Montserrat Tour with Cog-Wheel & Black Madonna

Montserrat's saw-toothed peaks rise dramatically from the plain northwest of Barcelona, and this tour reaches the Benedictine monastery via the cremallera cog-wheel train rather than a standard coach ride, which is itself part of the appeal as the track climbs through the rock formations. Inside the basilica, pilgrims and visitors queue to see and touch La Moreneta, the small carved wooden Madonna that is patron saint of Catalonia, and — timing allowing — hear the Escolania boys' choir, one of Europe's oldest, sing in the basilica around midday. With a 93 culture score and a morning departure, it suits travelers who want the mountain's spiritual and geological drama without arranging transport themselves. The five-hour window leaves room to also walk a short trail along the ridge for the views over Catalonia.