Barcelona Highlights City Tour and Montserrat Excursion

Barcelona’s iconic landmarks and the stunning Montserrat mountain are the focus of this full-day tour. Visitors can explore the city’s Gothic Quarter, enjoy panoramic views, and discover the renowned Montserrat Monastery – all with the guidance of knowledgeable professionals. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, this comprehensive experience promises to immerse you in the rich history and breathtaking scenery that make Barcelona truly unique.

Key Points

• This full-day tour combines a guided walking tour of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter with a panoramic bus tour and a visit to the iconic Montserrat Monastery.
• The tour, priced from $117.90 per person, lasts approximately 10.5 hours and offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• The guided walking tour in the Gothic Quarter highlights notable landmarks and historical architecture, setting the stage for the city tour and Montserrat excursion.
• The panoramic bus tour includes a Montjuïc Cable Car ride and stops at popular sights like the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and Casa Batlló.
• Live English and Spanish-speaking guides provide informative commentary, though feedback on the walking intensity is mixed, and consideration of individual fitness levels is recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This comprehensive Barcelona Highlights City Tour and Montserrat Excursion offers visitors a full-day experience exploring the city’s iconic landmarks and the stunning Montserrat mountain.

Priced from $117.90 per person, the tour lasts approximately 10.5 hours, with seasonal variations. Guests can enjoy a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and have the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour starts in the Gothic Quarter and includes a guided walking tour, a panoramic bus tour with Montjuïc Cable Car ride, and a visit to the Montserrat Monastery and the famous Black Madonna.

Itinerary Details

The Barcelona Highlights City Tour and Montserrat Excursion starts at the Carrer d’Alí Bei, 80, in the Gothic Quarter.

The morning begins with a 30-minute guided walking tour of the Gothic Quarter, visiting sights like the Barcelona Cathedral, Placa Sant Felip Neri, Arc de Triomf, and Plaza Sant Jaume.

The morning starts with a 30-minute guided walk through the Gothic Quarter, seeing the Cathedral, Placa Sant Felip Neri, Arc de Triomf, and Plaza Sant Jaume.

The afternoon includes a 2-hour panoramic bus tour, featuring a Montjuic Cable Car ride and stops at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, Casa Batlló, and Casa Mila.

Travelers then travel to Montserrat via coach and cogwheel train for a guided tour of the Monastery and visit to the Black Madonna, with free time for shopping and liquor tasting.

Guided Walking Tour in Gothic Quarter

After arriving at the starting point in the Gothic Quarter, the tour begins with a 30-minute guided walking tour.

The guide leads guests through the charming medieval streets, pointing out notable landmarks like the Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Sant Felip Neri, Arc de Triomf, and Plaça Sant Jaume. Guests learn about the history and architecture of these sites while taking in the lively atmosphere of the historic neighborhood.

The walking pace is steady, providing ample time to observe the surroundings. This introductory experience sets the stage for the more comprehensive city tour and Montserrat excursion to follow.

Panoramic Bus Tour and Montjuic Cable Car

Following the walking tour of the Gothic Quarter, guests board an air-conditioned coach for a panoramic sightseeing tour of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks.

The 2-hour tour includes a ride on the Montjuïc Cable Car, offering sweeping views of the city and harbor. Key stops along the way are the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, Casa Batlló, and Casa Mila.

After the bus tour, the group travels to Montserrat via coach and cogwheel train to visit the centuries-old Monastery and see the revered Black Madonna statue.

Guests also have free time to explore the shops and sample local liquors.

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Journey to Montserrat

After the panoramic bus tour and cable car ride, the group departs for Montserrat, a serene mountain retreat located approximately an hour outside Barcelona.

They travel by air-conditioned coach to the base of the mountain, then board the cogwheel train for a scenic ascent to the Benedictine monastery at the top.

A guided tour introduces visitors to the Black Madonna, a revered 12th-century Romanesque sculpture, and the museum’s religious art and exhibits.

Guests enjoy free time to explore the grounds, visit shops, and sample local liquors before the return journey to Barcelona.

Montserrat Monastery and Black Madonna

The tour’s visit to Montserrat, a serene mountain retreat located approximately an hour outside Barcelona, allows guests to explore the Benedictine monastery and discover the revered 12th-century Romanesque sculpture known as the Black Madonna.

Visitors marvel at the intricate architecture and artistic treasures within the monastery’s walls. They also have the opportunity to attend a performance by the renowned Escolania of Montserrat boys’ choir.

With free time to shop for local goods and sample Catalan liquors, the Montserrat experience provides a well-rounded culture just outside the bustling city.

Guides and Reviews

How do the tour guides and reviews fare? The tour offers live guides available in English and Spanish.

Reviews highlight the knowledgeable and approachable nature of guides like Valeria, Carolyn, and Gloria. However, feedback on the walking intensity is mixed, with some finding it strenuous.

The guides provide informative commentary throughout the tour, sharing insights about the city’s history and landmarks. While the guides receive positive feedback, the walking portion may pose challenges for some participants, so it’s important to consider individual fitness levels when booking this excursion.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Important Information

The tour includes several key inclusions, such as the Montjuïc cable car ride, access to the Black Madonna, and a cogwheel train ride to Montserrat.

It also provides a taste of 4 local liquors and entrance to the Montserrat Museum and audio-visual exhibition.

Transportation is provided on an air-conditioned coach.

However, the tour doesn’t include food, drinks, hotel pick-up, or drop-off.

It’s not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Guests must arrive 15 minutes early at the meeting point, Julià Travel office at Estació del Nord, and bring a passport or ID, along with comfortable shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s maximum group size is not specified in the provided information. The details focus on the tour’s itinerary, inclusions, and logistics rather than the group size.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention student or senior discounts. However, many tour operators offer reduced rates for these groups, so it’s worth inquiring about any available discounts when booking the tour.

Can We Customize the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

The tour can’t be customized to visit additional sites. However, the operator offers flexibility on start times and may be able to accommodate requests for specific stops, subject to availability and additional fees.

Are Any Food or Beverage Options Included During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any food or beverage options, except for a tasting of 4 local liquors during the visit to Montserrat. Participants will need to purchase their own meals and drinks throughout the day.

Can We Book a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

The tour provider doesn’t offer a private tour option. It’s only available as a group tour. However, the group size is limited, and participants can enjoy the included Montjuïc cable car ride and tasting of 4 local liquors.

The Sum Up

The Barcelona Highlights City Tour and Montserrat Excursion offers a comprehensive full-day experience that showcases the city’s iconic landmarks and the stunning Montserrat mountain. With knowledgeable guides, flexible cancellation, and a range of inclusions, it’s an ideal way for visitors to explore Barcelona’s rich history and breathtaking scenery. At $117.90 per person, the tour provides excellent value for money and an opportunity to discover the best of Barcelona in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here: