Barcelona: Montserrat & One More Thing – You Choose

Traveling through Catalonia, Spain offers countless memorable experiences, but few combine history, culture, and scenic beauty as seamlessly as the Montserrat & One More Thing – You Choose tour. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed descriptions highlight a well-rounded, flexible day that caters to many interests—whether you’re into stunning mountain vistas, coastal charm, food and wine, or medieval architecture.

What we love about this tour is its customizable nature, allowing you to pick your second stop—be it the lively seaside town of Sitges, an olive farm, a winery, or Girona. The professional guides and comfortable transport ensure a smooth day, and the early start helps beat the crowds. The main drawback? With so many options, you’ll want to plan extra time if you’re eager to explore every corner of Montserrat or your chosen site in depth.

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of cultural, culinary, and scenic adventures. Whether you’re a history buff, a wine lover, or just after a relaxed day out, the flexibility makes it accessible and fun. Now, let’s unpack what makes this tour stand out — and how it can be tailored to fit your interests.

Good To Know

• Flexible Options allow you to tailor your day—Sitges, olive farm, winery, or Girona.
• Comfortable Transport and a central meeting point make logistics simple.
• Guided insights enrich your understanding of Montserrat’s religious and cultural significance.
• Extra free time provides opportunities for spontaneous discovery or relaxation.
• High-quality partnerships with Abadia de Montserrat ensure a reputable experience.
• Reasonable price point at $48 per person offers good value, especially considering tastings and lunch included in some options.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Overview of the Tour Experience

The journey begins in front of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Barcelona, where a friendly guide from NomadBenz gathers the group. The drive to Montserrat takes about an hour, giving ample time to settle in and start soaking up local stories. Once at Montserrat, the guide introduces the monastery, highlighting its religious importance and stunning natural surroundings. Expect to have free time to explore at your own pace, whether that’s visiting the basilica, admiring the Black Madonna, or hiking scenic trails.

The Significance of Montserrat

Known for its distinctive jagged peaks and spiritual aura, Montserrat is a must-see. Visitors often marvel at the breathtaking views of the Catalan landscape, which the guide will point out during the visit. Optional entries include the basilica and Black Madonna, with tickets available for purchase—though note some reviews mention extra costs for basilica access, which previously was included.

Your Chosen Adventure: Exploring Beyond Montserrat

After the initial visit, the trip branches into four main options designed to enhance your experience:

Option A: Montserrat & Sitges

Sitges offers a delightful blend of seaside charm and lively culture. This Mediterranean town features whitewashed streets, sandy beaches, and an energetic vibe. Here, visitors enjoy a guided walk, followed by free time to explore shops, relax on the beach, or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere. This option suits those craving a mix of spiritual and coastal experiences.

A reviewer noted, “We felt we could have spent longer in Sitges, but the guide made it a memorable visit.” It’s a chance to balance mountain reverence with a laid-back beach town.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Option B: Montserrat & Olive Oil Farm

This experience provides a hands-on look at traditional olive cultivation, with access to a family-run farm. Expect to learn about how olives are grown and the production of extra virgin olive oil, culminating in a generous tasting session. The highlight is a Catalan tapas-style lunch paired with local wine—perfect for foodies eager to indulge in regional flavors.

Travelers have appreciated the warm and family-oriented atmosphere, with one reviewer mentioning that it’s a “lovely, family-style experience.” The included lunch, served around 2:30 PM, adds excellent value for those interested in authentic food experiences.

Option C: Montserrat & Winery

Wine enthusiasts will enjoy visiting a small, family-run winery with its own story and character. The guided visit covers the vineyard’s history and production process, ending with a wine tasting session complemented by small tapas.

Reviewers commented that the wine tasting was well-curated and the pairing enhanced the flavors, making it more than just a quick sip. For minors or those not interested in wine, grape juice is available, maintaining inclusivity.

Option D: Montserrat & Girona

This longer option takes you to Girona, a medieval city famed for its preserved old town, narrow cobblestone streets, and impressive cathedral. It’s a favorite among film buffs for its appearance in popular series and movies. History lovers will enjoy wandering the city’s atmospheric alleyways and soaking up the medieval charm.

