one-day tour to Montserrat Monastery in Spain
one-day tour to Montserrat and Cava Tasting: Gain an In-depth Look at Catalan Culture and Traditions Delve into Catalan culture and traditions on this one-day tour to Montserrat with Cava tasting. Learn the fascinating legends surrounding the mountain of Montserrat, and learn about the production process of the Penedès region's famous sparkling wine. This tour includes a Cava tasting at the historic Codornho winery. Your local guide will pick you up at your Barcelona accommodation in a comfortable bus and take you to the heart of Catalonia. On the way to destination, guide will share fascinating stories about Catalonia's history and culture and introduce you to the sights on this tour. The magical Montserrat mountain is located 60 kilometers northwest of Barcelona. It towers above the Montserrat National Park, reaching a height of 4,000 feet. The mountain is easily recognizable by its jagged skyline and wonderfully rounded peaks, which were formed through millions of years of erosion. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the fabulous views of Catalonia. At 2,380 feet above sea level on the mountain of Montserrat lies the Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat. This beautiful building has been a true spiritual sanctuary for nearly a thousand years. We will visit the basilica, where Our Lady of Montserrat (the "Black Madonna"), the patron saint of Catalonia, is enshrined. According to legend, the Virgin appeared here in the 9th century, leading to the founding of the monastery of Santa Maria. The Roman carving of the Black Madonna dates back to the 12th century. This wooden statue is easily recognizable by its black skin and the golden altar surrounding it. After visiting the monastery, you will tour its surroundings. You will explore the Holy Grotto, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared, making it a popular place for religion and prayer. You will enjoy a performance by the Montserrat Boys' Choir (if present on the day), one of the oldest boy choirs in Europe. Listen to the children's voices, which make this already magical place even more brilliant. In the afternoon you will head to the Penedes region and stop in San Sadurni d'Anoa, the "capital of Cava". You will visit the historic Cordonho winery, whose winemaking tradition dates back nearly five centuries. In 1872, the Cordonho family produced Cava in Spain, following traditional methods and using native grapes from the Penedès region. The wineries are located next to a landmark of Catalan modernism, designed by the famous architect Josep Puig y Cadafalque. Discover the history of the Cordoniu cellars on this fascinating tribute to Cava, a symbol of the fruitful union of nature and human labor. The tour of the winery includes a 3D audiovisual film that will take you back to the days of the creation of the Cordoniu winery. We will end the tour with a tasting of some of the best Cava in the region to find out what makes our sparkling wine so special! • Small group size: 2-8 people • transfer service:Pick-up and drop-off at hotels in Barcelona city, please remember to provide your Hotel Address when placing an order • Please pay attention to sun protection when traveling and wear comfortable and easy-to-walk shoes • Please note: Montserrat is a religious area and public space. Please behave and dress appropriately. • departure time:09:00 (Please be prepared at least 15 minutes in advance, subject to the final electronic ticket information) • Total duration of the trip:About 10 hours • The itinerary may be affected by force majeure factors such as weather and traffic, please understand
