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Montserrat Sanctuary Tour: Explore Catalan Wonders
4.4
3,149 Ratings
Barcelona
Discover one of the most mystic Catalan wonders on this half-day tour. Take the cog-wheel train and enjoy a breathtaking ride up the mountain. Walk around the sanctuary and imagine the many lives lived by the monks at the site through the centuries. Visit the Black Madonna, popularly known as la Moreneta, and get a free gift.
Discover one of the most mystic Catalan wonders on this half-day tour. Take the cog-wheel train and enjoy a breathtaking ride up the mountain. Walk around the sanctuary and imagine the many lives lived by the monks at the site through the centuries. Visit the Black Madonna, popularly known as la Moreneta, and get a free gift.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Julià Travel - Depart from our Barcelona office in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach heading towards the Montserrat cogwheel train station.
- Cremallera de Montserrat - After a 1-hour highway drive, board the cogwheel train up the mountain and take in the stunning views of the area. Marvel at the mountain’s unique morphology, derived from…
- Julià Travel - Depart from our Barcelona office in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach heading towards the Montserrat cogwheel train station.
- Cremallera de Montserrat - After a 1-hour highway drive, board the cogwheel train up the mountain and take in the stunning views of the area. Marvel at the mountain’s unique morphology, derived from the Catalan words Mont (mountain) and Serrat (serrated). Renowned for its rocky landscape, Montserrat’s breathtaking scenery was declared a National Park in 1987 to preserve its natural and cultural heritage.
- Monestir de Montserrat - Join your local guide to explore the site and discover the history and architectural style of the Monastery. A community of 80 monks currently resides here, following the rule of Saint Benedict. Appreciate the Gothic and Renaissance elements of the basilica and sanctuary.
- Black Madonna at Montserrat - Queue up to learn about the legend of the miraculous appearance of the Black Madonna and Child in the cave of Santa Cova. Their woodcarving is preserved in the Church of the monastery, which you will have the opportunity to visit. The figure is affectionately known as La Moreneta (The Black Madonna) due to a varnish reaction.
- Montserrat - Beyond the main area, there are numerous small churches and trails to explore. You will have free time to sample the finest liquors, visit the basilica and the Black Madonna, receive a complimentary gift, shop for local delicacies, or visit the audio-visual exhibition after our guided tour concludes. We would like to suggest some activities for your free time. Please note that your free time is limited, so you will need to choose one activity. Montserrat Museum: features a wide range of archaeological artworks from medieval times to avant-garde styles. Entrance fee not included in the tour. Hiking routes: while there are many trails to choose from, we recommend reaching the cross of Sant Miquel (approximately 15 minutes from the monastery) for one of the best views of the area.
- Julià Travel - Return to Barcelona in an air-conditioned coach.
What's Included
- Access to the Video Mapping (if option selected)
- Local guide using Radio Guide System
- Transportation on an air-conditioned coach
- Access to the Basilica and the Black Madonna
- Taste of 4 typical liquors of the area
- Tour in English and Spanish
- Cog-wheel train up to Montserrat
- Entrance to the audio-visual exhibition in Montserrat “Espai Audio visual Montserrat”
- Access to the Video Mapping (if option selected)
- Local guide using Radio Guide System
- Transportation on an air-conditioned coach
- Access to the Basilica and the Black Madonna
- Taste of 4 typical liquors of the area
- Tour in English and Spanish
- Cog-wheel train up to Montserrat
- Entrance to the audio-visual exhibition in Montserrat “Espai Audio visual Montserrat”
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Additional Information
- Duration 08:00AM Tour: 5h30min approx. Duration 10:15Am Tour: 7h approx. (The duration of the tour includes transportation).
- Correct dress code is requested to enter the Basilica at Montserrat. It is not permitted to enter with tank tops, strapless shirts, short shorts or sandals.
- Please note that the tour is conducted on foot upon your arrival in…
- Duration 08:00AM Tour: 5h30min approx. Duration 10:15Am Tour: 7h approx. (The duration of the tour includes transportation).
- Correct dress code is requested to enter the Basilica at Montserrat. It is not permitted to enter with tank tops, strapless shirts, short shorts or sandals.
- Please note that the tour is conducted on foot upon your arrival in Montserrat, come prepared and we recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes.
- The weather is mountainous. Depending on the season, you will need warm/rain clothing.
- Check the schedules of the facilities you wish to visit during your free time before your tour.
Location
Julià Travel
Please find the Julia Travel Office in Ground floor, Carrer d'Alí Bei, 80, 08018 Barcelona, Spain. It is mandatory to check-in in the counter and after we will go to platform 19
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.4
(3149 Ratings)
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Nihmih
May 15, 2025
Wonderful - Jessica was amazing! And the trip was very good. She was very kind and accepting and the trip was on time with detailed explanations. Thanks!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tinya_a
May 15, 2025
Wonderful excursion - The whole tour was wonderful! Emma our guide was very knowledgeable and patient, it was a pleasure to have someone so friendly.
The driver did an amazing job also.
The laser imaging is a must see
Review provided by Viator
Camper14897517282
May 14, 2025
Montserrat Visit - The place is absolutely stunning, amazing views, Nuria gave us a great tour, very kind and explained everything to detail. Much recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kk2876
May 14, 2025
Great views and some nice local cheese to buy - Great place and excellent guide Nuria...only regret is the trip should ideally be extended at least by couple of hours. You hardly get any time to roam around
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Camper22950999335
May 13, 2025
The happy Monserrat - Thanks to our friendly and fun guide Valeria, the trip to Montserrat was really pleasant. Excellent description and gentleness made the trip with friends really enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fearless37267887964
May 13, 2025
Trips to Montserrat - This trip to the Montserrat Mountains is one of the most exciting and heart-threatening experiences in Spain. And what makes this trip so special is not just the magnificent mountain views and the sacred monastery, but because we met a warm and professional guide – Mira.
From the beginning of the collection, the ride, the track train arrangement, to the introduction of every detail along the way, Mira shows a high level of professionalism and care. In an insightful way, she explained to us the geological characteristics of Montserrat, the history of the monastery, the life of the monks, and the importance of the mountain in Catalan culture. She not only takes us to see the landscape, but also leads us to "understand" the meaning of the land before our eyes.
The most memorable moment of the journey was to climb the monastery and see the legendary "Black Virgin statue." Despite the crowd, we are still in orderly line to the altar under Miras careful arrangement and guidance. When the Blessed Virgin appeared before his eyes, time seemed to have stopped. It is a feeling that cannot be described in language, whether in faith or not, there is a calm and fear in the heart. Mira shares with us the power of the symbol of the Black Virgin – motherhood, shelter and hope, and encourages us to feel silent or quiet during a brief stay, in a conversation with some corner of our heart.
In addition, Mira also recommended desserts and herbal wines in the monastery, and also took us to visit the market stalls made by the monks. Her humor and kindness draw us closer to our distance from local culture, making the whole journey a perfect balance in abundance and ease.
Thank you, dear Mira. Thank you for guiding us every step and warming our group of travellers from all over the world with enthusiasm and sincerity. Because of you, the landscape of Montserrat is not only spectacular, but also a deep-grown memory. Looking forward to one day in the future, we will meet again and embark again on a journey full of stories and thoughts.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rwardeightyseven
May 12, 2025
Great trip! - It was a great trip, our second time going back to Monserrat. Miri was our tour guide and she was very friendly and great! We would definitely recommend this trip and tour company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carla_c
May 14, 2025
Pick up is in the bus... - Pick up is in the bus station. It's hard to find but it's there...Julia travel desk !! Very comfortable bus ride. Wish we had more free time when we go there. Most of the time was used up with discussion on the area. Could have done that on the bus trip. Also, had to be done in English and Spanish so that took extra time.
Review provided by Viator
X3783ycjennys
May 12, 2025
Montserrat - a definite 'must do' when in Barcelona. - Amazing place - a definite 'must do' if in Barcelona.
We did a 5 1/2 hour tour but would found have found 7 hour tour better to have more time there as it is around a 1 hour bus trip each way.
We caught the cog wheel train up through the early morning fog and clouds and were fortunate to have a beautiful sunny day for our visit.
Having a tour guide was helpful to provide information about the history of the abbey and the area - our guide Sara from Julia Travel was lovely.
We had various choirs performing around the site on the day which was a treat.
The funicular to the top of the mountain is well worth it - we only had a short time to look at the view and regretted not being able to do some of the walks there. Again it would have been more helpful to have a couple more hours to do this and not rush.
Much of the area around the abbey is accessible for people with disabilities.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emil
May 16, 2025
monastery and the site impressive - I was disappointed with the number of people I have booked for small group Very confusing situation with the two languages and the translation The girls at the Julia agency not pleasant and almost rude were little explanation what to expect from the visit to the site
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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