Portugal: Culture + Volunteering | 21 Days
Experience Lisbon’s culture, coastal beauty and two weeks of exploration before a week of meaningful volunteering.
Dive deep into the heart of Portugal on this 21-day adventure designed to immerse you in local culture and community. Spend two weeks exploring Lisbon’s rich heritage, colorful neighborhoods, scenic coastlines, and vibrant food scene. Wander through Alfama’s narrow streets, savor Pastéis de Belém, listen to live Fado, and relax on sun-drenched beaches.
After two weeks of exploration and cultural immersion, dedicate your final week to volunteering with a local community project of your choice - from supporting early childhood education to fighting food waste and helping vulnerable families.
Whether you’re seeking soulful connections, breathtaking sights, or the chance to give back, this program offers an authentic and enriching way to experience Portugal.
Program
Highlights
Cultural immersion: Explore Lisbon’s historical sites, iconic neighborhoods, and local traditions
Community connection: Contribute to projects supporting children, education, and sustainability
Scenic coastlines: Enjoy beach days and coastal excursions to Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca
Authentic cuisine: Taste classic Portuguese dishes and pastries in local eateries
Music & art: Discover live Fado and Lisbon’s vibrant arts scene
Flexible volunteering: Choose a project that matches your interests and skills
What's included
Accommodation from Sunday until Saturday noon of your final week
Airport pickup and all program-related transfers
Daily meals — 3 on weekdays, 2 on weekends
Entry fees for cultural landmarks, excursions, and activities
Project materials and guidance
24/7 local team support
What's not included
Flights and visa expenses
Travel and medical insurance (required)
Personal expenses
Additional tours or activities beyond the scheduled itinerary
Transport outside program schedules (e.g., taxis or private transfers)
Location
Lisbon, Portugal’s charismatic capital, blends traditional charm with contemporary energy. Wander Alfama’s winding alleys, admire views from São Jorge Castle, and enjoy bustling local markets. From its colorful trams to its scenic coastline, Lisbon offers endless discoveries.
During excursions, visit Sintra’s fairy-tale palaces and lush forests, the elegant seaside town of Cascais, and Cabo da Roca’s dramatic cliffs. In your free time, unwind on Lisbon’s golden beaches or soak in the vibrant nightlife.
Accommodation
You’ll stay in a comfortable shared volunteer house or hostel in Lisbon. Rooms are shared (same gender), with shared bathrooms and communal spaces for meals and relaxation. Wi-Fi is available, and accommodations are centrally located for easy access to cultural sites and project placements.
Itinerary
Week 1 & 2 – Cultural Exploration & City Adventures
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon
Arrive at Lisbon Airport, meet your group, settle into your accommodation, and join a welcome orientation and dinner.
Day 2: Introduction & Cascais
Start with project introductions and community engagement overview. Visit scenic Cascais and begin learning basic Portuguese.
Day 3: Belém & Pastéis
Morning community activities followed by an afternoon exploring Belém’s landmarks and tasting the famous Pastéis de Belém.
Day 4: Beach Day
Morning community engagement, then relax at one of Lisbon’s local beaches. Free evening to explore.
Day 5: Cabo da Roca
Morning activities, then visit Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point.
Day 6: Beach & Free Evening
Morning community work followed by another beach afternoon. Evening free for personal discoveries.
Day 7: Lisbon Highlights
Ride the vintage tram, explore Alfama’s narrow streets, visit São Jorge Castle, and end at Praça do Comércio.
Day 8: Sintra Excursion
Visit the colorful Park and National Palace of Pena and explore Sintra’s charming old town.
Day 9: Community & Free Evening
Morning and afternoon community projects, evening free for local explorations.
Day 10: Estoril & Music Museum
Morning volunteering, then visit the Portuguese Music Museum and stroll around Estoril.
Day 11: Community & Free Evening
Morning and afternoon volunteering, evening free.
Day 12: Historical Tour & Fado Night
Morning community engagement, afternoon historical walking tour, then dinner with live Fado music.
Day 13: Farewell & Free Time
Morning farewell with community team, afternoon for shopping or a visit to Cascais, and a final group dinner.
Day 14: Free Day & Transition to Volunteer Base
Enjoy a flexible free day, prepare for your volunteer week, and get to know your placement site.
Week 3 – Community Volunteering
Days 15–19: Volunteer Project
Dedicate your days to your chosen project: support early childhood education, help combat food waste and support vulnerable families, or assist in other community initiatives. Morning and afternoon sessions with breaks for lunch and time to reflect each evening.
Day 20: Wrap-Up & Celebration
Conclude your project, share reflections, and celebrate your contributions with your new friends and local coordinators.
Day 21: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, taking home unforgettable memories and new connections.
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