the boat etc.

During the trip, there will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy sailing plus will be 2-3 stops for a swim in secluded beaches. Every night the boat will return to the harbour and guests will spend their night in a hotel. Plenty of time for island sightseeing, shopping, dining and night life to the popular destinations we visit. We will spent 3 nights on Lefkada/ Ithaki, 2 nights on Zakynthos and 2 nights on Kefallonia.

After breakfast we sail from Kefalonia harbour heading to Preveza port. During our 7 (approx.) hours trip we will carry out the expedition’s last marine mammal survey. End Preveza.

This trip offers the chance to experience an unforgettable sailing experience participating in marine wildlife surveys, being part of a scientific project and of a sailing crew. No particular skill or scientific and nautical experience is necessary but participants must be prepared for an adventure with a positive attitude and the ability to adapt and be flexible to basic and challenging conditions. Every day, weather permitting, we will sail after breakfast spending the day navigating and conducting marine mammal surveys. During the trip, there will be plenty of time to relax and stop for a swim break to amazing remote beaches. Every night, when day’s survey is concluded, the boat will return in the harbour and guests will spend the night in hotels. There will be around 6-8 hours of sailing per day with two or three stops to beautiful and remote beaches. Plenty of time to take photographs, admire the views and the wildlife, swim and enjoy lunch on board.

Visitors should fly in either Athens or Thessaloniki International Airport and then take the bus to Preveza town. Upon arrival in Preveza bus station you will be picked up for your transfer to the boat.

Another way to reach Preveza harbour is to take a FERRY from Italy to Igoumenitsa, from where you can get a bus to Preveza. During the summer period, May – September, charter flights are available from across Europe to Preveza-Aktio airport. For further information and advice please contact us and we can arrange your flights and bus tickets for you.

GreenTraveller's specialist staff provides personalised attention and on-going support to its guests.

Upon booking, you will have a comprehensive pre-departure briefing with the programme coordinator that provides all the details you will need to prepare for your trip to Greece. This briefing will cover topics and information on accommodation, staff, visas, optional activities, medical advices and more.

Upon arrival, your Group Leader will be always available and do his best to ensure that you will have an incredibly rewarding and memorable personal experience. All our Group Leaders are qualified biologists/ environmentalists and experienced professionals bringing a wealth of education and experience to enrich your journey.

Our staff will be always there to offer logistical and emergency support. A 24 hours a day, 7 days a week emergency contact number is provided for everyone who join us. We never compromise on safety!

Adequate and valid travel insurance is compulsory for all participants prior to their departure and while on one of our expedition/ tours. You are responsible for ensuring that you are in possession of a valid travel insurance for the entire duration of your trip in respect of medical expenses, personal accident, legal expenses, medical emergency repatriation and death, as well as make sure that there are no exclusion clauses which limit cover for the type of sport or other activities included in your programme, such as, but not limited, to trekking, diving, rafting, cycling, canoeing, skiing etc.

During sailing there will be time for interesting discussions with the rest of the crew, prepare and enjoy good food, as well as time to yourself to read and relax.

When in the harbour (Preveza, Lefkas, Ithaki, Kafalonia, Zakynthos), there will be plenty of time and excellent opportunities for sightseeing, nightlife and shopping.

In case of bad weather the boat stays in the harbour. This is excellent occasion for participants to visit the islands’ surrounding area and places of interest.

If you wish, prior to or after your expedition, you can take advantage of your trip to Greece to visit other popular destinations in the area. You can just simply take a day off for a day sunbathing and swim in one of many popular beaches of the islands. One of the well-known Ionian Islands is Lefkada, easily reachable by car or public transportation. The island has long beaches, among the cleanest in the Mediterranean, with crystal-clear water, while the town of Lefkada, is a popular destination for visitors and provides excellent opportunities for nightlife and shopping. From Lefkada is worth visiting the islands of Meganisi and Ithaki where beautiful, unspoiled, impressive caves and sandy beaches can be found.

Kefalonia, is an island as attractive to walkers and environmentalists as it is to sunbathers, as there are magnificent sights, forest covered mountains, amazing beaches, rich cultural heritage, great monuments, mountains, castles, remote monasteries and cheerful, hospitable people.

Zakythos island is famous for its long sandy beaches as Kalamaki, Keri, Laganas, Tsilivi, Vassilikos and Argassi, and for Laganas bay where the important nesting beach for the loggerhead sea turtle is located. Zakynthos offers to the visitor a big variety of activities such as scuba diving, horse riding, sailing, sports, bars and night clubs. Other activities include the visit of the “shipwreck” on the north part of the island and the very beautiful “Marathonisi” on the west part of the island.

Corfu, with its many beach resorts and its lively bar and clubs, remains the major attraction for visitors. Yet, beyond the conspicuous tourism of the island's coastal strips in the island’s mountains and woodlands a network of paths and trails will accommodate those seeking peace and quiet.

Accommodation will be provided in 2 to 3 stars clean and comfortable hotels with en suite rooms, on the islands of Lefkada/ Ithaki (3 nights), Kefallonia (2 nights) and Zakynthos (2 nights). On the islands, guests will find a variety of tavernas and restaurants that serve delicious traditional dishes and good wine.

In the morning you will start the day with a continental breakfast with fruit and yoghurt served at your hotel. Picnic lunches are provided for 7 days usually bread, feta cheese, slices of ham or turkey, Greek salad, fruits etc. You will enjoy your dinner, which is not included in the price, at local restaurants, which serve excellent and well cooked meat, vegetarian and fresh fish dishes. Please let us know if you have any particular dietary requirements.

There are single rooms available, which can be guaranteed with the supplement of €105 payable in advance on booking.

Certainly, during the first day of our visit to one of the islands you can take off and do your own day programme. You will meet with the group the next day to depart for your next destination.

If you wish, prior or after your tour with us, to take advantage of your trip to Greece to visit other popular destinations we will be more than happy to arrange it for you.