About this tour
Leave Barcelona behind for a 10-hour foray into Catalonia's wine country and mountain monasteries. Start with a cogwheel train ride up Montserrat's dramatic rock formations to explore the centuries-old monastery and its Black Madonna legend. Descend to Oller del Mas, a 10th-century castle winery run by the same family for 36 generations, where you'll eat traditional Catalan food and taste wines straight from the barrel in their private aging room—a privilege rarely offered to visitors.
Highlights
- Cogwheel train ascent through Montserrat's jagged peaks
- Medieval monastery tour with Black Madonna backstory
- 36-generation family winery in a castle setting
- Multi-course Catalan lunch paired with estate wines
- Exclusive barrel tasting in the private cellar
- Three premium wine tastings in the aging room
- Free roaming time at the mountaintop monastery
What to expect
You'll board a coach in Barcelona and travel to Montserrat, where the cogwheel train carries you upward through otherworldly rock formations. A local guide walks you through the monastery's cloisters and chapels, explaining the site's spiritual significance. After descending, you arrive at Oller del Mas—a fortified estate surrounded by vineyards. Lunch is a leisurely, multi-course spread of Catalan fare served in a countryside dining room. The winery tour follows, then you're led into the aging cellar, where an expert pours barrel samples directly into your glass. Groups stay small (maximum 20), so the experience feels unhurried.
Good to know
Hotel transfers aren't included; meet your group at a central Barcelona point. Tipping is your choice. Prams and strollers work fine for the monastery tour, though the cogwheel train has steep steps. Wine purchases can be shipped home. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the monastery grounds.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.