Spain - Montserrat Monastery - half-day tour - Winter 2015

While in Barcelona, my friend and I joined a half day tour to Montserrat Monastery, located in the mountain area. This was the first half day trip during my vacation, so it was pretty exciting to join a tour.


After we arrived at Montserrat, our tour guide brought us around. We were first brought to a museum where we watched a movie about Montserrat. We were also taken into the Basilica. The main attraction to Montserrat is the Virgin of Montserrat statue. There is a separate line for people to line up to view the statue. There are some hiking trails for Montserrat as well. I didn't hike up a trail since my tour was a half day, and there probably wouldn't have been enough time.
Behind this section is a trail that'll eventually lead to the top of the mountain
The Basilica

Montserrat is also known for the boys choir. My friend and I went back to the Basilica to listen to two songs. From the ground floor of the Basilica, you can view the Virgin statue that is on the second floor.



Montserrat was a nice getaway from Barcelona. It's peaceful even though there were many tourists. Also right after parking, on our way to the Basilica there was a mini market in the morning. They should cheese, hams, etc. The surroundings of Montserrat is breathtaking. Luckily it was a clear day.

I wouldn't necessarily say that Montserrat was a place that you have to join a tour. You probably can arrange to go on your own. On the tour, after the movie, and a quick walk through, we had a lot of free time. We met back about 1:00 pm, and we headed back to Barcelona. I booked a half day tour because I wanted to see Montserrat based on the photos I saw online, and I also wanted a half day where the day would be planned out. When I go on trips, I usually try to see everything on my own. The booked tour is kind of like my rest day where I can let someone else take care of the itinerary. I can also sit back, listen/learn from a local tour guide, and sleep during nap time.

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