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Montserrat Sanctuary Tour: Explore Catalan Wonders
4.4
2,713 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.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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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 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
- Transportation on an air-conditioned coach
- Access to the Basilica and the Black Madonna
- Taste of 4 typical liquors of the area
- Local guide, operating in both Spanish and English using Radio guide system
- Cog-wheel train up to Montserrat
- Entrance to the audio-visual exhibition in Montserrat “Espai Audio visual Montserrat”
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
Additional Information
- Duration 08:00AM Tour: 5 and a half hours (transportation included). Duration 10:15Am Tour: 6h and 45 minutes (transportation included)
- 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.
- The option with Escolanía will only be available during the school period. During the summer months, as well as during tours they undertake, it will not be possible.
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.
Customer Ratings
4.4
(2713 Ratings)
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491deepakh
Aug 9, 2024
A great thing to do. - A lovely half day.
We went at 10am which worked perfectly.
The area is ao beautiful and peaceful
The “Black Madonna” was everything and more.
Our guide- Valeria- was brilliant.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
885fadiag
Aug 9, 2024
Great! - The views were amazing and the experience was great ! Valeria was excellent and knowledgeable and our bus driver was a safe driver.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N4448jllauran
Aug 8, 2024
Montserrat - It was a pleasant experience to travel with Julia Company. The bus was comfortable and the AC was just the right amount. Our tour guides were helpful and had given us an informative tour. Thank you so much Gloria and Sarah!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Saliann_s
Aug 8, 2024
Great excursion - Plenty of time to explore. Just the right amount of narration from the guide. Beautiful UNESCO site.
Review provided by Viator
Wladyslaw_g
Aug 7, 2024
Perfect time - Nice just the right amount of time all around. Great tour with just the right amount of time at the location.
Review provided by Viator
Mariomf8116ha
Aug 7, 2024
If only every your was done this efficiently. - Miri was our guide and did a wonderful job speaking clearly and succinctly. Driver Miguel got us there and back with no issues. Wonderful experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ranellac2024
Aug 7, 2024
Montserrat is beautiful and Maria was a great guide! - The views at Montserrat were amazing! Maria was a great tour guide and Pedro was a good driver! There is much to do and see at Montserrat. We went to the 8 am tour and had about 2 hours of free time but it still was not enough to appreciate the church and the other attractions on site. Highly recommend this tour! I would say go to the 10 am for the opportunity to see the boys choir and do all the other activities.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aonghusd1
Aug 7, 2024
Great tour! - Amazing trip and Maria was so informative, cheerful and helpful. Great driver too. A special journey to Our Lady of Montserrat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Belkyss
Aug 6, 2024
Spectacular! - Sandra, who was our Guide, made the tour a very interesting one combining knowledge and joy. This was a tour that combines spirituality with the natural beauty of its landscapes.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marcus_s
Aug 9, 2024
Great Tour, finished too early!! - This is a great tour, Got to see the Black Madonna, Liquer tasting, audio/visual, basilica tour, museum access etc. The tour finished in 5:30 minutes, Wish we had that extra 30 minutes as we had rush after the guided tour to finish the black Mary visit, basilica, run back to grab something to eat in 30 min, liquer tasting and audio visual. Also, on a hot day, please have air conditioner turned on, on the bus, instead of having a hot bus waiting for passengers. There was poor AC and it finally came to ambient temperature when we reached the station. The person in front of us left a puddle of sweat on the seat. These are easily fixable issues, the tour is definitely worth it!!
Review provided by Viator
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