Barcelona, Spain 

The transfer time from Barcelona Airport to our hotel in Barcelona is approximately 30 minutes, depending on the traffic.

1. MONTSERRAT HIGHLIGHTS
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Time: To Be Confirmed (around 9/9h30 a.m.)
Meeting Point: To Be Confirmed (usually is at the Barcelona North Station)
Group Tour up to 20 people

Tour Description:

After a bus ride where you will learn everything you need to know to understand Barcelona, you will be at the heart of Catalonia, the magical mountain of Montserrat. Nature, spirituality and culture find their balance in this special place.

The goal of our local guides is to make you understand the importance and significance of the Montserrat Abbey, which is not only a breathtaking religious complex but also a cultural center when it comes to Catalan identity.
After a guided tour that includes the entrance to the Basilica, you'll have the chance to explore Montserrat at your own pace during your free time. The options are diverse: a little hike to St. Michael's Cross to enjoy the views, a visit to an incredible art Museum with work from Dalí and Caravaggio, the Boy's Choir performance, the altar of the Black Madonna...there is something for everyone. (Tickets for these activities must be booked separately on Montserrat's website).

Of course, at the end you will be dropped off at the same spot you were picked earlier in the morning, at the city’s heart.

Price per person  75€

2. MONTSERRAT TAPAS AND WINE
Duration: 7 hours
Time: To Be Confirmed (around 9/9h30 a.m.)
Meeting Point: To Be Confirmed (usually is at the Barcelona North Station)
Group Tour up to 20 people

Tour Description:

Do you want to enjoy a full experience and still be in Barcelona for an afternoon of exploring? We got you covered! We would like to present you our top-selling combo, the Montserrat, Tapas & Wine option! Your day will start with our guides making the most out of your bus time, narrating the history of Barcelona in the most fun and engaging way! And yes, we will have mercy and allow some "siesta" time.

By the end of your time-travel journey, you will already be in Catalonia's mystical mountain, Montserrat! Once there, one of our passionate guides will share the secrets of this very special place, just as the monks themselves shared them with us while designing this tour. You will explore the Monastery and the Basilica together, and then we'll give you some free time for you to choose between the many options available!

Next stop is Oller del Mas; you are in for a treat! We are talking about a family-owned traditional Catalan castle-winery that belongs to the same family since the day it was built back in 964 AD! This 10th-century gem happens to be older than the monastery you just visited, and they only open their doors to us with the promise of keeping our tours sustainable towards the region! Their wine production is completely eco-friendly, and you will get the chance to experience the estate's beautiful vineyards, enjoy a selection of delicious local tapas, and taste three distinct D.P. Pla de Bages wines. A day to remember!

Price per person 105€

3. MONTSERRAT FOOD AND WINE
Duration: 9 to 10 hours
Time: To Be Confirmed (around 9/9h30 a.m.)
Meeting Point: To Be Confirmed (usually is at the Barcelona North Station)
Group Tour up to 20 people

Tour Description:

Interested in a full experience to escape the busy city? Then you made the right choice! This is a full-day excursion around the Catalan culture! Your day will start with the perfect dose of Barcelona’s history to get you situated before your arrival in Montserrat Mountain. Once there, you will explore the whole Abbey and the famous Basilica by the hand of one of our passionate guides. We have the amazing opportunity of sharing with you the history of this magical place as we received it by the monks themselves when we designed the tour!

We wanted our original tour to come with a personal feeling; that’s why we keep our groups small and our guides local! You will have the time to explore the scenery both with your guide and by yourself in your free time. From a little hike to St. Michael's Cross to the Boy's Choir performance, the options are many on this very special piece of the mountain that feels like our second home (tickets and availability for some activities must be checked at Montserrat's website).

Our last stop will be a visit to a family-owned traditional Catalan castle-winery that belongs to the same family since the day it was built back in 964AD! This 10th-century gem is only open to us under the promise of keeping our tours completely sustainable, just like their eco-friendly wine production! There you will experience Spanish traditions like a multi-course meal made from regional ingredients, a tour of the estate, and, needless to say, a tasting of three distinct D.P. Pla de Bages wines.

Price per person 125€

As this is an extremely popular destination, the excursion must be pre-booked with the Solos Holidays office at the time of booking. Please note that this is an on-request, join-in tour, and non-Solos holidaymakers will also be taking part. Prices subject to change.

Hola Barcelona: Public Transport Card (included)
Get around freely with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card which provides unlimited journeys on public transport in Barcelona for consecutive periods of 3 days (72 h) from the time it is first validated and at any time of day.

Hola Barcelona Travel Card is a non-transferable travel card that allows you make as many journeys as you like using the metro and the bus (TMB), the urban railway (FGC, Zone 1), the Montjuïc funicular, the tram (TRAM), and the regional railway (Rodalies de Catalunya, Zone 1). Montjuïc Cable Car not included.

 

A full 10-year passport is required valid for at least the duration of your stay. Holders of passports with the inscription “British Citizen” or “European Union” do not require a visa.

Euro

• A reasonable level of fitness/mobility is required
• The order of the itinerary and events may be subject to change

Be extremely vigilant about your personal belongings while in Barcelona, particularly when using public transportation and exploring crowded tourist areas like Las Ramblas. Pickpockets in Barcelona are known for their skill and often work in teams, using various distraction techniques to steal valuables. When using trains or metros:

• Keep your bags close to your body and in front of you.
• Be wary of sudden jostling or crowding, especially when entering or exiting trains.
• Avoid displaying valuable items like smartphones or cameras openly.
• Use internal pockets or money belts to store cash and important documents.

On Las Ramblas and other busy areas:

• Be cautious of overly friendly strangers or those offering unsolicited help.
• Keep your wallet in your front pocket rather than the back.
• Carry only essential items and leave valuables in your hotel safe.
• Stay alert in outdoor cafes and restaurants, where bags on chair backs are easy targets.

Remember, pickpockets often target distracted tourists, so maintain awareness of your surroundings at all times. If you feel uncomfortable or notice suspicious behavior, move to a more secure area or seek assistance from local authorities. By staying vigilant and taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to pickpocketing and ensure a safer, more enjoyable visit to Barcelona.

For a city break in Barcelona in June, you should pack light and comfortable clothing suitable for the warm Mediterranean climate. Here are some recommendations: Clothing

• Lightweight Tops: T-shirts, tank tops, and blouses made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
• Shorts and Skirts: Comfortable and airy options for daytime exploring.
• Dresses: Casual summer dresses for both day and evening wear.
• Swimwear: Essential for beach visits and hotel pools.
• Light Jacket or Sweater: For cooler evenings or air-conditioned indoor spaces.

Footwear

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Sneakers or comfortable sandals for exploring the city.
• Flip-Flops or Sandals: For the beach and casual outings.

Accessories

• Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from the strong Mediterranean sun.
• Hat or Cap: For additional sun protection.
• Light Scarf or Shawl: Useful for visiting religious sites where modesty is required or for cooler evenings.
• Beach Bag: For carrying essentials to the beach.

Other Essentials

• Sunscreen: High SPF to protect your skin from sunburn.
• Reusable Water Bottle: To stay hydrated while exploring.
• Small Backpack or Crossbody Bag: For carrying daily essentials securely.

Barcelona in June typically enjoys warm, sunny weather, so dressing in light, breathable clothing and staying protected from the sun will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable city break.

There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. To give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below.

The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides, porters and hotel staff of approximately £15. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip.