About the Study Tour

From Madrid to Plasencia, the 2026 TPI Study Tour, in partnership with ETP, delivers a dynamic journey of culture, and  connection. This is more than travel — it is an opportunity to experience the global turfgrass industry firsthand.

Culture, Cuisine & Connection

The Study Tour begins in Madrid with a stay at the NH Collection Madrid Abascal, an elegant four-star hotel blending historic charm with modern comfort. Located in the city’s business district, the hotel offers convenient access to shopping, cultural landmarks, and key attractions.

Participants will explore Madrid through curated experiences including museum visits, guided tapas tours, and a private Tuk Tuk tour offering a unique view of the city. Evenings will feature memorable dining, including an authentic flamenco performance at Tablao de la Villa, set in a 19th-century palace in Madrid’s historic center. This opening experience introduces the culture, cuisine, and energy that define the week ahead.

Plasencia & the ETP Farm Tour Experience 

The journey continues to Plasencia, host city of the ETP Farm Tour 2026. En route, the group will stop at Bodegas Casa del Valle, a picturesque winery set just outside Madrid. Here, participants will enjoy a guided tour, wine tasting, and hosted lunch — an experience that blends Spanish tradition with modern innovation.

Upon arrival in Plasencia, guests will check into the Parador de Plasencia, a restored 15th-century convent located in the heart of the historic city. With vaulted ceilings, stone archways, and refined architectural details, the property offers a distinctive setting that reflects the region’s rich heritage. The evening begins with an official welcome reception, followed by a full ETP Field Day on Thursday and a gala celebration that evening.

On Friday, attendees may choose to explore local cultural experiences or return to Madrid for optional stadium tours, offering a flexible close to this immersive portion of the program.

Farewell in Madrid

On Friday evening, the group will return to Madrid and check into The Westin Madrid Cuzco, ideally located along the prestigious Paseo de la Castellana and just steps from the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The hotel offers a comfortable and refined setting for the final night of the program.

That evening, attendees will gather for a closing celebration dinner — an opportunity to reflect on the week’s experiences, strengthen connections, and formally conclude the 2026 Study Tour.

The following morning, guests may depart at their leisure or extend their time in Spain to continue exploring independently.

Discover Spain. Build Lasting Connections.

Itinerary

Sunday, October 18Travel to Spain

Participants will depart the United States for Madrid, Spain (MAD). Airfare is not included in the Study Tour package; attendees are responsible for securing their own flights.

Guests should plan to arrive in Madrid on Sunday, October 18 (departing the US on Saturday, October 17), and arrive in the late morning or early afternoon of the 18th. Upon arrival, attendees will take a taxi from the airport to the NH Collection Madrid Abascal to begin the program.

On Sunday evening, the group will gather at the hotel for a welcome reception to meet fellow participants, review the week’s agenda, and officially kick off the 2026 Study Tour.

Monday, October 19Experience Madrid

Guests will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for a full day of touring in Madrid. Participants will select their preferred excursions in advance from the options outlined in the following section.

That evening, the group will reconvene for a hosted dinner to continue building connections while experiencing Madrid’s renowned culinary scene.

Tuesday, October 20San Lorenzo de El Escorial

After breakfast, the group will travel approximately 50 kilometers northwest of Madrid to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a historic mountain town known for the 16th-century Royal Monastery of El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Commissioned by King Philip II, this remarkable granite complex includes a royal palace, basilica, library, and the Pantheon of the Kings, and is widely regarded as one of Spain’s most significant architectural landmarks.

Participants may choose to tour the Royal Monastery or enjoy a round of golf at La Herrería, set against the scenic backdrop of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains.

Upon returning to Madrid, guests will have time to refresh before gathering for another hosted dinner in one of the city’s distinctive venues.

Wednesday, October 21Travel to Plasencia

Guests will check out of the NH Collection Madrid Abascal and depart by private coach for Plasencia. En route, the group will stop at Bodegas Casa del Valle for a private winery tour, guided tasting, and hosted lunch — an opportunity to experience the region’s winemaking traditions in a distinctive setting.

