UPCYCLING PROJECT: LISBON

In this upcycling project, you'll get to engage with the community on the outskirts of Lisbon, making a tangible social and environmental impact. 

This innovative, forward thinking project transforms single-use plastic objects into skateboards, ping pong paddles and beach tennis rackets. The project has partnerships with local restaurants and schools for collection. Socially, this project focuses on aiding the social integration of marginalized communities that live in the neighborhood. Having the project’s headquarters located right in the skatepark democratizes access to skateboarding by allowing children to skate anytime they want; you’ll get to know those who come here to enjoy the park on a daily basis. 

The Portuguese are a proud and welcoming people, their standard of English is impressive and they love to practice it! You’ll get to form real bonds with the community, forming lifelong friendships, and have a lot of fun as you interact with the children at the skateparks and get to try a few moves yourself!

*Please note that this is just one of a variety of projects in which you can participate.  Lisbon offers a range of opportunities: forest conservation, marine conservation and animal care. Whether you choose forest conservation, animal care or upcycling, the cost of the trip remains the same, as does the format. If you choose to do the Marine conservation project, then the cost is higher. Please contact us if you have any questions with regard to that.

Lisbon is a vibrant city with a plethora of museums and galleries, pastel-coloured homes and stunning viewpoints. The wonderful tram network is a fun way to get to know the seven hills on which this gorgeous city is built. The fresh seafood served is mouth-wateringly delicious.  

Porto took longer to come into its own but is now a bustling, thriving, sought-after destination with a unique charm and color that is hard to pin down. You have to walk the hills and streets to truly get to know this city and you’ll soon be captivated by its charm.

Day 1: Lisbon

Arrive into lovely Lisbon, where you’ll be greeted and taken to your accommodation. 

You’ll start exploring with a walk down to the waterfront, getting to know the beautiful cobbled streets, before heading into the old area of Alfama. This neighborhood is full of multicolored homes, intriguing alleyways and squares. 

You’ll then hop on bikes for an easy ride along cycle lanes, skimming alongside the water, out to the beautiful Los Jerónimos monastery for a tour of the impressive resting place of Vasco da Gama. Then pop over the road to the Belém Tower, once a defense point & lighthouse, laying claim to the only rhinoceros gargoyle in the world. You’ll have to try a Belém ‘pastel de nata’ - a delicious custard tart - then it’s over to the Monument of the Discoveries commemorating another famous explorer, Henry the Navigator. 

Overnight: Lisbon

day 2: Lisbon

Today you’ll see Lisbon from a tuk-tuk! Riding in these colorful vehicles is a great way to see more of the city, with informative and fun commentary from your guide. You’ll stop off at a park, maybe by the imposing St George’s castle, with lovely panoramic views over the city. Here you’ll relax in the sunshine and enjoy a picnic lunch. 

Overnight: Lisbon

day 3: Project & Surfing

Today you’ll be split into groups and introduced to your team members. This morning you’ll learn the necessary skills of how to classify the different types of plastics which you’ll have gathered from local schools and communities, before stepping out to the skatepark to join in the fun with the children who come here to skate, many on a daily basis. 

After breaking for lunch you’ll don a wetsuit and head to the beach. Surfing is a big part of the local culture in Lisbon; you’ll have the opportunity to take part in all the fun, receiving expert instruction in a surfing class before riding the waves. 

Overnight: Lisbon

day 4: Project & Sintra

This morning, along with your team members, you’ll learn the second phase of the operation; shredding the plastics. You’ll learn about the procedure and get hands-on experience operating the machinery. After this, you’ll head back out to the skatepark for more fun with the kids, test riding the skateboards into which these plastics are transformed. 

This afternoon you’ll ride out to Sintra, to visit the fairytale Pena Palace, an outstanding example of 19th century romanticism with its vividly painted terraces, ornamental battlements and statues of mythological beasts. Afterwards enjoy a short walk down through the lovely pine forests before riding back to Sintra to visit the charming boutiques and enjoy a ‘bica’ coffee on one of the lovely terraces. 

