What you will see
Spectacular scenery
The most dramatic of all is Montserrat, with its magical mountains, monastery and sanctuary.
To the south of Montserrat is the Penedès, a rugged and dry region that has the perfect climate for vineyards. The tour combines a visit to the Modernista style Codorníu winery in the region of the Penedès with that of the mystical experience of Montserrat.
Cavas Codorníu (winery)
The vineyards of Cavas Codorníu and its winemaking activities date back to 1551. Since then the winery has combined traditional Catalan values with innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. The winery has the largest underground cellars in the world, where the first bottle of Spanish sparkling wine, called cava, was produced in 1872 using the traditional champenoise method (the same as that used for producing French champagne).
Landscape and architecture, with Modernista-style buildings set among the vineyards, creating a unique first impression of the cathedral of cava upon arrival.
The Codorníu winery was created between 1895 and 1915 by Modernista architect, Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
It is one of the best examples of how Modernista architecture combined visionary designs with the practical needs of industry.
This is the ideal place to follow the entire process of grape pressing and bottle labelling.
The wine ferments in bottles for at least 9 months, in the dark and at a constant temperature in the underground cellars. The winery visit continues with a small journey in an electric train and ends with a cava tasting.
Montserrat
Montserrat is culture. It boasts a library with around 300,000 volumes, the oldest boys' choir in Europe, called L'Escolania, a basilica full of paintings, gold lamps and golden chapels, a museum with works by El Greco, Picasso and Dalí among many others and treasures of Ancient Egypt.
Picturesque route
During the journey to the sanctuary of Montserrat, at 725 m (2,380 feet) above sea level, you can appreciate the incredible and magical shape of the mountain of Montserrat, and your guide will entertain you with tales, stories and legends about the mountain, the monastery and the sanctuary. The return journey takes a different route and is accompanied by recordings of a variety of traditional Catalan music.
Monastery of Montserrat
Guided tour of the main points of interest: Monastery, Basilica, museum, bars, restaurants, shops, etc...
Basilica of Montserrat
Silence must be observed inside the church, therefore explanations will be given by your guide outside, before visiting the chapel of the Virgin, where the 12th century figure of the Virgin of Montserrat is on display.
