Get a dose of history, culture, and nature during this 5-hour tour to Montserrat from Barcelona. With your guide and small group of 8 or less people, explore the Basilica of Montserrat, see the famous 'Black Madonna' icon, and visit the cave where the virgin is rumored to have appeared. Cap off the tour by listening to the beautiful singing of 'La Escalonia de Montserrat,' one of Europe's oldest children's choirs. All transportation and entrance fees are included.
Begin the tour between 8:30am-9:30am, when your driver/guide picks you up from your Barcelona hotel. Drive north into the mountainous countryside for about an hour in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle as you take in the majestic rocky landscapes around you.
With your small group of 8 people or less, see Santa Maria de Montserrat – the mountain’s Benedictine monastery – and its 12th-century wooden carving La Moreneta ("The Black Madonna"). Discover the Holy Cave where, according to local legend, the Virgin Mary once appeared and has been a center for pilgrimage and prayer ever since.
To cap off the experience, listen to the angelic voices of La Escalonia de Montserrat, one of Europe's oldest children's choirs. Your mountainous adventure concludes around 2:30pm, when you're dropped back off at your Barcelona hotel.
Nuvia, the guide, loves to tell the history of Montserrat... its origin, purpose, destruction, recreation.. and continued place in_br/_ the hearts of Catalonia. Thanks for coupling the people,passion, and place of Catalonia in our common human venture for_br/_ peace, justice, compassion, serenity, and ultimate security in each other's care, competence, and commitment to living a life of community._br/_ J and R Naples Florida
Review by: Henry W, January 2018
Very knowledgeable guide and only 6 of us in the van. Definitely a step above the larger jam packed buses and_br/_ the hotel pick up and drop off make it the best choice over all. We did this tour in mid December so really needed_br/_ to bundle up. Montserrat is truly stunning and we were lucky enough to hear the Boys' Choir sing three songs while_br/_ we were inside. wonderful!
Review by: Daniel B, December 2017
The worst tour that I have ever taken! Tour was not as advertised. A complete rip-off. I do not recommend In-Out Barcelona Tours.
Review by: MIchael P, November 2017
Our guides arrived at our apartment at 8:30 AM for our tour of Montserrat 90 minutes from Barcelona. It was a rather cramped van ride, as other people joined our group of five and we all squeezed in with our driver and tour guide. Our guide was rather animated, which actually made the trip all that more interesting. Montserrat is home to a well-known boys choir, which we had hoped to hear but they were touring in the United States. That was a bit disappointing but not the fault of our guide or the tour...just timing. Our day at Monserrat began with a mile long walk to the Santa Cova Holy Grotto where La Moroneta Virgin Mary first appeared. The walk to the Santa Cova included statues and scenes representing 12 events in Christs life. These are called the 12 mysteries. After the walk to Santa Cova we went to the cathedral and the cloister. In front of the cloister are four trees: Palm, Cypress, Olive and Cedar of Lebanon representing eternal life, the spiritual, peace and strength respectively. I have to say that the English major in me was so drawn to the stories and symbolism of everything. Totally related to the tour.
Review by: wlsmith, November 2017
Fantastic! Our tour guide and driver were great. _br/_ We drove about 45 minutes out of Barcelona into the hills, very pleasant drive. When we arrived we were dropped off right near to the entrance, no long hike up from the carpark, and afterward collected at the same point._br/_ The tour was very informative, we learned about the monastery and why it was there, taken to see the Black Madonna and shown some of the sculptures along the walk, even one by Mr Gaudi himself! Also rode on the funicular which was fun, but we didn't go up the top of the mountain, as the top funicular queues were very long. Plenty of free time to take a closer look at the monastery buildings and grounds._br/_ The views from the courtyard are breathtaking and the whole experience was worth the money paid._br/_ Only downside, was the traffic on the return journey, it took us twice as long to head back into town. As we had another tour booked for the afternoon, we only just made it back in time. _br/_ I would recommend giving yourself plenty of time for the journey back to Barcelona._br/_ Recommend this tour highly!!
Review by: Joseph B, November 2017
My wife and I began our two week Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona. We optioned for an extra day to get acclimated to the time change. We chose a half day trip to visit the Monastery at Montserrat. We were in luck, as it turned out, due to a cancellation, we had a private tour with our guide Nuria. In a word, Nuria was exceptional! Her command of the English language was impressive and communication was easy. She has a teachers demeanor, and as her students, we took advantage to soak up her knowledge. During the ride up to Montserrat, we discussed everything from the current independence movement in Catalan, to the culture and life in Barcelona as well as the history of the area and architecture. Nurias understanding of the issues faced by the United States was profound. It was an absolute pleasure to spend time with her. More about the tour: we arrived at Montserrat, rode a cable car to the top,_br/_ followed a path to the end to visit an old church built on the site of a vision of the Virgin Mary by some herders. We then rode a funicular, train to the Monastery. We viewed the sights and got to see and touch the Black Madonna. While we in line inside the church, we heard the boys choir! The weather was beautiful and the vistas from the Monastery were awesome. All in all the experience was worth it. Having Nuria as a guide made it that much more incredible.
Review by: Tom W., November 2017
Great tour of Montserrat. Would highly recommend this tour. Guide was very helpful and ever in Barcelona again would take this particular tour. Vehicle was spotless!
Review by: Sunny W, November 2017
The guide was very weak. She drove a car that had no microphone, so we had no information about our destination during the hour and twenty minute drive. Once we arrived, she gave us a very brief description of Montserrat history, took us to the train that wasn't running so we could see the view, took us into the church at 11:00 am, where we sat for an hour waiting for the boys choir to perform which was supposed to be the big attraction there, and at noon told us they were not performing that day. It was a long ride home!
Review by: Warren W, October 2017
Our guide was right on time in picking us up at our hotel. There were only four of us in the group so it made it easy for the guide. Montserrat is a definite must See when in Barcelona, but the guide was more interested in getting back to the city to make an appointment than allowing us time to take in all the available options at the site. He finally consented to standing in line to gain entrance tp the upper level statue. The cog railway to the top of the mountain was made unavailable due to our guide's schedule.
Review by: Michael M, October 2017
This was a worthwhile tour. Our guide Nuria picked us up at our hotel in a van max 8 passengers and pointed out sights along the way. She was pleasant and informative. The views from the mountain are spectacular. The trail to the Holy Cave is a strenuous walk, but worth the effort.
Review by: Hoyt K, September 2017
Guide was great
Review by: docsha92, September 2017
The guide Karles was a wealth of knowledge. We really enjoyed him. He was early to pick us up at our B and B.
Review by: Mike J, September 2017
Great tour with knowledgable guide. No rush timetable. Could have done with a larger vehicle for four adults! Highly recommended.
Review by: Evgenii B, September 2017
Our guide from In-Out Barcelona Tours planned everything in terms of timing so that we were able to avoid the crowd. He also appeared to be very knowledgeable and full of stories that relate to you no matter what part of the world you're from.
Review by: Britt E, August 2017
We took our kids 6 and 8 years old to this tour and it was a great success! We loved the walk down to the chapel, and the explanations along the way. The kids were able to run and play and have fun while the adults learned about the 12 stations, the architecture and many other things._br/_ Our guide was very patient and fun. If we had more time, we would have liked to hike a bit into the mountain, but unfortunately, we had to go back to town. only regret
Review by: Janine D, August 2017
We loved our half-day trip to Montserrat! Our friendly and knowledgeable guide, Mariusz, from Inside Travel picked us up at our apartment right on time, as scheduled, and we made the one hour drive out of Barcelona to the mountains and Montserrat. He shared some of the background of the region and the Abbey on our drive and even stopped at a viewpoint along the way to allow us to take some photos.
