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Spain Wine Tours | Tickets To Best Wineries & Vineyards

Matt Davison — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 07:10:28 +0000

Winemaking in Spain dates back several centuries. The most crucial time for wine production in Spain began with the expansion of the Roman Empire in 218 B.C. Since then, Spain has made its mark as a certified wine country.

Spain grabs one of the top spots as the world’s third-largest wine producer after France and Italy, respectively. Boasting nearly a million hectares scattered across almost 4,300 wineries. The next time you’re in a city in Spain, going on a wine tasting and vineyard tour is an absolute must.

Your Spanish wine tasting journey typically begins with a guided walking tour of the vineyard, winery, and cellar. You’ll stroll through rows of rare grape vines, chilly underground cellars, and beautiful Spanish architecture boasting ornate stucco walls, terracotta tiled roofs, and soft arches.

Wine tasting in Spain is nothing short of a gastronomical adventure. Indulge in a multi-course meal featuring tapas and other distinctive Spanish dishes. All while tasting delightful wines brimming with intense flavors.

Most of the best wineries in Spain work hand-in-hand with local wine producers and family-owned boutique wineries. Each of these establishments grows and ferments its grapes in different styles, which means no two wines are the same.

Spain Wine Tours — Prices 2024

Spain’s booming wine tourism industry has led to a spike in the number of wine tours and tasting providers. From local budget-friendly vineyards to luxury winery tours, Spain has something for everyone.

You can book a half-day wine tour from about €65 ($68,39 USD) to €82 ($86,28 USD), while a full-day trip will cost you anything from €97 ($102,07 USD) to €170 ($178,88 USD).

From Madrid: Toledo Tour with Wine Tasting and 7 Monuments

$58.01

Available

Getyourguide.com

Madrid: Old Madrid Walking Food and Wine Tour

$72.51

Available

Getyourguide.com

Valencia: Old Town Tour, Wine & Tapas in an 11th c. Monument

$79.98

Available

Getyourguide.com

Madrid: Wine and Tapas Walking Tour

$85.31

Available

Getyourguide.com

Montserrat Half-Day Tour with Tapas and Gourmet Wines

$89.54

Available

Viator.com

Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour

$106.39

Available

Viator.com

Montserrat Tour with Lunch and Gourmet Wine Tasting

$117.54

Available

Viator.com

Madrid Countryside Wineries Guided Tour with Wine Tasting

$138.03

Available

Viator.com

From Madrid: Ribera del Duero Tour of 3 Different Wineries

$197.27

Available

Getyourguide.com

La Rioja: Winery Tour with Tastings and Traditional Lunch

$266.59

Available

Getyourguide.com

Spain Wine Tours — Full-day & Half-day Travel Times

While full-day wine tours in Spain usually start bright and early, half-day excursions are more flexible, giving you the option of either a morning or evening trip. A full-day trip itinerary is typically loaded with activities and must-see monuments in Spain.

Full-day tours usually begin between 8:45 and 9 am. Half-day excursions may begin in the morning from 11 am or 6 pm in the evening.

Monday – Sunday: 8:45am – 8:00pm

Best Time to Go On A Spain Wine Tour

Spain’s Mediterranean climate is illustrated by its warm, arid summers and cool, wet winters. This means that this prominent wine country is ideal for year-round visits. You can visit in autumn when the vines are lush green and the ripened grapes are ready for harvest.

But the ideal time to go is late spring or early summer when holiday-makers typically flock to the coastlines to visit the best beaches in Spain.

Wine Tours in Spain: Package Options & Tickets

All Spain wine tour packages commonly share the wine tasting experience. But many others choose to stand out by offering optional additions like a tapa tasting, multi-course meal, or walking tour around a prominent Spanish neighborhood.

These packages vary in costs, from budget to luxury. But the popularity of these tours often leads to fully booked trips, so it would be wise to make a reservation ahead of time or purchase a skip-the-line ticket.

With skip-the-line tickets, you’ll have priority access to skip the long queues and waiting lists. These tickets often come with add-ons like separate entrances, air-conditioned roundtrip transportation, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like historic Toledo.

