Montserrat and Penedès tour from Barcelona

Get the inside scoop on Catalan culture and traditions on this full-day Montserrat visit and Cava tasting tour. Hear fascinating myths about Montserrat Mountain and learn about the production of famous sparkling wines in the Penedès region. This tour includes a guided Cava tasting at the historical cellars of Codorníu winery.The friendly local guide will pick you up in a comfortable minivan at your Barcelona accommodation and join you on an adventure deep into the Catalan heartland. On the ride over, your guide will share fascinating stories about Catalonia’s history and culture, introducing the sites you will visit on this tour.The magical mountain of Montserrat is located 60 km northwest of Barcelona. It hovers 4,000 feet high over the spectacular landscape of Montserrat National Park. The massif itself is easily recognized by the “serrated” appearance of its skyline and the whimsical rounded shape of its peaks. The latter is the result of millions of years of erosion. Ascend to the top to discover the most mythical views of Catalonia’s landscape.On Montserrat Mountain, 2,380 feet above sea level, sits the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat. This beautiful structure, surrounded by nature, has served many as an authentic spiritual retreat for almost one thousand years. We will visit the basilica, home to the Virgin of Montserrat (the "Black Madonna"), also the patron saint of Catalonia. According to legend, the Virgin physically appeared here in the IX century, giving rise to the hermitage of Santa Maria. The Roman carving of the Black Madonna can be traced back to the XII century. The wooden statue is easily recognizable by her dark skin and the golden altar surrounding her.After visiting the monastery you will tour its surroundings, taking a moment to enjoy the unparalleled views of this spectacular environment, which was declared a Natural Park in 1987. You will explore the Holy Cave, where the Virgin is said to have appeared, making it a popular destination for religious pilgrimage and prayer.Finally, you will enjoy a performance by the La Escolania de Montserrat, one of the oldest boys' choirs in Europe. Listen to the angelic voices of the children, which light up this already magical place.In the afternoon you will head to the Penedès region and stop at Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, the "capital of Cava".You will visit the historical Codorníu wineries, whose tradition of winemaking dates back almost five centuries. It was by the hands of the Codorníu family that in 1872 Cava was first produced in Spain, following a traditional method and using grapes local to the Penedès region.These wineries are located next to a landmark building of Catalan Modernism, designed by famous architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Discover the history of the mythical Codorníu cellars in this fascinating tribute to Cava, which symbolizes the fruitful alliance between nature and human work.The tour of the cellars includes a 3D audiovisual movie, which will take you on a journey back in time to the founding of the Codorníu cellars. We will end our tour with a tasting of some of the best Cava the region has to offer. Learn about just what makes our sparkling wine so special!