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Top 7 Montserrat Guided Tours departing from Barcelona

By , About.com Guide

Guided tours of the impressive Montserrat mountains in Catalonia, departing from the Catalan capital, Barcelona. A variety of tours, including half-day, full-day and tours that include other sights in the Barcelona area of Catalonia.

See also: Pictures of Montserrat | How to Get to Montserrat

1. Full Day Tour to the Monastery of Montserrat

montserrat mountainImage: Damian Corrigan
Visit the Montserrat, with its natural rock formations rising to a height of 4,000 feet (1,224 meters), and the nearby monastery, which contains a statue of the virgin of Montserrat "la Moreneta" (Black Madonna), the patron saint of Catalonia.

Tour includes an audio-visual film and a journey by 'zip train', as well as a visit to a wine cellar to taste some Aromas de Montserrat and Crema Catalana schnapps.

This trip departs from Costa Brava. For tours of Montserrat from Barcelona, see below.

2. Morning Sightseeing Tour of Montserrat Mountain

montserrat guided toursImage: Damian Corrigan
After arriving at the Monserrat Mountain, you will visit the Royal Basilica of Montserrat, with the possibility of seeing a performance by the children's choir (depending on when you are there).

On your way back to Barcelona you will make a stop at the harbor, where you may choose to visit the Barcelona Aquarium (entrance fee not included). You have the choice of staying at the harbor or continuing back to your drop-off point with the coach.

This tour departs from Barcelona.

3. Hiking in Montserrat Natural Park

montserrat guided toursImage: Damian Corrigan
Drive to Montserrat passing through the country side surrounding Barcelona. Hiking through the natural park of Montserrat, you will witness the most emblematic sights of Catalonia.

Along the way, your guide will explain about the morphology of the mountain, the geography and historical facts of interest. Upon reaching the highest point on the mountain at St. Jerome 4,055 feet (1,236 meters), there is a beautiful uninterrupted 360 degree view of the park.

After a snack and drink break, you will descend the mountain, before a short tour to the famous Montserrat Basilica, before returning to Barcelona.

This tour departs from Barcelona.

4. Montserrat, Torres Winery and Sitges Guided Tour

montserrat guided toursImage: Damian Corrigan
Find out how Spanish wine is made on a tour of the Torres Winery (Bodegas Torres), before continuing to the mountain and Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat and ride to the top of the mountain of Montserrat with the rack railway and enjoy the panoramic view.

You then continue to Sitges, where you can relax on the beaches, stroll through the promenade and take some time for shopping. Your ticket includes discounts in numerous shops, restaurants and places of interest in Sitges.

This is a partially guided tour and you will have the majority of the day at leisure.

This tour departs from Barcelona.

5. Montserrat and Cava Trail from Barcelona

montserrat guided toursImage: Damian Corrigan
On this tour, you visit the monestery and museum at Montserrat before

In the afternoon the tour will leave Montserrat, to drive down to Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, the cava wine capital, via Gelida, to visit some of the biggest underground wine cellars in Europe. One of the most famous wine producers of the Penedes region is Freixenet, and the tour will continue with a visit to their vast wine cellars. You even get the chance to taste some!

6. Montserrat and Modernist Barcelona City Tour

montserrat guided toursImage: Damian Corrigan
Visit the Montserrat mountain, including a religious-singing performance by the "Escolania" children's (not available on Saturdays).

You then return to Barcelona where your Modernist tour begins, with a bus tour to admire world renown architect Antonio Gaudi's works such as Morera, Casa Batllo, Casa Mila and his Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Cathedral. You will also make a stop to visit Guell Park and then enjoy the Picasso Museum which exhibits works from the "blue" and "pink" periods of this world-famous painter.

7. Montserrat and Artistic Barcelona Guided Tour

Though there is no direct connection between the two elements of this trip, apart from the fact they are essential parts of any trip to Barcelona), doing a combined tour like this is an ideal way to ensure you get the most out of your day. Half a day is plenty of time to see Montserrat - but what would you do with the rest of the day if you didn't have a bus (complete with guide) to shuttle you to something else.

This tour departs from Barcelona.

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