Barcelona Highlights and Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train

Barcelona , Spain

Barcelona Highlights and Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train

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(267 reviews)

9h - 10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter and see the beautiful Cathedral of Barcelona. Have a panoramic tour through the city. Visit Montjuïc and enjoy the views from the cable car. Take the cogwheel train and enjoy a breathtaking ride up to Montserrat. Visit the Black Madonna known as La Moreneta in the Basilica or taste some of the local liquors made in the area.

Available options

Tour of Barcelona & Montserrat

Duration: 10 hours 45 minutes: Until 16th March 2025: 09h15 approx. // 2025-26: November to March 09h45 approx. & April to October 10h45 approx.

What's included

Transportation on an air-conditioned coach

Entrance to the audio-visual exhibition in Montserrat “Espai Audio Visual Montserrat”

Montjuïc cable car ride + Cog-wheel train up to Montserrat

Taste of 4 typical liquors of the area

Access to the Black Madonna

Local Guide using Radio Guide System

Tour in Spanish and English

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

In the first part of the visit, we will enjoy a walking tour through El Born and the Gothic Quarter. We will have the opportunity to stroll along one of the most important streets of Barcelona and visit places such as the Arc de Triomf, the Cathedral of Barcelona or the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. You will marvel at the multitude of details on the façades of the buildings you will come across along the route.
We will walk through the narrow streets of the old part of the city and discover its hidden secrets. At the end of the walking tour, we will board an air-conditioned bus for a panoramic tour of Barcelona.

We will do different stops on Montjuic, which was the Olympic Area in 1992. At the first stop, we will access the Montjuic Cable Car, from where we will have breathtaking views of Barcelona. We will pass by Montjuic Castle, from where we will be able to take a trip to the past and discover part of the history of the city. We will make a last stop in Montjuic, in this case at the MNAC viewpoint, from where we will have a different perspective of Barcelona.

Stop 3

It’s time to return to the office, but first, we will pass though Paseo de Gracia, one of the most important streets in Barcelona, and where two of Antoni Gaudí’s most important works are located: La Pedrera & La Casa Batlló.

Stop 4

Check in back again at our office in Estació del Nord before the starting time of the afternoon activity. Meet your guide and come aboard an air-conditioned coach to Montserrat.

After a 1h drive on the highway, board the cogwheel train up the mountain and enjoy the amazing views. Admire the Mountain’s peculiar morphology, which comes from the Catalan words Mont (mountain) and Serrat (serrated). World-famous for its rocky geography, Montserrat beautiful scenery was declared National Park in 1987 to protect its natural and cultural wealth.

Learn about the history and architectural style of the Monastery. Fall in love with the Gothic and Renaissance details of the basilica and sanctuary. Learn about the legend of the miraculous apparition of the Madonna and Child in the cave of Santa Cova. To this day, their woodcarving is kept in the Church of the monastery, which you will be able to visit. The figure is popularly known as La Moreneta (Black Madonna) as a result of a varnish reaction.

What's not included

Cathedral of Barcelona Admission Ticket

Montserrat Museum Admission Ticket

Available languages

Audio guide

EN ES

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.1

252 reviews

5★

115

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.2

15 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Proper dress code is requested to enter the Basilica at Montserrat. It is not permitted to enter with tank tops, strapless shirts, short shorts or flip flops.

At Montserrat there is a mountains climate, depending on the season you will need clothes protecting you from the rain and/or cold.

The duration of the tour includes the round trip to the destination.

From the end of January to the beginning of March the cable car is under maintenance (days to concrete).

Please note this activity includes walking long distances, so it is not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

Julià Travel reserves the right to change the itinerary or cancel the tour due to events being celebrated in the city or force majeure reasons.

Please check the schedule for the facilities you wish to visit at the site.

Meeting point

Please find the Julia Travel Office in Ground floor, Carrer d'Alí Bei, 80, 08018 Barcelona, Spain. It is mandatory to check-in in the counter and after we will go to platform 19

Important notes

* Print your voucher and give it to your guide. E-voucher accepted.
* Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour begins.
* Julià Travel Gray Line Spain contact: 0034 93 317 64 54 / incoming@julia.net
* Cancellation policy: a 100% cancellation penalty applies if cancelled 24 hours or less prior to travel date or in case of no-show
* Failure to show up at the established check-in time may entail losing the tour.

About Barcelona

Barcelona is a vibrant city on the northeastern coast of Spain, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere. It seamlessly blends medieval history with modernist masterpieces, making it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Sagrada Família

Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, a stunning basilica that combines Gothic and Art Nouveau forms. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit.

Architecture 1.5-2.5 hours €26-€34 (depending on access to towers)

Park Güell

Another Gaudí masterpiece, this park features colorful mosaics, whimsical structures, and beautiful city views.

Architecture 1.5-2 hours €10 (Monumental Zone)

La Rambla

A famous pedestrian street filled with shops, restaurants, street performers, and the famous La Boqueria market.

Street 1-2 hours Free (shopping and dining costs vary)

Casa Batlló

A unique building designed by Gaudí, known for its surrealist design and colorful façade.

Architecture 1 hour €35-€45 (depending on the tour)

Gothic Quarter

The historic heart of Barcelona, filled with medieval streets, ancient buildings, and hidden plazas.

Historical 2-3 hours Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pa amb tomàquet

Bread rubbed with tomato, garlic, and olive oil, often served as an appetizer.

Snack Vegetarian

Fideuà

A paella-like dish made with short, thin noodles, seafood, and saffron.

Main Course Contains seafood

Crema Catalana

A Catalan version of crème brûlée, made with egg yolks, sugar, and cinnamon.

Dessert Vegetarian

Patatas Bravas

Fried potato cubes topped with a spicy tomato sauce and garlic aioli.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Montserrat Water sports in Barceloneta Rock climbing Beach lounging in Barceloneta Spa treatments Strolling through parks and gardens Visiting museums and galleries Attending festivals and events

Best Time to Visit

May to June, September to October

The peak season offers pleasant weather and is ideal for exploring the city's attractions. The crowds are manageable, and the city is vibrant with festivals and events.

20°C to 28°C 68°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Catalan, Spanish
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Barcelona is generally safe, but like any major city, it has its share of petty crime and scams. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in touristy areas and on public transportation.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in touristy areas and on public transportation.
• Be cautious of fake petitions or distractions to steal from you.

Getting there

By air

Barcelona-El Prat Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Sants Station, Estació de França

By bus

Estació d'Autobusos Sants, Estació d'Autobusos Nord

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient, clean, and covers most of the city. It's a great way to get around quickly and affordably.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Free Now, Cabify

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Eixample Gràcia Barceloneta Gothic Quarter El Raval

Day trips

Montserrat

50 km from Barcelona • Half day to full day

A stunning mountain range with a historic monastery, offering hiking, scenic views, and religious sites.

Girona

100 km from Barcelona • Full day

A charming medieval city with a well-preserved Jewish Quarter, a stunning cathedral, and a rich history.

Sitges

40 km from Barcelona • Half day to full day

A picturesque coastal town known for its beaches, nightlife, and historic sites.

Festivals

La Mercè Festival • Late September Sant Jordi • April 23 Festa Major de Gràcia • Mid-August

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Explore the city's neighborhoods on foot or by bike to discover hidden gems and local culture.
Try local specialties like pa amb tomàquet, fideuà, and crema catalana at local markets and restaurants.
Use the T-Casual pass for unlimited travel on public transportation, which is more cost-effective than single tickets.
Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation, and keep an eye on your belongings.