One reviewer shared, “It felt like stepping into a film set—truly enchanting.” This option is ideal for those with a keen interest in architecture or looking to combine cultural exploration with scenic beauty.

Just Montserrat

Not interested in a second destination? No problem. You can opt for a focused day in Montserrat, with extended free time to hike, visit the basilica, or relax. This is perfect if your priority is soaking up the atmosphere without rushing off to another site.

Practical Aspects: What to Expect

The tour is priced at $48 per person, which includes shared air-conditioned transportation, a friendly English-speaking guide, and all guided visits. Options B and C also include meals and tastings, adding to the overall value.

Transport is in a comfortable vehicle, likely shared with other groups, making the journey both relaxed and social. The group size is capped at 24, striking a balance between intimacy and social interaction.

Timing depends on the chosen options, with a typical day lasting between 6 and 10 hours. The early start is designed to help travelers avoid the crowds, especially at Montserrat’s basilica and viewpoints.

Additional costs might include optional tickets for basilica entry, the Black Madonna, or tasting experiences. Reviews reveal that some visitors were surprised by extra charges for basilica access, so it’s advisable to clarify what’s included beforehand.

Meal timings align with local customs—lunch options are served around 2:30 PM—so be prepared for a late lunch if you choose the olive farm or winery options.

The Experience Through the Eyes of Past Travelers

One recurring theme among reviews is the expertise of the guides. Travelers consistently praised guides like Martin for their engaging storytelling, detailed explanations, and care. One remarked, “Martin was really helpful, with many details about the history and religious context,” underscoring how knowledge enhances the overall experience.

Another highlight is the quality of tastings and food. Reviewers raved about the olive oil farm experience and the wine tastings, describing them as a perfect complement to the sightseeing. The Catalan tapas lunch was also a standout for many, with comments like “delicious, hearty, and beautifully presented.”

Many appreciated the balance between guided activities and free time. Guests loved having enough time to explore on their own, whether that meant hiking the trails or wandering through Girona’s medieval streets. “The guide handled all logistics, and we just enjoyed the experience,” one reviewer said.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This “You Choose” tour is ideal for travelers who value flexibility and variety. It caters well to those interested in a mix of nature, history, food, and culture, all within a comfortable, well-organized day. If you’re someone who prefers a structured yet customizable experience, this tour offers good value for money, especially with included tastings and meals.

The tour’s focus on small group sizes and expert guides means you’ll likely walk away with more than just photos—genuine stories and insider insights that deepen your understanding of Catalonia. If you’re eager to explore Montserrat without feeling rushed and love the idea of choosing your own adventure, this experience is well worth considering.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for the tour?
It’s just outside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Barcelona, where your guide will meet you at the scheduled time.

How long does the tour last?
The experience ranges from 6 to 10 hours, depending on your chosen options and how much free time you want.

Are meals included?
Only Options B (olive farm) and C (winery) include meals and tastings. The olive farm features a Catalan tapas-style lunch, and the winery visit includes wine tasting and small tapas.

Can I visit Montserrat’s basilica?
Yes, tickets are available for purchase if you want to go inside. Some reviews note that it’s an extra cost, so plan accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, minors are accommodated, especially at the winery where grape juice is available. The overall activity is family-friendly.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended to walk around Montserrat and other sites; dress appropriately for the weather.

Is the transportation shared?
Yes, the vehicle is shared with other groups, but it’s a comfortable, air-conditioned van.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
You should inform the tour provider at booking. The meals and tastings are prepared with regional ingredients, and options are generally flexible.

Can I cancel?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is this experience good value?
Considering the guided visits, tastings, meals, and transport, most travelers find the $48 price point reasonable for a full day of diverse activities.

To sum it up, the Montserrat & One More Thing – You Choose tour offers an engaging, customizable day out that balances scenic beauty, culture, and culinary delights. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want a taste of everything Catalonia has to offer without the hassle of planning each stop. Whether you’re after stunning mountain views, a lively seaside town, or a historical city, this tour adapts to your interests while providing expert guidance and good value.

If you prioritize flexibility, quality, and authentic regional experiences, it’s likely to be a highlight of your time in Barcelona.

You can check if your dates are available here: