Combine mountains, history and wine on a visit to Montserrat and either the Freixenet or Codorniu winery on a full-day small group tour by minivan from Barcelona. You'll travel in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan and receive individual attention from your expert tour guide. On this small group tour, you'll receive personalized attention from your guide.
Leaving Barcelona, you'll head straight to Montserrat to visit the Royal Basilica where the famous 12th-century statue of the Black Virgin is housed. At 1pm on weekdays there is the opportunity to hear one of Europe's oldest children's choirs, La Escolania de Montserrat. While you're here there's time to visit the fascinating Museum of Montserrat, go for a walk or ride the rack railway or cable car up the mountain.
In the afternoon, leave Montserrat to visit one of the most famous wine producers of the Penedes region, either Freixenet or Codorniu. Visit their vast wine cellars, sample the product and see why this sparkling wine has acquired international fame.
Special Offer - Book and travel before June, 30 2012 and receive a FREE bottle of Spanish cava by presenting your voucher at the end of the tour at their office. - BOOK NOW!
Location: Barcelona, Spain
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2011-Mar-01 To 2013-Mar-31
Montserrat and Cava Trail Small Group Day Trip from Barcelona
Departure Dates: Daily, except Saturday Commences: Barcelona, Spain Departure Point: Central Barcelona, near Via Laietana Departure Time: 9:00am Return Details: Returns to original departure point at approximately 7:00pm Itinerary: Departure is from Barcelona at 9:00am, and from Barcelona we will head straight to Montserrat, just over an hour and a half away. On arrival, you have various options. A visit to the Sanctuary where the Moreneta is housed is a must. The sanctuary has been in use for almost 1000 years for those pilgrims and other visitors who have climbed this spectacular mountain. At 1pm on weekdays there is the opportunity to hear one of Europe's oldest children's choirs, La Escolania de Montserrat. There is also 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, the paths of the Montserrat parkland lead you around a number of different walks, each offering a different perspective on the stunning views over the surrounding landscape, and many of which are peppered with small chapels and hermitages. There are routes to suit all tastes and energy levels, from fairly strenuous treks to gentle strolls around the park area, all of which allow you to marvel at the views and to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of this protected natural park. Another option is to take one of the two rack railways, or the cable car, offering different views of the area. Alternatively, the views can simply be savored from the cafe, which offers panoramic views of the valleys.
At 2.30pm, the tour will leave Montserrat, to drive down to Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, the Cava Capital, via Gelida, to visit some of the biggest underground wine cellars in Europe. Sant Sadurni d'Anoia is situated in the Penedes wine-growing region, which boasts one of the widest varieties of grape of any wine-growing region in the world. The region received a major boost in the late 19th-century when French vineyards succumbed to parasite, although Penedes itself was later struck by the same problem. Production has since recovered, and Cava is now a major rival to French champagne; in fact, the main difference between Cava and champagne is simply the region in which they are produced.
Two of the most famous wine producers of the Penedes region are Freixenet and Codorniu, and the tour will continue with a visit to one of their wine cellars, where they will demonstrate exactly how the famous sparkling wine is produced, from the first pressing of the grapes to the second fermentation in the vast expanse of cellars. This will of course be accompanied by the chance to sample the product, to see exactly why it has acquired such international fame. From here, the tour returns to Barcelona, arriving at 7:00pm.
Additional Information
Inclusions:
Professional guide
Wine tasting
Transport by air-conditioned coach
Small group tour
Exclusions:
Gratuities (optional)
Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop off
Montserrat cable car (approx. 8 euros)
Montserrat Museum entrance fee
Other Information:
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not recommended for child aged 4 and under
There will be time off the bus at your leisure, so please bring suitable clothing, footwear, and sun protection. Remember that temperatures at high altitudes will be much lower than in the city, so although it may be warm in Barcelona, please remember that it will be much cooler in the mountains.
On certain weekends and during July and August it will not be possible to hear the boys choir sing.
Special Policy:
Travel Voucher
For every confirmed booking you will be required to print a voucher for presentation at the destination. You will receive a link to your voucher via email once your booking is confirmed.
Local Operator Information
Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.
Note: Flights are NOT included and unless otherwise stated above transfers and car hire are also NOT included.
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