After departing from Barcelona, you will drive through the picturesque countryside dotted with little villages during the 90 minute drive to the incomparable setting of the mountain of Montserrat. Rising majestically to 4,051 feet, the peaks can be seen long before you arrive. The curving road around the mountain will offer you incredible views out across the valley.

Upon arrival at the parking area, you will join your guide as you climb several steps to reach the plaza of the Royal Basilica of Montserrat. Its cliff side location and neo-Romanesque architecture is a scenic wonder, but it is perhaps the famous 12th century Romanesque carving of Virgen Moreneta, the Black Virgin, that draws so many to this mountain location. The Royal Basilica has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain for hundreds of years.

After an orientation tour of the grounds, you will be given ample time to visit the sites that interest you the most. On some days the children's choir sings in the monastery at midday. There is a museum, restaurants and shops as well as the opportunity to view the Black Virgin from a passageway that circles the alter where she is located. At the appointed time, you will meet your transportation and begin the drive back to Barcelona.

Upon arrival in Barcelona, you will have free time to have lunch on your own. Your guide is able to make recommendations of nearby cafes where you can sample the traditional tapas.

After lunch, you will set out from your city center location on a city orientation tour focusing on one of Barcelona's most famous residents, Antonio Gaudi. You will see two of his most emblematic works, Casa Milà, also known as "La Pedrera", and Casa Batlló as you drive along the fashionable Passeig de Gràcia.

You will then visit Parc Güell, a large garden park in which this genius strove to achieve the perfect integration of architectural elements in nature. The parc has been declared an artistic monument and a human heritage site by UNESCO.

Next, you will see the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece. The church, built by donations and private funds, was started in 1882 and is projected to be finished around 2025. After a brief description by your guide, you will have free time for photos.

Finally, you will visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar, the only perfectly finished great Catalan Gothic church. From here, you will be returned to your starting point in the city center.

Please note: Your tour departs from and returns to the Plaça Catalunya area. The plaça is the city center and the place where the old city (Gothic Quarter and Raval) and the 19th century-built Eixample meet. Some of the city's most important streets and avenues meet in Plaça Catalunya: Passeig de Gracia, La Rambla, Portal de l'Angel and Ronda Universitat.