Barcelona: Montserrat with Winery, Lunch, and Train Options

Exploring Montserrat from Barcelona: A Detailed Look at the Winery, Train, and Cultural Tour

If you’re looking for a way to get out of the bustling streets of Barcelona and soak in some of Catalonia’s stunning landscapes and history, this Montserrat tour with optional winery visits might just be the answer. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, I’ve gone through the details, reviews, and features to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

One thing I love about this tour is its flexibility—offering different options for your interests and how much time you want to spend. Whether you’re after a quick visit with some free time, a scenic train journey, or a full-day experience complete with wine tasting and local food, there’s a version that suits. Plus, the inclusion of a visit to a historic castle-turned-winery adds a delightful touch of authenticity and flavor.

However, a potential downside to keep in mind is that the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so you’ll need to meet at designated spots. Depending on your plans, this might require a little extra coordination. Also, the tours are not suitable for wheelchair users, and some experiences like visiting the Black Madonna or hearing the Boys Choir depend on availability or specific days.

This tour is perfect for travelers who love combining cultural sights, scenic views, delicious food, and wine. It’s especially suited if you want a mix of guided exploration and personal free time, and if you’re comfortable with a full day out from Barcelona.

Key Points

• Flexible options allow you to choose between a quick visit, a scenic train ride, or an all-day adventure with wine and tapas.
• Expert guides ensure you learn about Montserrat’s history, culture, and local wine in an engaging way.
• Stunning scenery and panoramic views make this a memorable trip, especially during the train ride and at scenic viewpoints.
• Wine tastings and Catalan food add a flavorful, local touch to the experience, with visits to historic wineries or castle restaurants.
• Group size and timing are well-managed, with groups in the bus maxing out at 70 and walking groups around 20, ensuring a good balance of intimacy and comfort.
• Price point around $67 offers good value considering the included transportation, guided tours, entrance fees, and food or wine experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Complete Montserrat Experience: What You Can Expect

Departure and Meeting Points

You’ll start either at the Barcelona Norte bus station or another designated meeting point, depending on the option you choose. The tour generally departs between 8:30 and 9:45 am, meaning you’ll want to plan your morning accordingly. The trip involves about an hour’s coach ride to Montserrat, giving you time to settle in and enjoy the scenery rolling past.

The Montserrat Monastery and Guided Tour

Once you arrive, the highlight is the Montserrat Monastery, a spiritual and cultural hub perched among jagged mountain peaks. Your guide will lead you through the basilica, where the Black Madonna, or La Moreneta, resides. If you’re interested in seeing her up close, note that you will need to purchase separate tickets online in advance, as it’s not included in the tour price.

During the guided part of the visit, you’ll learn about the monastery’s history, architecture, and significance for the Catalan people. Many reviews mention guides being knowledgeable and personable—expect engaging stories and helpful insights that make the scenery and history come alive.

Free Time and Scenic Views

After the guided tour, you’ll have about 1-2 hours of free time depending on your chosen package. This is when you can explore on your own, soak in the panoramic views from viewpoints like Mirador dels Apòstols, or visit the small shops and cafes. Many travelers appreciate this flexibility, as it allows for a more personal connection with Montserrat’s landscapes.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Scenic Cogwheel Train Ride

For some options, you’ll hop aboard a scenic cogwheel train that whisks you up the mountain. This ride isn’t just a transportation method—it’s part of the experience, offering breathtaking vistas of the rugged terrain that make Montserrat such a unique sight. The views from the train are often highlighted as a favorite moment, so don’t forget your camera.

The Wineries and Food Experiences

The tour’s culinary highlights are a big draw. If you select the full-day option with lunch at a historic winery housed in a 10th-century castle, you’ll enjoy a multi-course traditional Catalan meal paired with local wines. Travelers frequently mention how delicious and authentic the food is, plus the guided cellar visit and wine tasting add a layer of depth.

Alternatively, if you prefer a lighter, more casual experience, the tapas and wine option combines the scenic beauty with a relaxed tapas brunch and wine tasting at the same historic castle, giving you a taste of Catalan gastronomy in a beautiful setting.

