Barcelona: Montserrat & One More Thing – You Choose

If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona and want to escape the city’s hustle for some breathtaking scenery and local culture, this tour offers a customizable day out. While I’ve not taken it myself, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a clear picture of what you can expect. This experience stands out for its flexibility, friendly guides, and the chance to discover not just Montserrat but also nearby gems that match your mood.

What we love about this tour is how it balances the must-see Montserrat Abbey with options to tailor the day—whether that’s relaxing by the seaside in Sitges, tasting olive oil at a family farm, exploring a local winery, or wandering the medieval streets of Girona. The tour’s affordability ($48 per person) is impressive considering it includes transportation, guides, and your choice of additional experiences. A potential drawback? The tour might feel a bit rushed if you wish to see everything, but that’s a common trade-off for a day trip.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a taste of Catalonia’s diverse attractions without the hassle of planning multiple separate trips. It suits those who appreciate scenic views, cultural insights, and the option to customize their adventure. If you enjoy flexible itineraries with guided support, this tour could be just the thing.

Key Points

Flexible options: You can choose from Sitges, olive farms, wineries, or Girona, tailoring your day to your interests.
Quality partnership: The tour is run with the official backing of Abadia de Montserrat, ensuring authenticity and reliable service.
Comfortable transport: Travel in air-conditioned vehicles, with a small group size allowing for more personalized attention.
Cultural highlights: Optional visits to the Black Madonna or the Escolania choir add meaningful local flavor.
Early start and free time: Beat crowds and enjoy extended time to explore Montserrat and your chosen destination without feeling rushed.
Affordable value: At $48, the tour combines transport, a guide, and your selected experience, making it a cost-effective way to see some of Catalonia’s highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Montserrat and Your Chosen Adventure

Getting There in Comfort

The tour kicks off with a pick-up just outside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Barcelona, making it convenient for most travelers staying centrally. The one-hour scenic drive to Montserrat sets the tone with views that hint at the stunning landscapes ahead. Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle with a friendly guide ensures comfort and ease, especially if you’re eager to learn about the surroundings or simply relax during the short ride.

The Montserrat Monastery Experience

Once arrived, your guide will introduce you to Montserrat’s iconic monastery, which is as much a spiritual sanctuary as it is a place of awe-inspiring natural beauty. You’ll have free time to explore independently—some may opt to visit the basilica and the Black Madonna, which is optional at €8. The views from Montserrat are bound to leave you breathless, with rugged mountain peaks and lush forests stretching as far as the eye can see.

A standout feature, according to reviewers, is the opportunity to hike scenic trails surrounding the monastery. One guest, George, appreciated the detailed commentary from guide Martin about the religious significance of the Black Madonna and the history that surrounds it.

Your Personal Choice: Making the Day Your Own

After soaking in Montserrat’s atmosphere, it’s time to select your next stop. Here’s what might be on your list:

Option A: Montserrat & Sitges

Sitges offers a classic Mediterranean escape—whitewashed streets, sandy beaches, and a lively vibe. You’ll enjoy a guided walk through this charming seaside town, with free time to relax, shop, or soak up the sun. Reviewers mention that the relaxed pace here is a highlight, especially if you love coastal scenery.

Option B: Montserrat & Olive Oil Farm (Catalan Tapas Lunch Included)

This option takes you to a family-run olive farm where you’ll learn about olive cultivation and taste some of the region’s finest extra virgin olive oils. The experience is described as warm and personal, ending with a generous tapas-style meal featuring local ingredients and a glass of wine. Marco, who joined this trip, noted that the visit was “a lovely family-style experience,” and the included lunch offers great value in savoring authentic Catalan flavors.

Option C: Montserrat & Winery (Wine Tasting & Small Tapas)

Wine lovers will appreciate this stop at a family-owned vineyard, where tradition and storytelling bring the vineyard to life. The guided tasting pairs local wines with small tapas, making for a delightful culinary experience. For those traveling with minors, grape juice is available. This is ideal if you want to combine sightseeing with a taste of Catalan wine culture.

