Morning Access to Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona

It’s worth waking up 5:00 am.1 hour drive from Barcelona . The monastery was beautiful, sitting high up in the mountains with spectacular views. I choose the morning access to avoid long queue to see the black Madonna . Don’t forget to take the funicular up to the top to get the stunning views. It’s worth.

I really liked the half day tour, we had a great tour guide . It was good getting there early before the crowds. We didn’t fit any long walks in but feel ok about our time there as it gave us a desire to return another time and explore the area further .

Our guide Gabby was amazing. She gave us history on Barcelona as well as Montserrat. The lines to see the Black Madonna were forming an hour after we arrived (we had no wait). Don't expect to see Monks walking around as we were told that is a rare site. We were back before noon so still had a 1/2 day to see more in Barcelona.

My sister and I very much enjoyed the bus ride, the guide's commentary, the views and the Monastery itself. It was a pleasure not to have to wade through crowds of people. My only regret is that there wasn't time for us to do a walk, and we barely had time to see the art gallery, which didn't open till 10 am. We were practically running to find the exit as we were supposed to be back at our bus at 10:30 am. It was worth it to miss the crowds, but this tour would have been better had it been an hour or even half an hour longer.

excellent trip but needed at least an hour more there to enjoy all the attractions. we were rushed and wanted to visit more of monserrat but had no time

Montserrat monastery is a beautiful place. The early morning access means that you get to the monastery before the crowds to see it at its best. We had about 3 hours to visit, with an hour long coach trip either side. The guide took you to the church and the statue of the 'black virgin' and gave you some information on it and then left you to your own devises. We had time to walk to a cross on the mountain along a lovely wide path which took approx 20 mins each way but gave amazing vies back of the monastery. The funicular does not open until 10 am and we had to be at coach back at 10.30 so did not have the chance for this which is the only downside.

I thought we were going to watch the sunrise at Montserrat but the sun was well up almost before the bus began our one hour journey there. We did get to see the black Madonna without having to queue, but nothing else opens until 10am and we were asked to be ready to leave for home by 11.15. I went up on the funicular's first run at 10.20 but barely had time to look around at the top before catching the 11am one down again, and I was still late for the bus. Other people walked to the Cross viewpoint lower down but they too said they'd had no time to look at the museum or even collect their complimentary drink. On the way back, several passengers would have liked to pause for a few seconds to take pictures at one of the several spectacular viewpoints, but we were told there wasn't time. Montserrat is beautiful, and there is quite a lot to see, but it's not possible to do it justice on this quick tour. However, having said all that and while knowing that if I went again, I'd get a train, I have to admit that if it hadn't been for the convenience if this tour, I probably wouldn't have got there at all.

This is a wonderful place to visit. The skip the line early start was well worth it! The one draw back is the time allowed. We raced from one site to another and felt that we really missed a lot. I would recommend the travel site add an additional 1-1-1/2 hours to the trip. It would be much appreciated. Given that, we thoroughly enjoyed Montserrat. The short hikes were amazing and worth the effort.

I'm glad we did the early access tour to Monserrat Monastery, no lines to see the Black Madonna.We had plenty of time to walk around and ride the funicular. Our tour guide was very nice and very knowledgeable of the place. I highly recommend this tour

This tour was amazing. Our guide allowed us to stop for breakfast despite it being quite an early trip. She also ensured that we would make it before the place became overcrowded allowng us able to enjoy the beautiful scenery uninterrupted. The timing was perfect as we were above the clouds while the sun was rising.

My family and I went on this tour and Martina was our tour guide. The bus was clean and comfortable and we are so happy we did the early tour because what the other reviews say are true - it gets SO crowded at Montserrat as the day goes on. We got there before everyone else so we didn't have to wait in the line for anything. After the tour of the monastery, we took a quick 20 minute hike up the hill to see the most stunning views of Montserrat. A half day is the perfect amount of time to spend there. Martina was an excellent tour guide. She was so knowledgeable and friendly and made our trip extra special. Highly recommend this excursion!