Barcelona Montserrat Afternoon Sightseeing with Cog-Wheel Train Excursion

Description

• Air-conditioned and licensed round-trip transportation from your excursion meeting point!
• English-speaking certified guides!
• Cog-wheel train ride up to Montserrat!
• Access to the Black Madonna (La Moreneta, the black Virgin of Montserrat)
• View the picturesque countryside of Catalonia!
• Taste of 4 typical liquors of the area!
  
• Visit the Royal Basilica of Montserrat!
  

Travel through the picturesque Catalonia countryside to Montserrat. Enjoy an amazing cogwheel train ride to up the mountain to the Royal Basilica of Montserrat and Benedictine Monastery.

Your meeting point for this Barcelona Montserrat and Cog Wheel Train Shore Excursion is a 20-minute taxi ride from your Barcelona cruise pier where you will be greeted by your guide staff then you'll board the air-conditioned transport. As the transport departs from the center of Barcelona, your guide will fill you in on the local history of Barcelona, Montserrat, and the famous monastery.

You will drive to the mountain of Montserrat and its Benedictine Monastery located approximately 90 minutes northwest of Barcelona. The drive will take you through picturesque farmland passing occasional small villages in contrast to the jagged peaks of Montserrat. The peaks of Montserrat have been carved over the centuries by the wind and rain and can be seen long before you arrive. They stretch 4,051 feet into the sky.

Upon arrival, you will board a cogwheel railway to make the scenic 15-minute climb to the basilica. The rail follows the dramatic shape of the mountain, offering panoramic views of the valley and the mountain peaks. Do not forget your camera!

Arriving at the upper station platform, your Barcelona Montserrat Cruise Excursion guide will lead you up several flights of steps to reach the Royal Basilica of Montserrat plaza. Tucked away in the side of the mountain and combined with the neo-Romanesque architecture, the surroundings are breathtaking. Construction of the monastery began in 1025 AD, built on earlier Roman ruins, and soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who spread the stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin. In the late 12th century, a Romanesque carving of La Moreneta (the Black Virgin) was acquired by the monastery and it has drawn pilgrims ever since. 

After an approximately 30-minute orientation of the grounds, you will be given free time to explore on your own. In addition to the amazing grounds and views outside, there is a museum, restaurants, and shops. You may explore inside and view the Black Virgin from a passageway that circles behind the altar where she is located. You even have a chance to taste some of the handmade liquors made by the monks, Aromes de Montserrat.

At the appointed meeting time, you will walk with your Barcelona shore excursion guide to your waiting coach for the drive back down to Barcelona and the Plaza de Catalunya. From here, you may choose to return to the cruise ship directly, at your own expense, or explore and return at your leisure if time allows. Taxis are readily available.

What is included?

• Air-conditioned and licensed round-trip transportation from your excursion meeting point.
• English-speaking certified guides.
• Cog-wheel train ride up to Montserrat.
• Access to the Black Madonna (La Moreneta, the black Virgin of Montserrat)
• View the picturesque countryside of Catalonia.
• Taste of 4 typical liquors of the area.
  
• Visit the Royal Basilica of Montserrat.

Excursion Notes

• Excursion prices shown are quoted in US dollars.
• Taxi fare to and from the excursion starting/ending location is not included. Taxi fare is approximately 16 Euros per taxi (1-4 guests), each way, based on traffic. Not all taxis have a credit card reader. Some do take Visa, and sometimes Mastercard. Taxis do not take American Express or any other cards. Very few taxis will take any currency besides the Euro.
• As you may be visiting a religious or memorial site, shoulders and knees must be covered on men and women.
• We suggest you have cash (Euros) on hand for refreshments, taxi cost, excursion staff gratuities, shopping, etc.
• Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are highly recommended along with sun protection.
• Lunch is not included, nor is a break for lunch made. You may wish to bring an additional snack.
• Please pay attention to the restrictions and requirements for this excursion, no refund will be granted if the requirements are not met.

Where we meet

For this Barcelona Montserrat and Cog Wheel Train Excursion, you will meet your local shore excursion guide at Plaza de Catalunya, a 20-minute taxi ride from your Barcelona cruise ship pier area. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket. Taxi fare is not included in your excursion cost.

Excursion Restrictions

• This excursion is not wheelchair accessible.
• Guests must be able to step on and off the coach.
• Guests must be able to walk on paved, gravel, and cobblestone surfaces, some on inclines.
• There are steps required to enter several of the sites as well as some steep curbs.

Excursion FAQ

Cancellation

• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
• Your ship skips/misses the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
  
• Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.