Barcelona Montserrat Morning Sightseeing Excursion

Description

• Air-conditioned and licensed round-trip transportation from your excursion meeting point!
  
• English-speaking certified guides!
  
• View the scenic countryside of Catalonia!
  
• Visit the Royal Basilica of Montserrat!
  
• Free time to view La Moreneta, the black Virgin of Montserrat!
  
• Opportunity to taste handmade liquors, Aromes del Montserrat!

Enjoy a scenic countryside drive through Catalonia to Montserrat and its famous Benedictine Monastery. This Barcelona cruise shore excursion is full of history, culture, and tradition, and even tastes some of the handmade liquors made by the monks.

Your meeting point is a 20-minute taxi ride from your Barcelona cruise pier where you will be greeted by your excursion guide staff then you'll board the air-conditioned transport. As the transport takes you to the mountain of Montserrat and its Benedictine Monastery, located approximately 90 minutes northwest of Barcelona, your guide will be giving you some history, facts, and stories about the area. 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. The curving mountain road used to access the monastery offers you incredible views out across the valley.

Upon arrival at the parking area, you will join your guide and climb several flights of steps to reach the plaza of the Royal Basilica of Montserrat. Built into the cliff-side and its unique architecture makes this location a scenic wonder and a photographer's delight. Construction on 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. The Royal Basilica has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain for almost 1000 years.

After an approximately 30-minute orientation and walk through the grounds, you will be given free time to explore on your own. There is a museum, restaurants, and shops, as well as the opportunity to view the Black Virgin from a passageway that circles behind the altar where she is located. You have the option to taste some of the handmade liquors made locally by the monks, Aromes de Montserrat.

At the appointed time, you will meet your guide, returning to the transportation you will begin the drive back 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.

Note: We also offer this similar excursion that involves the guests taking a cogwheel train (like a cable car) up to the monastery - please see the /barcelona/montserrat-cog-wheel-train.html.

What is included?

• Air-conditioned and licensed round-trip transportation from your excursion meeting point
  
• All fees and taxes included
  
• English and Spanish-speaking and trained Barcelona excursion guides
  
• View the scenic countryside of Catalonia
  
• Visit the Royal Basilica of Montserrat
  
• Free time to view La Moreneta, the black Virgin of Montserrat
  
• Opportunity to taste 4 typical handmade liquors, Aromes de 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 in the Morning Excursion, you will meet your local shore excursion guide at Plaza de Catalunya, a 20-minute taxi ride from your cruise pier area. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket. Taxi fare is not included in your excursion.

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.
• The minimum age for alcohol consumption is 16 years old.

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.