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Montserrat Cogwheel Train

Montserrat Cogwheel Train: Our most recommended tours and activities

Barcelona: Explore Montserrat on a Guided Trip with Lunch

1. Barcelona: Explore Montserrat on a Guided Trip with Lunch

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona and explore Catalonia's most famous mountain range. Take in panoramic views of the mountain scenery as you ride the cogwheel and discover the history of its medieval monastery. After a comfortable transfer from Barcelona, board the cogwheel train to the monastery. As you ascend the picturesque mountainside, admire views of the stunning multi-peaked range of Montserrat emerging above you. On arrival, embark on a guided tour of the historical center of the complex. Hear about the rich history of the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, an 11th-century functioning monastery built on the mountain. Marvel at the ornate interior of the monastery with the included tickets. Then, enjoy free time to explore on your own. Book your time slot to visit the famous Black Madonna and see paintings by Picasso, El Greco, and Dali at the Montserrat Museum. You can also ride the funicular train up the side of the mountain for even better views. Travelers who booked the half-day tour option will return to Barcelona after the visit to Montserrat. If you choose the full-day tour option, you'll continue toward a beautiful boutique winery with mountain views. Savor traditional flavors with a light tapas or multi-course lunch at the winery (depending on the option selected). After, wander around the vineyards, learn about the wine-making process, and enjoy a wine-tasting session before traveling back to Barcelona.

Barcelona: Montserrat Tour with Cog-Wheel & Black Madonna

2. Barcelona: Montserrat Tour with Cog-Wheel & Black Madonna

Visit Montserrat Monastery on this half-day trip from Barcelona.  Scale Montserrat Mountain on the cogwheel train. Admire the beauty of the monastery's architecture and hear stories about its famed Black Madonna statue. Board a bus from Barcelona and set off on a ride to the magical mountain of Montserrat. Discover its rocky geography, beautiful scenery, local liquors, and cultural wealth with a guide. Follow your local guide through the site and learn about the history and architectural style of the monastery. Fall in love with the Gothic and Renaissance details of the basilica and sanctuary. Then, learn about the legend of the miraculous apparition of the Black Madonna and Child in the cave of Santa Cova. Visit the Church and see the Black Madonna. Enjoy free time to taste the finest liquors, shop for locally produced treats or visit the audiovisual exhibition once the guided tour finishes.

Barcelona: Montserrat Railway, Museum Tickets, & Audio Guide

3. Barcelona: Montserrat Railway, Museum Tickets, & Audio Guide

Take advantage of the best option to reach Montserrat from Barcelona via this round-trip train and Montserrat Rack Railway combo ticket. Enjoy added perks including a pre-booked visit to the Virgin of Montserrat, tickets to the Montserrat Museum and the Audiovisual Space, and a liqueur tasting. Start your trip via the Montserrat Rack Railway and climbs over 600 meters to fully enjoy the mountain surroundings, straight to Sanctuary of Montserrat (instructions on how to redeem your train and railway transportation ticket can be found on your confirmation voucher).  Once in Montserrat, you’ll get further instructions on how to receive your included audio guide and confirmation of the time for your visit to the Virgin of Montserrat. Thanks to an audio guide, map, and informative booklet, you can discover on your own all the most important facets of the monastery's history, including the major sites of the Sanctuary of Montserrat. Follow your personal audio guide as they cover the main itinerary of your trip, taking you to the basilica and to the Virgin of Montserrat, as well as helping you to discover architectural and sculptural heritage that illustrates Montserrat’s history. Visit the new and completely renovated Montserrat Audiovisual Space, the result of the monastery's desire to provide more information to the thousands of pilgrims and visitors who want to know what Montserrat is and what it means.  Explore the exhibition that’s based on three fundamental pillars: the mountain, monastery, and sanctuary. Get to know Montserrat in all its complexity through an exhibition itinerary that uses different and innovative museum resources as well as the latest generation of audiovisual elements.  Next, stop at the Museum of Montserrat, home to work by Caravaggio, El Greco, Rusiñol, Casas, Picasso, Dali, Monet, and others. Witness a valuable collection of the Archaeology of the Ancient World with artifacts from the Near East.  You’ll also get to see the Basilica of Montserrat, home to the image of the Virgin of Montserrat, a Romanesque sculpture dating from the late 12th century featuring delicately carved features. Your ticket allows you to book an access time to the sculpture advance, which is mandatory. During your visit, take a break at any moment to enjoy a tasting of Montserrat spirits at the nearby shop, La Botiga.

