Contribution starting at $3,700
Exported from Streamline App (https://app.streamlineicons.com)
7+ days (avg. $486 a day) Includes accommodations, food, and all related research costs

As a paying volunteer, you directly fund scientific research by covering permits, equipment, and other costs while supporting local vendors.

BOOK WITH A $500 DEPOSIT
Shovel Icon
Archaeology

Discovering Ancient Societies in Portugal

Location
Muge, Salvaterra de Magos, Santar茅m, Portugal
Activity Level
Easy
Accommodations
Hotel/Resort/Lodge
Food
Dinner at local restaurants
Special diets accommodated

TYPICAL ITINERARY:

  • DAY 1: Meet and travel to the field site
  • DAYS 2鈥6: Excavation at the field site, artifacts analysis, and laboratory work
  • DAY 7: Departure

*For 2025: You also have the option of joining a 13-day team.


Bone remains discovered in Portugal
美姬社区 volunteers excavating in Portugal
Volunteers working together in the field
Volunteers conducting participating in a hands-on archaeological dig
Volunteers comparing their archaeological discoveries in Portugal
Volunteers sorting artifacts in Portugal
Scenic view of Portugal's Tagus river
Bone remains discovered in Portugal
美姬社区 volunteers excavating in Portugal
Volunteers working together in the field
Volunteers conducting participating in a hands-on archaeological dig
Volunteers comparing their archaeological discoveries in Portugal
Volunteers sorting artifacts in Portugal
Scenic view of Portugal's Tagus river

Contribute to the conservation of one of Portugal鈥檚 National Monuments while uncovering clues about the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to early farming communities. A deeper understanding of the past will provide valuable insights into our cultural heritage and societal evolution today.


Archaeology in Portuguese VineyardUncover the secrets of Portugal鈥檚 ancient past while making a real impact on archaeological research! Around 8,000 years ago, Central Portugal saw one of the most dramatic transformations in human history鈥攖he shift from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to farming and herding. This Mesolithic-Neolithic transition remains one of the greatest mysteries in archaeology, sparking debate over how鈥攁nd why鈥攖hese changes took place. For years, scholars believed that hunter-gatherers disappeared from the region around 7,000 years ago, replaced by farming communities. But new evidence suggests a far more intriguing story鈥攐ne of cultural exchange, adaptation, and possibly even coexistence.

Now, you have the rare opportunity to help uncover the truth. By analyzing ancient bone tools, shells, ornaments, and human remains, researchers are piecing together the daily lives, survival strategies, and social networks of these early people. Every discovery brings us closer to understanding how they saw themselves, their world, and their place in it.

Join researchers in the Tagus Valley, one of Portugal鈥檚 most significant archaeological landscapes, to help refine this timeline and uncover key details of this pivotal period. As a volunteer, you will participate in hands-on excavation, carefully recovering artifacts and contributing to preserving Portugal鈥檚 rich cultural heritage.

 

Why It Matters:
The Impact of Volunteer Science

 

I believe that it is truly important to involve citizen scientists in several aspects of the archaeological research because this is a way to integrate new perspectives, based on very different life experiences, in the reconstruction of the behaviors of past hunter-gatherer communities.鈥

Dr. C茅lia Gon莽alves,  Lead Scientist

 

.

HOW YOU WILL HELP

When you arrive, the research team will conduct an orientation session, providing an overview of the project鈥檚 goals, safety protocols, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Fieldwork will begin on Day 2, with participants rotating between:

.

Volunteers excavating muge mesolithic shell mounds
EXCAVATING MUGE MESOLITHIC SHELL MOUNDS

You will support researchers in excavating the site by assisting with data recording, operating specialized software, screening sediment, and collecting archaeological samples.
.
.

Volunteer processing finds from the field
PROCESSING AND ANALYZING ARTIFACTS IN LABORATORY

In the laboratory, you will clean artifacts using washing and dry-brushing techniques, sort and label archaeological finds, and assist in analyzing plant and animal remains, which provide insights into the diet of past populations. If human remains are uncovered during excavation, you may have the opportunity to observe and assist in their analysis under expert supervision.

.

Field conditions and research needs can change the itinerary and planned activities. We appreciate your flexibility, cooperation, and understanding..

.

 

Highlights to Explore at this Destination

  • Lisbon: Portugal's vibrant capital, known for its historic neighborhoods, iconic landmarks like the Bel茅m Tower, lively streets, and scenic views over the Tagus River.
  • Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve: A protected area rich in wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring diverse ecosystems.
  • Sintra-Cascais Natural Park: A stunning natural area offering lush forests, rugged cliffs, and scenic views, perfect for hiking, exploring historic sites, and enjoying coastal beauty.
  • Castelo de S茫o Jorge: A historic castle offering stunning views of Lisbon and the Tagus River, built by the Romans and renovated in the 1940s.

 

.

FEEDBACK & QUESTIONS

.

12 Reviews on this Expedition

If you have been on this expedition, others considering attending would love to hear about your experience.
Marjorie Talbot |
This experience far exceeded all of my expectations. I was very impressed with the level of knowledge of every one of the scientists. They all clearly enjoyed their work and always shared their knowledge with the volunteers. I learned so much. In addition, all of these people were very caring and compassionate. They made sure everyone's needs were met and made sure that everyone was comfortable with activities, food, accommodations, etc. I could not have asked to be around better people for this experience.
Carilyn Anderson |
This was a wonderful project in a beautiful place. The archaeology staff was golden: kind, patient, fun, funny, good sense of humor, knowledgeable--I can't say enough good things about them all. It was a bonus that I have "eagle eye" close-up vision (besides decades of proofreading experience and attention to detail) and was promoted to not having to have my sieving checked anymore at the end of the first week. C茅lia showed me how to brush carefully on the first day and I was able to turn up some exceptional items that excited the staff. I was lucky in the spot I was working! In the briefing for this project, the temperature range was on the low side for the high (95掳), as one day reached 109掳. Most days were probably in the 90s or low 100s. The tent cover protected us from the sun; a breeze usually came up before we were finished for the morning; sieving was done in the shade of a cork tree. Work at the lab, around the corner from us, was interesting and varied. We had breaks during the day, but not so long that I felt that I was under-utilized. The dinners at the restaurant were delicious. Having the contessa (we stayed in her palace) at the Wednesday night pizza meals--on her patio--was delightful. Several members of the staff urged me to come back. It's food for thought because I was really good at this work; of course, good finds during one project don't mean that they would be as exciting at another time. If I returned, however, it wouldn't be in August.
Annette Gardin |
When I started looking into going on an archeological dig I imagined sleeping in a tent or maybe glamping and eating beans out of a can over a campfire. That is not what happened here. Our accommodation, a beautiful old palace with a central garden. Our rooms, I romantically believe, were possibly the servants' quarters. Double or single rooms with shared bathrooms and a small but well stocked kitchen. Dinner was mostly eaten out at an authentic Portuguese family style restaurant with delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients. The dig itself, although work, taught me that nothing needs to happen immediately, we can slow down, there is no rush. We found fascinating large and small items, and the scientists were pleasant and enthusiastic to teach us. I would give the whole experience a 10 out of 10. I loved it.

Have a question?

If your question is not answered by one of our FAQs, please reach out to us and we will answer your question as soon as we can.

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Explore More

GET EARTHWATCH NEWSLETTER

Bi-weekly announcements, new expeditions, and updates on our impact around the globe.