Private Montserrat & Penedès Wine Region Day Trip, Barcelona

Perfect for both wine lovers and history buffs, this private day trip introduces you to one of Catalonia's most important monuments and its famous wine region. Set off from Barcelona to reach the 16th-century Benedictine monastery of Santa María de Montserrat, Catalonia's holiest site. Follow your guide as they point out the historic treasures of this mountain sanctuary, then continue into the wine hills of Penedès to visit a family-run vineyard and taste three examples of Spanish wine, including cava, red, and white. Your excursion ends with a traditional tapas lunch complete with scenic countryside views.

A day trip into the Catalonian countryside starts at 7:30 am when you meet your private driver at your Barcelona hotel and travel about one hour to the 16th-century Benedictine monastery of Santa María de Montserrat. An early start means enjoying the famous monument without the typical crowds. Start with a private walk through the historic site, known for its dramatic mountainside perch of 4,055 feet (1,266 m), and enjoy spectacular views as the morning light illuminates the monastery and its surrounding peaks.

With the help of your guide, you'll explore places like the basilica, home to a statue of the Virgin of Montserrat, also known as the "Black Madonna," and learn about the architectural significance of the Gothic-style monument and its famous boys choir. Afterward, you'll have free time to explore the site. You could take the funicular to nearby Santa Cova, the "Holy Grotto," where you'll find a religious shrine in a mountain cave. Or, visit the Museum of Montserrat, which features archaeological items from the monastery's long history and paintings by masters like Caravaggio, Dalí, and Picasso. 

Then it's time to get back on the road and head south into the cava wine hills of Penedès, one of Spain's most famous wine-growing areas. Here you'll visit a family-run vineyard and enjoy a tour of the estate, tasting three Spanish varietals, including a cava, a red, and a white. Your experience winds down with a traditional tapas lunch, where you can savor classic Catalonian small plates against a backdrop of countryside vistas. Your driver will bring you back to your accommodation in Barcelona in the late afternoon.