Option D: Montserrat & Girona

For history and architecture buffs, Girona’s medieval streets and impressive cathedral offer a step back in time. The city’s narrow cobblestone alleys, well-preserved old town, and film-famous locations make this a compelling choice. It’s perfect for those who want to explore beyond the natural beauty and explore Catalonia’s historic charm.

Option F: Just Montserrat

If your schedule is tight or you prefer a more contemplative experience, you can opt to spend the entire day in Montserrat. Extended free time allows for a leisurely visit to the monastery, scenic hikes, or simply soaking in the peaceful mountain surroundings.

More Great Tours Nearby

Returning to Barcelona

After your chosen adventure, the tour returns you comfortably to the pickup point in Barcelona. The small group size and shared vehicle help keep the experience intimate and flexible, often feeling more like a day out with friends than a rigid tour.

Real Insights from Past Travelers

One reviewer, Marco, called the tour “stellar,” highlighting how the guide shared rich cultural and historical details during the drive. He appreciated the logistics being handled smoothly so that attendees could relax and enjoy the experience. George praised Martin, the guide, for his helpfulness and detailed explanations, especially around the religious and historical aspects of Montserrat.

Another guest, Andy, noted that although they initially thought the olive farm visit was included, it wasn’t, but they still enjoyed the tour and the personalized attention from the guide. His highlight was having ample free time—“we could have done with longer,” he said, suggesting that the tour’s pace is brisk but manageable for those eager to see multiple sites.

The Value of the Tour

At just $48, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck: comfortable transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and the flexibility to choose what interests you most. The optional add-ons, like the basilica visit or the choir, are reasonably priced and enhance the experience for those interested in deeper culture.

Practical Tips

• Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to hike around Montserrat or explore Girona’s cobblestone streets.
• The tours operate with a small group (max 24 people), which means more personalized attention but also requires punctuality.
• The optional lunch at the olive farm or winery is scheduled around Spanish lunchtime (~2:30 PM), so plan accordingly.
• Dietary restrictions should be communicated at booking, especially for meals included with certain options.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re after a well-rounded day exploring Catalonia’s natural beauty, historic towns, and local flavors, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for travelers who value the flexibility of choosing their second destination and want to avoid the hassle of DIY planning.

Couples and small groups will appreciate the intimate setting, while solo travelers will find the social aspect and guided insights enriching. It’s a fantastic way to see more of the region without the stress of logistics or large crowds, thanks to the early start and small group size.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

This experience offers a thoughtful blend of iconic sights and personalized options, making it a flexible and accessible way to explore Montserrat and beyond. The inclusion of transport, guide, and optional cultural highlights provides excellent value, especially considering the modest price point.

Travelers who crave stunning mountain views, authentic local experiences, and a chance to customize their day will find this tour particularly appealing. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxed yet enriching way to see Catalonia’s diverse charms without the hassle of self-organizing multiple trips or navigating public transport.

If you’re someone who values knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and options that cater to your interests, this tour is a practical choice that will leave you with memorable stories—and maybe a few bottles of local wine or olive oil to take home.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, you will travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle from Barcelona, with shared transport that may accommodate other groups.

What can I see at Montserrat?
You can explore the basilica, visit the Black Madonna (optional at €8), hike scenic trails, and enjoy panoramic views of the natural park.

Can I customize my experience?
Absolutely. You can choose from options like Sitges, olive farm, winery, or Girona, or spend the entire day just in Montserrat.

How long is the tour?
The tour includes a one-hour drive each way, with the total duration depending on your chosen options but generally designed as a full-day experience.

Are meals included?
The olive farm option includes a Catalan tapas-style lunch with wine, while the winery option offers wine tasting with small tapas. Other options are sightseeing only.

What’s the group size?
A maximum of 24 people per group, making for a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

This flexible day trip from Barcelona offers a wonderful way to taste the diverse faces of Catalonia—stunning mountain vistas, historic towns, and delicious local produce—all tailored to your preferences.

You can check availability for your dates here: