Greece: Exploring Crete in a Shelter Project
June 1-11, 2019
$2895
Contact us about our payment plan option
This trip is a rewarding hands-on experience in making a difference in the lives of animals and the people who help them. You will spend the first part of your trip volunteering together with locals at the Souda Shelter, an animal shelter in Crete with limited resources and help.
Our contacts all speak English so there is no need to be concerned about a language barrier. No special skills or knowledge are required for the assistance projects. Anyone who has a desire to help is welcome. If you do have special skills in any of these areas, we can find additional ways of incorporating those into the project.
Following our work at the shelter, we will embark on an adventure tour of the beautiful island of Crete, sampling activities in the local area, ripe with opportunities in trekking, rafting, sea kayaking/canoeing, culture and history. We will be led on our adventure by local guides who have explored the area extensively throughout their lives and have an intimate knowledge of the landscape.
You may also have the opportunity to adopt a dog from Greece or to transport rescue dogs to homes in your country of residence.
Trip Policies, Inclusions and Conditions
Reserve your spot on this trip by registering now. Limit of 10 participants, so register early. Slots are filled on a first come first served basis. A $500 deposit is required for registration.
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ITINERARY
Day 1 — Arrive in Athens, spend the day acclimating and relaxing or touring the city
Overnight in Athens
Day 2 — Travel to Crete, project briefing at the shelter and begin work, explore the town of Chania
Overnight in Crete
Day 3 — Participate in Project at Souda Shelter, evening free to explore Chania and surrounding areas
Overnight in Crete
Day 4 — Participate in Project at Souda Shelter, evening free to explore Chania and surrounding areas
Overnight in Crete
Day 5 — Participate in Project at Souda Shelter, evening free to explore Chania and surrounding areas
Overnight in Crete
Day 6 — Rest and relax on an excursion to Elafonissi Island the pink sands of Elafonissi Beach. The island is known for an abundance of rare vegetation and wildlife; you can find cedar trees and lilies here that grow nowhere else in Europe. Or enjoy cultural adventure activities on Crete.
Overnight in Crete
Day 7 — Trekking the Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe, on Crete
Overnight in Crete
Day 8 — Kayaking adventure on Crete
Overnight in Crete
Day 9 — Learn about the History of Crete
Pottery demonstration in a traditional village
Visit and learn about the historical Arkadi Monastery
Hike to one of the most beautiful gorges of Crete
Lunch at a traditional Cretan family restaurant
Overnight in Crete
Day 10 –Return to Athens and depart or have us extend your stay to explore and enjoy Athens and surrounding areas
Background
The Souda shelter in the Souda area of Chania, Crete was founded in October 2011 by a well known animal activist in the area. In June of 2016, this activist and founder left the shelter and its operations, stranding 250 animals. The animals found themselves abandoned, some for the second or third time in their lives. They were left with no security or plan.
The Souda Shelter Project was founded by the workers of Souda Shelter who cannot walk away from these animals. Most all of these animals have spent a good portion of their lives in this shelter, a rather healthy environment. They are clueless to the laws of the streets or fending for themselves.
The Greek government provides little or no enforcement of laws for the protection of animals against cruelty, and there are few facilities to provide shelter, food and care for the thousands of stray and abandoned dogs roaming both the cities and villages. A very few dogs are lucky enough to be rescued by volunteers from the few ad-hoc animal welfare groups in Greece, people who love them and hope to find them homes in Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. But funding is scarce and support from the government is non-existent.
Trip Photos from previous Greece Humanitourism adventures on Facebook: Greece Humanitourism™ Adventure
See our trip blog from our 2009 Humanitourism™ adventure on FetchDog at: FetchDog Blog and on Matador Travel at: Matador Blog