Montserrat Half Day Tour with Optional Skip the Line Sagrada Familia Visit

Tour Schedule Morning or Afternoon

8.15am or 1.30pm – Explore Catalunya Office, opposite the Palau de la Musicá

You will join your tour at our main office, which is right across from the world famous Palau de la Musicá, where you’ll  be introduced to your guide who will give you an introduction to the the day. Your tour will start at 8.30am or at 1.45pm, depending on which tour you choose. We always recommend arriving 15 minutes before. There are restrooms available, and a cafe nearby if you want to grab a quick coffee or sandwich before your tour begins.

8.30am or 1.45pm – Eixample District, Barcelona

You will leave Barcelona though the Example district of town, famous for its modernist architecture. As you head out of the city, your guide will give you a brief history of Barcelona, before letting you sit back and relax on the one hour drive to Montserrat.

9.45am or 3.00pm – Montserrat Monastery

The drive up to Montserrat itself is one of the highlights of the day. The stunning rock formations and the views from the road are amazing. Perched beneath the overhanging rocks, the monastery is well worth the journey. The sanctuary has been in use for almost 1000 years for those pilgrims and other visitors who have climbed this spectacular mountain.

A visit inside the sanctuary, where the ‘Moreneta’ is housed, is not to be missed, but you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Museum of Montserrat, with its five collections, ranging from Archaeology from the Biblical East to Modern Painting and Sculpture.

Besides these cultural possibilities, there are numerous walks around Montserrat, ranging from easy strolls to serious hikes. Each trail offers a different perspective on the stunning views over the surrounding landscape, many of which are peppered with small chapels and hermitages. You’ll easily find a route to suit your taste and energy levels. But whether they’re fairly strenuous treks or gentle walks, they all give you fantastic views to marvel at the unspoiled beauty of this protected natural park. 

If you’d rather not walk at all, then another option is to take one of the two rack railways, or the cable car, offering yet more views of the area. 

12.00pm or 4.00pm – Depart Montserrat Monastery

You will leave Montserrat at about 12.00pm or 4.00pm depending on the tour you have taken. Your visit to the Sagrada Familia may be included if you have purchased that option, and your guide will drop you off at the church for a self guided visit if your entry ticket is immediately after the Montserrat tour.

1.00pm or 5.00pm Sagrada Familia or Plaça Catalunya, Barcelona

For those of you who have not purchased the Skip the Line Sagrada Famila entry ticket, your tour will end back in Barcelona near to Plaça Catalunya. From here, you can easily take the metro or a taxi back to your hotel. Otherwise, your guide will be more than happy to make some recommendations of where to have lunch or dinner.

For the rest of  you, we end the day at the world famous Sagrada Familia where you will be able to use your tickets for a skip the line entry into the church. This part of the tour is self guided, but your tour guide will give you a short tour outside explaining the history and what you should not miss once inside. You are free to spend as long as you want here.