AAVE's Sailing Camp in Italy and Greece

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 historic 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 3-6:
Our first activities offer non - stop action on the water! We descend the Alfios River in 2 - seater monorafts with a professional river guide who teaches us the basic techniques for a safe and enjoyable journey. 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! Our guides drive us to the starting point of our Greek trek - the Monastery of Filosofou. Our hike follows 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.

DAY 7-13:
Our drive to Lefkada island takes us first to the archeological site of Olympia, the birth place of the Olympic games. Lefkada Island is the perfect destination to continue our water activities. We start with sea kayaking to hidden coves, exploring the coastline aboard a zodiac boat. A one day introductory SCUBA dive course, appropriate to the absolute beginner is planned. Certified divers who bring their log book will be able to do a more advanced dives. Finally, we also harness the trade winds of the island as we windsurf and sail on the pristine, turquoise water of the Ionian Sea.

DAYS 14-15:
We travel to Parta town where we will travel overnight by ferry to Italy. Arriving in Bari, Italy, we travel on to Pompeii.

DAYS 16-17:
We have the whole day to explore the Pompeii archeological site and Mt. Vesuvius. The magnificent ruins of Pompeii offer rich insight into the daily life of the Romans. The ancient city was covered in lava from the most famous volcano disaster in history when Mt. Vesuvius blew its top in AD 79.

DAYS 18-21:
All roads lead to Rome, and so does ours at the end of this splendid trip. We take in some of the amazing sites that Rome has to offer: the Colosseum, Pantheon and the Roman Forum, and we also head over to the world's smallest sovereign state, Vatican City, with the St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. We end our journey with a dinner out in the Italian capital where we toast to our new friends and fond memories of Italy and Greece!

Price Includes:
Three CPR and First Aid certified Venture Europe guides; all ground costs, all ground transportation including airport pickup and drop-off; all camping and camping gear (except sleeping bags, sleep mats and mess kits); all activities and gear listed in the above itinerary; all meals; local gratuities to wait-staff and all hotels or hostels.

Price Doesn't Include:
Flights to/from Athens, Greece and Rome, Italy; optional gratuities, extra snacks and souvenirs.

This itinerary is a sample outline of the program highlights. It is not a precise description. Changes made before or during the trip will only be made in the interest of safety or a more successful trip. This diverse itinerary is our framework for a summer of exhilaration and adventure. Get your mind and body set. Activities are planned using years of experience with your highest expectations in mind.

We appreciate the importance of this decision and want you to be as informed as possible! Please phone 800 222 3595 or email us with questions, to receive 2007 references or to make a reservation.

We look forward to having you join us!