Gaudi's Crypt and the Monastery of Santes Creus

The Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, Parc Guell; Barcelona is filled with Gaudi's most famous creations. But on the outskirts of the city is one of the architect's works that still flies under the radar: Gaudi's Crypt.
Originally, this was to be the crypt of a church above, just a small piece of a larger colony planned to house industrial workers who were employed at a mill next door. However, the plan was abandoned not long after it began, but the crypt remains. It's widely considered to show off the best of Gaudi's work, a culmination of his techniques that are shown today in the Sagrada Familia.
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 15:00 daily.
Tickets must be reserved in advance on the official website. Visits to the crypt come with an audio guide to explain the architectural elements of the location.

After a morning at Gaudi's Crypt, it's time to drive through the Penedès wine region. This is one of Catalonia's most famed wine-producing areas, and you can expect beautiful vineyards surrounding rustic farmsteads, rolling green hills, and quiet country roads. Enjoy the drive!
At the other end of the region, you'll find this beautiful church in the small town of Montferri. Like a miniature Sagrada Familia, the architecture is surprisingly detailed - well worth a short stop before lunch.
Interior Opening Hours: 10:30 – 13:30 Closed on Mondays and Fridays.

You've surely worked up an appetite by now, so it's time for lunch! Make the short drive north from the church into the village of Vila-rodona, where this restaurant serves up easy-going Spanish food like tapas, grilled meats, and more.
Opening Hours: 07:30 – 16:00 Closed on Mondays.

Just up the road from Vila-rodona is the first monastery on the Cistercian route: The Monastery of Santes Creus.
Dating to 1138, this is the only monastery out of the three that is uninhabited, and therefore has been completely given over to cultural tourism. It's a great start to the Cistercian route, a tranquil place with beautiful architecture and a peaceful cloister.
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 Closed on Mondays.
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.

After the monastery, you'll make the short drive into the town of Montblanc. This town contains one of the best-preserved Medieval centers in Catalonia, with history and fascinating architecture at every turn. Check into Hotel Viaurelia, with easy parking options near the hotel. From here, it's a short 5-minute walk into the central plaza.

After checking into the hotel, make the short walk into the old center of Montblanc. The walled area is one of the most alluring Medieval destinations in Catalonia, with history around every corner. Make your first stop at the Church of San Francesc, anchoring one end of Placa Sant Francesc right next to the old wall.

Next, make the short walk over to the Portal de Sant Jordi, one of the old entrances into the city. This ancient doorway is named after the patron saint of Catalonia, Sant Jordi (Saint George in English). This ancient doorway offers another glimpse at the old world.

On your way to dinner in the main square of Montblanc, make another detour to continue experiencing the city's historic beauty. The Church of Sant Miquel is another fantastic example of medieval architecture dating to around the 13th century.

After your explorations through the old town, you'll wind up at Placa Major, the central part of Montblanc. Here, locals gather in the evening to eat and drink at the restaurants, enjoying several terraces in the square.
Cafeteria Isama is a great local hangout for some classic Catalan food.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 08:30 – 23:00 Sundays: 08:30 – 16:00

Make your way back to the hotel for the evening, and get a good night's rest. Tomorrow is another big day, where you'll complete the Cistercian route with visits to the two remaining monasteries before making your way back to Barcelona.