From Barcelona: Montserrat Guided Tour with Entry Ticket

4. From Barcelona: Montserrat Guided Tour with Entry Ticket

Experience an unforgettable guided group tour to Montserrat, Catalonia's most famous mountain range. Take in the beauty of its natural rolling landscape and discover the history and traditions of its medieval monastery. If you choose the upgrade option which departs at 09:45 am you will ride the Coghweel train up the mountain to enjoy breathtaking views. After your bus journey from Barcelona, up to the monastery and admire the beautiful nature and iconic multi-peaked mountain range of Montserrat. Once at the monastery, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the historical center of the complex.  Learn about the rich history of the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, an 11th-century monastery that still functions to this day. Entry to the monastery is included in the tour price. Use the allotted free time to wander freely. Plan ahead and book your time slot to visit the famous Black Madonna. See paintings by Picasso, El Greco, and Dali at the Montserrat Museum. During your free time, you can also ride the funicular train up the side of the mountain to get even better viewpoints of the monastery. 

Trans Montserrat: Return Ticket and Audiovisual Exhibit

5. Trans Montserrat: Return Ticket and Audiovisual Exhibit

Take advantage of the combined ticket to Tot Montserrat and get a range of exclusivities from return travel to unlimited use of the funinculars. Montserrat is an area of breathtaking natural beauty just outside of Barcelona. With a unique natural park and the site of the Holy Shrine dedicated to the Virgin of Montserrat, a visit to Montserrat should not be missed. The Trans Montserrat ticket includes travel on the Barcelona metro, return train ticket to Monistrol de Montserrat and back from Playa Espanya, the rack railway or the cable car of Montserrat, and unlimited use of Santa Cova funiculars. At Santa Cova you can see the very location where the Virgin of Montserrat is said to have appeared. Other perks of this ticket include free admission into the Audiovisual Gallery which takes you on a tour of the interior of the Benedictine monastery.

From Barcelona: Girona Game of Thrones and Montserrat Tour

6. From Barcelona: Girona Game of Thrones and Montserrat Tour

Discover the Old Town of Girona and learn about some of the myths and legends related to the city. See some of the locations where the HBO hit series Game of Thrones filmed many scenes of its sixth season, and visit the beautiful mountain village of Montserrat. After meeting in central Barcelona, sit back and relax on the journey to one of the most beautiful cities of Catalonia. After a 1-and-a-half-hour drive on the highway, you will arrive at Girona. Join your guide on a walking tour of the city. Discover the Old Town and learn about some of the myths and legends related to the city. Stroll down la Rambla, see some of the most important plazas of Girona, and explore its winding alleys. See some of the locations where the HBO hit series Game of Thrones filmed many scenes of its sixth season. Admire the exterior of the magnificent Cathedral. Walk along a part of the city's medieval walls and marvel at the amazing views of the old town. Take advantage of the free time you will be given after the guided tour and visit the Cathedral on your own or grab a quick bite to eat. After a short drive on the highway, board the cogwheel train up the mountain of Montserrat and enjoy the amazing views. Admire the peculiar morphology, which comes from the Catalan words Mont (mountain) and Serrat (serrated). Next, follow your local guide through the Monastery of Montserrat site and learn about its history and architectural styles. Fall in love with the Gothic and Renaissance details of the basilica and sanctuary. Learn about the legend of the miraculous apparition of the 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, shop for locally produced treats or visit the audio-visual exhibition once the guided tour finishes.

Montserrat: Private Half-Day Tour from Barcelona

7. Montserrat: Private Half-Day Tour from Barcelona

2,380 feet above sea level, the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat enjoys a stunning location, surrounded by an unforgettable natural landscape. The monastery has served as a center for spiritual retreat for almost one thousand years. Visit the basilica where the Virgin Santa Maria of Montserrat, Patron Saint of Catalonia, is located. The Romanesque statue of “the Black Madonna” originates from the XII century and is today surrounded by a golden altar. According to legend, the Virgin personally appeared at this site, giving rise to the hermitage of Santa Maria. Next, take a walking tour of the monastery surroundings. Enjoy the unparalleled views offered by this region, which was declared as a Natural Park in 1987.

Other Sightseeing Options in Montserrat Cogwheel Train

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What people are saying about Montserrat Cogwheel Train

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,797 reviews

My family and I really enjoyed this tour, our tour guide Jon was super friendly and had a good sense of humor; he kept us all engaged throughout the entire experience. We all learned a lot about the history of Montserrat and the views were spectacular. I would highly recommend this tour for friends and family!

beautiful place. wished we had more time at the mountains maybe another 30mins longer instead of the stop at Vineyards. seems very rushed. no time to view the Black Madonna ad well. better go on your own instead of v the tour

It was a great trip and my family including my teenagers enjoyed a lot. We felt little bit rushed because of the available time but the overall trip was really good.

Amazing tour and especially Edu the tour guide! Really funny and a lot of information!

excellent experience, super nice and funny guides, responsible and well organized