Ourso Alumni & Friends Abroad

2027 Dates & Destinations

March 5 - 14, 2027  |  Madrid / Seville / Barcelona

Registration Deadline

October 28, 2026

 

 

About the Program

Expand your global perspective, mentor future business leaders, and reconnect with fellow Tigers on this premier travel experience. 

Tour leading international commercial hubs, marvel at architectural icons, and experience authentic cultural traditions, all while participating in joint sessions and networking events with current LSU Flores MBA students traveling on their own global immersion experience. This premier itinerary connects you to global enterprise and a new generation of the Ourso community.

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Cost

  • Double occupancy: $5,480 per traveler
  • Single occupancy: $7,980 per traveler

Prices do not include airfare, optional excursions, or extended days.

The LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business has partnered with Southbridge Access, a world-renowned provider of group travel services, and the LSU Foundation to facilitate this program.

Step 1: Pay for your trip through the LSU Foundation

Payment for the trip and any supplemental donation are processed via the LSU Foundation. Multiple travelers may be paid for in a single transaction.

Deadline: October 28

REGISTER NOW!

Step 2: Provide information to Southbridge Access

The link to a Southbridge Access form will be sent directly to the email address you provide during the payment step. This form must be submitted individually for each traveler in your party.

Deadline: November 11

What's Included?

Madrid Cibeles Fountain

Explore Iberia

Spend 10 days discovering historic Spain, immersing yourself in both its extensive cultural traditions and burgeoning international business activities.

amcham

Meet the Next Generation

Enjoy opportunities to engage with Flores MBA students while they are on their own global immersion experience, in both social and educational settings.

russell crook and scott fargason

Right-Sized Travel, Ourso Hosts

Journey with a small cohort of fellow Ourso alums, led by Dean Russell Crook and Scott Fargason, Lee D. and Cynthia C. Bloch Distinguished Instructor.

 

Meals & Transportation

  • Enjoy 9 arranged meals (4 lunches and 5 dinners) including receptions to mingle with fellow travelers, a countryside wine tasting, and more.
  • All group motorcoach transfers, as well as first-class travel on high-speed rail between cities on the itinerary, are included.
  • Airfare is not included.

Accommodations

  • All hotel stays are included in the registration cost. Both double and single-occupancy rate options are available.
    • Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid (March 5 – 9)
    • Hotel Colón Gran Meliá Seville (March 9 – 11) 
    • Sofitel Barcelona Skipper (March 11 – 14) 

 

Supporting Ourso Global Engagement

The Ourso College offers a variety of global engagement programs to help students thrive in a changing business landscape. These experiences bridge theory and practice, providing important lessons in global commerce, cultural fluency, and resilience to students as they navigate new environments.

During your travels in Spain, you will see the impact of these immersions firsthand when connecting with our Flores MBA cohort. Please consider providing an additional donation alongside your program registration. Your contribution will be deposited into an earmarked account to offset travel expenses for students. We recommend a donation between $1,000 to $5,000, with the understanding that this gesture is completely discretionary. Any gift is greatly appreciated.

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Full Itinerary

Select a day to expand its full agenda and details.

Accommodations

Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid
P.º de la Castellana, 57, Chamberí, 28046 Salamanca, Madrid, Spain
+34 912 10 88 00
Website

Meals

Breakfast - N/A
Lunch - On your own
Dinner - Included

Agenda

Morning
Arrivals to hotel and check-in.

Afternoon
Madrid Sightseeing City Tour
Take a guided tour through a lively national capital city. Highlights will include Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Cibeles, Puerta del Sol, and more.
Audio guides included.

Accommodations

Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid
P.º de la Castellana, 57, Chamberí, 28046 Salamanca, Madrid, Spain
+34 912 10 88 00
Website

Meals

Breakfast - At the hotel
Lunch - On your own
Dinner - On your own

Agenda

Morning
Prado Museum Visit
Explore the Prado Museum, home to one of the world’s greatest collections of European art.
Audio guides included.

Afternoon
Neighborhood Lunchtime Tapas Tour
Visit locally owned tapas bars in Madrid’s trendiest neighborhood, Malasaña, meet their owners, and taste the blend of modern and traditional cuisine that makes this area so unique.
3-hour tour with stops at 3 local tapas spots. Includes 4 drinks per person.

