Discover two of Catalonia's top highlights on this full-day tour from Barcelona: the medieval town of Cardona and the mystical Montserrat mountain.
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Barcelona in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, shared with a small group of no more than 8 people. Along the way, you'll learn about the history and culture of Catalonia, Cardona, and Montserrat.
First, explore Cardona, known for its stunning Salt Mountain Mines—an unforgettable experience where you’ll step into the depths of this ancient site.
Next, journey to Montserrat and visit the Benedictine Monastery, perched high above Catalonia, a place of pilgrimage for centuries.
This small group tour offers the perfect escape from the city, combining history, culture, and stunning natural beauty in one day.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Professional local guide
✔ Small Group tour of max 8 people
✔ In-vehicle air conditioning
✔ Hotel or apartment pickup and drop-off in Barcelona city (between 8 and 9 am)
✔ Walking tour of medieval town of Cardona
✖ Food and drinks
✖ Gratuities
Pickup Locations
1. Exe Plaza Catalunya
2. Hotel Casa Sagnier
3. Via Sants Hotel Barcelona, Tapestry Collection By Hilton
4. Mediterranean Youth Hostel
5. TOC Hotel Las Ramblas
6. Arcelon Hotel
7. Ramblas Budget Apartments
8. Hotel Boutique Mirlo Barcelona
9. The Hoxton, Poblenou
10. Green House Hotel
11. Numa I Seda Apartments
12. Catalonia Avinyo
13. Yurbban Ramblas Boutique Hotel
14. BYPILLOW Mothern
15. Hostal Raval Rooms
16. H Regas
17. Murmuri Residence Concepcio
18. Hotel Reding Croma Barcelona
19. Hostal San Pau
20. The Social Hub Barcelona Poblenou
Additional Info: - We will pick you up from any hotel or apartment in Barcelona. Please make sure to include the address of your accommodation when booking.
- Even if your Hotel is not listed, you can type it down in the field.
- Pick-up time will be between 8 and 9 am. We will send a message 24 hours prior departure through the booking system to inform you on the specific pick-up time at your hotel as well as the name of your guide and the telephone number.
Itinerary
1
Abadia de Montserrat
Get on the road and head to the mystic mountain of Montserrat.
This natural park, with its very peculiar peaks, protects the spiritual essence of Catalonia. For almost 1,000 years, a Benedictine community has lived in these mountains located 60 km away from Barcelona.
Visit the Basilica of Montserrat, house of the serene image of the Black Virgin of Montserrat (the famous “Moreneta”), the saint patron of Catalonia, a polychrome Romanesque carving of the 12th century.
On the way, listen to interesting stories about Catalonia and its bounding to the holy mountain, scene of pilgrims since ancient times and part of the route to Santiago de Compostela. Your guide will share important information to understand the heritage you will discover during the tour.
Duration: 1.5 hours
2
Montana de Montserrat
We invite you to take an easy walk of around 30 min to enjoy one of the most astonishing views of the natural park.
Duration: 30 minutes
3
Sant Jeroni
Reach the peak of the holy mountain to enjoy a bird's eye view of the entire Montserrat Monastery and of the natural park. On clear days, you will enjoy uninterrupted views of the whole of Catalunya.
Duration: 30 minutes
4
Basilica De Montserrat
Marvel at the center of the pilgrimage and the basilica within the mountains.
Duration: 60 minutes
5
Cardona
Visit the medieval town of Cardona, a citadel famous for resisting Napoleon and for its salt mines.
Duration: 30 minutes
6
Castell De Cardona
While Iberian remains have always been linked to the richness of the Saline Valley, the origins of Cardona are in its Castle. The village, which grew from the fortification, is today incredibly well preserved. Besides the medieval charm of its streets and squares, you will also find examples of Gothic and Romanesque churches, chapels and civilian architecture.
The geographical location of the fortress, on the top of the mountain, perfectly meets its historical need to defend the access to the salt mines. The structure also enjoys a privileged view of the Cardener River Valley. From the XI to the XV century, the castle served as the residence of some of the noblest lineages of lords in the country. As a defensive structure for the salt mines, the castle endured several sieges throughout its history.
Duration: 60 minutes
7
El Parque Cultural de la Montana de Sal
This protected area is 1,800m long, 600m wide and has an area of 100ha. The site offers amazing views of the valley, old mine galleries, and a display of the mineral extraction machinery once used in this area. Have fun learning about the history of salt exploitation, the geology, mineralogy and botany of this region.
Duration: 60 minutes
Additional info
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Small group tour of max. 8 guests
• The Private tour option includes the entrance tickets to the Salt Mountain & Cardona Castle
