Project Description
STUDENT TRIP
SUSTAINABILITY TOUR
During this six-day tour focused on sustainability that goes beyond conventional sightseeing, offering an immersive experience that explores the intersection of urban living and environmental consciousness. Get a better understanding of sustainable farming practices at an agro-ecological farm, visit innovative start-ups shaping the city’s future, and engage with NGOs dedicated to addressing global challenges. Join us on a sustainable odyssey, where each day unfolds a new chapter in Portugal’s commitment to a greener, more responsible future.
Would you like to know more about sustainability and Portugal’s commitment to a greener future?
Welcome to Portugal!
DAY
1
DISCOVERING LISBON’S CHARM
“Meet and greet” service offered at the airport followed by a transfer to the hotel in Lisbon. During the journey your guide will give you a brief sightseeing tour of the city.
In the afternoon, your guide will show you the most important places in the centre of Lisbon and the oldest part of the city, unveiling its secrets and immersing you in the atmosphere of Lisbon through its colours and scents. On this unforgettable walk, we will take you through the narrow streets of the old neighbourhoods, from where you can gaze down and enjoy the view of the skyline of the White City, one of the most beautiful capitals in Southern Europe. Indulge your taste buds with local cuisine while enchanting your ears with fado at a local restaurant for our welcome dinner.
Check into your hotel and overnight stay.
DAY
2
A JOURNEY IN LISBON THROUGH HISTORY, ARCHITECTURE, AND SOCIAL IMPACT
After breakfast, set off to the Belém area, where the fascinating history behind some of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks will be unveiled: the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and Monument of Discoveries. This neighbourhood serves as an excellent backdrop to delve into the legacy of the Portuguese Empire, to trace the history of the country from its inception, and to appreciate the impetus of its people during the period of the country ́s overseas exploration.
Then, we’ll give you a unique perspective of Lisbon through a tour focusing on contemporary architecture. You’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the city’s most iconic and visually striking buildings, including the MATT, the Centro Cultural de Belém, and the new Coach Museum. Throughout the tour, we’ll delve into the sustainability considerations that guided the construction of the latter.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll introduce you to one of the many NGOs driving positive change in the city. Specifically, we’ll visit an NGO that mobilises young university students to volunteer their time to address housing issues faced by vulnerable families. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from one of the organisation’s leaders about its history and tangible impact on local communities. If possible, we’ll also visit one of the sites where interventions take place and engage with some of the dedicated volunteers.
Check into your hotel and overnight stay.
DAY
3
AROUND LISBON: A DAY WITH ECO-INNOVATORS & NATURE’S WONDERS
After breakfast, join us for a captivating day as we visit a startup dedicated to providing sustainable solutions for our planet. Through the use of transformative technologies and the promotion of innovative scientific research, they are addressing critical global challenges while prioritising education and advocacy. This exclusive visit offers a first-hand encounter with the company’s realities, including their key obstacles and opportunities, and provides valuable insights into their
day-to-day operations. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a tour on an electric boat to observe birds and fishes in their natural habitat, immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of the Tagus river and the vibrant life along its green banks.
After the activity, transfer back to the hotel and evening at leisure.
DAY
4
THE ALENTEJO: EXPLORING AGRO-ECOLOGICAL WONDERS & SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION IN LISBON
In the morning, immerse yourself in a unique agro-ecological experience as you explore the biodiversity and intricacies of an exceptional farm in the Alentejo region. As well as growing organic vegetables, they have developed their own range of high-quality products with up to 300 references. This is a living testimony to the effectiveness of the ‘Montado’ agricultural model developed centuries ago in the Alentejo region, as opposed to conventional intensive farming methods.
At the heart of this endeavor lies the cooperative’s mission to foster an inclusive and transparent community. This cooperative, which includes consumers, associates, and producers, operates democratically and autonomously, with a shared commitment to sustainability. Lunch will be a delightful affair, featuring the farm’s organic produce prepared in mouthwatering traditional recipes.
In the afternoon, delve into an innovative project where coffee grounds are transformed into gourmet mushrooms. Spearheaded by Natan, this initiative in Lisbon epitomises the belief that waste has no place in a sustainable ecosystem. Experience first-hand the main production unit during an interactive tour, take part in a mini workshop on growing edible fungi from coffee grounds, and savour the taste of these gourmet mushrooms.
Transfer back to Lisbon and overnight stay.
DAY
5
AROUND LISBON: EXPLORING PORTUGAL’S HISTORIC FARM & A WOLF CONSERVATION SANCTUARY
Following the morning feast, we will set off for a picturesque farm founded by the Portuguese Crown in 1836. Located in one of Portugal’s most important ecological reserves, this vast estate has made a firm commitment to sustainability through its innovative ABC 2020 project which focuses on the environment and biodiversity and aims to achieve carbon neutrality.
Covering over 18,000 hectares, this farm is the largest agricultural and forest estate in the country. Within its vast expanse lies one of Portugal’s largest contiguous cork oak forests, alongside extensive rice fields, pine groves, olive groves, and vineyards. As we traverse this breathtaking landscape on an interpretive tour, you will see rice paddies, pastures, and vineyards as well as our stud farm and the estuary. Here, amidst the expansive marshlands and mudflats, we will gain a deep insight into the historic development of the farm.
Along the way, we will discover the key role the farm plays in promoting scientific research by maintaining close partnerships with several prestigious universities. In particular, the stud farm specialises in breeding purebred Lusitano horses, renowned for their equestrian prowess dating back to the Moorish era.
In the afternoon, we’ll have the privilege of delving into one of these remarkable projects, run by a renowned NGO-an endeavor dedicated to the reintroduction of wolves into Portugal’s natural habitats. Our visit will be centered on their wolf recovery center, carefully designed to provide a nurturing environment for wolves rescued from various hardships. Here, we’ll see first-hand the painstaking efforts being made to ensure the resurgence of the wolf populations across Portugal. Over the years, many wildlife restoration initiatives have sprung up in the country, providing field research for scientific applications for the academic institutions with which they are closely associated.
Transfer back to the hotel and last night in Portugal.
DAY
6
LISBON: END OF OUR ARRANGEMENT SERVICES
After checking out of the hotel, you will be transferred to Lisbon Airport.
