From the Abbey of Montserrat to Lleida

Heading towards the mountain of Montserrat, after having an early breakfast at the hotel.
This shrine uniquely set in the mountain has over a thousand years of history and the whole village is enveloped in this eternal, sacred atmosphere.
I recommend that you book your tickets in advance on this website. The ticket includes the open-air museum with an audio guide and an information booklet.
Thanks to these, you will be able to learn about the history of the monastery and the most important spaces of the entire sanctuary.
You will have to book the time anyway when you want to enter to see the famous Virgin, known as la Moreneta, at a close distance; you can do this via this link.
After visiting the abbey, you can continue with the Museum of Montserrat which contains works by Caravaggio, Picasso, Dali, Monet, as well as archaeological finds from Persia, Egypt, etc.
Then all you have to do is enjoy the breathtaking view. Bring comfortable shoes and also a jacket, as you may get a bit chilly being in the mountains.
To check the opening hours of each individual facility you can go directly to this link.

Before moving towards the city centre, visit the Garden Hill where you will find a castle full of history, the most fascinating as it concerns the Templars.
You will discover that this castle came into being shortly after the Christian conquest of the former Muslim city and that the Templars had obtained this territory as a reward for having helped militarily in the conquest of the city.
A community of about twenty members of the brotherhood used to live in this place. Incredible how this place is permeated with history, so much so that the desire to know more about it increases.
Take a walk inside the monumental complex, surrounded by walls and towers, where you will find several buildings around a central square. Other detached buildings include the Torre-habitación and the church of Santa María de Gardeny.
The castle is open from mid-April to the end of June from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Instead from 24 June to 11 December it is open daily from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Castle is closed from 12 December until mid-April and all year round on Mondays.

After lunch, you finally reach the hill of Lleida where you will find the monumental complex of the Seu Vella, which includes the cathedral and the castle, the two witnesses of what remains of the medieval city.
As soon as you arrive, I recommend climbing the bell tower, as it closes half an hour earlier. Immediately tackle the 200 and more steps to enjoy a breathtaking view that I suggest you do not miss.
Pass through the Porta dels Apòstols to walk inside one of the largest Gothic-style cloisters in Europe, then continue through the main gate to enter the Cathedral, surprisingly bare of decoration.
You can find all the historic information you need at this website. If you want to book a guided tour instead, you should call this number +34 973 230 653 or send an email to this address turoseuvella@turoseuvella.cat
The Cathedral is open from May to September from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 2:00 PM and from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. On Sundays and holidays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
From October to April on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM and from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. On Sundays and holidays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is closed all year round on Mondays.

Continue inside the complex to reach the ruins of this castle, named for the type of fortification centre, la Suda, typical of Andalusian constructions.
Climb to the top floor of the courthouse to reach the terrace from where you will have a spectacular view of the city and the Pyrenean mountain range.
The castle is a typical defensive fortress, and you will see that there are several fortification points both inside the walls and along the surrounding walls. Walk up to the main fortification through the Mezzaluna ravelin.
The castle is open from May to September on Saturdays from 10:30 to 2:00 PM and from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. On Sundays and holidays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
From October to April from Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM and from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. On Sundays and holidays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

After this plunge into medieval history and all this walking, the next thing to do before tackling the next visit is to fill your stomach.
And with good food, so I recommend making a reservation at this tapas bar where you can try different local specialties.
Lleida is famous first and foremost for its snails, if you want to venture out you can try them, as they are also included in the menu of the day.
The fixed menu allows you to choose between a first course and a second course and a dessert at moderate prices. Also, try the bravas potatoes as a side dish, they are really delicious.
If the weather permits ask for a table on the outdoor terrace, to reserve you can call this number +34 670 828089.
The restaurant is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, on Fridays and Saturdays it also opens in the evening from 8:30 PM to 12:00 AM and is closed on Sundays.

After lunch get back on the road to take the return journey. You will drive along the border between Aragon and Catalonia, surrounded by greenery, and cross the Val d'Aran.
This area in the Pyrenees, only a few kilometres from the French border, although geographically part of the province of Lleida, linguistically does not belong to Catalonia.
In fact, if you stop for a short break in the town of Vielha, completely surrounded by greenery, you will notice for yourself how the landscape and the houses have changed, much more influenced by the French style.

Stop by this typical tapas bar to take a break and refresh or warm up, depending on the season.
I recommend trying one of the typical pintxos or their empanadillas to go with a glass of typical cider or of local wine.
The bar is right next to the Black River, which runs through the city. It is open every day from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM and is closed on Sundays.

After this break, get back on the road, crossing the Pyrenees and the French border back towards Toulouse. On the way, stop for dinner at this little French restaurant that offers a wide choice of menus depending on how hungry you are.
The waiters are very helpful and have a really excellent line and the quality of the food is also very high. You can also book online via this link the set menu offers, or simply a table.
I recommend you try the salmon tartar which comes with a side dish of your choice, dessert, and coffee. If you want to be sure to have a sit in the terrace then call them at this number +33 561985259.
The restaurant is open during the week from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM and from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM, and from Friday to Sunday only the closing time changes, to 9:30 PM.

After dinner, facing the last hour of driving, I am sure you will feel very happy with these three days spent in contact with art, history, and nature, discovering a Spain that is also a bit different.