Montserrat & Cogwheel Train, Gourmet Wine Tasting & Tapas/Lunch

Exploring the scenic heights of Montserrat combined with wine tasting and a delicious meal makes for a well-rounded day trip from Barcelona. This full-day tour offers a seamless experience, including round-trip transfers, a cogwheel train ride, an inside look at Montserrat’s monastery, and a visit to a renowned organic winery. Priced at $77.24 per person, this tour is highly rated at 5.0 out of 5 based on over 4,300 reviews, with 98% recommending it.

The tour starts early at 9:45 am from Barcelona Nord bus station. It lasts approximately 7 to 9 hours, making it suitable for those eager to pack a full day of sightseeing, culture, and tasting. One of the standout features is the choice of a multi-course meal or tapas brunch, which caters to different dining preferences. While the tour is shared with groups of up to 20 people, the guides are praised for their knowledge, humor, and personalized attention, adding warmth to the experience.

Key Points

• Includes a scenic cogwheel train ride to Montserrat’s mountaintop monastery for stunning views
• Guided tour of Montserrat Basilica and monastery highlights
• Visit to a boutique organic winery within a 10th-century castle with three wine tastings
• Flexible lunch options: a regional tapas brunch or a multi-course meal with wine
• Round-trip transfers from Barcelona in air-conditioned coaches
• Highly rated with 4,377 reviews and 5.0/5 score

Montserrat & Cogwheel Train: The Scenic Ride Up

This tour’s highlight is the cogwheel train that transports visitors up the steep slopes of Montserrat mountain. The train ride offers breathtaking views of the Catalan countryside and the rugged terrain surrounding the monastery. Once at the mountaintop, visitors explore the Montserrat Monastery, gaining entrance to the Basilica and enjoying a guided tour led by knowledgeable local guides.

The guided visit covers key highlights of the monastery, with opportunities to see the famous Black Madonna (though tickets to touch her are not included). The tour provides sufficient free time to soak in the scenery, take photographs, or sample local foods sold by monks and farmers. The ascent on the cogwheel train is often praised for its scenic beauty, making it a memorable part of the day.

Exploring Montserrat Monastery and Its Treasures

At Montserrat, the focus is on the monastic complex rich with religious and cultural significance. The guided tour takes you through the Basilica, where the revered Black Madonna resides, and provides insights into Montserrat’s spiritual history. Visitors can also experience the monastery’s ambiance, where nature, culture, and spirituality converge.

Free time at Montserrat allows for exploring the surroundings, visiting the shops, or enjoying local delicacies. The monastery is a popular site due to its dramatic location, and most visitors find the views and atmosphere to be truly captivating. The tour emphasizes the balance of cultural discovery and natural beauty in this unique setting.

Visit to Oller del Mas: Organic Wines in a 10th-Century Castle

The excursion continues to Oller del Mas, an exceptional winery situated within a 10th-century castle. Known for its award-winning organic wines, the winery offers a guided tour of its cellars and vineyards. The winery’s history is intertwined with local grape varieties, some of which have been revived to preserve regional heritage.

Visitors can expect to learn about the wine-making process, explore the vineyards, and enjoy a tasting of three regional or organic wines. The winery’s location within the castle adds a historic charm, while the award-winning wines, including the Best Wine in Catalonia 2018, impress even seasoned wine lovers.

Choosing Your Lunch: Tapas or Multi-Course Meal

A key feature of this tour is the flexible dining experience. Guests may opt for a regional tapas lunch, served at the winery, allowing a taste of authentic Catalan flavors in a relaxed setting. Alternatively, travelers can select a multi-course meal at a local restaurant, accompanied by wine, offering a more substantial dining experience.

The lunch options are selected at booking, and reviews note that the wine served during lunch can sometimes surpass the wines tasted during the tasting session, adding extra value to the meal. Whether you prefer casual tapas or a gourmet meal, the tour provides a satisfying culinary highlight.

Transportation and Group Size: Comfortable and Intimate

All transportation is in a comfortable air-conditioned coach, which makes the journey between locations smooth and pleasant. The small group size, limited to 20 guests, ensures that guides can offer personal attention and a more engaging experience. The meeting point is conveniently located at Barcelona Nord bus station, with check-in at the Castlexperience office on the first floor.

The return transfer concludes at the original departure point, allowing easy access to central Barcelona or nearby accommodations. The timing is well-paced, with enough flexibility for exploration and photos, but travelers should be prepared for approximate timings due to traffic or weather conditions.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Engaging

Throughout the tour, guides receive high praise for their expertise and personality. Names like Berta, Elena, Carlos, Thais, Lorena, and Nico appear in reviews, with many comments on their humor, insights, and considerate attitude—especially when accommodating special needs or weather changes. The guides’ storytelling skills help bring history and culture alive, making the experience both educational and fun.

Practical Tips for Tour Participants

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes, as some areas involve walking or light hiking. Since the weather on Montserrat can vary, light layers and water are recommended, especially during summer months. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most conditions accommodated, though mobility may be a consideration at some stops.

While tickets to touch the Black Madonna are not included, visitors can still view her from the basilica. The tour is conducted entirely in English, and dietary restrictions are generally accommodated without prior notice. Group size and timing make this tour ideal for those wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing, culture, and tasting in a day.

Final Thoughts on Montserrat & Wine Tour

This full-day experience offers a beautiful blend of natural scenery, spiritual culture, and regional wine tasting. The scenic cogwheel train ride and guided tours at Montserrat make this trip stand out, especially given the high praise from previous guests for the knowledgeable guides and stunning views.

The wine tasting within a historic castle, combined with flexible lunch options, makes the day both relaxing and indulgent. While the tour’s duration is approximately 7 to 9 hours, the expertly curated stops and small group setting ensure a personalized experience.

Most importantly, the tour’s high ratings and positive reviews suggest it offers a great value for those interested in combining culture, nature, and gastronomy during their time in Barcelona. It appeals especially to those who enjoy scenic train rides, historic sites, and fine wines in a well-organized package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
No, the tour starts at the Barcelona Nord bus station, and hotel pickup is not included.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 9 hours, starting at 9:45 am and concluding back at the original meeting point.

Can I choose between different lunch options?
Yes, when booking, you can select either a regional tapas brunch or a multi-course meal with wine.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, dietary restrictions and allergies are generally accommodated without prior notice.

Is there a specific guide I might have?
The guides are highly praised for their knowledge and personality, with names like Berta, Elena, and Carlos coming highly recommended.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable clothes and walking shoes are recommended, along with layers for weather changes on Montserrat.

Are tickets to touch the Black Madonna included?
No, tickets to touch the Black Madonna are not included; however, you can view her inside the basilica.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How many wines are tasted during the winery visit?
Guests sample three regional or organic wines during the winery tour.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved and the terrain.

How do I book this tour?
Booking is available through the Castlexperience Wine Tours provider, ensuring a reliable experience with easy confirmation.