2 Week Community Volunteering and Culture in Lisbon, Portugal

For those who wish to travel, as well as volunteer, this is a great way to do it all in one, without worrying about organising your own travel and activities yourself. Make friends, see the sights, and help out the local community at the same time!

Accommodation

• 3 meals p/day weekdays / only breakfast on weekends
• Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
• Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
• 1 day orientation
• Daily transportation to project
• In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
• Fundraising support
• University course credits (where applicable)
• Certificate of Completion

• Airfares
• Travel Insurance
• Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

On the Monday at the start of your program, you will recive an orientation to the local area.

• Welcome to Portugal! Arrival orientation and introduction to Portuguese traditions and culture, house rules, and code of conduct
• Basic Portuguese Lesson
• Walking tour around local interest spots
•  Dinner 

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Lisbon International Airport (LIS). You must arrive between the hours 06:30 – 24:00 on Sunday. 

If arriving outside the pickup times, we charge an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation and for a private transfer.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

Day 1: Sunday – Arrival and Orientation

• Arrival at Lisboa Airport and transfer to accommodation.
• Orientation session: introduction to the program, house rules, health, safety, and cultural tips.
• Relax and prepare for the journey ahead.
  Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Monday – Introduction, Community Engagement & Language Lessons

• Introduction to projects and team members.
• Community engagement activities.
• Walking tour of the local area and visit to Cascais.
• Portuguese language lessons in the evening.
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Tuesday – Community Engagement & Belém Exploration

• Morning: Continue community projects.
• Afternoon: Visit Belém and taste Pastéis de Belém.
• Evening: Portuguese language lessons.
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Wednesday – Community Engagement & Beach Time

• Full day dedicated to community projects.
• Relax at a local beach in the afternoon.
• Free evening to explore at your leisure.
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Thursday – Community Engagement & Cabo da Roca

• Morning: Community engagement activities.
• Afternoon: Excursion to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe.
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Friday – Community Engagement & Beach Time

• Morning: Community projects.
• Afternoon: Relax at the beach.
• Free evening for personal exploration.
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Saturday – Lisbon Exploration Day

• Ride a classic yellow tram.
• Explore the flea market and historical neighborhoods.
• Visit São Jorge Castle and Lisbon Cathedral.
• End the day at Praça do Comércio by the Tagus River.
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Sunday – Sintra UNESCO Heritage Excursion

• Visit the Park and National Palace of Pena.
• Explore Sintra’s historic town center and gardens.
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Monday – Community Engagement & Free Evening

• Morning and afternoon: Community projects.
• Free evening to relax or explore Lisbon.
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Tuesday – Community Engagement & Cultural Exploration

• Morning: Continue community activities.
• Afternoon: Visit the Portuguese Music Museum and explore Estoril.
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Wednesday – Community Engagement & Free Evening

• Morning and afternoon: Community projects.
• Evening: Free time for personal exploration.
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Thursday – Community Engagement, Historical Tour & Fado Night

• Morning: Community engagement.
• Afternoon: Historical walking tour of Lisbon.
• Evening: Dinner with live Fado music in Bairro Alto.
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Friday – Farewell & Leisure Time

• Morning: Farewell with the community team.
• Afternoon: Souvenir shopping or optional visit to Cascais.
• Evening: Final group dinner.
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Saturday – Departure

• Transfer to Lisbon Airport for your flight home.
• Take with you cherished memories and the impact made.
  Meals: Breakfast

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

Places to see in Portugal:

Explore the historic neighbourhoods of Lisbon, such as Alfama and Bairro Alto, and visit iconic landmarks like São Jorge Castle and Belém Tower.

Discover the enchanting beauty of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its fairytale palaces and lush gardens.

Wander through the picturesque vineyards of the Douro Valley and enjoy wine tastings at local wineries.

Relax on the golden beaches of the Algarve, known for their stunning cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

Embark on a culinary journey through Portugal, sampling traditional dishes like bacalhau, pastéis de nata, and grilled sardines.

In or Near Cascais:

Visit the Cascais Citadel, a historic fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and explore its maritime museum.

Take a leisurely stroll along the Cascais Promenade, lined with palm trees and offering breathtaking views of the coastline.

Spend a day at Guincho Beach, known for its strong winds and excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Explore the charming village of Sintra, just a short drive from Cascais, and marvel at its palaces, gardens, and winding streets.

Play a round of golf at one of Cascais’ world-class golf courses, such as Oitavos Dunes or Quinta da Marinha.

Discover the Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliff formation where the waves crash against the rocks, creating a spectacular natural phenomenon.

Take a day trip to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and enjoy stunning views of the rugged coastline.  

The Schengen visa is intended for short stays of up to 90 days in each 180 days and can be granted for the purposes of tourism, family visit, business, seasonal work, transit, among others.

Additional Equipment

• Hiking shoes
• Swimwear
• Beach slippers
• Sleeping bag
• Clothes for outside work

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: PT – Holidays – All Programs

Portugal, situated on the western edge of Europe, boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its ancient cities steeped in maritime heritage to its golden beaches along the Atlantic coastline, Portugal offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors to explore. The country’s warm Mediterranean climate, renowned cuisine, and friendly locals create an inviting atmosphere for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the Portuguese way of life. With its centuries-old monuments, charming villages, and vibrant festivals, Portugal captivates the imagination and leaves a lasting impression on all who have the pleasure of experiencing its wonders.

Furthermore, Portugal has emerged as a modern and progressive nation, known for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social progress. In recent years, Portugal has made significant strides in areas such as renewable energy, environmental conservation, and social welfare, earning accolades and recognition on the global stage. As a member of the European Union, Portugal actively participates in international cooperation efforts, fostering partnerships and initiatives to address shared challenges and promote peace and prosperity. With its blend of tradition and modernity, Portugal stands as a beacon of resilience and optimism, inviting visitors to discover the boundless possibilities that await in this captivating country.  

Portugal enjoys a diverse climate that varies across its regions due to its geographical location and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Along the coastline, particularly in the southern and western regions, Portugal experiences a Mediterranean climate characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The summer months typically span from June to September, with temperatures often reaching highs in the mid to upper 20s Celsius (70s to 80s Fahrenheit). Winters, on the other hand, generally occur from December to February, with temperatures cooling down and occasional rainfall.

Inland areas, such as the interior regions and mountainous areas, have a more continental climate with hotter summers and colder winters. The northern regions tend to be cooler and wetter throughout the year, experiencing more rainfall than the southern areas. Overall, Portugal’s climate is generally temperate, offering pleasant weather for much of the year and making it a popular destination for tourists seeking sunshine, outdoor activities, and relaxation along its beautiful beaches.  

Portugal’s culture is a vibrant mosaic of traditions, history, and creativity. From the haunting melodies of fado to the mouthwatering flavours of traditional cuisine, every aspect reflects the nation’s rich heritage. Festivals and celebrations dot the calendar, filling the streets with music, dance, and joyous revelry. Visitors are welcomed with open arms, invited to immerse themselves in a culture that is both timeless and ever-evolving.

At the heart of Portuguese culture lies a deep sense of community and hospitality. Whether exploring historic landmarks, dining at local taverns, or simply strolling through charming villages, visitors are greeted with warmth and genuine hospitality at every turn. The Portuguese people take pride in sharing their traditions and customs, inviting travellers to experience the unique charm and beauty of their homeland. 

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