Discover Spain and Portugal on an unforgettable journey that blends culture, creativity, and innovation. Explore Barcelona’s iconic architecture and dynamic business ecosystem, then continue to Lisbon to experience historic charm, coastal beauty, and global success stories rooted in tradition. This immersive program connects vibrant cities, inspiring ideas, and authentic local experiences.
Day 1:
Saturday, October 3
Sat October 3
Day 1:
welcome to Catalonia!
Barcelona, Spain
Welcome to Barcelona, a captivating seaside city known for its culture, stunning architecture, and exceptional dining scene. Barcelona is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia, as well as the second-most populous municipality of Spain. Catalonia plays a crucial role in attracting foreign investment in Spain and Europe. The region has been recognized by the Financial Times for having Europe’s best foreign investment attraction strategy. That demonstrates the high degree of stability, satisfaction, and return on investment enjoyed by foreign firms. A talented proactive workforce in a dynamic business climate offers new companies numerous competitive advantages with workers enjoying Barcelona, a Mediterranean city with the highest quality of life in Southern Europe. Beyond its beauty, Barcelona is also a leader in sustainability, implementing a zero-waste strategy, and as the first city in the world, Barcelona obtained the Biosphere certification.
intercity transfers
arrive in Barcelona
Own arrangements
own arrangements
transportation
transfer to hotel, check in
Own arrangements
own arrangements
free afternoon to rest or discover the city
ISP recommendation: Discover and enjoy the atmosphere of La Rambla street - the most famous street in Barcelona! This busy street is always lively and has numerous terraces and restaurants to enjoy, as well La Boqueria, Barcelona’s most iconic street market that will be the perfect place to buy local products as souvenirs to take back home to your loved ones. You can also visit Barceloneta - a classic neighborhood by the sea, where the people of Barcelona love to walk alongside the sea, exercise, enjoy picnics etc or go to the Tibidabo Amusement Park which is Spain's longest running amusement park with the best views of Barcelona in their Sky Walk!
transportation
meet in the hotel lobby, depart for welcome dinner
bus transfer
evening
meals
welcome dinner & flamenco show
Get a taste of Spanish culture in two ways during one evening! First comes a passionate flamenco show, performed by some of the finest flamenco professionals in Spain. Live dancing, guitar and singing will leave you short for breath. Next, comes a delicious tapas meal which includes a variety of tasty food to share.
restaurant
Day 2:
Sunday, October 4
Sun October 4
Day 2:
immerse yourself in the Spanish culture
breakfast
hotel
transportation
meet in hotel lobby, depart for cultural immersion
bus/walk
morning
cultural event
Barcelona through the eyes of a local
Embark on an exciting journey of discovery through the charming city of Barcelona. Marvel at the stunning architecture of La Sagrada Familia and immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Gothic Quarter and many other sights. Your knowledgeable guide will bring the city to life, sharing fascinating stories and perspectives that will leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this incredible destination. Get ready to be captivated by the lively spirit of Barcelona and its vibrant mix of art, food, and student life. Finish the tour at La Boqueria market to browse the stalls or find a seat to taste more of Spanish gastronomy!
meals
group lunch: tapas, tapas, tapas!
The word tapa harks back to the days when these small dishes meant for sharing had to be covered with a “tapa,” or lid, to protect them from the swarms of flies that inhabited the dive bars that served them. Discover today's Barcelona’s tapas scene which has evolved into a sophisticated culinary movement, with many of the city’s top chefs applying their talents to these bite-size tidbits.
restaurant
rest of the day at leisure
ISPer's recommendation: Enjoy the atmosphere of La Rambla - the most famous street in Barcelona. This busy street is just for pedestrians and is lined with outdoor markets, shops, restaurants, and cafes. You can also visit Barceloneta - a classic neighborhood by the sea, where the people of Barcelona love to walk alongside the sea, exercise, enjoy picnics etc.
afternoon
optional cultural event
Sagrada Familia - the jewel in the crown of Gaudí’s works
Visit the temple that is a synthesis of Gaudi's overall conception of architecture; learn about the meaning of the façade - which explains a chapter of Jesus’ life; the basilica - observe the curved columns resembling trees, the light that dances and plays across the hall in a constant change of colors; and visit the museum - an essential aspect to see to understand how Gaudí worked and thought.
