Barcelona Off the Beaten Path

Your educational student tour has begun as you travel to Barcelona. As your plane descends, take a look out of your window to see the country’s bustling cities, towering mountains, and pristine shores. A local guide will be waiting to transfer you to your five-star city hotel. It has been ranked among the top hotels for hospitality in Spain.  

The afternoon is yours to explore your environment. Walk around the city, swim at the beach, or get a message at the hotel spa. In the evening, you’ll meet with your guide for a traditional Mediterranean-style dinner. Which is a great opportunity to get to know your guides and ask questions about your upcoming adventures.

With a booming tourist industry, no company can be successful in Barcelona without strong hospitality. Today you are off the CETT, which is one of the most prestigious schools for hospitality studies in Spain. Here, you will meet a professional in the hospitality industry who will teach you about the generous reception and entertainment of visitors to ensure their satisfaction. Next, visit the school’s department for 5-star training hotels to practice what you learned. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to absorb the sights, tastes, and sounds of the city’s hospitality industry as you visit La Boqueria Market, next rep factory, wine caves, and a tapa tasting tour. As you continue touring Barcelona in the coming days, take lots of notes about the hospitality you experience.

Today you will visit two of Barcelona’s top attractions while learning about its history and architecture. Begin at the Sagrada Familia will your skip-the-line visit. Take in the spectacular sights of this cathedral constructed in 1882 and designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, which was funded by anonymous donations. Its construction continues to this day. After lunch in one of the best tapas in the city, you’ll make your way to Park Güell, also designed by Gaudí. This public area located on the slope of Mount Carmelo is renowned for its garden and unique architecture. Notice all of the colored tiles that give the park life, and take some time to explore the area and enjoy breath-taking views of the city. Think about the hospitality you experienced today. What did you like, and what could be improved?

It’s time to escape the city to make your way to the Catalonia Countryside Stables. Select your favorite horse for a practice riding lesson in the arena. Next, set off for a trail ride through Catalonia’s magnificent natural park. Ride through pine groves, dense forests, and undulating hills. If you work up the bravery, you can also try trotting and galloping through the countryside. Following your ride, enjoy a refreshing shower before eating freshly baked bread, creamy cheese, and a Spanish omelet. Delish!

Today you will visit the scenic Monastery of Montserrat. Enjoy an hour-long tour of its highlights before having free time to explore. Absorb magnificent views during a short hike, marvel at the monastery’s art collection, and enjoy the voices of the Montserrat Boys’ Choir. Next, it’s time to satisfy your foodie cravings with a five-course Spanish lunch in Oller del Mas winery restaurant. Notice the waiters’ excellent hospitality skills. Following this, enjoy a wine tour of Oller del Mas and stroll through the property’s vineyards before heading back to your hotel.

You’ve experienced Barcelona’s attractions and hospitality on land, but what about the sea and sky? Well, today you will! All aboard a Turkish schooner boat to cruise from the picturesque Old Town. Enjoy the wind in your hair and free sea smell as you view the beauty of Barcelona. Upon returning to dry land, you’ll enjoy lunch before boarding a roaring helicopter to take the skies. Enjoy the adrenaline rush as you ascend and the panoramic views of the city. Can you spot the Olympic Villages, Old Town, and Columbus Monument from your aerial perspective?

It has been both an adventurous and educational week. We hope you had lots of fun, but it’s now time to leave. Enjoy a final breakfast with your group and guides before transferring to the local airport for your departure flight home.