Accommodations

Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid
P.º de la Castellana, 57, Chamberí, 28046 Salamanca, Madrid, Spain
+34 912 10 88 00
Website

Meals

Breakfast - At the hotel
Lunch - On your own
Dinner - On your own

Agenda

All-Day
Tour of Segovia with Flores MBA Students
Discover Segovia’s timeless charm on a day trip from Madrid. Highlights will include the Alcázar of Segovia, the Palace of the Kings of Castile, and the Museum of the Royal College of Artillery.
Audio guides included with entrance to Alcázar de Segovia.

Accommodations

Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid
P.º de la Castellana, 57, Chamberí, 28046 Salamanca, Madrid, Spain
+34 912 10 88 00
Website

Meals

Breakfast - At the hotel
Lunch - On your own
Dinner - On your own

Agenda

Morning
Royal Palace & Sabatini Gardens Guided Tour (Optional)
Explore Europe's largest functioning royal palace, paired with a guided walk through the geometric gardens.

Afternoon
Manufacturing in Spain
The Spanish economy has an export-oriented and highly productive manufacturing sector. Notable industries include motor vehicle parts, heavy machinery, consumer goods, and beauty products.

Reina Sofia Museum Visit
A visit to the Reina Sofía Museum offers a powerful look at Spain’s modern artistic identity, anchored by Picasso’s Guernica and the turbulent history it represents.

Accommodations

Hotel Colón Gran Meliá Seville
C. Canalejas, 1, Casco Antiguo, 41001 Sevilla, Spain
+34 954 50 55 99
Website

Meals

Breakfast - At the hotel
Lunch - On your own
Dinner - Included

Agenda

Morning
Hotel check-out and high-speed train ride to Seville.

Afternoon
Guided Tour of Alcazar, Cathedral, Giralda and Santa Cruz
Discover Seville on a guided tour of the exterior of its most emblematic monuments, while learning about its history, curiosities and legends.

Evening
Enjoy dinner paired with a legendary flamenco show.

Accommodations

Hotel Colón Gran Meliá Seville
C. Canalejas, 1, Casco Antiguo, 41001 Sevilla, Spain
+34 954 50 55 99
Website

Meals

Breakfast - At the hotel
Lunch - Included
Dinner - Included

Agenda

Morning
Andalusian Tile Workshop
Enjoy a hands-on cultural experience in the heart of Seville’s historic Triana district. Learn about the rich tradition of Andalusian tilework (azulejos) before creating your own hand-painted ceramic tiles using traditional Sevillian techniques.

Afternoon
Winery Tasting
Bodegas Colonias de Galeón offers a serene escape into the rolling hills of the Sierra Norte, where your group will explore organic vineyards and learn about small-batch winemaking in a beautiful natural setting. After the tasting, the visit culminates in a farm-to-table meal featuring seasonal products sourced directly from the surrounding countryside.

Accommodations

Sofitel Barcelona Skipper
Av. del Litoral, 10, Ciutat Vella, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
+34 932 21 65 65
Website

Meals

Breakfast - At the hotel in Seville
Lunch - Included
Dinner - On your own

Agenda

All-Day
Hotel check-out and high-speed train ride to Barcelona.

Accommodations

Sofitel Barcelona Skipper
Av. del Litoral, 10, Ciutat Vella, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
+34 932 21 65 65
Website

Meals

Breakfast - At the hotel
Lunch - On your own
Dinner - Included

Agenda

Morning
Manufacturing & Logistics Tour
Catalonia is one of Spain's most industrialized regions, anchored by automotive manufacturing, food and beverage production, and maritime trade.

Sagrada Família Guided Tour
A tour of the Sagrada Família immerses you in Gaudí’s visionary blend of soaring geometry, stained-glass light, and symbolic detail that transforms the basilica into a living work of art.

Afternoon
Gothic Quarter Sightseeing Tour
Explore Barcelona’s oldest streets, where Roman walls, medieval plazas, and Gothic spires reveal the city’s layered past.