sts pay individually
Day 3:
Monday, October 5
Mon October 5
Day 3:
introduction to the local business context
breakfast
hotel
transportation
meet in hotel lobby, depart for visits
bus half day
morning
visit
Barcelona as a strategic center for business excellence and innovation
Barcelona Activa
Did you know that Barcelona is the startup hub of Southern Europe, home to 2,285 startups? Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Spanish economy and the crucial role Catalonia plays in driving the country's economic growth. Deepen your knowledge of the intricacies of doing business in this region, giving you a valuable perspective for your future endeavors. Learn more about Barcelona Activa’s resources, services, and programs designed to support entrepreneurship and microbusinesses.
management presentation, discussion
meals
lunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
rest of the day at leisure
ISPer's recommendation: Venture out to Park Güell, a public garden, a prime tourist attraction of Barcelona that is equally appreciated the city's inhabitants. This unsual recreational area was built in the beginning of the 20th century, and was named after its sponsor, Count Eusebi Güell. In 1969, the park was recognized as an artistic monument and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Park Güell is one of the outstanding examples of Catalan Modernism and an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Barcelona.
Day 4:
Tuesday, October 6
Tue October 6
Day 4:
driving innovation forward
breakfast
hotel
transportation
meet in hotel lobby, depart for visits
bus full day
morning
visit
consumer behavior: addressing the Spanish market
Roca Barcelona Gallery is a family-owned company with a unique approach to business, making sustainability and design key pillars of its brand. The gallery provides a space to explore the intersection of sustainability and design through exhibitions of the latest sustainable technologies and trends. The company's management is committed to sustainable strategies, from energy-efficient buildings to eco-friendly products, making it a leader in sustainable business practices. Visit to gain a new perspective on sustainable business practices and make a positive impact on the environment.
management presentation, discussion, tour of gallery
meals
group lunch
restaurant
Get out of your comfort zone and get hands-on experience with a case study exploring marketing strategies alongside a global player. Hear from this award-winning marketing agency how to help brands grow by creating tailored digital business strategies and try some of these challenges on your own. Compare the differences between the US and European marketing landscape. What does Spain's marketing landscape look like? What does it take to reach the local consumer here? Within a team try to answer questions and solve given challenges.
management presentation, case study, discussion
Bolivia 68 - 70, 08018, Barcelona
rest of the day at leisure
ISPer's recommendation: Visit Montjuic - Montjuic is an intriguing historic site on the hill reachable by a scenic ride on a cable car. At the top of it, you will find magic fountains, beautiful parks, historic castle and the Olympic ring from 1992. On your way, you will also find the Museum of Art of Catalonia.
Day 5:
Wednesday, October 7
Wed October 7
Day 5:
el camino leads to Lisboa
breakfast
hotel
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is a city that seamlessly blends rich history, stunning architecture, and a dynamic modern culture. Perched on the hills overlooking the Tagus River, Lisbon is known for its charming cobbled streets, iconic yellow trams, and breathtaking viewpoints. The city's historic neighborhoods, such as Alfama and Bairro Alto, showcase a mix of Moorish influences and Portuguese tradition, while landmarks like Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery reflect its maritime past. Beyond history, Lisbon boasts a thriving food scene, with delicious pastel de nata, fresh seafood, and world-class wines. Whether exploring its lively markets, enjoying Fado music, or admiring the picturesque coastline, Lisbon captivates visitors with its warmth and authenticity.
transportation
check-out, load luggage on the bus, transfer to the airport
bus transfer
noon
intercity transfers
flight to Lisbon (duration approx. 2 hrs)
air
meals
lunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
transportation
arrive Lisbon, transfer to hotel, check-in
bus transfer
transportation
meet in the hotel lobby, depart for tour
walk
late afternoon
cultural event
guided tour of Lisbon: discover the city’s lovely hills
What does Lisbon have that makes it so special? Stroll around Lisbon’s historical cobblestone streets filled with intrigue and culture as you walk the city's oldest quarters. You will see the Moorish Alfama neighborhood characterized by medieval alleys and mazes of narrow cobbled streets and St Pedro viewpoint with superb views of Lisbon's Old Town quarter filled with charming historical buildings covered with red rooftops.
Day 6:
Thursday, October 8
Thu October 8
Day 6:
get to know Portugal better
breakfast
hotel
transportation
meet in hotel lobby, depart for visits
bus full day
Portugal has returned to economic growth, and the unemployment rate is lower than before the COVID crisis. 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
meals
group lunch
restaurant
Hear from a successful global company about their HR strategy and how it plays a vital role in attracting and retaining top talent by adapting recruitment strategies to meet local market conditions. What it takes to develop tailored training and leadership programs to enhance employee skills and foster a strong leadership pipeline across different regions? Hear more about their robust range of talent development programs, including the Siemens Learning Campus, which provides access to over 4,000 courses and training sessions, ensuring continuous professional growth for employees. Discuss their support in various ERGs, such as the Women in Engineering Network and the LGBTQ+ Alliance, which create safe spaces for underrepresented groups to connect, share experiences, and advocate for inclusive workplace practices.
management presentation, discussion
rest of the day at leisure
ISPer's recommendation: The LX Factory is one of the coolest places to visit in Lisbon. Once an old industrial complex for textiles, the LX Factory is now a creative, artsy village within a city where trendy cafés, bohemian shops, delectable restaurants, and independent art studios occupy abandoned warehouses.
Day 7:
Friday, October 9
Fri October 9
Day 7:
a global success started from a local story
breakfast
hotel
transportation
meet in the hotel lobby, depart for visits
bus full day
Pastel de nata, also known as the Portuguese custard tart, has become a global phenomenon over recent years, captivating the taste buds of people worldwide. Originating from the city of Lisbon, these delectable treats have gained popularity far beyond their homeland. The global popularity of these Portuguese pies can be attributed to a combination of factors, including culinary trends, social media influence, cultural exchange, accessibility, and word of mouth. Get inspired by story of Portuguese company exporting the taste of Portugal around the world and find out how they market their products in other countries. Learn more about their strategies for building trust, and competitive advantage as well as organizational behavior, group dynamics and employee engagement and satisfaction.
management presentation, discussion
meals
group lunch
restaurant
The winery industry in Portugal, particularly in the region of Lisbon, has a rich history and is globally recognized for its high-quality wines. Visit wine family with almost 200 years of history, where the values passed down from generation to generation are kept alive while allowing the company to project itself into the 21st century. Discuss the use of best practices in the treatment of vines and better management, preservation, and conservation of natural resources. Take a tour of the winery, learn about the secrets of wine production, and cork preparation.
management presentation, discussion, tour of premises, wine tasting
evening
meals
wine and dine: farewell dinner by the vineyards
Spend your evening in the idyllic setting of a picturesque vineyard, complete with a delightful dinner showcasing the richness of the region and some of the finest wines of the domain. Toast to the end of a memorable trip to Morocco and Portugal, and bid farewell to the magical city of Lisbon.
winery/restaurant
evening
transportation
return to hotel
bus transfer
Day 8:
Saturday, October 10
Sat October 10
Day 8:
Portugal's fairytale town, full-day trip to Sintra
breakfast
hotel
transportation
meet in the hotel lobby, depart for Sintra (approx. 1 hour)
bus full day
morning
cultural event
half-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 Quinta da Regaleira, with its enchanting gardens, hidden tunnels, and the iconic Initiation Well that feels straight out of a fairy tale. Enjoy some free time in the historic center, browse local shops, and stop at the traditional "Casa Piriquita", founded in 1862, and try a signature dessert from Sintra - the "Travesseiro".
walk
meals
group lunch
restaurant
afternoon
cultural event
Cabo da Roca: the most western point of Europe
Travel to Cabo de Roca and admire the views from the most western point in continental Europe. After that, make your way back to Lisbon through a charming Portuguese fishing town of Cascais, here it is the tranquil atmosphere of luxury and ease, along with the stunning seaside esplanade that makes it one of Europe’s most prized seaside destinations.
walk
rest of the day at leisure
ISPer's recommendation: Lisbon has a buzzing nightlife scene that is social, diverse and welcoming. Enjoy a nice spring last night in Bairro Alto, a warren of trendy bars, artisan cafes and traditional live music establishments.
Day 9:
Sunday, October 11
Sun October 11
Day 9:
depart for US
breakfast
hotel
optional cultural event
full-day trip to Batalha, Nazaré & Óbidos
Discover some of Portugal's fascinating small towns; go to the 14th-century monastery of Batalha; see the fishing village of Nazaré, where the big-wave surfers go surfing the biggest wave in the world & end this fabulous day in Óbidos, wander through the winding streets of this well-preserved medieval castle, and taste the delicious liquor «ginjinha» in a chocolate cup before returning to Lisbon.
sts pay individually
transportation
check-out, transfer to the airport
Own arrangements
own arrangements
intercity transfers
depart for US
Own arrangements
own arrangements