Review by: Laura A, August 2017
The half day Montserrat tour was a perfect ending to my Barcelona trip. Karles was an excellent tour guide with so much knowledge about the history and culture of Catalonia and Montserrat. I had an injury and he made accommodations so that I could still enjoy the trip. Would definitely go again!
Review by: Peter R, August 2017
Montserrat is a great short day trip from Barcelona and not to be missed. Our tour guide, Vincente, was fantastic! Very knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend the day with.
Review by: Noela T, July 2017
Daniella was an excellent tour guide. We booked this small group tour and it was only the two of us - great value for money. Montserrat is an interesting place.
Review by: Eric S, July 2017
The tour began the moment we got picked upwhich we love the shuttle service that is included! We got history and facts about the city which was very interesting and turned what could be a quiet car ride into a part of the tour. Montserrat was beautiful and the history behind the place is interesting and was explained with an authenticity that didn't just sound like a rehearsed speech you may get from other tours. I had a more religious upbringing than my girlfriend, but both here and I loved the beauty and history of the place. Would recommend to anyone regardless of beliefs.
Review by: brandon.mr, July 2017
This was a wonderful tour. Vicente was an exceptional guide. Very friendly and knowledgeable made us feel very special._br/_ Bernie and sheila from Houston
Review by: Mark H, July 2017
Mariusz was awesome. This was one the big highlights of our trip to Barcelona and would recommend the tour. Such a wealth of information and knowledge of not only Montserrat, but also highlights along the drive up and back.
Review by: XAVIER T, July 2017
Astonishing views and a lot of history - we did the line to go up and stood in front of La Morenita - you can actually touch her.
Review by: piabanerjea, June 2017
Incredible experience. In retrospect, should have taken the full day option. Highly recommended and Mariano, our tour guide, was very well informed.
Review by: Robert Schoenbachler, June 2017
Wonderful tour. A lot of walking but is was worth it.
Review by: karen m, June 2017
Nuria was WONDERFUL!!! everything you'd want in a guide and more...would only wished we'd taken the zip train to the little church where the light appeared as she suggested we should, and got back from there in time to hear the children's choir. She had said the choir concert only 5 minutes long is so popular that if you wanted a seat, you'd have to get there 30-40 minutes in advance, which was true. However, given how short the performance is, I would have preferred to stand in the back for the 5 minutes, and instead of sitting in a pew waiting, spend that time touring Montserrat...because it is breathtaking! All of the history and knowledge Nuria shared during the drive to and fro was SUPER, I could listen to her all day!
Review by: Robert H, June 2017
The Montserrat Tour was fantastic! We had a very knowledgeable guide Karles, and he was great. Pick up was seamless and timely. We proceeded to Montserrat and the views were incredible. We walked the path to the shrine of the Black Madonna, stopping to see the monuments along the way. After, our guide suggested we go to the basilica to hear the boys choir perform. Leaving the monastery we stopped to purchase local cheeses and figs from vendors set up along the walk way. All in all it was a very good experience that our whole group enjoyed.
Review by: Chris T, June 2017
My husband and I truly enjoyed this half-day tour on Montserrat! In fact, it was one of the best days of our stay in Barcelona! Our tour guide, Karles, a native born resident of Barcelona, was knowledgeable and interesting. His command of English was excellent and we did not have a problem with understanding all that he told us.
Review by: Maryann, May 2017
I loved this tour. There were only 8 people and the guide picked us up at our hotel on time. About an hour to Montserrat and as we drove the guide continued to talk about Barcelona and Montserrat. Gave us history of Montserrat and lots of great tips about Barcelona. I am so sorry I forgot the name of our guide but he was great. Well worth the money.
Review by: Ross J, May 2017
This partially worked out very well, and in some ways didn't work out...
Review by: Tom, March 2017
Our tour with Daniela was exceptional. We were fortunate enough to have a private tour after booking small group limited to eight. The drive was lovely and Daniela was delightful. She was prepared with visual aids on her iPad and made the history come alive. The destination is quite extraordinary and shouldn't be missed if you have an extra day in Barcelona.
