Sail Dive Greece

We begin and end our adventure in Athens, home of the Acropolis and the Plaka. Our first activities are on the water as we descend the Alfios River in 2-seater monorafts with a professional river guide who teaches us techniques for a safe and enjoyable descent. Next, we hike to a magnificent waterfall and to the Louisos River and enjoy a thrilling zip-line across the gorge!

On the way to our PADI diving school, we visit the 3,000 year-old Olympic stadium. On Lefkada Island we begin classroom lessons as well as pool and open water diving. We have time to relax on gold sand beaches as we learn how to safely explore the underwater world. Living aboard a 45-foot sailboat is our next adventure. Equipped with our PADI Open Water Certifications, we explore the treasures of the Greek Mediterranean through sailing, diving and snorkeling. Sailing the boat is everyone's responsibility and we all learn the necessary skills through hands on experience. Island hopping is on the agenda as well as visiting historic Greek villages. Our eventful summer comes to a close with an exploration of Athens and a farewell Greek dinner in the heart of the city.

All students must pass a thorough SCUBA diving physical and cannot have used an inhaler or suffered from asthma in the past three years. For those not wishing to SCUBA dive, alternative water activities are available.

Days 1-2:
You will be met upon arrival at the Athens airport by your experienced AAVE expedition leaders. After a complete gear check to assure that you are prepared for the diverse and demanding regions we explore, we load up our custom vehicles and head off! During orientation we get to know each other and learn what to expect in the days ahead. Our daily routine, jobs and safety rules are explained, and the process of growing together as a group begins. We drive to the center of the city where we drop our gear at the hotel and take some time to enjoy the city. Over a dinner in the Plaka district we review the exciting itinerary of the next few weeks. The next morning we leave Athens for the Peloponnesian region, where we set up camp at Alfios and familiarize ourselves with our tropical surroundings.

Day 3:
Our first activities offer non-stop action on the water! From the Trekking Hellas base we descend Alfios River in 2-seater monorafts with a professional river guide who teaches us the basic techniques for a safe and enjoyable descent. Next, we experience the river by Hydro-speed, facing exciting rapids and natural rock slides. After our descent, we hike to a magnificent waterfall nearby. This day guarantees non-stop fun and lots of adrenaline!

Day 4:
Our guides drive us to the starting point of our Greek trek - the Monastery of Filosofou. Our hike will follow the Louisos River, combining history and nature in a beautiful landscape. After crossing a gorge by zip-line we head back to the camp and pack our gear for tomorrow's departure and the start of our SCUBA diving course.

Days 5-9:
From the Peloponnesian region we transfer to Lefkada Island via minibus. En route we have lunch at the famed Olympia archaeological site. Lefkada Island, our home for the next few days, is a great place to learn how to SCUBA dive and spend time on the beach. We participate in classroom and outdoor diving classes for four days. We earn our PADI Open Water or Advanced certificate and explore the underwater world.

Days 10-16:
Our group lives aboard two 45-ft sailboats as we explore the hidden treasures of the Greek Mediterranean through sailing and snorkeling. The boats each have four cabins, a living room, and comfortable deck. When we arrive at each island, we have time to hang on the beaches and visit typical Greek villages. Our first full day of sailing is from Lefkada to Kefalonia Island. After a night in the sailboat we sail to Fiskardo, visit the village and sail to the north-east part of the island. The following day brings us to Ithaki Island and the surrounding region. The next day we sail to Atokos and Kastos Islands. On our last day of sailing we head back to Lefkada Island, passing by Kalamos Island and Meganissi.

Days 17-19:
We take one day to travel back to Athens from Lefkada Island. On the way we'll stop for lunch and take in the sights. Our final day in Greece is spent discovering the sites and sounds of one of the worldÕs most historic cities, Athens. An evening out in an Athens restaurant is the perfect way to say goodbye and share our stories of this exciting Mediterranean adventure!