Montserrat

Barcelona’s favorable location, in perfect harmony with its immediate surroundings, together with its ease of access and varied climate, make it a starting point for discovering new landscapes and enjoying contact with nature. Your tour departs from the port passing through the main streets of Barcelona to reach Catalunya Square, considered the heart of the city. From here, you’ll continue the panoramic drive along Passeig de Gracia, the best-known boulevard in town. Your guide will point out of the masterpieces of Gaudi’s architecture: the Casa Mila and Casa Batllo, two of the best-known landmarks of the city. Reaching Diagonal Avenue, your tour continues to Montserrat, a peculiar rocky mountain range which is the site of the monastery where people come to worship ‘La Moreneta,’ the black Madonna who is the patron-virgin of Catalonia. The Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat was founded in the 11th century and is located in a natural park 37 miles to the west of Barcelona. The Benedictine community, now numbering some 80 monks, has served the shrine for almost a thousand years. They are dedicated to a life of prayer, to working, and to welcoming pilgrims, making the site a place for dialogue, prayer and culture. Besides the monks, the Escolans also live in Montserrat, forming the oldest boy’s choir in Europe. During your stay and visit to Montserrat, you’ll visit the sanctuary and have free time to take-in the activity of your choice. Spend extra time at the sanctuary, explore some more, take pictures, shop for that last-minute souvenir, have lunch or grab a coffee at one of the restaurants and cafeterias on location. Once you finish the visit you’ll be driven back to your ship.