Montserrat Full Day Tour with Farmhouse Lunch and Winery Visit
Description
Spend a full day blending spirituality, mountain landscapes and the very best of Catalan gastronomy. Depart from Barcelona to Montserrat, one of Catalonia's most emblematic mountains, a National Park and place of pilgrimage for over a thousand years. Board the iconic cogwheel train (cremallera) up to the monastery, with breathtaking views of the holy mountain. At the top, your guide leads a 45-minute tour of the Benedictine monastery, founded in the 11th century and home to the venerated Black Virgin (La Moreneta), patroness of Catalonia. The visit closes with an exclusive tasting of traditional liquors handcrafted by the monks: ratafía and the famous Aromes de Montserrat. A historic Catalan castle-winery with stunning vineyard views awaits, where you'll enjoy a traditional Catalan tapas lunch with dessert. Your guide leads a walk through the vineyards and historic estate, paired with a tasting of three signature DO Pla de Bages wines, all committed to sustainable production.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Montserrat is a mountain top monastery situated on top of an unusual rock mountain. It is the highest point of the Catalan lowlands. Montserrat monastery hosts “la Moreneta”, also called Black Madonna. The legend says that the benedictine monks found the statue, and they could not move the statue to build their monastery, so they decided to construct it around the statue. Montserrat was designated as a National Park in 1987. Nowadays, it is a site of pilgrimage for people around the world. Once in Montserrat, enjoy a 45-minute small group guided tour, and then you will have 2 hours to explore on your own. You can visit the Museum, taste the monastery’s homemade liquor, go for an easy walk to Saint Miguel's cross for an incredible viewpoint, go up the Sant Joan Funicular, take wonderful pictures, buy local products from the farmer's market, and more.
The origin of the monastery is uncertain, but it is believed that the Virgin of Monsterrat (La Moreneta) was found around 880. (8.30 am and 1.30 pm tours include tickets to La Moreneta). According to the legends, the monks built the monastery around the statue. The monastery still functions to this day with over 70 monks. The basilica of Montserrat began its construction in the 16th century, and now houses an art museum. It is also the place where la Escolania, one of the oldest Boys’ Choirs in Europe, performs during religious ceremonies (you can listen to them on the 9.30 am tour).
Once we finish our Montserrat visit, our transport will take you to a 12th century traditional farmhouse on a family-owned winery in the Bages region. Here, you will delight in a Traditional Catalan tapas lunch
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- If your party is bigger than 15 people, please make two separate bookings to accommodate everyone.