On a short visit to Barcelona there’s a lot to keep you busy as you take a wander around the amazing Gaudi buildings spread such as the Sagrada Familia, La Pedera and Park Güell. There’s also a wealth of museums and art galleries, the hugely popular FC Barcelona stadium tour and plenty more to see and do in Montjuïc and Port Vell. In fact, there are so many sights that you’re hardly likely to have time to consider a trip beyond the city limits. However, if you do have the time you really should consider taking one of the many available Barcelona excursions to exciting destinations which lie within close proximity of the Catalan capital.
The most economical way of getting to destinations such as Montserrat, Girona and Figueres is on a scheduled coach trip. Alternatively, you can hire your own driver and guide who will take you on a private excursion to your chosen destination. If you decide that you don’t have time for such excursions please take a look at our suggested Barcelona city tours which give you an idea of interesting tours which are available within the city.
Coach Excursions from Barcelona
Below we’ve listed the two most popular scheduled Barcelona excursions which include transport by luxury, air-conditioned coach and the services of an English speaking travel guide. The sacred shrine of Montserrat is the most popular half day excursion whilst the other favourite is a trip to Girona and Figueres where the famous Salvador Dali museum is located.
Barcelona to Montserrat Excursion
Distance = 65km
The most popular excursion from Barcelona is to the sacred Catalan shrine of Montserrat high in the mountains to the north-west of the city. The excursion is available travelling by coach from the city centre and includes a visit to the Monastery of Montserrat and to the famous Royal Basilica. The self-guided half-day excursion from Barcelona to Montserrat is a popular way to visit the attraction.
Barcelona Excursion to Girona, Figueras and the Dali Museum
Distance = 140km
This full day excursions takes you north out of Barcelona to the medieval city of Girona which was originally built by the Romans as a fortress many centuries ago. Here you will visit the cathedral which dates back to 1038 and spend some time sightseeing in the tiny streets of the city. From here you will head to the town of Figueras and visit the the magnificent Dali Museum which is an an absolute must for art lovers. The group excursion from Barcelona to Girona, Figueres & the Dalí Museum is a popular day trip.
Private Barcelona Excursions
Rather than travel in a group by coach you can hire your own driver and tour guide who will escort you to your destination and provide an official tour of the key attractions. The most popular private Barcelona excursions are to Montserrat and the Dalí Museum in Figueres as referred to above. Others that you might consider are wine tours into the nearby Penedès wine region which is centred on the small town of Sant Sadurni D’Noia. Here a resident wine maker meets the party and takes you on a tour of well vineyards where you’ll learn about the production of Catalan wine and cava.
Some of the most popular private excursions from Barcelona include the following:
- Private Trip to Montserrat and Cava Tour
On this private full day excursion your driver will transfer you to the Monastery of Montserrat. On arrival you will meet your English speaking guide and learn the secrets of this sacred Catalan shrine. In the afternoon you’ll head to Sant Sadurni D’Noia for a tour of either the Freixenet or Codorniu cava cellars. - Private Excursion to Girona and the Dali Museum in Figueras
This excursion begins in the magnificent walled city of Girona which was originally built by the Romans as a fortress. After wandering its charming labyrinth of streets and visiting its beautiful cathedral you will be transferred to Figueras where you can visit the world famous Dali Museum. - Private Excursion to Bodegas Torres and Sitges
On this tour you’ll visit the famous Spanish Wine cellars of Bodegas Torres near Vilafranca del Penedès before heading to the peaceful coastal village of Sitges for a mouth-watering lunch by the sea.