Visiting the Castle-Winery

This castle turned winery is more than just a meal stop—it’s a journey into the world of local wine-making traditions, with knowledgeable guides explaining the process while you sample wines. Many reviews praise the quality of the wines, with some noting that the wines tasted during the tasting are very good, and the setting adds charm.

Final Drop-Off and Reflection

After a day filled with sights, tastes, and scenic views, the coach returns you to Barcelona, typically ending at the same pick-up point. This makes planning your evening easier, especially if you’re staying nearby.

The Value of the Experience

At around $67 per person, this tour provides a lot of bang for your buck. Transportation, a guided tour of Montserrat, skip-the-line entry, free time, and optional food and wine experiences are included, which would be difficult to arrange independently and likely more expensive.

Many travelers, as one reviewer pointed out, find that the tour is well-organized, with punctual and friendly guides. The small group sizes on walking portions ensure an intimate experience, while the bus accommodates the larger crowd comfortably.

What Travelers Say

Reviews consistently laud the knowledgeable guides—names like Vince, Carlos, Ale, and Laia crop up often with high praise for their enthusiasm and expertise. Many mention how guides’ personalities make the experience memorable, whether through humor, helpful tips, or interesting stories.

The scenery and views are also a common highlight—seeing Montserrat’s jagged peaks and the views from viewpoints are unforgettable moments. Several reviews mention how the combination of natural beauty, cultural sights, and wine tasting makes for a balanced, enjoyable day.

While some mention wishing they had more free time or that certain attractions like the museum or the Black Madonna felt rushed, overall, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing that the tour offers good value and a well-rounded experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re seeking a cultural and scenic escape from Barcelona, but don’t want a day filled with rigid schedules. It suits those who enjoy guided tours with the freedom to explore and are interested in local wines and authentic Catalan food.

It’s especially good for adults and older travelers who appreciate history, nature, and a good glass of wine. Because the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, those with mobility issues might want to look for alternative options.

Travelers who want a comprehensive, well-organized day trip that combines sightseeing, gastronomy, and scenic views will find this tour offers a satisfying snapshot of Catalonia’s landscape and culture.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? No, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to meet at the designated starting point, typically the Barcelona Norte bus station.

How long is the trip? The tour lasts between 5 and 9 hours, depending on which option you select. Expect around an hour’s coach ride each way, plus guided visits and free time.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes are a must, as there’s walking involved. Also, water and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, especially since temperatures at Montserrat and the winery tend to be more extreme than in Barcelona.

Can I see the Black Madonna? Yes, but you need to buy separate tickets online in advance. The tour includes a visit to the basilica, where she resides, but access to see her up close is an extra.

Are children allowed? Infants aged 3 or under can join for free, but note that baby seats are not provided. The tour is generally best suited for adults or older children who can handle the full day.

Is the tour suitable for people with reduced mobility? No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. If you have mobility concerns, contact the tour operator beforehand.

What about the Boys Choir? You can see the Boys Choir, but tickets must be purchased separately, and performances are not guaranteed on Saturdays or holidays.

What happens if it rains or is too hot? The tour operates rain or shine, but be prepared for the weather. Montserrat’s temperatures can differ significantly from Barcelona, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Montserrat tour from Barcelona offers a well-balanced combo of natural beauty, cultural highlights, and local flavors. The multiple options mean you can tailor the day to your interests—whether that’s a quick visit with some free time, a scenic train ride, or a full-day experience with wine and tapas. The consistently high reviews reflect how many travelers found it to be a worthwhile, enjoyable escape from the city.

If you love learning about local traditions, savoring regional wines, and taking in incredible landscapes, this tour is a solid choice. Just remember to plan ahead for tickets to the Black Madonna if you want a close-up view, and be ready for a full day out. With warm guides, scenic views, and tasty food and wine, it’s a memorable way to deepen your connection with Catalonia beyond Barcelona’s lively streets.

Happy travels, and I hope your trip to Montserrat is as enriching as it is beautiful!

You can check availability for your dates here: