Discovering the gateway to Europe – Sample Itinerary
Take your students to Europe’s westernmost country—Portugal. As the gateway to the continent, Portugal offers an ideal setting for academic programs, boasting a booming tourism industry, a thriving international business landscape and a vibrant cultural scene. With the option to explore one or both of its popular cities, Lisbon and Porto, a study program in Portugal provides participants with a rich, single or dual-destination experience!
* Please note that this is only a sample itinerary for a group of Executive MBA students. All of our itineraries are tailor-made and can accommodate any academic level and theme. All itineraries are subject to change.
Day 1: Saturday, March 9Sat March 9Day 1: welcome to Lisbon, Europe's San Francisco!
intercity transfersarrive in Lisbon
Own arrangements
own arrangements
transportationtransfer to hotel, check in / drop off luggage
bus transfer
afternoon
free afternoon to explore the city on your own
Start your Lisbon exploration or take it easy at the hotel and regain your energy after the flight or ride on the number 28 tram. Explore the city in this quaint yellow tram that rattles and screeches through the narrow streets of Lisbon. The 1930's trams are an integral part of the public transport network and create an ancient atmosphere to the whole city. Additionally, the route of the tram 28 passes through many of Lisbon's historic districts, including Graca, Alfama, Baixa, Chiado and Sao Bento.
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for welcome dinner
bus transfer
evening
mealswelcome dinner - cooking class
On our first evening in the city, take over the kitchen of the Lisbon's cooking studio, where a fantastic array of ingredients is awaiting you. Learn how to replicate some of the most typical Portuguese classics, cook together with your colleagues and share a delicious dinner.
cooking studio
Day 2: Sunday, March 10Sun March 10Day 2: immerse yourself in Portuguese culture
breakfast
hotel
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for cultural immersion
walk
morning
cultural eventLisbon city tour in an electric tuk tuk
Though Lisbon’s hills yield spectacular lookout points, they can often make sightseeing a strenuous task. Get to the top of Lisbon’s highest points without breaking a sweat during an electric tuk tuk tour. Explore Lisbon in a unique way with this eco-friendly way to travel around the city’s narrow streets and discover parts of Lisbon you may otherwise have missed.
tuk tuk
mealslunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
afternoon
free afternoon to explore the city on your own
ISPer's recommendation: Do you want to be in several places at the same time? Visit the Sanctuary of Christ the King, which was inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil. The statue was built to express gratitude because the Portuguese were spared the direct devastating effects of World War II. At the same time, you will be offered a breath-taking view of Lisbon and the 25 de Abril Bridge. It will give you the feeling that you are at the Golden Bridge in San Francisco.
afternoon
optional cultural eventcreate your own mosaic souvenir
Create your own souvenir and bring home a piece of Portugal. You will create two of your own highly decorative and colourful Lisbon mosaic sardines. Sardines are the unofficial mascot of Lisbon. During the afternoon you will learn how to cut tiles, how to lay them for the greatest effect, and how to fix and grout. Materials used will be antique Portuguese and contemporary tiles, mirror or broken dishes.
sts pay individually
rest of the day at leisure
Day 3: Monday, March 11Mon March 11Day 3: full-day trip to Sintra
breakfast
hotel
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for cultural event (approx. 60 mins)
bus full day
morning
cultural eventfull-day exploration of Sintra's jewels
Fall in love with Sintra, a village full of magic and mystery, the lasting symbol of Portugal's Romantic period and also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Pena Palace and feel like being in the fairy tale. Enjoy your time in the center, buy souvenirs and stop at the traditional "Casa Piriquita", founded in 1862, and try a signature dessert from Sintra - the "Travesseiro".
mealslunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
transportationreturn to hotel (approx. 60 mins)
rest of the day at leisure
ISPer's recommendation: Explore Belém neighbourhood from which the Portuguese Caravels sailed off to the epic maritime journeys and try the local delicacy, the Pastéis de Belém which has not changed since the bakery opened in 1837!
Day 4: Tuesday, March 12Tue March 12Day 4: get to know Portugal better
breakfast
hotel
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
Hear about the Portuguese economy, current challenges, and latest news as well as economic bilateral relations between Portugal and the US, socio-economic development of the country, main challenges & opportunities, Portugal's role in the EU, and expatriates retiring in Portugal.
management presentation, discussion
mealsgroup lunch
restaurant
afternoon
volunteering experienceopen your eyes to the difficulties that immigrants face in LisbonLisbon Project
Find out more about how Lisbon Project helps to integrate and protect the lives of migrants and refugees in the city of Lisbon. Get involved and listen to life stories of immigrants who have made their way to Lisbon to start their new life there.
presentation, discussion, volunteering
rest of the day at leisure
Day 5: Wednesday, March 13Wed March 13Day 5: transfer day and welcome to Porto!
breakfast
hotel
time for packing and check-out
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for Porto
bus full day
morning
intercity transferstransfer to Porto (appox.. 3,5 hours)
Experience the fascinating world of cork sustainability in Portuguese business right here in Porto. Dive into enlightening discussions on how this eco-friendly material is leading the way in innovation and environmental responsibility. This event is your chance to be inspired by cork's impact on the local evolving business landscape.
management presentation, discussion, company museum tour, cork stoppers production plant visit
mealslunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
transfer to hotel, check in
afternoon
cultural eventguided tour of Porto (including a boat ride)
Experience Porto and its hidden treasures. Uncover the history and current lifestyle of the second largest Portuguese city. Visit the Lello Library, considered the most beautiful library in Europe and walk by the Clérigos Tower. Walk through the historic center - Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed area, where you will embark on a private Rabelo (traditional Portuguese boat) and continue with a river cruise to explore the many bridges of Porto.
bus/walk/boat
rest of the day at leisure & leisure recommendation
ISP recommendation: Tip for fashion lovers. If you wish to immerse yourself in Portuguese fashion then a visit to Katty’s Xiomara Atelier will be a delight to you. Born in Venezuela, within a Portuguese family, Katty Xiomara moved to Portugal at the age of 18, settling in Porto. She fills the fashion week calendar in Portugal since 1998. Her name treads the catwalks of Paris on several occasions and participates regularly in international trade shows.
If you want a unique present from Porto, then The House of the Filigree is a must to visit. Located in a prime area of downtown Porto in a historic building of great beauty from the 19th century. In this historic building, you can find a museum, an atelier, and a boutique with a unique collection of hand-made pieces of Portuguese filigree.
Day 6: Thursday, March 14Thu March 14Day 6: traditional Portuguese products
breakfast
hotel
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
FEPSA was founded in 1969 in S. João da Madeira, with the union of 6 industrials from the hat industry with roots in the early 20th century, and is widely the consolidation of a very ancient industry in Europe, which in Portugal had a significant boost in the 18th century with Marquis of Pombal. Meet with the management of this traditional Portuguese enterprise and tour the facilities while discussing the company´s foundation, strategy, and growth. Get insights into the overall company’s information on sales, production, and investments, and of course, try on the world´s best felt hats.
management presentation, discussion, tour of facilities
mealsgroup lunch
restaurant
afternoon
cultural eventwine institute: unraveling the secrets of port wine heritage
Discover the rich heritage of Porto's Port wine at the city's foremost wine institute. This immersive visit will set the stage for your journey to the Douro Valley the next day. Delve into the centuries-old history and traditions of Port wine production, and tour a laboratory where sensory tests are conducted to ensure each wine's certification. This captivating experience offers a deep appreciation of Porto's wine culture and its meticulous quality standards.
rest of the day at leisure or optional cultural activity
late afternoon
optional cultural eventPorto's walking food tour
Walk through the vibrant history of one of Europe's oldest cities and discover some of it' s still hidden gems with a local eager to show you the best of their hometown. You will visit a traditional food market and local food venues and will have a chance to taste the best that Porto has to offer - petiscos (Portugese tapas), Tremoços (lupini beans), bolinho de bacalhau (codfish pastry), rissol de leitão (suckling pig), and much much more.
sts pay individually
late afternoon
optional cultural eventFado concert in a traditional tavern
Hear the sounds of the Portuguese soul. Fado isn’t just a traditional music style—it’s an emotional experience. Fado is fate, or destiny, translated into music. It’s a song about sorrow, sometimes happiness, and the many things that affect our daily lives, a truly distinctive melancholic form of traditional performance accompanied by classical and Portuguese guitars.
sts pay individually
Day 7: Friday, March 15Fri March 15Day 7: full-day trip to Douro Valley - the oldest demarcated wine region in the world
breakfast
hotel
early morning
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for Duoro Valley by train
morning
cultural eventDouro Valley: Quinta do Seixo Sandeman winery visit
The Douro Valley conceals some of the most beautiful natural scenery of northern Portugal, which is formed of terraced vineyards and steep valleys. The best way and most time-efficient way to reach the Douro Valley from Porto is by a scenic train ride, considered one of the most beautiful train lines in Europe. You will get off at Pinhao, the heart of the region and mecca for port wine lovers. This is where your port-wine journey starts.
Strolling through the vineyards, you will continue with a visit to Sandeman. Get ready to be dazzled by nature's living colors and the taste of the highest quality port wine. Which of the iconic port wines will you bring back home with you?
early afternoon
mealsgroup lunch: finding the perfect match of wine and food
It´s not time to leave the vineyards just yet, first you will tease your taste buds even more by enjoying a delicious savory lunch pairing.
restaurant
late afternoon
transportationreturn to Porto, free to relax
train transfer back
evening
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for dinner
bus transfer
evening
mealsfarewell dinner: the best of modern Portuguese fusion
The Portuguese restaurant scene is richly influenced by the diverse cultures that have migrated to Portugal. Today, Porto boasts exceptional dining experiences featuring African, Asian, and South American flavors. For your final evening in the city, immerse yourself in a unique fusion of modern Portuguese cuisine defined by multicultural vibrancy that defines Porto's culinary landscape.
restaurant
Day 8: Saturday, March 16Sat March 16Day 8: depart for US
breakfast
hotel
transportationcheck out, meet in hotel lobby, depart for airport in Lisbon (approx. 3,5 hours)
