From Barcelona: Day Trip to Montserrat with Tapas & Wine

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.