Following lunch, the journey will continue to Plasencia, where attendees will check into the Parador de Plasencia, a restored 15th-century convent located within the city’s historic center. Featuring vaulted ceilings, stone walls, and preserved architectural details, the property offers a setting rich in character and heritage. This marks the beginning of the ETP Farm Tour portion of the program.

Thursday, October 22ETP Farm Tour

Thursday features the official ETP Technical Day, including visits to the TEPESERVI and TAPIZ VERDE estates. Participants will tour production facilities, review cultivation practices, and explore the latest innovations in turf and natural grass management. This immersive experience offers direct insight into European operations and an opportunity for meaningful industry exchange.

The day concludes with an elegant gala dinner hosted in a restored medieval palace in Plasencia — a distinctive setting designed for professional networking, collaboration, and celebration.

Friday, October 23Optional Tours & Return to Madrid

Guests will check out of the Parador de Plasencia and begin the day with one of two specially designed optional experiences. Attendees may choose to visit Madrid’s most iconic football stadiums or participate in a guided historical tour of the medieval cities of Extremadura.

Following the local tours, participants traveling from Plasencia will return to Madrid by private coach to rejoin those who selected the stadium experience. The group will check into The Westin Madrid Cuzco and reconvene that evening for a closing celebration dinner, marking the conclusion of the 2026 Study Tour.

Registration

The 2026 TPI & ETP Study Tour registration is structured to provide clarity and flexibility based on room occupancy preferences. All registration packages include hotel accommodations as outlined in the itinerary, scheduled group transportation, hosted meals and receptions noted in the program, curated excursions, and full participation in the ETP Farm Tour and Gala.

Airfare to and from Madrid (MAD) is not included and must be secured independently by each participant.

Registration is offered in two occupancy categories.

Space is limited and will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register

  • Rate is per person, based on two individuals sharing one room (one bed or two beds, based on hotel availability). If selecting the double occupancy rate, a second participant must be identified at the time of registration. TPI will not assign roommates.

  • Rate is per person and includes one individual staying in a private room.

  • upgraded rooms due to limited availability at host hotel. This is pre couple and should only be added to by one person in each group.

Rates are quoted per person. A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration via credit card. The remaining balance is due no later than July 1, 2026, and can be paid to TPI via check, ACH or credit card. If payment isn't received by this date, the remaining balance will be billed to the credit card on file.

Cancellations received on or before July 31, 2026, will result in forfeiture of the $1,000 deposit. As full payment is required by July 1, 2026, and services will be confirmed with external vendors at that time, cancellations received on or after August 1, 2026, are non-refundable. TPI will retain the full amount paid.

Attendee Details

Excursions

To personalize each attendee’s experience, participants can select from the below curated menu of excursions designed to showcase Spain’s history, culture, and lifestyle. Each option has been thoughtfully chosen to balance meaningful exploration with shared connection, allowing guests to tailor portions of the program to their individual interests while remaining fully integrated in the overall Study Tour experience.

Please choice 1 option each day. Monday will include of two tours, a group Tuk Tuk City tour and your individual selection.  

Monday, October 19 - Group Excursion

Private Tuk Tuk City Tour (Group activity) 

Experience the energy and character of Spain’s capital aboard a private Tuk Tuk tour through the heart of the city. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this dynamic and entertaining experience brings Madrid’s most iconic landmarks and hidden corners to life through engaging stories and historical insight.

Travel along grand boulevards and through tucked-away plazas while viewing highlights such as the Royal Palace, Retiro Park, and Gran Vía. Ideal for first-time visitors or those seeking a fresh perspective, this tour blends sightseeing and storytelling into a memorable introduction to the city.

Monday, October 19th Excursions*

  • Madrid Art & Museum Experience

    Discover Spain’s artistic legacy through guided visits to some of its most renowned museums. This cultural excursion includes institutions such as the Prado Museum, featuring masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, Rubens, and Bosch; the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, celebrated for its diverse, multi-century collection; and the Reina Sofía Museum, home to iconic modern works by Picasso, Dalí, and other influential artists.

    Led by expert guides, each visit provides meaningful context and insight into Spain’s impact on the global art world. From classical masterpieces to modern expression, this experience offers a rich exploration of creativity, history, and cultural influence.

  • Madrid Legends & Mysteries Walking Tour [Sold Out]

    Explore a different side of the city with a guided walking tour that uncovers Madrid’s most intriguing stories and hidden corners. Led by expert guides, this experience winds through historic neighborhoods such as La Latina and the Habsburg district, where centuries-old architecture and narrow alleyways create the perfect backdrop for tales of royal intrigue and local legend.

    As you pass landmarks including Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and historic churches, you will hear stories of unexplained events, folklore, and the personalities who shaped the city’s past. Blending history with storytelling, this tour offers a distinctive and memorable perspective for those who enjoy culture with a touch of mystery.

  • Madrid Tapas Experience

    Experience Madrid through its culinary traditions with a curated tapas tour highlighting the depth and diversity of Spanish gastronomy. Guests will visit a selection of iconic taverns and local favorites, sampling specialties such as Iberian ham, Manchego cheese, croquetas, and fresh seafood representing Spain’s regional flavors.

    Beyond the cuisine, this experience weaves in the history and character of the city. As you move through historic plazas and charming side streets, your guide will share stories that connect food, culture, and daily life in Madrid. More than a tasting, this excursion offers an authentic introduction to Spain’s identity — one course at a time.

  • Independent Exploration

    Guests are welcome to explore on their own during designated excursion times if they prefer personal flexibility.

    Please note that the Study Tour is priced as a complete program, and no credits or refunds are available for opting out of scheduled activities. Participants exploring independently are responsible for their own arrangements and timely return to group meeting points.

Tuesday, October 20 - Excursions*

  • Golf at Real Club de Golf La Herrería

    Set against the dramatic backdrop of El Escorial, Real Club de Golf La Herrería offers a truly distinctive playing experience. With the Royal Monastery in view and the Sierra de Guadarrama surrounding the course, this 18-hole layout blends natural beauty with thoughtful design. Fairways wind through mature oak and ash trees, creating a setting that is both scenic and challenging.

    Each round combines sport, history, and landscape in one of Spain’s most remarkable environments. Participants selecting this option must provide a European Golf License or official documentation from their home course confirming handicap and skill level.

  • Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

    Discover one of Spain’s most significant historic landmarks with a guided tour of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage site often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This vast complex served as a royal residence, basilica, monastery, and mausoleum.

    The 2–3 hour guided experience includes the Royal Basilica, the Pantheon of Kings, the renowned library, and the Habsburg Palace. With expert commentary and streamlined entry, this tour offers an in-depth look at Spain’s imperial history and architectural legacy.

  • Independent Exploration

    Guests are welcome to explore on their own during designated excursion times if they prefer personal flexibility.

    Please note that the Study Tour is priced as a complete program, and no credits or refunds are available for opting out of scheduled activities. Participants exploring independently are responsible for their own arrangements and timely return to group meeting points.

Friday, October 23 - Excursions with ETP*

  • Monastery of Yuste & La Vera Cultural Experience

    Travel to Cuacos de Yuste to visit the historic Monastery of Yuste, the final residence of Emperor Charles V. This cultural excursion traces the legacy of one of Europe’s most influential rulers within the scenic La Vera region of Cáceres.

    The experience continues with lunch at the Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera, an impressive 16th-century castle that once hosted the Emperor himself. Blending history, architecture, and regional cuisine, this option offers a refined journey through one of Extremadura’s most distinctive settings.

  • Madrid Stadium Experience

    Explore two of Spain’s most iconic football venues with guided visits to the newly renovated Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, and the state-of-the-art Riyadh Air Metropolitano, home of Atlético de Madrid.

    Each tour includes access to museum exhibits, locker rooms, and pitch-side views, offering a behind-the-scenes look at two of Europe’s premier clubs. English-language tour options are available.

  • Independent Exploration

    Guests are welcome to explore on their own during designated excursion times if they prefer personal flexibility.

    Please note that the Study Tour is priced as a complete program, and no credits or refunds are available for opting out of scheduled activities. Participants exploring independently are responsible for their own arrangements and timely return to group meeting points.

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