La Rioja: Winery Tour with Tastings and Traditional Lunch

As one of the most well-renowned wine regions in Spain, La Rioja boasts over 400 wineries. Discover enticing flavorful wines from the La Rioja Alavesa wine area on this half-day tour, while surrounded by lush peaks of the Cantabria mountain range.

This tour begins with an engaging vineyard exploration and then a tour of the stunning traditional Spanish bodega (wine cellar). While an expert guide takes you through their unique winemaking process.

Once you’ve taken in enough sites of the gorgeous scenery, you’ll be treated to a wine tasting session followed by lunch made from locally produced ingredients.

What we liked: Great for tasting a range of Spain’s finest wines.

INCLUDES:

Wine Tasting Sessions
Lunch
Hotel pick-up
English & Spanish-speaking guide

EXCLUDES:

Extra food and wine

It’s worth noting that you must bring your passport or ID on this tour, as alcohol is only served to people over the age of 18. The drive to the winery takes approximately two hours from one of Spain’s seaside towns — San Sebastián.

Check Price & Book

Ribera del Duero Wineries | Half-Day Tour & Tickets

The Ribera del Duero wine land is one of Spain’s top red wine-producing regions. Take a half-day trip from Madrid to Ribera del Duero and escape into the rich culture of winemaking and taste the purest expression of Tempranillo — Spain’s most well-known grape.

The tour begins with a two-hour minivan ride from Madrid; as you drive further north, your expert bilingual local wine guide narrates the region’s story. You’ll learn about the unique fruity character of the Ribera del Duero grape, the harvesting, and different fermentation techniques.

What we liked: Skip the line through a separate entrance.

INCLUDES:

Wine Tasting (Minimum of Two Wines per Winery)
English and Spanish-speaking Local Guide
Visit to a Historical Landmark

EXCLUDES:

Lunch (You can get this at your own expense)
Hotel Pick-up & Drop off
Gratuities (This is optional)

Once you arrive in Ribera del Duero, you’ll visit three distinct wineries in these famous winelands. You’ll sample wines made from old and new winemaking methods and hear inspiring stories about how small family wineries turned the area into a global red wine producer.

After visiting the first two wineries, you’ll have some downtime to grab some lunch. You can enjoy classic Castilian regional food, like tapas, a light lunch, or a 3-course meal at your own expense.

Check Price & Book

Montserrat Gourmet Wine Tasting & Lunch | Full-Day Tour & Tickets

Journey into the Catalan countryside from Barcelona to Montserrat for a full-day wine tour in one of Spain’s most vibrant autonomous regions. This trip begins with a guided walking tour through the Basilica and Monastery on Montserrat — a one-of-a-kind multi-peak mountain with spectacular rock formations.

You’ll also get free time to explore the museum and local farmer’s market, after which you can enjoy breathtaking views from the ridge of Cavall Bernat. Afterward, you’ll visit the winery of Oller de Mas for a fascinating cellar tour, a wine tasting, and a multi-course Catalan meal to wrap up.

What we liked: The tour caters for any dietary allergies or restrictions.

INCLUDES:

Guided Visit to a Boutique Winery (3 Wine Tastings)
Multi-course Catalan Meal with Wine
Local English-speaking Tour Guide

EXCLUDES:

Hotel Pickup & Drop-off
Gratuities

The Catalan countryside is known for its passionately independent people, their unique language, innovative flair, and creativity. Their impressive capacity to absorb different influences has led to the region boasting Romanesque art, medieval mountain monasteries, Art Nouveau masterpieces, and Roman ruins.

Catalan wines are rare and more sought-after. The wines also tend to be more pungent, higher in alcohol, and bear darker fruit flavors.

Keep In Mind: The Montserrat winery works closely with low-wine producers and family-owned boutique wineries. Should logistical issues arise, you may visit another cellar instead of Oller del Mas.

Check Price & Book

The post Spain Wine Tours | Tickets To Best Wineries & Vineyards appeared first on Traveling in Spain.

Top Montserrat Tours (Day Trips, Half-day Excursions & More)

Matt Davison — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 09:23:52 +0000

Bespeckled with strange rock formations created by various extreme weather conditions, the mountain of Montserrat is a unique sight to behold. The name Montserrat is derived from mons serratus in Latin, meaning “Jagged Mountain.”

