Barcelona is a city that packs a punch. It offers an irresistible mix of stunning architecture, lively markets, and charming towns just a short trip outside the city. For travelers looking to maximize a quick visit, these 2-day tours stand out for their depth, focus, and local expertise. We especially recommend the 2-Day Tour: Gaudi & Sagrada Familia + Montserrat & Winery for its personalized experience and included skip-the-line tickets, making it ideal for first-timers who want to see the best without wasting time in queues. Meanwhile, the Montserrat, Girona and Costa Brava in 2 Days offers a broader adventure for those keen on exploring Catalonia’s natural beauty and medieval towns. Lastly, the From Barcelona: Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava in 2 days gives a flexible, multi-day experience with overnight stays that suit travelers wanting a relaxed pace.
Below, you’ll find detailed reviews of each tour, highlighting what makes them unique, their pros and cons, and who they are best suited for.
1. 2-Day Tour: Gaudi & Sagrada Familia + Montserrat & Winery
This private, two-day guided tour offers an intimate look at Barcelona’s most iconic sights and a scenic escape to Montserrat. It’s perfect for travelers who want personalized attention and a carefully curated itinerary. The tour includes skip-the-line tickets to Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, which makes it easier to avoid long waits—an enormous plus during busy seasons. Days are packed with visits to the Gothic Quarter, the Mercat de la Boqueria, and Els 4 Gats, where Picasso once exhibited. The tour’s focus on Gaudí’s masterpieces makes it especially appealing if you’re eager to see the city’s architectural highlights.
On day two, you’ll head to Montserrat, visiting its monastery and sampling local wines and snacks—a delightful way to experience Catalonia’s culinary culture. The wine tastings, included in the tour, are held at a traditional winery, adding an authentic flavor to the trip. The guide provides in-depth commentary, making history and architecture come alive. Plus, lunch on both days is included, removing the hassle of finding good food while sightseeing.
What makes this tour stand out? Its private setting allows you to tailor the experience, and the focus on Gaudí and Montserrat hits two major highlights. The reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and flexible itinerary. “Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable,” said one traveler, highlighting the quality of personalized service.
Bottom line: If you want a well-organized, comprehensive introduction to Barcelona’s top sights combined with a scenic countryside escape, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable experience.
2. Montserrat, Girona and Costa Brava in 2 Days from Barcelona
This tour is ideal for those who want to escape the city and see a broader swath of Catalonia’s landscape and towns. Starting in Montserrat, you’ll visit the monastery and see the revered Black Madonna, a highlight for many travelers. The journey then moves to Girona, a well-preserved medieval city with Roman walls, charming alleys, and a Gothic cathedral. The tour includes a guided walk and time to explore at your own pace, which visitors find valuable for soaking up the atmosphere.
On the second day, you’ll continue to the Costa Brava, specifically to Tossa de Mar, where you can stroll along the coast, explore quaint streets, and enjoy the peaceful seaside vistas. The tour has a small-group format, making it easier to connect with your guide and ask questions. The included lunch and wine tastings add authentic local flavor.
What makes this tour unique? It’s a great choice for travelers wanting a mix of mountain spirituality, medieval history, and coastal beauty. The 5-star reviews reflect the immersive experience and friendly guides. One review mentions, “Tossa de Mar’s coastline was the perfect end to our trip, with lovely hidden coves and scenic views.”
Bottom line: This tour suits travelers who want to combine nature, history, and seaside relaxation while enjoying the benefits of small-group exploration.
3. From Barcelona: Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava in 2 days
This flexible, multi-day tour is perfect if you prefer a more relaxed pace with overnight stays. Starting with the Montserrat Monastery, you’ll see the famous Black Madonna and explore the surrounding natural beauty. The guided tour lasts about 2 hours, and afterward, the journey continues to Girona, where you’ll enjoy a guided walk of the Old Town and have free time to explore the Jewish Quarter or visit the cathedral.
Overnight in Girona allows travelers to experience the city without rushing. The next day includes a visit to Tossa de Mar, where you can stroll along beaches and explore coastal coves, adding a leisurely conclusion to your trip. The tour uses comfortable transportation and provides insights along the way.
What makes this tour appealing? Its combination of guided visits and free time lets you customize your experience. It’s best for those who want to see more at a relaxed pace, especially if they prefer staying overnight in Girona to better absorb the local vibe. The tour has a 4.7/5 rating, indicating high satisfaction.
Bottom line: If you like to take your time and stay overnight in captivating towns, this tour offers a good balance of guided highlights and personal exploration.
How to Choose the Perfect 2-Day Barcelona Tour
Choosing between these options depends largely on what you want from your trip. If you’re eager to see Barcelona’s architecture and enjoy a private, guided experience, the Gaudi & Montserrat tour is hard to beat for its personalized approach and included skip-the-line tickets. For travelers who want to venture outside the city and see a blend of mountains, medieval towns, and coast, the Montserrat, Girona and Costa Brava** tour provides a deeper regional experience with less rush. If you prefer a slower, more relaxed pace with overnight stays, then the third option offers flexibility and time to soak in each location.
When planning, consider your budget—these tours range from about $420 to $624—and your interests. Are you passionate about Gaudí’s architecture? Or do you want to explore hidden corners of Catalonia? Also, check the season; summer bookings tend to fill quickly, especially for popular spots like Montserrat and Girona.
Booking early is always wise, especially for private tours or high-demand experiences. Whichever tour you pick, these carefully curated options promise a memorable taste of Catalonia’s diverse charms.
To sum it up, whether you want a deep dive into Barcelona’s architecture, an adventure into Catalonia’s scenic towns, or a combination of both, these 2-day tours deliver. For a first visit, the private Gaudí tour offers seamless convenience. For those with more time or a love of scenic landscapes, the Montserrat and Costa Brava trips provide a broader and more relaxed perspective. Whichever you choose, early booking will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences.
