ALDGRE26

Ancient Culture, Dolphin Conservation, and Social Enterprise

Join us for 8 days in beautiful north west Greece, a hidden gem off the beaten track. Steeped in ancient history and surrounded by the beauty of turquoise Mediterranean waters, Greece has the largest coastline in Europe. This is a beautiful and inspiring country, combining the old with the new in a unique way.  This is a unique trip, with unprecedented access to conservation charities and supporting the University of Thessaly.

The Experience in a Nutshell

This trip is based on the beautiful Lefkada Island. Dolphins, Loggerhead sea turtles, flamingos and Dalmatian pelicans are the stars of the show! Embark on boat expeditions to search for critically endangered dolphin pods, spot and identify species, take pictures to be imported into the local university database for photo-identification, and assist in DNA sampling through an innovative seawater analysis sampling method.

Explore biodiversity on Lefkada island and the nearby Amvrakikos Gulf, with a focus on birdlife, butterflies and rare wild flowers. Identify actionable steps to protect natural habitats, both locally and globally.  Join a beach clean up on the longest beach in Europe, learning about environmental stewardship and teamwork.  Enjoy local cooking classes and an easy trek through Acheron Canyon.

Get a taste of amazing ancient Greece by exploring Odysseus’s birthplace on Ithaca, and the Nekromanteion temple at the gateway to Hades.  All this while enjoying the delicious Greek food and warm hospitality, soaking up the sun, and swimming in the turquoise Ionian waters.

From helping on conservation programmes, to exploring coastal ecosystems and ancient ruins, you’ll learn so much about the environmental and social organisations working here – it will be a trip to remember forever, and the food is delicious!  You will also earn the ASDAN Universities Award, which looks excellent on UCAS applications.