Overnight: Lisbon

day 5:  Lisbon to Porto

The third phase of the program involves learning about the design and engineering skills involved to create the skateboards. Head to the park once more to test drive the final product yourself, sharing some of your top tricks with the children, and maybe learning a few from them. 

It’s goodbye to Lisbon as you move north to the gorgeous city of Porto. You’ll travel by train and arrive into the beautiful St. Bento station.

After settling into your accommodation, you’ll be taken on an orientation walk to become acquainted with the city. From the jewel colored houses on the waterfront, past the impressive Dom Luís bridge, stroll flower-lined streets up past the gorgeous Livraria Lello book store. You won’t find it hard to believe that this was used as inspiration for the Hogwarts Library in the Harry Potter films! You’ll then enjoy stunning views from the air, admiring how the river winds its way out to the ocean, on a cable-car ride from the far bank of the Douro. 

This evening you’ll be taken on a gastronomic tour of the quirky and colorful neighborhoods of Porto for the best local delicacies, such as the Francesinha sandwich covered in molten cheese. Time seems to have stood still in the older parts of the city, where in one secret bar, wine costs 50 cents and is served in bowls. 

Overnight: Porto

day 6: Porto

San Francisco church will blow your socks off! The sheer amount of gilt edged wood carvings gives the impression of an Aladdin’s cave of gold.  You’ll then get a taste of what it’s like to walk the Camino de Santiago, the world famous pilgrimage route, as you head out of the city along the waterfront following the yellow arrows out to the fishing village of Matosinhos.

Take an evening tram ride, rattling through the neighborhoods on the famed 22 route, stopping off at stunning viewpoints along the way. 

Overnight: Porto

day 7: Douro Valley

The enchanted Douro valley lends itself perfectly to kayaking. After an introductory class, you’ll paddle the river to enjoy gorgeous views of sprawling hills and ancient vineyards around every bend. Stop for a picnic lunch on the shores of the river.

This evening you’ll be engaged, entertained and enlightened by the culinary skills employed by a chef using local produce and wines, with a fun and delicious cookery class. You’ll be the judge of your efforts as you get to enjoy a dinner - prepared by yourself! 

Overnight: Porto

day 8: Tile Decorating Workshop

In the labyrinthine, colorful neighborhood of Alfama, home to artisans and potters, you’ll first admire the truly beautiful tiles on display at the wonderful tile museum. We’ll then try to emulate the work of these skilled artisans in a tile-decorating workshop, producing your own charming memento of your stay in Portugal. 

This afternoon, head back to Lisbon and in the evening enjoy a foodie walking tour for your last night in Portugal. 

Overnight: Lisbon

day 9: Departure

Sadly today you say adeus to Portugal as you board your flight home. 

What is included:

Activities:

  • Bike tour Lisbon

  • Surfing class Lisbon

  • Kayaking lesson and tour Douro valley

  • Tuk Tuk tour Lisbon

  • Tram tour Porto

  • Cable car ride Porto 

  • Food tour Porto

  • Cookery class Porto

  • Tile-decorating workshop Porto 

  • Gourmet walking tour Lisbon

Accommodation and services:

  • All meals included

  • Project accommodation in project center

  • Post project accommodation in 3 and 4* hotels

  • All meals included

  • The services of a highly qualified and experienced Tour Manager who will accompany you throughout your trip

  • Very knowledgeable, professional and entertaining local tour guides

  • Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance

Tickets and Tours :   

• San Jerónimos Monastery Lisbon

• San Francisco Church Porto 

• Pena Palace Sintra

Project:   

• Upcyling, animal care or forestry conservation all available for the first days of the project. In each case you will be assisting with the day to day, while learning about the various initiatives and thinking about ways in which you can implement such strategies back home.

Not included in this trip:

  • International flights not included (we can arrange these for you)

  • Visas, where applicable

  • Any vaccination required

  • Cancellation insurance (Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance are included)