Montserrat, Girona and Costa Brava in 2 Days from Barcelona

Exploring Catalonia in Style: A Review of the Montserrat, Girona, and Costa Brava Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona and want to see more of what this beautiful region has to offer, a 2-day small-group tour through Montserrat, Girona, and Costa Brava might be just the thing. This experience promises a well-paced look at some of Catalonia’s most iconic sights, with the added comfort of guided visits and a boutique or four-star hotel stay in Girona. As someone who’s seen a lot of tours over the years, I’ll share what makes this one stand out—and where it might fall short.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances culture with scenic beauty. The guides are praised for their knowledge, making history and local stories come alive. Plus, the chance to visit Montserrat’s monastery and see the famous Black Madonna La Moreneta is a highlight. However, a potential consideration is the long durations at some stops, particularly Girona, which could feel a bit overwhelming if you prefer a more relaxed pace. This tour seems best suited for travelers who want to combine history, nature, and a taste of seaside charm without rushing.

If you’re someone who enjoys guided experiences, values comfort, and wants to explore beyond Barcelona’s city limits, this tour could fit the bill. It’s also flexible enough for those who appreciate free time to explore independently—especially in Girona. Now, let’s dig into what the itinerary really entails and what you can expect from this two-day adventure.

Key Points

• Comprehensive two-day itinerary covering iconic Catalonian sites
• Knowledgeable guides enhance your understanding of each location
• Comfortable transport and hotel stay included for convenience
• Longer exploration time in Girona allows for deeper immersion
• Flexible free time in Girona to tailor your experience
• Potential for long days with significant time spent on the go

The Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: Starting with Montserrat and Moving to Girona

Montserrat: The Spiritual and Scenic Highlight

The tour kicks off early from Barcelona, with a drive to Montserrat, a striking mountain range famous for its monastery and spiritual significance. This part of the day is about appreciating breathtaking views—the rugged peaks and the monastery perched atop them. The highlight here is visiting the Black Madonna La Moreneta, a revered figure with centuries of spiritual importance.

Expect a roughly two-hour visit, which isn’t a lot of time but enough to take in the main sights. Since admission is free, the focus is on the guided experience, which helps bring context and history to what you’re seeing. The guides are often praised for their warmth and knowledge, turning a simple visit into something more engaging.

Girona: Medieval Charms and Cultural Depth

After Montserrat, the journey continues to Girona, a city that looks like it’s frozen in time, with Roman walls, narrow alleys, and a stunning Gothic cathedral. The city has been a crossroads of cultures and influences, and it shows in its architecture and history.

The visit here is scheduled for about 10 hours, which is quite generous and allows for a deep dive. You might find yourself wandering the labyrinthine Jewish quarter, visiting the Jewish History Museum, or simply sitting in a cafe soaking in the medieval atmosphere. Many reviews mention how the guides make the history come alive, with a specific mention of the guides’ ability to share their passion and knowledge.

Day 2: Deepening Your Girona Experience and Visiting Costa Brava

More Time in Girona

The next morning, you’ll have time to explore Girona at your own pace. This is a chance for some quiet wandering or visiting attractions that interest you, like artisan shops or perhaps a walk along the city walls for better views. The flexibility here is appreciated—many travelers enjoy this downtime to absorb the city’s charm without a strict schedule.

Tossa de Mar: Coastal Beauty of Costa Brava

Mid-afternoon, the tour heads to Tossa de Mar, one of the most enchanting seaside towns of Costa Brava. Walk along the medieval castle walls that overlook the sea and imagine the town’s history as a trading port. The scenery here is idyllic, with rugged cliffs, charming streets, and the Mediterranean at your doorstep.

The stop lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, enough to snap some pictures and breathe in the salty air. Many reviews note the stunning views and the lovely walk along the walls as a standout moment.

Return to Barcelona

After Tossa de Mar, the bus takes you back to Barcelona, arriving between 8 pm and 8:30 pm. It’s a long day, but with comfortable transportation, you can relax and reflect on the experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers good value with air-conditioned transportation, a professional guide, and hotel accommodation in Girona, which is a major perk. The breakfast in the hotel is also included, giving you a solid start to your day.

However, keep in mind that meals and drinks, except breakfast, aren’t included. Entrance fees to individual attractions are also extra if you choose to go beyond the guided visits. Tips, personal expenses, and optional activities are also not covered, so budget accordingly.

The Value of the Experience

At roughly $420 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option out there, but the value lies in the comprehensive itinerary, expert guides, and the convenience of a comfortable group size and logistics. The inclusion of a hotel stay in Girona makes it practical, saving you the hassle of finding accommodation on your own after a long day.

Many travelers have praised the guides—one reviewer says, “Bosco and Isabel were amazing tour guides, had an amazing experience seeing such beautiful parts of Spain and learning more about the culture.” The guides truly seem to make a difference in turning a busy itinerary into a memorable experience.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who want a deep, guided look at Catalonia’s highlights without the stress of planning individual transport or accommodations. It’s suited for curious travelers eager to learn and see a variety of sights in a short time. If you enjoy guided tours with informative commentary and appreciate having some free time to explore on your own, this tour checks those boxes.

It might be less perfect if you prefer more leisurely days or have specific interests that require more dedicated time at each site. Also, because the day can be quite full, it’s best suited for active travelers who don’t mind a long day on the go.

The Sum Up

This 2-day tour from Barcelona offers a balanced mix of cultural, historical, and scenic experiences that showcase the best of Catalonia outside the city. The guided visits ensure you learn the stories behind the sights, while the hotel stay in Girona adds comfort and flexibility.

If your travel style includes engaging guides, stunning views, and a well-organized itinerary, you’re likely to find this tour rewarding. The long hours and packed schedule might not be for everyone, but for those who want a thorough taste of Montserrat, Girona, and Costa Brava, it’s a solid choice.

Overall, it’s a fantastic way to see more of Catalonia’s diversity without the hassle of navigating on your own, especially if you value the insights of experienced guides and a bit of free time in a charming city like Girona.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transport is included in the form of an air-conditioned vehicle that takes you between Montserrat, Girona, Costa Brava, and back to Barcelona.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at Carrer de Martí i Franquès, 15, Les Corts, Barcelona, making it accessible via public transportation.

How long do we spend at each site?
You’ll spend about 2 hours at Montserrat, 10 hours exploring Girona on Day 1, and around 1.5 hours at Tossa de Mar on Day 2. The second day in Girona allows for free time.

Is hotel accommodation included?
Yes, the package includes a one-night stay in Girona in a boutique or 4-star hotel, with breakfast.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and any personal essentials. Since some sites involve walking through old towns, be prepared for uneven terrain.

Are meals included?
Only breakfast at the hotel is included. Meals and drinks during the day are your own expense.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations closer to the date have different refund terms.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but keep in mind the long days and walking involved. It’s best for those comfortable with busy schedules.

If you’re ready for a meaningful taste of Catalonia’s sights and stories, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, the combination of history, scenic views, and local culture offers a well-rounded experience you’ll remember.