The countryside beyond Barcelona rises to the jagged peaks of the Montserrat range and scrolls across the rustic wineries of Penedés. This private guided tour takes you out of the city to explore both landscapes in one day: changing altitudes and atmospheres between the holy, hilltop sanctuary and cool cellars stocked with regional, sparkling cava wine. You’ll ascend to the Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat, a 1000-year-old shrine built and still populated by Benedictine monks. The church bells and resident boys’ choir have sounded out across the crags through the centuries, and the neighbouring part-modernist basilica houses paintings by Dali and Picasso. Next, you’ll descend into cava country to walk the vineyards at one of Catalonia’s oldest wineries. There you’ll learn the Saignée method by which that signature sparkling wine is made and taste the results in various premium varieties. Finally, you’ll round out the day with a long Spanish lunch at your guide’s favourite local restaurant.