Portugal & Italy: Surf, Service, and Culture

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Your Program Leaders will help you have a relaxing day at a hotel in Lisbon where you can rest up for the continuing adventures in Italy. Tomorrow we make our way to Venice!

Arrive in Italy and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. We’ll head directly to our castle-like base house to settle in and relax with an authentic Italian pizza dinner.

We’ll share rooms, separated by gender, with private bathrooms. Our spacious and comfortable accommodations will be where we can recharge and connect during our exciting adventure.

In the morning, we’ll relax by the pool and play soccer while enjoying pastries and cappuccinos from a local pasticceria.

Then we’ll head to the historic and beautiful city of Verona to explore its long lost frescoes, ancient Roman arena and riverside views.

More than just Romeo & Juliet, Verona is a sparkling Renaissance city. We’ll spend the day exploring famous sights, eating delicious food, and soaking up the unmatched ambience of an Italian city in the summer. We’ll find delicious food, friendly faces, and enchanting views everywhere we turn.

Today we’ll start the day by building up an appetite. Trek through a regional park in the Euganean Hills, searching for the archeological remains of walled cities and other fortifications. Break for lunch and then launch into more service time. Joining forces with local residents, work up a sweat as the impact of our service work grows. Top it off with a refreshing Italian gelato in the local village.

We’ll spend the day exploring one of the world’s most unique and architecturally stunning cities. Built upon over 100 small islands separated by a series of waterways and canals and linked by over 400 bridges, “The Floating City” will not disappoint. Take a walking tour of Venice’s historic streets, viewing sights such as Saint Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and Doge’s Palace. Take a trip to the morning market to see where Venetians have shopped for their food for centuries. Complete the day with a once-in-a-lifetime gondola ride along the Grand Canal.

Dive into more pool time and games in the morning. Gather some regionally-grown ingredients since it’s time to learn the art of pasta! With the help of local farmers, we’ll learn how to make dough just like nonna, and how to cut different shapes and make a variety of classic sauces. After all that hands-on work, we get to eat our handiwork. Che buona!

Today we’ll explore Lake Garda, famous for its breathtaking views and crystal clear water. Before hitting the beaches, we’ll travel back in time and visit a medieval fortress on the shore of Lake Garda. After appreciating how people have gathered here for centuries, we’ll enjoy the cool water that will be a welcome break from the warm sunny weather of the week so far.

Tonight, we’ll relax at the base house with an evening bonfire where we’ll roast marshmallows and reminisce on our highlights so far. We’ll participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share back home.

Your program leaders will take you to the airport for your departure and say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.