Montserrat Afternoon Tour with Black Madonna Access
About this activity
Highlights
- Stunning views of Montserrat Mountain
- Visit to the Black Madonna statue
- Explore the Benedictine Monastery
- Learn about Montserrat's history
- Enjoy scenic landscapes and hiking trails
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Barcelona
- Guided tour of Montserrat Monastery
- Priority access to the Black Madonna
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Leave Barcelona aboard one of our comfortable coaches and enjoy an unforgettable excursion to Montserrat, one of Catalonia's most iconic destinations. Montserrat is world-famous for its rocky landscape, which was declared a National Park in 1987 to protect its cultural and natural heritage.
Accompanied by your local guide, you will discover the history of Montserrat Monastery and its unique architecture. Marvel at the harmonious combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles in its basilica and sanctuary. You will learn about the legend that explains the great spiritual importance of the place: the miraculous appearance of an image of the Madonna and Child in one of the caves in the mountain, the Santa Cova. This wood carving, popularly known as La Moreneta, is preserved today in the monastery church. Its characteristic dark colour is due to the oxidation of the varnish over time. Montserrat is also an important centre of spirituality. A community of approximately 80 Benedictine monks currently lives in the monastery, following the Rule of Saint Benedict. In addition to the main monastic complex, the mountain is home to numerous churches and hermitages, some of which are now abandoned, reinforcing the mystical character of the place.
Your guided tour includes tasting excellent local liqueurs, a visit to the Audiovisual Space and access to La Moreneta. After the guided tour, you will have free time to admire the fabulous scenery and visit the market selling local agricultural and typical products.
At the end of the tour, we will descend on the Montserrat cogwheel train, a comfortable and spectacular way to leave the mountain behind while enjoying unique panoramic views of the massif and its natural surroundings. This journey offers a privileged perspective of the landscape and becomes an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates in English and Spanish; check language availability.
- Children under 4 years old can join for free if they do not occupy a seat.
- The tour may be subject to weather conditions; check the forecast before booking.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a light jacket, as temperatures can vary in the mountains.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Note that the La Escolania children's choir does not perform in the afternoon
- Correct dress code is requested to enter the Basilica at Montserrat. It is not permitted to enter with tank tops, strapless shirts, short shorts or sandals
- Queues to see the Black Madonna may occur depending on season
- Tour operated in both Spanish and English
Traveler reviews
A waste of money with this tour operator.
We were allowed less than 15 minutes at the site rushed through. The tour guide said we would be refunded, and when we requested a refund it was rejected. We were in hours of traffic. The tour didn’t deliver, and they didn’t offer any explanation for not providing the itinerary we paid for, or adequately reimburse. An entire waste of our last day in Barcelona.
The tour itself was good....
The tour itself was good. Finding Julia Travels was a bit difficult since they provided a specific street address with number, rather than simply state that they were located inside the Bus Station. Being unfamiliar with the area (as a foreigner) we were trying to find the address near the bus station, without realizing that they were located inside the bus station.
Wonderful tour of Montserrat
We had a great time with Miri and Sandra our tour guides. The bus ride up went by quickly with lots of little stories of sights we passed. The tour itself was wonderful with lots of history and incredible religious statues and paintings the black Madonna was very impressive and awe inspiring.
Miscommunication between Viator and Julia Travel
On May 2, 2026 We were told by the Julia travel service member In Barcelona that we missed our trip because Viator emailed us and changed our time and we never received an email from Viator. We were devastated to have missed a very special and meaningful tour.
Lovely afternoon with my...
Lovely afternoon with my family taking the cog train to Montserrat. Lorena from Julia Travel is a great guide.