Montserrat Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Scenic cog-wheel train ride to Montserrat
- Priority access to the Royal Basilica
- Visit the revered Black Madonna statue
- Explore Montserrat's unique rock formations
- Enjoy panoramic views of Catalonia
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Barcelona
- Cog-wheel train ride to Montserrat Mountain
- Priority access to the Royal Basilica and Black Madonna
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Leave our office in Barcelona on an air-conditioned coach towards Montserrat cogwheel train station.
After a 1h drive on the highway, board the cogwheel train up the mountain and enjoy the amazing views over the area. Admire the Mountain’s peculiar morphology, which comes from the Catalan words Mont (mountain) and Serrat (serrated). World-famous for its rocky geography, Montserrat beautiful scenery was declared National Park in 1987 to protect its natural and cultural wealth.
Follow your local guide through the site and learn about the history and architectural style of the Monastery. A community of 80 monks currently lives and follow the rule of Saint Benedictin Montserrat. Fall in love with the Gothic and Renaissance details of the basilica and sanctuary.
Line up and learn about the legend of the miraculous apparition of the Black Madonna and Child in the cave of Santa Cova. To this day, their woodcarving is kept in the Church of the monastery, which you will be able to visit. The figure is popularly known as La Moreneta (The Black Madonna) as a result of a varnish reaction.
Besides the main area, there are a great number of small churches and trails you can follow. You will be given free time to taste the finest liquors, to visit the basilica and the Black Madonna and get a free gift, to shop for locally produced treats or to visit the audio-visual exhibition once our guided tour finishes. We would like to show you some activities that you can do during your free time. Please, bear in mind that your free time is limited so you will have to choose one of the activities. Montserrat Museum: wide variety of archeological artworks from medieval times to avant-garde style. Entrance fee not included on the tour. Hiking routes: although there are plenty of trails to follow, we recommend you to reach the cross of Sant Miquel (approximately 15 minutes from the monastery) as it offers one of the best views of the area.
Go back to Barcelona on an air-conditioned coach.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language.
- Confirm the departure time and location upon booking.
- Be aware of the tour's duration to plan your day accordingly.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and architecture.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Duration 08:00AM Tour: 5h30min approx. Duration 10:15Am Tour: 7h approx. (The duration of the tour includes transportation).
- 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.
- Please note that the tour is conducted on foot upon your arrival in Montserrat, come prepared and we recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes.
- The weather is mountainous. Depending on the season, you will need warm/rain clothing.
- Check the schedules of the facilities you wish to visit during your free time before your tour.
Traveler reviews
Terrible experience
We showed up on our date and had booked through sandemans. Th office couldn’t find our reservation. They gave us a ticket and we got on a bus. We’re called off the bus 15 minutes after the departure time. They had oversold and since we weren’t on the books they took us off. It was a mistake “at their other office”. They then refused refund stating we had to go to sandemans even though she admitted it was the other office’s error. They had held up the bus for 15 minutes for all the other people just because they had messed up the reservation. When we went to the office because they refused a refund the attendant was completely unwilling to do anything to help us get a refund from the company. She got visibly angry and raised her voice at us asking for her to cc us and sandemans in an email to show it was their mistake. She stated that they won’t cc clients on company emails. It’s “their law”. I’m sorry, what? You don’t want to help a customer get their money back when you messed up their anniversary? The thing that got me was that the attendant fell back on “policies” that just sounded way too convenient. There was no effort to make it right and she seemed mad every time we asked for them to do something to make it right. We got on a Catalunya tour which was a better bus and better organized but overall a sucky experience. Just book a different tour company so you don’t have to deal with any “policies” and incompetence.
What an incredible...
What an incredible experience. The Montserrat was breathtaking. I highly recommend. It did not disappoint .
Wow! Small group tour with medieval wine vineyard and Black Madonna
We were fortunate to book this excursion with a fabulous company! Our guide was Alexandro and of all the excursions I have done on tours , Alexandro gave an educated tour as well had a fun personality and made our small group special. The tour did see the black Madonna as well went to a winery that has been handed down by generations starting year 964 , wow!
no review
very good tour guide and it was amazing to see the beautiful view. I would recommand to any of my friends.
Do your research for special events before you go!
Be sure to look into special events before you go. The day we went they had the boys choir and we didn’t have the extra ticket. They also had a special audiovisual thing inside the cathedral which we just happened to have on our Viator ticket