A space of historical religious significance, the hidden sanctum of the monastery is a must-see attraction. While it has been reconstructed numerous times, this monastery has around 80 practicing monks that follow the religious rule of Saint Benedict.

From the thought-provoking museum to the 16th-century architectural treasure of the basilica, you’ll have ample opportunity to fully experience this impressive building.

Whether you prefer exploring the mountains or delving into the cultural activities of Montserrat, this region is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a wide array of experiences.

Prepare for a pilgrimage of a lifetime, as the majestic elevation of Montserrat is sure to add a monumental experience to your vacation.

Tour Prices 2024

The price of these tours range from €39 ($45 USD) and can go up to €100 ($118 USD) depending on the duration and the activities you want to be included. You can take a look at the various tours on offer in the Montserrat region and compare the prices below:

From Barcelona: Montserrat Mountain and Monastery Tour

$38.02

Available

Getyourguide.com

From Barcelona: Montserrat Royal Basilica Guided Tour

$58.01

Available

Getyourguide.com

From Barcelona: Montserrat Monastery & Natural Park Hike

$66.44

Available

Getyourguide.com

Barcelona: Montserrat Monastery Visit & Lunch at a Farmhouse

$79.10

Available

Getyourguide.com

Montserrat Half-Day Tour with Tapas and Gourmet Wines

$88.72

Available

Viator.com

Montserrat with Cogwheel train, Tasting in a Boutique Winery with Tapas or Lunch

$99.81

Available

Viator.com

From Barcelona: Half-Day Montserrat & Horse Riding Tour

$116.02

Available

Getyourguide.com

Montserrat Tour with Lunch and Gourmet Wine Tasting

$116.46

Available

Viator.com

Montserrat Hiking Experience from Barcelona

$122.06

Available

Viator.com

Activities in Montserrat Times

While Monserrat tours from Barcelona tend to run throughout the day, the tour times will depend on what sight and activities you are planning to explore. Listed below are various operating hours of Montserrat tourist attractions that feature in the tours:

Museu de Montserrat
Monday – Sun: 10am – 5:45pm

Basilica of Montserrat:
Monday – Sun: 7am – 8pm

Black Madonna (Throne of Our Lady):
Mon – Sun: 8am – 10:30am and 12am – 5:45pm

Best Time to Go on a Montserrat Day Trip

Montserrat can be enjoyed all year round but can get colder and windier in the winter months. The best time to visit Montserrat is in spring, from March to May, as it has pleasant weather conditions and fewer crowds.

Tip: Be aware that the elevation of Catalan mountains tends to be colder than the surrounding lower areas. So, be sure to keep a jacket handy on your trip.

Montserrat Tour Options

From the magnificent monastery to captivating surroundings, simply pick your Montserrat Spain tour adventure. There are various tours to embark on, from gourmet wine tasting to hiking. Be sure to be aware of your time restrictions while choosing a tour.

From Barcelona: Mountain and Montserrat Monastery Tour

The scenic drive up the Montserrat mountain is a stunning feat with widespread green hills wherever you turn. The Benedictine monastery, established around 1025, is situated between the crevasses of the Catalan mountains, transporting you back to ancient worlds once lived.

On this early morning tour, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to explore the astounding Montserrat attractions without the throngs of tourists. You’ll get to enjoy a guided tour of the history of the monastery and view the famous shrine of the Black Virgin of La Moreneta

What we liked: The in-depth guide of the fascinating history of Montserrat.

INCLUDES:

Roundtrip transportation to Montserrat
Professional English tour operator
A small group tour for a more exclusive feel

EXCLUDES:

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities for your tour guide

Check Price & Book

Montserrat Hiking Experience from Barcelona

Enjoy the wonderlands of nature on a guided hiking trip to the Montserrat mountain. With the option to choose from seven stunning trails, depending on your fitness level and time restrictions. If you choose a shorter walk, be sure to visit the medieval monastery in your spare time.