Evening
A sunset dinner cruise blends Mediterranean beauty with dining elegance.

Accommodations

Sofitel Barcelona Skipper
Av. del Litoral, 10, Ciutat Vella, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
+34 932 21 65 65
Website

Meals

Breakfast - At the hotel
Lunch - Included
Dinner - Included

Agenda

All-Day
Costa Brava Sightseeing Tour
A day visit to the Costa Brava reveals one of Catalonia’s most stunning coastlines. As you explore villages such as Tossa de Mar or Cadaqués, the mix of coastal beauty, history, and Mediterranean charm makes the region makes for an unforgettable escape from the city.

Accommodations

Sofitel Barcelona Skipper
Av. del Litoral, 10, Ciutat Vella, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
+34 932 21 65 65
Website

Meals

Breakfast - At the hotel
Lunch - On your own
Dinner - N/A

Agenda

Morning
Hotel check-out and free time until your transfer window to the airport.

 

Trip Terms & Conditions

Items Included

  • Customized interactive website containing pertinent information about Spain, online registration for activities, and other pre-trip details, available to 1 month prior to the trip.
  • 4 nights at Hyatt Regency Hesperia Madrid or similar in Madrid, Spain.
  • 2 nights at Hotel Colón Gran Meliá Seville or similar in Seville, Spain.
  • 3 nights at Sofitel Barcelona Skipper or similar in Barcelona, Spain.
  • Arrangement of business visits on the itinerary (2 total).
    • Southbridge Access regards the names and contact information of speakers/executives who collaborate with us for company visits as proprietary. Contacts sourced by SBA may not be approached by the university for similar purposes related to future travel programs for at least two years. Similarly, SBA will extend the same respect to the professional contacts involved in meetings arranged by your university team.
  • Hotel rooms with standard check-in and check-out times. Accessible rooms are available upon request in all group hotels.
  • In-room internet use at no additional cost.
  • Private coach transportation quoted is based on using coaches within city limits and for the specific times listed below. Additional fees may apply for itinerary changes and/or use of transportation for more than 8 hours.
    • Private coach transportation in Madrid includes:
      • 2 Full Days on March 6th (10 hours) and March 7th (8 hours)
      • 2 Half Days on March 5th (4 hours) and March 8th (6 hours)
      • 1 Meal Transfers (3 hours)
        • 1 Meal Transfer to/from Welcome Dinner on March 5th
      • 1 Train Station Transfer:
        • 1 transfer from Madrid Hotel to train station on March 9th
      • Private coach transportation in Seville includes:
        • 1 Full Day on March 10th (12 hours)
        • 1 Half Day on March 9th (4 hours)
        • 1 Meal Transfer (3 hours)
          • I Meal Transfer to/from Group Dinner with Flamenco Show on March 9th
        • 2 Train Station Transfers:
          • 1 transfer from train station to Seville Hotel on March 9th
          • 1 transfer from Seville Hotel to train station on March 11th
        • Private coach transportation in Barcelona includes:
          • 2 Full Days on March 12th and March 13th (12 hours)
          • 1 Meal Transfer to/from Farewell Dinner on March 13th (included in 12 hour private coach transportation on March 13th)
          • 1 Train Transfer
            • 1 Train Transfer from train station to Barcelona Hotel on March 11th
          • 2 Airport Transfers
            • 2 airport transfers (32 seater buses) from hotel to airport for departures on March 14th.
          • Train ride (1st class) from Madrid to Seville on March 9th
          • Train ride (1st class) from Seville to Barcelona on March 11th
          • Two bottled waters per person, per day on coach.
  • Activities:
    • Madrid Sightseeing City Tour with audio guides on March 5th
    • Prado Museum Visit with audio guides on March 6th
    • MALASAÑA: Neighborhood Lunchtime Tapas Tour on March 6th
    • Day Trip to Segovia with audio guides and entrance to Alcazar de Segovia included on March 7th
    • Reina Sofia Museum with audio guides on March 8th
    • Guided Tour of Alcazar, Cathedral, Giralda and Santa Cruz (sightseeing) on March 9th
    • Andalusian Tile painting workshop on March 10th
    • Winery Tasting & Dinner at Bodegas Colonias de Galeón on March 10th
    • Gothic Quarter Sightseeing Walking Tour on March 12th
    • Sagrada Família Guided Tour on March 12th
    • Sunset Boat Cruise (private) with dinner on March 12th
    • Day Trip to Costa Brava (sightseeing) on March 13th
    • Breakfast at your hotel daily.
    • The following group meals (9 total):
      • 1 Welcome Dinner in Madrid at Asador Donostiarra or similar on March 5th
      • 1 Group Lunch included in MALASAÑA: Neighborhood Lunchtime Tapas Tour in Madrid on March 6th
      • 1 Group Dinner included with Flamenco Show in Seville on March 9th
      • 1 Group Lunch included in Seville on March 10th
      • 1 Group Dinner included at Bodegas Colonias de Galeón Winery in Seville on March 10th
      • 1 Boxed Lunch included from Madrid hotel for train ride to Barcelona on March 11th
      • 1 Group Dinner included in Sunset Boat Cruise in Barcelona on March 12th
      • 1 Group Lunch in Costa Brava on March 13th
      • 1 Farewell Dinner in Barcelona at Marina Bay Barcelona or similar on March 13th
    • Up to 1 non-alcoholic beverage included for all group lunches and up to 2 non-alcoholic or 1 alcoholic and 1 non-alcoholic beverages for dinners included in the program (unless otherwise requested).
  • Assistance of a bilingual, English speaking guide for scheduled activities on the itinerary. *Note: 1 additional guide each has been included for the Prado Museum on March 7th, and the Reina Sofia Museum on March 8th.
  • Host Services in Madrid include:
    • 5 Full Days
    • 1 Train Station Transfer:
      • 1 transfer from Madrid Hotel to train station on March 9th
    • Host Services in Seville include:
      • 3 Full Days
      • 2 Train Station Transfers:
        • 1 transfer from train station to Seville Hotel on March 9th
        • 1 transfer from Seville Hotel to train station on March 11th
      • Host Services in Barcelona include:
        • 4 Full Days
        • 1 Train Station Transfer:
          • 1 transfer from train station to Barcelona Hotel on March 11th
        • 2 Airport Transfers
          • 2 airport transfers (32 seater buses) from hotel to airport for departures on March 14th. *2 guides are included for departure on March 14th
        • Gratuities on all group meals.
        • Taxes and service fees where applicable.
        • Gratuities for guide and driver.

Items Not Included

  • Visa fees and/or arrangement of visas (assistance is available upon request).
  • Trip cancellation insurance (individual or group trip cancellation insurance is available upon request).
  • Travel, medical and emergency evacuation insurance (available upon request).
  • Individuals arriving on different flights are responsible for their own transfers, which can be arranged through us if requested.
  • Hotel meeting room space has not been included in the stated cost per person. Should your group need meeting room space during the week for company presentations or lectures, we will be happy to arrange. Please note, we will not confirm a visit that requires hotel meeting room space without first discussing with the program leader.
  • SBA coordinated company or academic engagements do not include additional expenses such as speaker honorariums, translators, company hosting fees, equipment costs, or extra mileage outside city limits - unless specifically noted in the inclusions section.
  • Extras at the hotel not included in the standard room rate (phone, laundry, minibar, etc.).
  • Additional tourism activities or meals not mentioned in the proposal.
  • Additional host services are available upon request for an additional cost.
  • COVID 19 testing.

Cancellation Policy

  • 100% of total trip costs refundable if cancellation made 120+ days prior to trip.
  • 50% of total trip costs refundable if cancellation made 60-119 prior to trip.
  • 20% of total trip costs refundable if cancellation made 31-59 days prior to trip.
  • Non-refundable 1-30 days prior to trip.

Questions & Contacts

For questions about the trip itinerary or general travel arrangements, please contact:

Lee Kramer
Senior Manager, Strategic Accounts
Southbridge Access
lee@southbridgeaccess.com
404-784-0593

For questions about your payment and/or donation with the LSU Foundation, please contact:

Chelsea Fontenot
Director of Development
LSU Foundation
cfontenot@lsufoundation.org
225-578-7186