Service Learning trip to Óbidos, Portugal

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Service Learning trip to Óbidos, Portugal

Fun activities and cultural visits

This enriching school trip supports the service aspect of the IB Diploma Programme, as well as providing fun activities and cultural visits. Students will have the opportunity to plant trees, contributing to the regeneration of the local woodlands which were gutted in the devastating fires of summer 2017. They will also visit local environmental associations and dams to learn more about the environmental issues affecting this area and how they are being approached.

Sample Itinerary

Available October - March.

Day 1

Flight to Lisbon and transfer by coach to Olho Marinho. Evening meal at the accommodation followed by Karaoke.

Day 2

A morning workshop on the topic of deforestation in Portugal. In the afternoon, contribute to reforestation efforts by planting trees. An evening game of laser tag.

Day 3

Travel to Lisbon for a day of sightseeing and cultural visits. Enjoy a traditional evening meal and ‘Fado’ entertainment, a genre of music unique to Portugal.

Day 4

A morning conference and visit to a local environmental association. An afternoon visit to a local dam to learn about the effects of climate change on the area’s water source. Free time in the evening to reflect on the day’s activities.

Day 5

Visit the towns of Caldas da Rainha and Óbidos. Wander the markets and soak up the local culture. Visit the reforestation area in the afternoon for a further planting session. Farewell party at the accommodation in the evening.

Day 6

Check out of accommodation and depart for return journey to school.

CAS activities

Conference & visit to a local environmental association

The students will have the chance to ask previously prepared questions, in order to better understand the problem of climate change in Portugal. The group will discuss solutions and how these could be applied, both in Portugal and worldwide.

Visit a dam - where has the water gone?

With a guided visit to a local dam, the students will have the opportunity to learn more about global warming and how this affects the local water source.

Reforestation

Around 80% of the largest pine forest in Portugal was destroyed by the 2017 wild fires. The students will plant trees with help from local Forest and Environment engineers.

Sample activities

At (or near) the accommodation

High ropes course
Paintball
Climbing
Zip line
Laser tag
Football
Volleyball
Karaoke

Visits

Browse a selection of our favourite activities and visits.

Lisbon
Caldas da Rainha
Óbidos

Visit Jerónimos Monastery, Monument to the Discoveries and Belém Tower.

Visit a traditional Portuguese street market.

Enjoy a scavenger hunt in the Medieval village, a beautiful hilltop area steeped in history, culture and tradition.

Where to stay

Popular places to stay.

Our students stay at Campo Aventura Junior Resort in the small village of Olho Marinho, close to the town of Óbidos and the scenic beach area of Peniche. Students are in large multi-bedded rooms and staff in singles where possible. Lots of activities are on-site, including football and volleyball fields, several towers for zip line, an auditorium, a paintball field and much more.

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FAQs

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

We agree a three-stage process so that payments can be staggered to make it easier for parents.

Yes, there are many advantages to this. One is that greater numbers sign up which means a lower tour price per student. Another is that a diverse (two-subject) itinerary can broaden the horizons of both ‘groups’ though, of course, we can create separate agendas for each if preferred.

You should book your tour between 8-18 months in advance. This will give us time to secure the best possible accommodation and excursion programme for your tour and you will have ample time for fundraising should you need to do so.