Barcelona: Montserrat&One More Thing-You Choose(Small Group)

Explore Montserrat and Choose Your Next Stop in a Small Group Tour

This small-group tour from Barcelona offers a flexible way to experience the stunning Montserrat Monastery, combined with your choice of Sitges, an olive farm, a winery, or Girona. With a rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 16 reviews, the tour is well-loved for its personalized approach, knowledgeable guides, and careful planning. The tour departs conveniently from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Barcelona and lasts between 9 to 11 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.

What makes this experience stand out is the flexibility to tailor your next destination after Montserrat, which can include relaxing at the seaside in Sitges or exploring historic Girona. The tour is suitable for those who appreciate easy pacing, small groups of up to 19 people, and the chance to skip lines and enjoy a comfortable journey. With a professional guide leading the way, you’ll find a balance of cultural highlights and leisure time, though the tour’s success depends on your choice of the afternoon activity.

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Key Points

• Flexible options allow you to pick between Sitges, an olive farm, a winery, or Girona after Montserrat.
• The tour starts at Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Barcelona and includes transportation in comfort.
• Guides provide in-depth explanations, with Martin being a highly praised example of a knowledgeable, passionate leader.
• Duration varies from 9 to 11 hours, depending on your chosen activity and pace.
• Optional visits include the Black Madonna and Escolania choir at Montserrat, with early start and ample free time.
• The tour’s small group size emphasizes personalized attention and an intimate experience.
• The Catalan tapas lunch at the olive farm and wine tasting at the vineyard are included for respective options.
• Excellent reviews highlight the professionalism of guides and the stunning views of Montserrat.

Convenient Departure from Central Barcelona

The tour begins just outside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, with clear meeting coordinates at 41.3911667, 2.1665773. Travelers benefit from skip-the-line access to Montserrat and are picked up in comfortable transportation, making the journey smooth and stress-free. The group size is capped at 19 people, ensuring plenty of space for questions and personalized interaction.

The scenic drive from Barcelona to Montserrat takes approximately an hour, during which guides or audio equipment provide contextual details about the region’s history and geography. The central meeting point’s location in the heart of Barcelona makes it easy to reach for most travelers staying in the city center.

Exploring Montserrat Monastery and Natural Beauty

At Montserrat, the tour includes a visit to the famous basilica, where the Black Madonna is housed. Visitors have the option to see this revered figure, either by paying for admission or simply viewing her from the basilica. The mountain scenery surrounding the monastery offers breathtaking views, perfect for photos or short hikes.

Guests have plenty of free time to explore the area at their own pace, whether that means visiting the basilica, hiking the trails, or just soaking in the scenery. The early start helps avoid crowds, giving a more tranquil experience of this iconic site. Weather can influence outdoor activities, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Choose Your Post-Montserrat Adventure

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Sitges: The Seaside Charm

The Sitges option is ideal for those wanting to enjoy a Mediterranean seaside town. Known for its whitewashed streets, sandy beaches, and vibrant atmosphere, Sitges offers a relaxed environment for strolling, shopping, or relaxing by the sea. The guided walk introduces visitors to its unique character, and free time allows for personal exploration.

Olive Farm Visit with Catalan Tapas

Opting for the olive farm provides insight into traditional olive cultivation and olive oil production. The visit involves a guided tour of a family-run farm, culminating in a tasting session of premium extra virgin olive oil. The highlight is a generous Catalan tapas lunch, served around 2:30 PM — the typical Spanish lunchtime — prepared with care by the farm owners.

Winery and Wine Tasting

The winery option takes visitors to a single family vineyard, each with its own story. The guided tour of the vineyard includes explanations of grape cultivation, followed by a tasting session where local wines are paired with small tapas. For those underage, grape juice is available, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.

Girona: Medieval Charm and Historic Streets

For those interested in history and architecture, the Girona extension offers a visit to a medieval city famed for its well-preserved old town, winding narrow streets, and a striking cathedral. Known as a film location for popular movies and series, Girona is perfect for history lovers and photo enthusiasts alike. The guided tour allows time to discover its impressive sights at a relaxed pace.

The Structured Itinerary and Stops

The day begins with check-in outside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, followed by a scenic drive to Montserrat. Upon arrival, the Montserrat Monastery is the first stop, where the Black Madonna can be seen, and the basilica explored. The free time encourages personal discovery, whether that includes visiting the basilica, hiking trails, or simply taking in the panoramic views.

Post-Montserrat, the tour proceeds according to your selected option. Whether it’s a walk in Sitges, a visit to the olive farm with lunch, a guided wine tour, or the Girona exploration, each offers a unique experience. The afternoon concludes with a return trip in comfort to the central meeting point in Barcelona.

The Experience of the Guide and Group Size

Guides like Martin are praised for their enthusiasm, professionalism, and depth of knowledge. They explain history, local culture, and fun facts clearly, making the experience engaging. The small group size ensures personalized attention, with up to 19 people, and the possibility of the trip being shared with other language groups.

The tour’s flexibility is also reflected in how guides accommodate dietary restrictions and special requests, especially during meals included in the olive farm and winery options.

Timing, Pacing, and Practical Tips

The early start helps avoid the crowds at Montserrat, and ample free time at each stop allows for personal exploration. The tour lasts between 9 and 11 hours, depending on your chosen activity, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Since food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, it’s best to bring water and snacks for the journey. The lunch at the olive farm is served around Spanish lunchtime, so plan accordingly. The guided tours are in English, and the private vehicle transportation ensures a hassle-free experience.

Overall Value and Suitability

This small-group tour offers good value for those wanting flexibility and a personal touch. The inclusion of meals at the olive farm or wine tasting enhances the experience for those interested in local cuisine. The reviews highlight the expertise of the guides, especially Martin, and the stunning scenery of Montserrat.

However, the duration may be long for those with limited stamina or tight schedules. The group size limit makes it ideal for travelers seeking a more intimate experience but could be a downside for those wanting a more social atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main destinations included in this tour?
You visit Montserrat Monastery and then choose to explore Sitges, an olive farm, a winery, or Girona.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts from 9 to 11 hours, depending on your selected options and pacing.

Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from just outside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Barcelona, at the coordinates 41.3911667, 2.1665773.

Are meals included?
Yes, the Catalan tapas lunch at the olive farm and wine tasting at the vineyard are included in their respective options.

Is there a guide?
Yes, a live English-speaking guide leads the tour, with Martin being particularly highly praised.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, as there will be walking and outdoor activities.

Can I visit the Black Madonna at Montserrat?
Yes, visiting the Black Madonna is an optional part of the monastery visit, with tickets available for purchase.

Can I customize my experience?
Yes, you select one of the four main options after Montserrat, tailoring the day to your interests.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Generally yes, but consider the walking involved and outdoor activities when planning with children or elderly guests.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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