Overview
Immerse yourself in Catalunya's culture and history by visiting the 1000-year-old Monastery of Montserrat and discover the wonders of the famous mountain, a National Park, and a place of pilgrimage for millions of people. This tour includes a guided visit to the monastery and a tasting of local liquors. You will enjoy a deliciously prepared 3-course lunch at a traditional Farmhouse from the 12th century with spectacular views, followed by exploring an authentic wine cellar with a guide.
What you will be doing
A mountaintop 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 - as they could not move the statue to build their monastery, 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 3-course lunch featuring authentic dishes, complemented by a wine pairing menu curated by a skilled sommelier.
Where we'll meet
🧭 Meeting/pick-up point: Placeta de Vicenç Albert Ballester, B Barcelona, ES
🗺️ Instructions: Please be at the meeting point (Placeta de Vicenç Albert Ballester) 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. We have to start on time the tour to avoid a queue in Montserrat.
Things to know
Accessibility:
Wheelchair accessible
Pram accessible
Infant friendly
Children friendly
Service animal/dog friendly
Fitness requirement
Any fitness level
Tour Language
English
License requirement
None
Additional information:
A maximum of 16 people per tour guide.
Please inform us in advance if you need wheelchair access
Inclusion ✅
Lunch
Alcoholic beverages
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance ticket
Tour guide
Exclusion ❌
Gratuities
About your host
Barcelona Local ExperiencesWe are your local tour agency. Your personal guide will unveil the authentic stories and hidden secrets of Barcelona as you wander through the streets and squares that seem unchanged for centuries, far from the bustling La Rambla, exploring the shops where locals go for Catalan delicacies. Discover the cultural diversity hidden behind the landmarks, including Antoni Gaudi’s astonishing architecture, for a genuine experience of the real city. Or venture further and explore some fascinating attractions just a short drive away from Barcelona. We were founded in 2015 to give you an escape from the mass tourism and offer a unique experience. We are a young and energetic team of professionals, willing to make you discover our favourite places!
For every trip booked, Kodama Travel donates £1 to Just One Tree to restore our forests and the ocean.