It will take about 1 hour from Barcelona to Montserrat.

This is a tour that combines the spiritual essence of Montserrat with the fun of the Catalonian Cava cellars. Departing from Barcelona we could make our first stop at the Montserrat Natural Park, which emerges as if from a dream, protecting the spiritual essence of Catalonia. For almost 1,000 years, a Benedictine community has lived in these mountains located 60 km away from Barcelona. Their Basilica houses the serene image of the Virgin of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia. The sense of spirituality is awoken at the mere sight of the mountain of Montserrat. It’s astonishing rocky outcrops, which rise up into the air like sandcastles, have stimulated the imagination for millennia.

The legend says that in the year 880 some shepherd boys found a statue of the Black Madonna, the "Moreneta", in a grotto. A chapel was built on this site which soon became a place of pilgrimage. The image now on display is a Romanesque wood carving dating from the late 12th century and the dark tones are the result of the deterioration of the varnish. The Benedictine monastery was founded by Abbot Oliba in 1025, but the 16th-century building and basilica were razed to the ground by Napoleon’s troops in 1811.

After visiting the Monastery, you will discover the Penedès region and learn all about the fascinating world of wine. Encompassing a wide strip of land between the sea and the mountains, the influence of the sun and the Mediterranean Sea, the Penedès turns out to be a privileged territory for viticulture.

Upon arrival to this family-run winery, that has been growing vines for more than two thousand years, you will meet an expert winemaker who will tell you the history of these ancient wineries and guide you through the underground cellar. In this exceptional space, you will learn fascinating curiosities about grape varieties, vine cultivation, winemaking or optimal storage conditions. After the visit, you can taste four fascinating wines in the elegant tasting room, accompanied by a selection of gourmet sausages, to enhance the extraordinary nuances of the wine. After the tasting you will visit the traditional "farmhouse" (current residence of the owner family) and its vineyards, to discover the art and secrets of viticulture. To add a special touch to the experience, you will continue with the visit through the vineyards aboard a convertible 4WD, accompanied by your guide and a viticulturist, a true passionate expert! A unique way to visit an impressive rural landscape with endless vineyards. On the way, you can see an ecclesiastical complex of Romanesque style that stands between the vineyards and is owned by the manor.

After the excursion, your driver will take you back to Barcelona.

Tour Duration: 8 hours (indicative only and adaptable)