Portugal

Portugal & Greece: Surf, Turtles, and Service

Q: Is Portugal & Greece: Surf, Turtles, and Service Right for My Child?

Which students thrive on this program? Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required. What will students do each day? Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Q: How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice. What is the refund policy? View terms & conditions

Q: What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

Included: All lodging All meals In-country transport All activities and excursions 24/7 staff support Not included: International airfare Travel insurance Personal spending money

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What Does a 16-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

Depart for Portugal

Arrive at Newark Airport (EWR) where you’ll meet your Rustic Pathways Flight Leader, who will help get you checked in and through security before traveling with your group to Portugal. Get acquainted with fellow Rustic travelers before boarding your flight. Get some rest on the flight because this is going to be a great week!

Bem-vindo a Portugal!

Touch down in Lisbon and meet your Program Leaders who will guide you throughout this adventure. Begin your journey with a visit to a vibrant local market, where you can experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Portuguese culture. Afterward, enjoy a delicious traditional Portuguese lunch before heading to the villa base house in Setúbal. At the base house, you'll learn about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and local culture. Relax, play fun games, and enjoy pool time as you get settled. You'll share rooms with 2-3 other students, separated by gender. Our spacious and comfortable accommodations will be where we can recharge and connect during our exciting adventure.

Surfs Up!

Kickstart your journey with surf lessons at Costa da Caparica’s beautiful beaches. Expert instructors will help you catch your first wave. In the afternoon, team up for a beach cleanup, actively contributing to marine conservation efforts.

Sustainable Surf Warriors

Continue your surf lessons, honing your skills in the morning waves. Later, delve into a marine conservation workshop where you’ll learn about the impact of climate change on Lisbon's coastal ecosystems and brainstorm your own sustainability initiatives.

Lisbon Thrills!

Explore Lisbon’s streets, from the historic Alfama district to the modern LX Factory. We’ll uncover hidden gems and immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere. Try the famous custard tart called Pastel de Nata, and spend some time shopping for unique souvenirs. We'll indulge in a traditional feast at a local restaurant for dinner.

Coastal Bliss

Set off on a scenic boat tour around Arrábida, Troia, and Setúbal. Dive into the clear waters or try stand-up paddle boarding before savoring a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, relax and explore the stunning beaches of Parque Natural da Arrábida, enjoying beach games and the beauty of Portugal's coastline.

Sintra’s Enchanted Escape

Begin your day with a visit to Regaleira Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning architecture and mysterious underground tunnels. Next, enjoy a yummy traditional lunch in a charming local village, savoring authentic Portuguese flavors. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll along a local beach, soaking in the beauty of the coastal scenery. Continue your journey to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, where breathtaking cliffs and panoramic views await. From there, step into the Enchanted Forest, a magical place said to be where elves reside. After returning to our villa, we'll gather for a heartfelt Rustic Ties ceremony, reflecting on your journey and the connections you've made along the way.

Transitions

Wrap up your adventure with a final morning before heading to the airport with your Program Leaders. Now it's time to make your way to Greece!

Welcome to Greece

Meet the rest of the group arriving today! At the basehouse, unpack, relax and then let's head to the beach to grab lunch and enjoy getting to know our new friends. We'll spend the next 6 nights in our beachfront basehouse. Rooms are shared with two students per room with private bathrooms.

On the Water

We head out on the water on a boat tour to explore the beaches and coast of Kefalonia. This is a great chance to soak up the sun and sea, and also to get to know your new travel buddies much better. At the end of the day, we'll retreat to our base house for more fun activities to bond and get excited for the turtle conservation service ahead.

Dive into Service

We’ll start the morning with an orientation with our turtle conservation service partners. You’ll learn about the projects you’ll work on this week and get a clear understanding of what you will be doing. We’ll do our first turtle monitoring outing where we’ll work to spot sea turtles in the harbor and along the shore. Then, we come back for a quick workshop to learn about the sea turtle population of Kefalonia. After a full first day, unwind at your accommodations and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Nesting and Snorkel Survey

We jump into service with a nesting beach survey in the early morning. This is to check for nests and make sure they are safe from predators. After lunch we’ll dive into the crystal clear water to continue our service. We’ll snorkel to map out seagrass meadows and help create accurate maps for conservation scientists. In the evening explore the town and then rest at our accommodations after a full day. Please Note: Before participating in any snorkeling activities, students will complete a brief swim test to ensure safety.

Turtle Nests

We start early in the morning with a nest check and a beach clean up for today’s service. After lunch break into groups to continue habitat monitoring while snorkeling.

Cave of Melissani

We’ll spend the morning wrapping up our conservation service with monitoring on land. Then, in the afternoon, we take a well-earned break to cross the island and visit the magical Cave of Melissani. The cave was named after the nymph Melissanthi and is filled with a lake and forest inside of it. Excavations have found items dating back to the 3rd and 4th century BC.

Rustic Ties

Today is our last day of service. We'll wrap up with a nest check and turtle monitoring while snorkeling. At the end of the program, we have the Rustic Ties closing ceremony. The group conducts an intentional reflection on their experience, highlighting all the memories they want to bring back with them. It gives each traveler a chance to find the most meaningful moments of this Greek adventure and hold them in their hearts.

Returning Home

We have a slow morning and get one last visit down to the beach to say goodbye to Kefalonia. Then your Program Leaders take you to the airport where you'll catch your flight back home. You'll arrive in Newark ready to share pictures, memories, and souvenirs from your magical Greek and Portugal adventures.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Portugal

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Is Portugal & Greece: Surf, Turtles, and Service Right for My Child?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.

What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Why Does Rustic Pathways Go to Portugal?

Portugal offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

Included:

All lodging
All meals
In-country transport
All activities and excursions
24/7 staff support

Not included:

International airfare
Travel insurance
Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Portugal Europe 2026

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