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Montserrat tour with skip the line acces to the Black Madonna from Barcelona

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Barcelona, Spain
Montserrat tour with skip the line acces to the Black Madonna from Barcelona
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Montserrat tour with skip the line acces to the Black Madonna from Barcelona
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From $57.52

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1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults9 Adults0 Children1 Child2 Children3 Children4 Children5 Children6 Children7 Children8 Children9 Children0 Infants1 Infant2 Infants3 Infants4 Infants5 Infants6 Infants7 Infants8 Infants9 Infants
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon5 hours 30 minutes  (approx.)
iconOffered in: English and 1 more

Overview

Explore the Royal Basilica and Monastery of Montserrat independently on this half-day trip from Barcelona. Travel by coach to the spectacular, mountainside Benedictine abbey, one of Spain’s most popular pilgrimage sites for its revered "Black Madonna" statue. Then, enjoy free time to explore, making this one of the most flexible Montserrat tours from Barcelona available.
  • Explore the basilica independently and see its 12th-century carving of the Black Virgin
  • Enjoy spectacular views from the Montserrat mountains
  • Relax with transportation by deluxe air-conditioned coach
  • Tasting of four typical liquors made by the resident monks
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From $57.52

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Air-conditioned vehicle
Tasting of 4 typical liquors made by the monks of the monastery
Entrance to the audio visual exhibition in Montserrat “Espai Audio visual Montserrat”.
Bilingual tour in English and Spanish
Optional: Access to Boys’ Choir
Skip the line to the Black Madonna
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Carrer d'Alí Bei, 80 , Carrer d'Alí Bei, 80, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
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ground floor, platform 19.

9:30 AM
This activity will end right where it started.
Meet your guide in central Barcelona. Depart by air-conditioned coach and head to the mountain of Montserrat, a cluster of cone-like peaks that reach up to 4,051 feet (1,235 meters) in height to the north of the city.

As you travel, pass through scenic villages and hear tales from your guide about Montserrat’s main claim-to-fame—the magnificent Royal Basilica and Monastery of Montserrat. The mountainside church and Benedictine abbey is best known for its Black Madonna (La Moroneta), a statue of the Virgin Mary that has made it one of Spain’s most popular pilgrimage sites for centuries. 

Admire the epic landscapes as you ascend the mountain, and on arrival, take in the views over the countryside and Barcelona. Then, after an introduction to Montserrat’s history, use your entrance ticket to head inside and enjoy free time to explore.

Explore the vast basilica and its echoing interior, see the revered Black Madonna, a small wooden statue housed in a small room, and learn the story behind this hallowed sculpture. Then, if time allows, walk up to the grotto, traditionally said to be where the statue was discovered.

If your tour is on a weekday (select dates only), perhaps hear a recital by the Escolania, one of the most renowned boys’ choirs in Europe. You can also opt for a walk through Montserrat’s audiovisual museum to learn about the daily life of the monks, finishing at the gift shop to taste and perhaps buy some of the traditional liquors made at the monastery.

After your time exploring independently, return to Barcelona by coach where your trip ends.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Abadia de Montserrat
Montserrat is a rocky mountain located 50 km to the southwest of Barcelona. It is considered the most significant and important mountain of Catalonia. The etymology of Montserrat comes from Catalan Mont (mountain) and serrat (serrated). The mountain receives its name for its peculiar morphology. In 1987 Montserrat was declared a Natural Park to ensure its conservation. The highest peak is called Sant Jeroni (Saint Jerome) and stands at 1,236 meters above sea level. Besides the main monastery of Santa María de Montserrat, there is a great number of small churches and chapels, some of them abandoned. The main monastery stands at 720 meters above sea level. Nowadays there is a community of 80 monks that live there and follow the rule of Saint Benedict. When you arrive, you will enjoy an introduction to the history of the monastery.
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Duration: 1 hour 
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Montana de Montserrat
The Mountain has many hiking routes. The routes are long and it can take hours to finish them. As you will have some free time, a good option is to walk to the cross of Sant Miguel (approximately 15 minutes away from the monastery), it offers one of the best panoramic views of the mountain and the monastery.
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Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Escolania de Montserrat
You will be able to hear the amazing choir of Montserrat, which have concerts on weekdays at 13:00h. (If option selected).
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Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Montserrat Museum
During your free time, you will be able to visit the audiovisual exhibition and to taste some typical liqueurs.
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Duration: 45 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Infants travel free provided they do not occupy a seat
  • 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 be aware that some walking is included during this tour, please come prepared and we recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes.
  • At Montserrat there is a mountains climate, depending on the season you will need clothes protecting you from the rain and/or cold.
  • We recommend you to check the timetable of the different facilities that you wish to visit during your free time.
  • The duration of the tour includes the round trip to the destination.
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Queues to see the Black Madonna may occur depending on season.
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Please, be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure time
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Julia Travel S.L
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Montserrat tour with skip the line acces to the Black Madonna from Barcelona ?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
See all safety measures taken by Montserrat tour with skip the line acces to the Black Madonna from Barcelona .
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Montserrat tour with skip the line acces to the Black Madonna from Barcelona ?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Montserrat tour with skip the line acces to the Black Madonna from Barcelona .
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Montserrat tour with skip the line acces to the Black Madonna from Barcelona ?
A:The policies on social distancing are:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
See all safety measures taken by Montserrat tour with skip the line acces to the Black Madonna from Barcelona .
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Montserrat tour with skip the line acces to the Black Madonna from Barcelona ?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
See all safety measures taken by Montserrat tour with skip the line acces to the Black Madonna from Barcelona .

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "Clear day, but be prepared for lots of tourists and waiting in line to see Black Madonna or Choir sing." See review
  • "I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants some flexibility to explore Montserrat!" See review

Reviews by Viator travelers.  We perform checks on reviews

Reviews

4.0
star-4
1,308 Reviews
5 stars
592
4 stars
378
3 stars
150
2 stars
108
1 star
80