As one of the best tours to Montserrat from Barcelona, you’re in for a treat. You’ll be able to fully experience the region’s geology and exceptional views of the surrounding Catalan landscapes. With stunning viewpoints situated in these trails, you’ll have the perfect backdrop for a family vacation photo op.

What we liked: Learning about the region while breaking a sweat.

INCLUDES:

A guided tour of the mountain
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Pre-packed snacks

EXCLUDES:

Meals and drinks, unless specified
Souvenirs
Gratuities for your guide

Check Price & Book

Half-Day Montserrat Tour From Barcelona with Tapas and Wines

On this half-day trip to Montserrat, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the Catalonian spirit. Explore the monastery thoroughly, its very walls dripping with forgotten histories. Once you have a taste of the religious significance of Montserrat, you’ll make your way to a winery in a 10th-century castle.

The storybook feel of the Oller del Mas vineyards will transport you back to simpler times. You’ll sample signature wines, including some Spanish red wine, and tasty tapas. You’ll also learn the inner workings of the wine-making process of these organic wines. This boozy adventure is a wonderful learning experience with a twist.

What we liked: A magnificent cultural experience in a lovely setting.

INCLUDES:

A guided tour of the Santa Maria de Montserrat
A visit with a tour guide to a boutique winery
Wine tasting, cold tapas, and dessert

EXCLUDES:

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Cable car tickets
Gratuities

Check Price & Book

Day Trip to Montserrat Monastery & Lunch at a Farmhouse

On this 7.5 informative tour of this hidden Catalonian marvel, you’ll have an all-encompassing experience of Montserrat at its finest. Traveling to this epic Montserrat day trip from Barcelona, the winding roads upwards will deliver you to a seemingly mythical structure near the clouds.

When you arrive you’ll have plenty of time to visit Montserrat Abbey. The Abbey is embellished with a rich history and a multitude of various architectural styles. Be sure to attend a Montserrat Boys Choir performance in the basilica, said to be one of the oldest music schools in Europe. These performances, however, are subject to availability.

Transport will then take you to a quaint farmhouse where a delectable 3-course meal will be served. The farmhouse is surrounded by the idyllic landscapes of the regions, giving you a tantalizing taste of Montserrat.

What we liked: A perfect day trip to take filled with activities

INCLUDES:

7.5-hour tour of Montserrat with an expert guide
3-course lunch and drinks at the Masia Farmhouse
Transportation from Barcelona on a minibus

EXCLUDES:

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Gratuities

Check Price & Book

The post Top Montserrat Tours (Day Trips, Half-day Excursions & More) appeared first on Traveling in Spain.

Unforgettable Montserrat Tour & Montjuic Cable Car Tickets

Matt Davison — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 12:55:47 +0000

This unmissable tour takes you through the heart of Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. It begins with a guided walk through the Plaza de Catalunya and the Gothic Quarter.

You will also visit the Barcelona Cathedral, which was constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries. It’s a breathtaking building, well-known for its Well of Geese, which makes for a stunning sight.

Montjuic Castle Cable Car

Before leaving the city, the Montjuic cable car will take you up the hill with breathtaking views of Barcelona. A comfortable coach ride then takes you along the Spanish coastline, past the Olympic Village and along to the Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol). The village is famous for its diverse architectural heritage as it is a recreation of 117 buildings from across Spain.

A Ride To Montserrat

The second half of the tour takes you on a 20-minute train ride to the mountain village of Montserrat. Here, you take a tour of the Basilica of Montserrat, which is one of Spain’s most important pilgrimage sites. It is an architectural marvel and has great religious significance! It is the home of the 12th century Virgin of Montserrat.

Following an afternoon of independent exploring, you meet up for a tasting of classic Montserrat liquors and will travel back to Barcelona city! It’s perfect for those looking for a great day out without doing any planning – just a whole lot of relaxing and fun.

Barcelona’s Montjuïc Cable Car Ride: Return Ticket

$13.85

Available

Getyourguide.com

Montserrat Half or Full Day Tour from Barcelona

$62.15

Available

Klook.com

Montserrat and Hiking Half Day Tour (Small Group)

$62.15

Available

Klook.com