15 Activities
Montblanc and the Cistercian Route
Starts from
Barcelona
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
15
Duration
2 days
Length
177 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Barcelona
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
2 days
Length
177 mi
- History and Culture
- Unusual Locations
James Taylor
Travel Expert
- Visit three fascinating monasteries that make up the Cistercian route.
- Discover Gaudi's Crypt, one of the architect's most incredible works.
- Swim in a secret waterfall just outside of Barcelona.
The Cistercian Route in Catalonia is a little-known tourist trail that takes in three monasteries in the Tarragona region. Overflowing with history, these once-powerful monasteries in the region are now quiet places to reflect, explore, and delve back in time. And in the middle of two monasteries is the fantastic town of Montblanc, home to one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Catalonia.
This 2-day road trip from Barcelona is like traveling back in time, taking you closer to these fantastic monasteries where you'll explore their peaceful cloisters, discover elegant churches, and learn about their place in history. But that's not all - there are also plenty of fantastic stops between, from a Gaudi-designed crypt on the outskirts of Barcelona to a secretive waterfall for a late afternoon swim.
This 2-day road trip from Barcelona is like traveling back in time, taking you closer to these fantastic monasteries where you'll explore their peaceful cloisters, discover elegant churches, and learn about their place in history. But that's not all - there are also plenty of fantastic stops between, from a Gaudi-designed crypt on the outskirts of Barcelona to a secretive waterfall for a late afternoon swim.
Categories
- History and Culture
- Unusual Locations
The Cistercian Route in Catalonia is a little-known tourist trail that takes in three monasteries in the Tarragona region. Overflowing with history, these once-powerful monasteries in the region are now quiet places to reflect, explore, and delve back in time. And in the middle of two monasteries is the fantastic town of Montblanc, home to one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Catalonia.
This 2-day road trip from Barcelona is like traveling back in time, taking you closer to these fantastic monasteries where you'll explore their peaceful cloisters, discover elegant churches, and learn about their place in history. But that's not all - there are also plenty of fantastic stops between, from a Gaudi-designed crypt on the outskirts of Barcelona to a secretive waterfall for a late afternoon swim.
This 2-day road trip from Barcelona is like traveling back in time, taking you closer to these fantastic monasteries where you'll explore their peaceful cloisters, discover elegant churches, and learn about their place in history. But that's not all - there are also plenty of fantastic stops between, from a Gaudi-designed crypt on the outskirts of Barcelona to a secretive waterfall for a late afternoon swim.
James Taylor
Travel Expert
- Visit three fascinating monasteries that make up the Cistercian route.
- Discover Gaudi's Crypt, one of the architect's most incredible works.
- Swim in a secret waterfall just outside of Barcelona.
Travel itinerary
10 Activities
Day 1
78 mi0.8 mi
Gaudi's Crypt and the Monastery of Santes Creus
On the first day of this 2-day itinerary from Barcelona, you'll first make a stop at an often-overlooked work of Gaudi just outside the city. Then, a scenic drive through the Penedes wine region brings you into the Tarragona region, where you'll spend the day visiting two incredible monasteries. Finally, you'll stay the night in Montblanc, one of the best-preserved medieval centers in the area.
5 Activities
Day 2
98 mi
Completing the Cistercian Route
On the second day of this 2-day itinerary, you'll complete the Cistercian route by visiting the fantastic monastery in Vallbona. Afterward, the drive back to Barcelona is broken up by a visit to Igualda for lunch and a secret swimming hole just outside of the city before enjoying tapas and pintxos in Sant Vicenç Dels Horts.