About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, most tour operators will try to sell you the "magic" of Catalonia without mentioning that half the industry is just chasing occupancy rates and funneling people through the same tired gift shops. At Tour Comp, we're a bit more cynical—or let's say, realistic—about the RevPAR-obsessed suits. This Montserrat itinerary, however, actually manages to dodge the typical tourist-trap vibe if you play your cards right. It’s a bit of a marathon, and the fact that the Boy's Choir and Black Madonna aren't included in the base price is a classic lead-gen tactic that annoys me to no end, but the view from that 10th-century castle winery? It’s arguably the only thing in the region that doesn't feel like a manufactured "experience." If you’re going to spend the money, do the full-day; the half-day is just a tease that leaves you stuck in transit more than you'd like. Honestly, the cogwheel train is the only way to arrive without losing your lunch on the mountain curves.
About the Tour
This journey takes you out of the humid bustle of Barcelona and into the jagged, serrated peaks of Montserrat. You’ll start the ascent via the cogwheel train, which provides the kind of panoramic mountain views that make your smartphone camera feel inadequate. Once at the top, you’ll dive into the history of the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, an 11th-century monastery that is still very much active today.
Explore the Monastery & Beyond
The tour includes entrance to the monastery’s ornate interior, but the "choose your own adventure" element kicks in during your free time. Depending on what you’ve booked in advance, you can:
- Visit the Black Madonna: The iconic patron saint of Catalonia (requires a pre-booked time slot).
- The Montserrat Museum: A surprisingly deep collection featuring works by Picasso, Dalí, and El Greco.
- The Funicular: For those who want to climb even higher for a bird's-eye view of the abbey.
- The Boy’s Choir: Hear the world-famous Escolania (advance booking essential).
The Winery Experience (Full-Day Option)
For those who opt for the full-day lead, the afternoon shifts from the spiritual to the spirited. You’ll head to a boutique winery housed in a 10th-century castle. This isn't some corporate tasting room; the estate has been in the same family for 36 generations.
Depending on your selection, you’ll indulge in either a tapas brunch or a multi-course traditional lunch. You’ll walk through the ancient vineyards, get a crash course in local winemaking, and—most importantly—participate in a guided tasting session of their premium bottles before the drive back to the city. Often, people forget that wine is the lifeblood of this region, not just the architecture.
Highlights
- Navigate the breathtaking multi-peaked mountain range of Catalonia's Montserrat
- Soak up the dramatic views and lush mountain scenery from the cogwheel train
- Delve into the history of Montserrat's beautiful Abbey on a guided walking tour
- Explore hidden trails, viewpoints, and stunning landscapes during your free time
- Choose the full-day tour to add wine tasting and lunch at a 10th-century winery
Know before you go
- You may need to purchase tickets online and stand in line to see the Black Madonna. Your guide will inform you about the estimated waiting time on the day of your visit.
- The driving portion of the tour will be in a bus with a maximum 70 people, but the guided walking tours will be in groups of a maximum 20 people.
- Dietary restrictions are catered for.
- Infants aged 3 or under may join the tour free of charge, however, baby seats are not provided.
- If you have reduced mobility requirements, contact the tour operator.
- Temperatures in Montserrat and the winery tend to be more extreme than in Barcelona.
- On Sundays or religious celebrations, the Basilica might be closed so entry might not be possible.
- Tour timings are approximate and may vary due to traffic, weather, or unforeseen events. Please avoid scheduling other tours immediately after to account for potential delays.
What to bring
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
Starting location:
Castlexperience | Wine tours
Bus/coach
(45 minutes)
Montserrat, Spain
Photo stop (5 minutes)
Train
(12 minutes)
Montserrat Monastery
Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing (2.5 hours)
Bus/coach
(30 minutes)
Oller del Mas
Break time, Photo stop, Scenic views on the way (10 minutes)
Bus/coach
(1 hour)
Arrive back at:
Castlexperience | Wine tours