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Escaping the hustle and bustle of Barcelona's vibrant port, you will drive an hour and a half through glorious Catalonian countryside that is lush with vineyards and olive, almond and hazelnut orchards, on this fabulous special interest tour.

Accompanied by your guide you will climb the scenic winding mountain road past eroded rock outcroppings to discover Montserrat and its world-famous monastery, a religious retreat that has served thousands of people over the years. Perched some 2,300 feet above sea level, the town sits on a natural plateau and is a true escape from everyday life. From its highest point on a good day, you can see the island of Majorca on the horizon.

Montserrat was one of the great monastic complexes of the Middle Ages, drawing monks and philosophers from far and wide. The Benedictine Monastery Complex, the center of Montserrat Plaza, is over a thousand years old, dating back to a time when religious hermits occupied the mountain caves. The Abbey here also houses the world's oldest press and publishing house. Its first book was published in 1499 and the press is still running.

A superb example of Roman architecture, the basilica is decorated with statues of Christ and the 12 Apostles. The breath-taking yet somber interior is renowned for its gilded wooden sculpture of Catalonia's patron saint La Moreneta, also known as the 'Black Madonna' of Montserrat. Head back to the bus for the pleasant journey home.