From Barcelona: Montserrat & Cava Winery Day Trip

If you’re considering taking a day trip from Barcelona to see Montserrat and enjoy some sparkling cava, you’re in for a treat. We’ve looked into a popular tour offered by Devour Tours, and while we haven’t experienced it ourselves, the details and reviews paint a pretty clear picture of what to expect.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines early access to Montserrat, avoiding the crowds, with an intimate winery visit in the Penedes region. Plus, the inclusion of a farm-to-table lunch paired with cava adds a lovely, relaxed vibe to the day. One thing to keep in mind: the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so you’ll want to plan your arrival at the meeting point in advance.

This trip is perfect for those who want a well-rounded taste of Catalonia—combining cultural sights, scenic views, and regional flavors—without the hassle of planning multiple visits on your own. Whether you’re a history buff, a wine enthusiast, or simply looking for a day filled with memorable moments, this tour has something for many kinds of travelers.

Key Points

• Early Montserrat Access: Beat most crowds for a more peaceful experience of the basilica and monastery.
• Expert Guided Tour: Knowledgeable guides share engaging stories about Montserrat’s history, religion, and natural beauty.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 15 participants, making for a more personal and relaxed outing.
• Vineyard & Cava Tour: Learn about cava production, explore vineyards on a 4×4, and taste regional wines.
• Farm-to-Table Lunch: Enjoy a homemade meal overlooking the vineyard, paired with local wines.
• No Hotel Pickup: You need to meet at the designated spot, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Day Trip

This tour is designed to give you a comprehensive yet manageable taste of two highlights of Catalonia—Montserrat and the Penedes wine region—without feeling rushed or crowded.

Morning Departure and Scenic Drive

You’ll start your day by meeting your guide at a convenient spot in Barcelona, like Passeig de Colom, and hop into a private minibus. The drive out to Montserrat takes about an hour, during which your guide will fill you in on Catalonia’s history and culture, setting a relaxed, informative tone for the day.

Exploring Montserrat: Monastery and Basilica

Arriving early means you’ll beat the bulk of the crowds that typically gather later in the morning. The highlight here is the guided tour of Montserrat’s basilica and monastery, founded way back in the 11th century. Your guide will point out the Black Madonna (La Moreneta), a revered wooden statue believed to have healing powers, and tell stories that enrich your understanding of this spiritual site.

Many reviews rave about the personalized experience, with one traveler mentioning, “Our tour guide, Luke, was excellent. Informative and very funny. Montserrat is beautiful!” Another aspect we liked is the free time afterward, which allows you to explore at your own pace—whether that’s visiting the small art museum with works by Dalí and Picasso or hiking to nearby viewpoints.

The Small-Group Vineyard & Cava Experience

After your visit to Montserrat, the bus takes you to the Penedes region, known worldwide for its cava, Catalonia’s sparkling wine. The guide provides plenty of insights into cava production—you’ll learn about the process, from vine to bottle, and understand what makes regional cava so special.

At the family-run cava bodega, you’ll be welcomed with a glass of cava and then can take a guided tour of the vineyards on a 4×4. This is a fun way to see the grapevines close-up and maybe even pitch in with pruning or grape-picking if in season—something previous visitors have enjoyed.

The highlight is the lunch, which is homemade by the owner’s family and served outdoors overlooking the vines when weather allows. If it rains, they’ve got indoor space to keep the cozy, farm-to-table vibe alive. The meal features regional products, and you’ll savor high-quality regional wines with your meal.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Bottling & Tasting Finale

Before heading back to Barcelona, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the bottling and labeling process, which is always fun for wine lovers. One lucky guest even takes home a custom bottle, adding a personal touch to the day.

Return Trip & Final Thoughts

The tour ends back at the meeting point in Barcelona around 7 hours after departure. The small group size (max 15 people) makes for a more intimate experience, and the round-trip private transportation ensures comfort throughout.

The Real Deal: What Travelers Say

The reviews reveal a lot about what makes this trip stand out. One traveler said, “Our guide Luke was excellent, informative, and very funny. Montserrat is beautiful!” The personal touch from guides seems to elevate the experience, making complex history or production processes engaging and easy to follow.

Another comment highlights how memorable the winery visit was, with visitors feeling treated like family by the owner and staff. The farm-to-table lunch, paired with regional wines, is consistently praised as a highlight, with many mentioning the delicious homemade dishes and the chance to enjoy the scenery.

Some reviewers appreciate the early start, as it allows them to see Montserrat before it gets crowded, which greatly enhances the experience. Others note that the transportation is comfortable and efficient, and the small group makes it easier to ask questions and interact with the guide.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At $203 per person, this tour offers a full day of diverse experiences, with guided visits, tastings, a scenic drive, and a homemade lunch. When you break it down, the cost covers not just transportation and entrance fees but also personalized attention from guides and exclusive access to a family-run estate—elements that add value for many travelers.

It’s a bit of a splurge, but considering how much is included, it’s a practical way to see Montserrat and taste authentic cava without organizing everything yourself. If you’re interested in Catalonia’s culture, wine, and scenic views, this tour provides a well-rounded, enjoyable day.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal if you appreciate history and cultural sites but don’t want to deal with the hassle of navigating on your own. It’s also perfect for wine lovers wanting to learn about cava production in a relaxed setting. The small-group aspect makes it suitable for travelers who prefer more personal, less crowded experiences.

If you’re traveling with someone who enjoys beautiful vistas, regional food, and local wines, this tour ticks all those boxes. Keep in mind, it’s not specifically designed for families or children, but older kids with an interest in history or wine could enjoy it too.

FAQs

Do I need to worry about transportation?
No, the tour includes private round-trip transportation in a comfortable minibus. You’ll just need to meet at the designated spot in Barcelona.

How long is the drive to Montserrat?
The drive typically takes about an hour each way, giving you time to relax and listen to your guide’s insights.

Are there any meal restrictions?
Yes, the lunch is farm-to-table and can accommodate vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. However, it’s not suitable for vegans.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour can accommodate guests with mobility impairments or wheelchairs, but it’s advisable to check specific needs with the provider beforehand.

What is the size of the tour group?
It’s limited to a maximum of 15 people, which helps keep things personal and flexible.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as it involves some walking and outdoor exploration.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Final Thoughts

This guided day trip from Barcelona offers a compelling way to explore two of Catalonia’s best-loved attractions with minimal fuss. You’ll enjoy the peace of early-morning Montserrat, with its stunning basilica and sacred statues, before heading to a family-run cava estate where you’ll learn about wine-making, sample delicious regional products, and savor a homemade lunch.

The combination of scenic drives, expert guides, intimate group size, and authentic food and wine experiences makes this a popular choice for those wanting a balanced, memorable day out. While it isn’t perfect for everyone—especially if you’re looking for a fully flexible, DIY itinerary—it shines as a well-organized, culturally rich excursion.

If you’re after an enriching, relaxed day that hits key highlights of Catalonia’s spiritual and viticultural traditions, this tour deserves your consideration.

Explore More Similar Experiences

If this trip piqued your interest, you might also like other small-group tours that combine Montserrat and wine tasting or explore Barcelona’s nearby wineries and historic sites. Check out options like the Montserrat & Cava Winery Small Group Tour or other similar experiences listed on GetYourGuide for a variety of ways to enjoy Catalonia’s treasures.

Note: Always double-check current availability and specific details with the tour provider before booking, as offerings may change.

You can check availability for your dates here: