Guided tour

From Madrid: El Escorial and Valley's Basilica Half Day Tour

Guided tour

From Madrid: El Escorial and Valley's Basilica Half Day Tour

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From US$ 63.49 US$ 50.79 per person

Travel to Escorial from Madrid for a tour of the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and the historical royal monuments. You'll also visit the Valley of the Fallen, and tour the basilica.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 5 hours
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Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
Spanish, English

Experience

Highlights
  • Learn about the history of Spain and the Spanish monarchy
  • See the Cloister of the 4 Evangelists, the Palace of Philip II, and the Royal Pantheon
  • Visit the Valley of the Fallen and see the interior of the basilica
Full description

On this 5-hour tour from Madrid, you’ll begin with a visit to the Monastery of El Escorial. It was built under the reign of powerful King Philip II as a residence for Spanish kings, a monastery, and a royal pantheon.

It became a symbol of the great power of the Spanish Empire at that time. The monument was declared to be of artistic and historic importance and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Valley of the Fallen was built in 1936, about 9 kilometers from Escorial, as a memorial to those who died during the Spanish Civil War. 

Situated in a beautiful valley in the Guadarrama Mountains, this impressive work features a cross standing more than 150 meters high, as well as a basilica and crypt built into the hard rock under the mountain.

The tour includes admission to the Valley as well as a visit to the basilica’s interior.

Includes
  • Transportation
  • Tour guide
  • Entrance and guided visit to the Monastery
  • Entrance to the Valley of the Fallen and the Basilica
  • Audio headset
  • Meals and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Entrances to not specified monuments
Not suitable for
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Checking Time: 20 minutes before tour departs. Please, redeem your ticket (mobile or printed)at the front desk of VPT Tours office before bording. Meeting point: inside VPT Tours Office Address: 3, Ferraz street, 28008 Madrid Closest Metro stations: Ventura Rodriguez (line 3) or Plaza España (lines 3 and 10) If you come by taxi or walking, please advise that number 3 of Ferraz street is almost in front of number 28.

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Important information

Not allowed

  • Flash photography
  • Video recording

Know before you go

  • It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 128 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.5/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Service
    4.2/5
  • Organization
    4/5

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Star rating:

Great trip! Our group left on time in a comfortable bus. Sylvia was very knowledgeable and personable. Sylvia led us through beautiful El Escorial and down into the tombs. Her information was amazing. Valley of the Fallen was a somber experience because The Holy Cross and Basilica were created by Franco's prisoners. But there is no denying it's incredible to behold. Thank you, Sylvia, for our wonderful tour.

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March 25, 2023

Nos encantó la visita. Son dos monumentos imprescindibles del Patrimonio español que vale la pena visitar con guía para conocer la Historia que albergan y que motivó su construcción, y así apreciar mejor su valor y significado. Totalmente recomendable!

March 25, 2023

Het was een heel goed georganiseerde excursie. Ons enig punt van kritiek is dat er zo snel in het Engels gesproken werd dat we het nauwelijks konden volgen. En we misten een korte drinkpauze. We waren al om 8 uur uit het hotel vertrokken op pad naar de ontmoetingsplaats en waren 14.00 uur terug.

March 25, 2023

Product ID: 44414