Join Rebecca Campbell on a 7-night retreat with Alternatives in the beautiful sacred land of Montserrat in Catalonia Spain – diving deep into the healing energy of the divine feminine and connecting to the wisdom of your soul.

The Great Mother is awakening in the hearts of many, have you heard her call? Come and join us in the sacred mountains of Montserrat for this life-changing, deeply healing sacred pilgrimage retreat.

You will be greeted in Barcelona and taken to the sacred mountains of Montserrat, home of Our Lady of Montserrat. We will stay there for 5 days before journeying to Barcelona for a tour of the sacred, mystical Black Madonna and sacred feminine of Barcelona.

Through chant, ritual, meditation, contemplation, soul journeying, and intuitive dance you will deepen your connection with The Great Mother or Goddess of your own understanding and fall deeper into her arms. Embrace the sacred feminine that rises within you, and receive clear guidance on your soul’s sacred path. Free yourself from ancient cycles passed down through generations and the collective. Receive replenishment and healing.

Santa Maria de Montserrat is a Benedictine abbey located on the mountain of Montserrat, in Monistrol de Montserrat, in Catalonia, Spain. It is n   otable for enshrining the image of the Virgin of Montserrat and the Black Madonna in the Grotto under the mountain.        

After shepherds saw a luminous vision of the Madonna in the 'Holy Grotto' in the year 888, the serrated mountains, valleys, and caves became a holy pilgrimage site where spiritual seekers have come for healing and contemplation ever since.

The monastery was founded in the 11th century and rebuilt between the 19th and 20th centuries, and still functions to this day, with over 70 monks. There have always been roughly 80 monks in residence

The accommodation rooms are located within the Hotel Abat Cisneros situated in the Monastery itself. Hotel Abat Cisneros has provided accommodation for Pilgrims since its original construction in 1563. The simple decor lends itself to quiet meditation/contemplation, the background noise is simply the Monks and church bells.

As part of your fully guided tour of the grounds, we will head up to the top of the mountain on a cogwheel train to see the panoramic view of Montserrat with the Pyrenees in the distance. There will be scenic hikes, a sunrise walk to St Micheal's Cross, and a tour guide to give you the spiritual history and significance of the landmarks onsite.

There will be an afternoon visit to the Holy Grotto where the original sighting of the Madonna took place. All tours and guides mentioned are included as part of your retreat.

Image from Rebecca's Oracle deck depicting the Madonna of Montserrat

After 5 days we head to Barcelona for the weekend to continue our journey with the Black Madonna. In every church in Barcelona, there is a representation of the Madonna of Montserrat. We will visit the most important of these icons and artwork and learn about the wider influence of the Black Madonna in Catalonian culture.

You will be taken on an exclusive private tour bus with the group to see the most important spiritual sites of Barcelona, including the world famous Sagrada Familia Basilica.

All rooms are single occupancy (shared rates available on request). All accommodations have a bath or shower, telephone, and free internet access is available throughout.  All transfers (with the exception of the final transfer in Barcelona) are included. Breakfast and dinner are included. Lunch will be your own responsibility and there are many traditional food options in the vicinity, we will guide you to the best options. Once your place has been confirmed we will advise you on flight booking and insurance details.

Something sacred happens when two or more of us answer the call to gather especially on such sacred land as this. A sacred pilgrimage is a journey that the soul leads us on. If you feel the call we look forward to welcoming you on this sacred journey into the arms of the great mother and embracing the sacred feminine that is rising within each and every one of us.

Booking

Deposit today to secure your place £750

Pay in Instalments, £4400 full price

Travel Information

The retreat takes place in Montserrat Monastery, which is 1 hour drive from Barcelona.  The closest airport is Barcelona.  We will arrange a transfer from Barcelona airport to the Monastery within a certain time frame.  Please contact us before booking your flight to ensure you are within the collection period. 

Cancellation & Refunds

Your payment includes a £750 non-refundable deposit.

If you cancel between:
Now and July 15th – 100% refund minus £750 non-refundable deposit
July 16th – September 17th – 50% refund minus £750 non-refundable deposit
September 18th – November 10th – no refund

Itinerary

Sunday 10^th November

13.00 Collection at Barcelona airport 

14:30  Arrival Montserrat approx 

15:00   Checking in + Orientation

18.30   Optional Church service and boys choir in the Basilica

19.30   Dinner with the group

Monday 11^th November

6.30 Optional hike to St Michael’s Cross – viewing point

8.00 Breakfast

10.00 Session 1 with Rebecca

11.45 Tea, coffee, pastries - break

12.15 Session 2

14.00 Lunch

15.30 Excursion 1 – Tour guide Basilica, the Black Madonna, candle room, museum, and walking tour of the grounds and photo stops 

18.30 One-hour free time before dinner

19.30 Dinner

Tuesday 12^th November

6.30 Optional hike to St Michael’s Cross – viewing point

8.00 Breakfast

10.00 Session 3 with Rebecca

11.45 Tea, coffee, pastries - break

12.15 Session 4

14.00 Lunch

15.30 Excursion 2 – Visiting Santa Cova or ‘The Holy Grotto’.

The Santa Cova de Montserrat is the hillside cave on Montserrat where the Virgin of Montserrat was traditionally hidden during the Moorish invasions and later discovered by shepherds in 880.

Its discovery made Montserrat into a pilgrimage destination, and led to the founding of the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey.

Legend has it that the Virgin Mary appeared in this cave. The apparition of Mary was first noted in a text dating back to 1239

3 hours

18.30 One-hour free time before dinner

19.30 Dinner

Wednesday 13^th November

6.30 Optional hike to St Michael’s Cross – viewing point

8.00 Breakfast

10.00 Session 5 with Rebecca

11.45 Tea, coffee, pastries - break

12.15 Session 6

14.00 Lunch

15.30 Excursion 3 – Cogwheel train to the top of the mountain - 3 hours

18.30 One-hour free time before dinner

19.30 Dinner

Thursday 14^th November

6.30 Optional hike to St Michael’s Cross – viewing point

8.00 Breakfast

10.00 Session 7 with Rebecca

11.45 Tea, coffee, pastries - break

12.15 Session 8

14.00 Lunch

15.30 Excursion 4 – Farmers Market, gift shop, free time

19.30 Dinner

Friday 15^th November

6.30 Optional hike to St Michael’s Cross – viewing point

8.00 Breakfast

11.00 Checkout + Coach transfer

13.00 Arrival at hotel in Barcelona – check in

14.00 Lunch break

16.00 Excursion to all main associated Black Madonna’s in Barcelona – inc The Temple of Espiatori, Basílica de la Puríssima Concepció and more!

20.00 Dinner at hotel

Saturday 16^th November

8.00 Breakfast

10.00 Tour 2 - Tour bus including visit to the Sagrada Familia/Gothic qr

15.00 Tapas on La Ramblas + free time

18.00 Meet at gathering point and back to hotel

20.00 Gala dinner in the Grand Hall and goodbyes

Sunday 17^th November

8.00 Breakfast

10.00 Checkout and transfers to airport

Schedule subject to small changes 

Questions?

Any questions or queries, please email venetia@alternatives.org.uk