From Barcelona: Day Trip to Montserrat with Tapas & Wine
Get to know Montserrat better with your guide before trying local delicacies at an organic vineyard
Looking for a day out of the city, breathing in the mountain air above the clouds? Perched high on a mountain, Montserrat Monastery is one of the most breathtaking tours you can take from Barcelona. With your expert local guide, you’ll ascend the steep slopes by cogwheel train to visit the 11th-century monastery, and then you can hike, explore the local market, or simply enjoy the views! To top things off, you’ll stop at a beautiful organic winery for Catalonian tapas and local wines.
- Meet your guide at Barcelona North Train Station
- Roundtrip transportation
- Montserrat Monastery
- Black Madonna
- Montserrat Mountain
- Landscapes
- Vineyards
- Winery
- Wine tasting
- End your tour at Barcelona North Bus Station
After meeting your guide in central Barcelona, you’ll travel to the scenic foothills of Montserrat Mountain on an air-conditioned bus, before boarding the cogwheel train to ascend the steep slope of the mountain. Once at the top and above the cloud line, you’ll take a guided tour of the 11th-century monastery, before having free time to hike, enjoy the views, or shop in the local market.
Before travelling back to Barcelona for the evening, you’ll stop off at a local winery for a delicious light lunch of traditional Catalonian tapas, and you’ll get to taste some of the region’s finest local wines.
Montserrat Tapas & Wine Tour Description
Your 7-hour tour includes:
Air-conditioned transport from Barcelona (return)
Cogwheel train ride to ascend the mountain
Guided tour of the Montserrat Monastery
Approximately 1 hour of free time at Montserrat
Light tapas lunch at a local organic winery
Taste three delicious regional wines
Fun, English-speaking guide
Maximum group size of 20
Drive Through the Catalonian countryside
While you're enjoying a comfortable ride out of the city, your trip leader will tell the story of this magical place in the clouds—Montserrat has been considered a place of spiritual importance by the locals for many centuries.
As you hear more about it, you'll be heading higher above and further away from Barcelona and the sea, providing you with a stunning view from the window of your bus. Before you know it, we will arrive in the foothills of Montserrat.
Ride to the Monastery on the Cogwheel Train
After arriving in the little village of Monistrol de Montserrat, you'll board the Cremallera de Montserrat—a cogwheel train that ascends the steep slope of the mountain. It's the only way to reach the monastery, and you'll enjoy majestic views as you climb into the clouds.
As soon as you arrive, you'll be swept up in the serene, peaceful atmosphere that surrounds the site.
The cogwheel train is included in this tour to get you to the monastery, but the Sant Joan Funicular train that continues climbing the mountain is not included. If this particular ride really appeals to you, try our other Montserrat tour that includes time for you to book this on your own.
Sanctuary of our Lady of Montserrat
This beautiful monastery sits in an incredible position on the mountainside, overlooking the Catalonian countryside below. Your guide will take you on a tour of the monastery's grounds, explaining the history that dates back to the 11th century, and giving an insight into the lives to the monks who have lived here over the centuries.
The monastery is dedicated to Our Lady of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia, and also features a statue of the Virgin Mary. According to legend, the statue surfaced nearby during the 9th century. Some accounts claim that it may even be older, and the locals refer to it as the Moreneta or the "little dark one."
Free Time to Explore
After your visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montserrat, you'll have an hour of free time to explore the area before reuniting with the group and your guide and going to the winery. We recommend hiking over to Creus de Sant Miquel for a fantastic view of the monastery and the surrounding area.
Visit the Local Market
Montserrat is home to a splendid market that sells delicious local produce every day, so make sure to explore this local gem after your hike! Your guide will let you know what the typical delicacies of the area are, and you'll have the chance to purchase local cheeses, cured meats, pastries and more. Enjoy it there or bring some home with you!
Tapas and Wine
After departing Montserrat, you'll stop at a beautiful nearby organic winery for a light lunch of traditional Catalonian tapas, paired with three delicious wines which have been made on-site. It's a great way to end your day in the mountains before you drive back to Barcelona, taking in those wonderful views along the way.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
41 total reviews
Leave a reviewFantastic day!!
Anthony Langford
Laura did such a great job as our tour guide. Most of the group was admittedly dragging a bit today and the energy was low to start. She did a great job of making the tour fun and interactive. By the end, we all were having a fun time! Would recommend this tour to a friend.
Jessica Genco
Magical Montserrat
Perri Jean Morhar
The monastery visit was well beyond expectations. We could have easily spent a couple more hours there. Accolades to our guide, Ivan, who made every moment magical by sharing his expertise on and passion for Catalunya. The wine tasting was icing on the cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
We recommend a bottle of water and sunscreen. Outside of the summer months, it can be fairly cold at the top of the mountain. For this we definitely recommending bringing a light jacket.
Is lunch included?
Yes! A light lunch of tapas is included in the price of the tour. However, if you'd like to enjoy a full, three-course meal, then opt for the full full day Monserrat day trip.
What happens if it rains?
We run our tours rain or shine. Please dress accordingly for the weather forecast.
What to bring?
We recommend a bottle of water and sunscreen. Outside of the summer months, it can be fairly cold at the top of the mountain. For this we definitely recommending bringing a light jacket.
Do we get to ride the train?
To get to the monastery, you'll enjoy a ride on the cogwheel train to get to the monastery. However, there is another funicular ride that goes further up the mountain from the monastery. That ride is not included, and there won't be enough time to book it on your own. However, there is time on this full day Monserrat day trip if you wanted extra time to explore on your own.
Will we get to see the Black Madonna?
The Black Madonna is an extremely popular artwork that attracts many visitors to Montserrat. That means there are often long lines to see her during most of the year. There usually isn't enough time for you to see the statue, but you can opt for our full day Monserrat day trip which gives you more time at the top of the mountain.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, it's run by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Barcelona, who we know uphold our high standards.
What if I don't drink wine or alcohol? Can I still book this tour?
Yes! You're welcome to join this tour and explore all that Montserrat has to offer. Just be sure to let us know that you prefer not to drink wine when you book your tour.
What if I'm vegetarian, vegan, or have special dietary requirements?
Please contact us after booking to let us know your requirements. We’ll work with our partners to accommodate your needs.
Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?
If your child is under 3 years of age and will not be eating during the tour, you do not need to pay for them. If they will eat food at any stop, please select the "youth" category before checkout and add them to your group in order to save them a seat at the dinner table.