Portugal & Spain: Surf, Culture & Culinary Traditions

Arrive at Newark Airport (EWR) where you’ll meet your Rustic Pathways Flight Leader. They’ll guide you through check-in and security before you board your overnight flight to Portugal. Use the time to get to know your group and rest up for the week ahead.

Touch down in Lisbon and meet your Program Leaders who will guide you throughout this adventure. Begin your journey with a visit to a local market, where you can experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Portuguese culture. Afterward, enjoy a 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. Your spacious and comfortable accommodations will be where we can recharge and connect during our exciting adventure.

Head to Costa da Caparica, one of Lisbon’s best surf beaches. Local instructors will teach you the basics and help you catch your first waves. In the afternoon, take part in a beach cleanup and learn how small actions can protect marine life.

Build on your surf skills with another lesson in the morning waves. After lunch, join a marine conservation workshop to understand how climate change is affecting Lisbon’s coast. Work with your group to come up with practical ideas for protecting ocean ecosystems.

Spend the day exploring Lisbon’s neighborhoods. Walk through Alfama, the city’s oldest district, and then check out the creative spaces at the LX Factory. Try a Pastel de Nata, Portugal’s famous custard tart, and shop for local souvenirs. In the evening, gather for dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

Board a boat to explore the coast around Arrábida, Tróia, and Setúbal. Swim, snorkel, or try stand-up paddleboarding in the calm bays. Have lunch by the water, then head to Parque Natural da Arrábida to relax on the beach and play group games.

Visit Regaleira Palace in Sintra, a UNESCO site known for its detailed architecture and underground passageways. Have lunch in a nearby village, then walk along the coast before driving to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in mainland Europe. End the day with a hike through local forest trails before returning to the villa. That evening, join your group for the Rustic Ties closing ceremony to share memories and reflections from the week.

Say goodbye to Portugal and board your flight to Barcelona. Upon arrival, settle into to the backdrop for the second chapter of your Europe adventure. Travel to your accommodations, settle in, and share a welcome dinner together before relaxing by the pool with your group.

Start your time in Spain with a community service project that connects you with local organizations in Barcelona. Work alongside your peers and learn directly from the community. Between service sessions, take time to explore—sample traditional snacks, visit markets and cafés, and walk the streets that make Barcelona unique.

Continue your journey exploring Barcelona’s culture through hands-on, expertly crafted experiences. Learn to cook dishes such as paella or Spanish tortilla in a cooking class. Take part in a flamenco dance workshop and design your own mosaic tile art. Balance these activities with the lighter outdoor activities: play a soccer match, wander historic neighborhoods, spend an afternoon at the beach, or ride up to Tibidabo for panoramic views of the city.

Spend the next two days enjoying Barcelona at the table and by the sea. Share tapas meals with your group, go shopping for souvenirs, and explore the city on foot. Head out for a beach afternoon or a boat ride on the Mediterranean. Evenings may bring more pool time and getting to know your new friends better.

Gather with your group for Rustic Ties, our closing ceremony. Reflect on your experiences, celebrate the friendships you’ve built, and talk about what you’ll take home with you.

Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your return flight and say Adiós, until the next time we meet again!