One of the most impressive excursions from Barcelona, it’s hard not to be in awe at the views from this emblematic mountain range 48km (30 miles) west of the city. Montserrat, which means serrated mountain in Catalan, houses one of Catalonia’s most important Catholic sites and has played a decisive role in the cultural and spiritual life of the region. We’ll delve into why on this half-day private tour in the company of a local expert. On our tour, we’ll visit Santa Maria de Montserrat abbey and the Basilica of Montserrat including the Black Madonna. 

NOTE: This tour includes a car service that will pick you up at your accommodation. Please tell us your hotel or apartment address in the 'Additional Details' box while adding the tour to your shopping cart.

Beginning our day in Barcelona, our expert guide and driver will meet you at your hotel. We will start learning about the fascinating history of the area on the journey to the base of the mountain. Upon arrival, we will take the funicular up the slope to the Santa Maria de Montserrat Monastery. The site dates back to the 11th century and due to its religious and strategic importance, has often found itself a focal point of key events in Catalan and Spanish history including the Napoleonic wars and the Spanish Civil War.

Following in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims, we will discover the impressive complex firsthand, making sure to pay a visit to the Virgin of Montserrat (the black virgin or black Madonna). La Morenata is Catalonia's favorite saint whose sanctuary is nestled within the Basilica next to the Benedictine monastery. In addition to her religious significance, we’ll likely consider the ways in which Montserrat has proved a haven for the Catalan language and culture over the centuries.

If you are looking to dive deeper into the topic of Catalan identity, we also recommend our Catalan History Tour.

We may also visit the Museum of Montserrat, which houses a robust collection ranging from archeological artifacts to modern and contemporary painting (including works by Monet, El Greco, and Caravaggio), and a multimedia exhibit detailing the site’s history.

By the end of our time together we will have gained a better understanding of Montserrat’s rich history and outstanding natural beauty. Your driver will be waiting to return you to Barcelona with your guide.

Where does the tour meet? Where does it end?
Your guide and driver will meet you at your accommodation in Barcelona. Your driver will be waiting to return you to Barcelona at the end of the tour.

Can we see the boys' choir sing on this tour?
This tour does not include a performance by the boys' choir. 

Do we stop for lunch?
We do not include a break for a full lunch on the tour. There will usually be a pause mid-excursion for a short snack.

I have mobility difficulties. Can I take this tour?
This excursion is fairly walking-intensive, although we do have a private driver and can access the mountain via cable car. Please contact us if you have mobility concerns and we would be happy to advise on the appropriateness of the tour.

Will there be time to explore Montserrat on my own?
We typically return to Barcelona at the end of the tour.

Does the 5-hour duration include travel time?
Yes. This excursion is set up to include 3 hours on-site and approximately 1 hour each way in transit.

There are more than 6 people in my party, can we take this excursion with larger group?
Yes, we can run this tour with a larger group, it just requires us to adapt the vehicle size. Please add the "Larger Vehicle Add On" in your cart at check out.