Review by: Fred D, March 2017
Take this tour! It truly was private as we were the only ones booked for this day. Carlas was on time, very knowledgeable and passionate about Catalonia. He knew the ins and outs of the place so as to avoid the crowds and still take it all in.
Review by: purvisj, February 2017
Our small group tour turned out to be a Private tour. We were the only couple with the guide that day, but he gave us the Full Tour and was able to adjust it some to fit our wishes and abilities and also modified it a little to match the weather better. Carles was probably not your typical tour guide, a little more free lance than most, but he quickly picked up on our desires and used his great knowledge to accommodate as best he could._br/_ The tour itself is very good, we enjoyed it all and were able to sit though the boys choir songs too. If my wife could walk and climb stairs better, we could have gone more places and seen even more, but Carles did his best to show us all that was practical and possible within our limits. _br/_ We were pleased that Viator did not cancel or try to adjust the tour due to it only being two of us instead of several as it typically includes. There was no effort to Up Charge or anything of that even mentioned. Carles just laughed at the beginning and seemed to be entirely happy to show us his country, regardless of how many or few of us there happened to be. We had a very good time.
Review by: Andreina, January 2017
Our driver Marius was great. It was just me and my husband. He was a good driver and very informative. Montserrat is amazing and well worth the trip.
Review by: Lynedah V, January 2017
I had to pay for 2 as a single traveler so for the cost of over 200 it was ok. I also had to pay additional to go into the museum. Monsterrat itself very impressive. Worth a visit but not necessarily with a tour guide.
Review by: rb1336, November 2016
We throughly enjoyed this tour even though it didn't go exactly as planned. Since the other people reserved on this tour cancelled at the last minute, the local tour company sent a guide for the remaining two of us in an old beat up Audi, rather than cancelling the whole tour. He was an alternative culture sort of guy and very interesting. He was a character but knew his history and went out of his way to show us a good tour, helping us by pass lines, and helped us get seating for the boys choir at noon. He might not be for everyone, but we thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the kind of happenstance that make travel worthwhile.
Review by: Christine F, October 2016
A wonderful trip with fantastic views. We booked the tour with pickup/dropoff at our hotel and we were lucky enough to be the only ones on our tour. Nuria, our tour guide, was great and made sure we were able to see everything we wanted to see, including seeing the boys choir. The cathedral was packed but we were able to hear them for a few minutes. We booked this tour for the morning of our cruise which was leaving at 5. Unfortunately, we hit a lot of traffic coming back and almost missed our cruise. Allow more time for this tour as it is well worth it.
Review by: Donald R, July 2016
great guide, mariuzaka Mario...small group, got there before the place got mobbed.
Review by: Daniel S, July 2016
Our tour guide was friendly and very informative. Would have liked air conditioning in our car as it was extremely hot and uncomfortable. Also wished they didn't smoke. Monserrat was beautiful.
Review by: Pamela S, June 2016
We had a marvelous tour of Montserrat Abbey. Since we were early in the day, it was less crowded and enjoyed cooler temperatures. Our guide was very knowledgable and enthusiastic about the history of the area and the Abbey which deepened our appreciation of this beautiful, holy place. Now I want to go back again!!
Review by: Eric K, June 2016
Beautiful place, congenial guide. What's not to like?
Review by: Edward W, June 2016
First of all, our guide Karles looked like a homeless person, long stringy hair, old clothing. He was completely thrown that it was a holiday and that Montserrat was crowded. He wasn't prepared and kept saying that he didn't know what to do and needed to come up with a plan.
Review by: elaine, May 2016
Wonderful - it was a great experience
Review by: Rodger E, March 2016
The mountain is beautiful and the Basilica amazing. The 45 minute walk to the cave is not with the time or the impact on your legs steep inclines the entire way. Our guide was very knowledgable and friendly, but pontificates incessantly about the Spanish oppression of Catalonia and the need for independence from Spain, and his dislike for the Catholic Church.
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