The Cistercian route in horse-drawn wagon.

The Cistercian route links The Monasteries of Santes Creus, Poblet and Vallbona de les Monges. The Poblet monastery was declared world heritage in 1991 and is the largest Cistercian habitat in Europe. Vallbona de les Monges is renowned for its uninterrupted feminine monastic activity for more than 800 years. The special features of the monasteries ensure that their exploration becomes a fascinating discovery of the past.
What better a way to enjoy this trip back into history and relive the past than travel by wagon drawn by our two strong, kind and willing Percheron horses, Eimeric and Bemat.

The two wagons seats up to twenty adults.
Our trip begins in Santes Creus, situated at 300m altitude in the Alt Camp on the River Gaia. The Cistercian monastery was founded in the XII century.
The itinerary passes through the regions of The Alt Camp and La Conca de Barbera, amongst vineyards, almond trees, olive groves, small pine woods and mountainous areas.
We take the original track from the past to El Pla de Santa Maria.

Two hours later we arrive in El Pla de Santa Maria where we can see the Romanic church dating back to the XII century.
From here we are forced by the terrain to take the road to Cabra del Camp and then on to Prenafeta by track.
Prenafeta belongs to the Villa Ducal of Montblanc and this is where we stop to rest for the night and enjoy the Medieval Supper "Compte Berenguer" at The Hotel Els Pins.

The next morning, without having to rise early we have a leisurely breakfast and set off at 10:00am for Montblanc. Our ride to Montblanc is relatively short, an hour approximately. Once we are in Montblanc there will be a guided tour of this intemationally renowned medieval town, famous for its celebrations of Saint George, patron Saint of Catalonia and soon to be declared World Heritage.

After a complete lunch we set off for Villa Engracia in Les Masies de Poblet. On the way we can admire the ancient oak trees, vineyards and pine woods or sleep the "siesta"!
Once we have arrived at Villa Engracia we have time for a short rest, shower and drink before visiting the chanting of the monks at the Monastery of Poblet.
Poblet was founded in 1151 and was declared a National Monument in 1921. At present it still has an active monastic community.
We finish our day by having supper in Villa Engracia and once again enjoying the local food and menu D'Alfons XIII.
On Sunday we must rise a little earlier and have breakfast, followed by an optional visit of the Monastery of Poblet.
At 10:00am sharp we leave on our final stage to Vallbona

Our trip takes us through the town of L 'Espluga de Francoli, through vineyards, small pine woods and once on the Plains of The Urgell the countryside changes into immense fields of com.
After an optional lunch in Vallbona and exchange of opinions of the route from the past - THE CISTERCIAN ROUTE - we are driven back to Santes Creus, to our cars and the present!

This is a trip to be done by horse-drawn vehicle or on horseback! No traffic, no queues, no noise except from the horses' hooves on the dusty tracks. The wagon can be accompanied by competent riders and hired horses at an additional cost. (50€)