Montserrat & Medieval Winery With Tapas/Lunch

Set out on a captivating journey that blends spirituality and gastronomy. Venture to the iconic Montserrat, where you’ll explore the renowned Basilica and Monastery. Then, uncover the secrets of a historic castle-turned-winery, savoring a delightful wine-tasting experience paired with traditional tapas or a multi-course Catalan feast. This tour promises to ignite your senses and leave you craving more. Discover the enchanting fusion of culture, history, and culinary delight that awaits.

Key Points

1. A full-day tour from Barcelona exploring the iconic Montserrat Basilica and Monastery, followed by a visit to the Oller del Mas winery located in a 10th-century castle.

2. Opportunities to experience Montserrat’s serene ambiance, scenic hiking, and historic funicular railway rides, as well as a wine-tasting session featuring local ecological wines.

3. Two dining options available: a multi-course Catalan lunch or a traditional tapas brunch, both served at the medieval castle winery and accompanied by regional wines.

4. The tour includes skip-the-line access to key sites and a maximum group size of 20-22 travelers per guide, ensuring a personalized experience.

5. The contrasting experiences of the spiritual atmosphere of Montserrat and the regional viticulture flavors at the winery provide a unique and well-rounded tour.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour takes travelers from Barcelona to the historic site of Montserrat and a medieval winery.

Departing from the Barcelona Nord bus station, the group explores the Montserrat Basilica and Monastery at their own pace, visiting the Black Madonna, museum, and taking an optional funicular ride.

They then travel to the 10th-century Oller del Mas winery for a wine tasting, cellar tour, and multi-course Catalan meal or tapas brunch.

With a maximum group size of 20-22 travelers per guide, the tour provides an immersive cultural experience with knowledgeable local guides and skip-the-line access to key sites.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a scenic, air-conditioned bus ride to Montserrat, approximately an hour from Barcelona. Upon arrival, guests are free to explore the historic Basilica and Monastery at their own pace, including the famous Black Madonna, museum, Holy Cave, and funicular ride. After Montserrat, the tour continues to the 10th-century Oller del Mas winery. Here, travelers can stroll through the vineyards, visit the winery cellar, and enjoy a wine-tasting session featuring three local ecological wines. The experience culminates in a multi-course Catalan meal or traditional tapas brunch.

Exploring Montserrat

Visitors to Montserrat can enjoy the serene ambiance of this iconic Catalan mountain retreat. The impressive 12th-century Basilica and Monastery are the main draw, where travelers can explore the treasured Black Madonna statue and marvel at the stunning architecture.

Beyond the sacred sites, visitors can hike scenic trails, ride the historic funicular railway, and browse the local farmers market for Montserrat’s renowned artisanal cheeses and honey.

Whether ascending the mountain by cable car or on foot, the breathtaking vistas of the rugged Montserrat range provide a tranquil escape from the bustling city below.

Visiting the Winery

After exploring the sacred sites of Montserrat, the tour takes visitors to the charming Oller del Mas winery, housed in a 10th-century castle. Here, guests can stroll through the vineyards and visit the winery cellar before partaking in a wine-tasting session featuring three local ecological wines. The winery experience provides a delightful contrast to the spiritual atmosphere of Montserrat, offering a chance to savor the flavors of the region’s viticulture.

Meal Options

Diners on the tour can choose between two distinct meal options – a multi-course Catalan lunch or a traditional tapas brunch.

The multi-course lunch includes a starter of seasonal soup or gazpacho, a main of roasted chicken with potato parmentier and grilled asparagus, and a dessert of Catalan cream cake.

The tapas brunch offers a selection of small shared plates with local flavors.

Both meals are accompanied by regional wines.

Regardless of the option selected, the dining experience at the 10th-century castle winery promises to be a highlight of the tour.

What’s Included

The tour includes shared transportation via air-conditioned bus from Barcelona to Montserrat and the medieval winery, as well as a local English-speaking guide who leads the guided visits.

Travelers can skip the line at the Basilica and receive tickets to touch the Black Madonna. The tour also provides a multi-course Catalan meal with wine or a traditional tapas brunch.

The winery experience includes a stroll through the vineyards, a visit to the winery cellar, and a wine-tasting session with three local ecological wines.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Accessibility Considerations

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed.

Infants 3 years and younger can join the tour free of charge, but no car seats or meals are provided for them.

The tour involves walking and climbing steps at Montserrat and the winery, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Visitors should consider their physical capabilities before booking.

The tour provider aims to accommodate all travelers to the best of their ability. Those with accessibility concerns are encouraged to contact the company directly to discuss their needs and explore possible accommodations.

Traveler Feedback

What do traveler reviews say about this Montserrat and medieval winery tour? Overwhelmingly positive, with 97% of 4,229 reviews recommending the experience.

Guests praise the knowledgeable, engaging guides and the well-organized itinerary. Many appreciate the beauty of Montserrat and the charm of the medieval winery setting.

Some note weather can impact enjoyment, and suggest improvements to the meeting point.

Ask Away

Is Gratuity for the Tour Guide Included in the Price?

No, gratuity for the tour guide is not included in the tour price. The tour details do not mention gratuity, so it is likely an optional tip at the discretion of the participants.

Can I Purchase Additional Items or Experiences at the Winery?

Yes, visitors can purchase additional items or experiences at the winery during the tour. The tour includes a wine-tasting session, but guests can opt to buy bottles of wine or other winery products to take home.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour has no age restrictions, but infants 3 years and younger are free of charge and don’t receive meals or car seats. Otherwise, the tour is open to all ages.

Can I Customize the Meal Options to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

Yes, the tour provider can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Guests can customize their meal options to suit their needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets. Specific dietary requirements should be communicated when booking the tour.

How Reliable Is the Tour Schedule in Terms of Departure and Return Times?

The tour schedule is generally reliable, with reviews noting consistent departure and return times. However, factors like weather and group size can occasionally cause minor delays. Travelers should plan to arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes early to ensure on-time departure.

Final Words

This tour offers a unique opportunity to take in Catalonia’s spiritual and culinary heritage. Visitors can marvel at the stunning Montserrat Monastery, then indulge in a wine-tasting and traditional tapas or Catalan meal at a historic winery. The combination of cultural exploration and gastronomic delights makes this an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to connect with the region’s rich history and flavors.