The jagged peaks of Montserrat mountain make for Barcelona’s most popular day trip, and deservedly so. This sacred sierra looms up from the earth like a vast beast, its crenelated brow appearing like the thorny ridge of a dragon’s back on the horizon – indeed they say Gaudi based the roof of the Casa Batllo on this very mountain. Nestled under the peaks of this mountain range is Montserrat Abbey the home of the famous Black Madonna statuette and L’Escolania Boys’ Choir. On this unique tour you get to experience all of the above, plus wine tasting in a 10th century castle in the Pla de Bages wine region.
Setting off at 8:45 am every morning from Placa Catalunya (Barcelona’s central square), you are driven in comfort to the Monastery and given a fascinating guided tour of the grounds and the stunning basilica, where the sacred Black Madonna is kept (if you are religious you can even queue up to touch the holy relic). After your tour you have about two hours of free time, during which you’re free to explore the mountain. Options include taking the cable car up to St. Jerome’s Peak for spectacular views over Catalonia, hiking along the range to Santa Cova (the cave where the Black Madonna is said to have been found), or checking out the Montserrat Museum which has works by Caravaggio, El Greco, Picasso, Dali and Miro amongst other luminaries. There’s also the chance to hear the angelic voices of the L’Escolania choir.
From Montserrat it’s a short visit to the Oller de Mas winery, where you’ll first enjoy a delicious four course Catalan lunch with wine, before taking a tour of the vineyards on your way to the ground’s medieval castle. At the castle you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of three of the winery’s finest wines. One white, one premium red, and one organic red wine. By now the sun will be setting over the vines, and it will be time to head back to Barcelona, tired, tipsy and very content.
- Included:
- Transport to and from Barcelona
- Guided tour of Montserrat
- L’Escolania Choir
- 4 course lunch
- Winery tour
- 3 regional wines
- Extra:
- Cable car at Montserrat (optional)
- Museum Entrances (optional)
Your Culture & Wine Guide
One of 15 local guides that lead this popular day tour, Lorenzo called many places home before settling in Barcelona. He regards himself as a Mediterranean, a fact that allows him to enjoy life, the arts and philosophy in a genuine way. Since he was young he took seriously the advice his father gave him: “Life is too short to drink bad wine.”
Practical Details for Montserrat & Wine Tour
Availability: every day, starting at 08:45.
Duration: 10 hours (shorter versions of the tour are available)
Group Size: maximum of 15 people.
Meeting Point: The Hard Rock Cafe on Placa Catalunya.
My Tip: Bring a bottle of water, comfortable shoes, a warm layer and a snack (lunch is not until after 2pm. There are cafeterias at Montserrat if you need to refuel as well).
MY VERDICT
This really is two for the price of one, and both aspects of this day trip are well worth doing when in Barcelona. Montserrat is a special place and the views you get whilst exploring are nothing short of spectacular, whilst the Oller de Mas winery is a wonderful setting for sampling boutique wines. It’s a long day, but time really does fly when you’re having fun.
RESERVE YOUR SPACE
To book Montserrat & Wine Tasting Tour send an email to info@barcelonawinetours.com with your preferred dates and the number of people in your group. BONUS: When you book this tour through us you get a 5% discount on the price! Start by sending us an email.
CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
The highlight of our trip
My wife and I wanted to thank you again for a spectacular day. From Montserrat to stories of Caga Tio, it was the highlight of our trip. We've only been back a day but have already mentioned you often. The wit and worldliness of our guide Xavi has left quite an impression on us, one that will stay for a very long time.
Our family enjoyed the tour very much
Me and my family enjoyed the tour very much and would like to say thank you to our guide Sandra. She had such a high spirit throughout the day and I admire her knowledge, from the history and the background of Montserrat, to the wine experience.
Great winery and perfect group size
The tour was great! Albert was a great tour guide and was very knowledgeable! We give the tour a 10/10! Great winery and perfect group size.
An Incredible Experience
Albert is the best. I can say nothing but great things about him. He was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and had a great sense of humor. Always seemed excited and answered questions the entire bus ride. Overall, it was an incredible experience and a large part was because of him. 5 out of 5.
Request More Information via our Contact Form
If you need any more information, or would like to book this day trip you can use the contact form below. Or simply email us info@barcelonawinetours.com with your group size and preferred dates. In all cases you can expect to hear back within one working day.