Reviews by Viator travelers

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 1,308 reviews
star-5
The Montserrat
Mohit_L
, Aug 2022
We enjoyed the whole experience of visiting the monastery. The restaurant served delicious food, the climb to the mountain challenged us and the views were scenic and relaxing. Thanks.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Must do tour
Mark_S
, Aug 2022
The views , the free samples ! my tour guide was awesome, seeing the black Madonna , well worth the money
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star-5
Great tour!
Tracey_F
, Aug 2022
Great half day tour with Christina as our guide. She was fab, and brought the tour to life for us. Montserrat is breathtakingly beautiful. The views are amazing. Would 100% recommend this tour.
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star-4
Great tour, bud guide & bus
Kerrie_G
, Jul 2022
Our trip was good but the tour guide and the bus was substandard. The bus aircon didn’t work & parts of the roof were falling down & held up with tape. The tour guide did not seek English very well.
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star-5
Our tour guide Lenny was very knowledgeable, well versed in both English / Spanish and very courteous !
Cesidio_C
, Jul 2022
Well organized from the start - booking of the tour to drop off ! Montserrat is a must and this was the perfect way to see it !! Thank you to our fabulous tour guide Lenny!
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star-4
Our tour guides Sylvia...
Alissa_L
, Jul 2022
Our tour guides Sylvia and Gabby were great! We were slightly rushed, but packed our own lunch to avoid waiting in line at the cafeteria. The sights were beautiful, so would definitely recommend a visit!
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
If you haven’t done this Monserrat tour, do it.
Stephen_R
, Jul 2022
The trip up to Monserrat was an overall nice and relaxing bus ride. Our tour guides were very helpful and knowledgeable to the history of the place. The views and sights were breathtaking. Miri and Oona made sure our tour group had time to wander and explore between their tour presentations. Walking inside the Abbey and viewing the Black Madonna was a beautiful sight. Taking time for spiritual reflection inside the chapel was a nice experience as well as lighting a candle votive upon exiting the tour was the cherry on top of the sundae.
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star-2
Amazing views
BiancaLivia_B
, Jul 2022
An experience that you must have at least once in life. Amazing views, amazing feelings. What I did not like it was our guide. Very few informations, heard all the time the noise of the chewing gum in the headphones.
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star-4
A must see
Leah_F
, Jun 2022
We very much enjoyed this tour and enjoyed seeing the Black Madonna and listening to the boys choir. We wish we had scheduled more time because a hike or a ride to the submit would have been wonderful.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-4
Excellent half-day tour!!!!
Shirley_J
, Jun 2022
The Boys Choir was a blessing. Julia Travel communicated with us concerning questions. Carolina the guide very professional and helpful. Tour did everything said it would; and a good thing because hundreds were there. The four stars was only for need for more time, but really not tour’s fault. Excellent.
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star-3
Not enough time to do the included events
Megan_E
, Jun 2022
Nice guide, but not nearly enough time allotted by the tour company. Guide spoke for beginning time. Had 15 min girl the basilica before time for the Madonna visit. Then had only 10 min before time to line up for the choir. Did not have time for the included audiovisual experience. Was told we would need to leave the boys choir we had paid extra for - offered by the tour company- to get back to the bus for departure. Barely squeezed in buying a to go sandwich. Another hour would have made for a much more pleasant experience.
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star-3
Montserrat is a must see, but get a better tour operator
Elizabeth_H
, Jun 2022
Montserrat is very scenic so I would definitely recommend it. I also enjoyed the boys choir. However, Julia Tours could’ve done a better job. The audioguides for many of us were not working properly, so we wasted time to exchange them and the guides were late. We rushed to be at the bus at 1:30pm (agreed meeting time) only to end up waiting 10min in the sun for our guides. Even the driver wasn’t around to open the bus for us.
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star-1
Waste of money
Andrew_M
, Jun 2022
Over rated, bus was horrible and easier to do and park on your own. Too long and from Barcelona was bad.
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star-5
Excellent tour!!
SarahC
, Jun 2022
Gabby and Mary were excellent tour guides. Very clear in directions and always helpful. We had a great time. Thank you to our driver, Manuel, it was a very smooth ride.
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star-5
Easy experience and so worth it
TimothyRivera_M
, Jun 2022
Cristina was so smart about everything related to this place. She went above and beyond for me when I needed to navigate the metro. My only criticism of this tour is that I wish we had an extra hour of free time.
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star-5
Amazing
Emma_W
, May 2022
Seeing the virgin Mary in the church! Church was beautiful, the tour guide was very informative and it was very interesting
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-2
Poor tour and group planning for May 24, 2022
James_R
, May 2022
We have been on a tour to Montserrat before. Bus was nice but guides were not prepared for the group. They had too many English speakers so they stuck us in a bilingual group with not even asking us. We had 2 very smart 14 year old boys and they tuned the guide out especially as her English was poor and it’s hard to repeat and not get confused. The company is responsible for such poor planning. I think the guides did the best we could. The English group seem to have had a wonderful tour.
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star-4
Amazing experience just an hour away from Bracelona!
Anda_D
, May 2022
I think it was amazing that just an hour away from Barcelona we could experience this authentic place. Amazing location, what a view!!! My main reason for choosing this tour was also to hear the boys choir (as I conduct and sing my selv). Amazing voices! Just sad that it was only 3 songs. I wish they could make a concert for ½ an hour or so.. I would have loved to hear them more! But I definately recommend this tour for those who are in Barcelona for 3-4 days!!! Take this trip! You won't regret!
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star-2
I do not recommend
Motoc_A
, May 2022
there was no skip the line. we waited for more than 20 minutes, after which the guide said we can't even enter the church because it's an event (which he should have known about before), then he said we'll see each other in 20 minutes and when we come back after 15 everyone was already inside and we lost each other… .a lot of nerves. The guide's explanations were very stammering, she was really cold and I apologized for that. otherwise - I do not recommend!
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star-3
Montserrat - mobility challenged be warned
Michael_P
, May 2022
The tour was a physical challenge. My wife has a bad knee, and my back is bad. We struggled to keep up with guide’s pace. No aids for mobility impaired. Volume on head phones was also too loud. The views were wonderful, the basilica were amazing, the black Madonna was impressive and the boys choir was angelic. Well worth the physical pain
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Dear Michael_P I am glad you enjoyed the visit to Montserrat despite the inconveniences you experienced, Bear in mind it is advised on the tour description thet it is a wallking tour upon arrival to the Monastery: "Please be aware that some walking is included during this tour, please come prepared and we recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes." Best regards,
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