Experience the grandeur of the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, a World Heritage Site and a symbol of 16th-century Spanish power. Visit the Basilica of the Valley of the Fallen, carved into the mountain in the Sierra de Madrid, and marvel at the views.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide: English, Spanish

Highlights

Visit the Monastery of El Escorial and tour the Habsburgs Palace
See the Kings and Princes Mausoleum
Marvel at the enormous Basilica of the Valley of the Fallen

Full description

After meeting with your guide, get away from the bustle of the city on a comfortable air-conditioned coach. At the first stop, enjoy a guided tour through the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, an architectural ensemble declared World Heritage site by UNESCO. Built in the 15th century, it is a symbol of the power of the government at the time. Learn about the impressive Royal Mausoleum and the story behind the 21 years of construction time. Marvel at the symmetry of the Renaissance style building. Listen to your guide's commentaries as you explore the Habsburg’s Palace, the Chapter House, the Basilica, and the remarkable library. Then, board your bus again for a short drive to the Valley of the Fallen. The site is located 9 kilometers away from El Escorial, in Sierra de Guadarrama. This enormous monument, built between 1940 and 1959, is carved into the mountain, 1,350 meters up. An impressive 150-meter-high cross stands over the magnificent nature reserve of Madrid’s mountain range, which can be seen from miles away.

Includes

Air-conditioned motor coach
Bilingual guide
Audio headset
Entrance to the Royal Monastery of El Escorial
Entrance to the Valley of the Fallen and the Basilica

Lunch
Gratuities

Covid-19 precautions

You must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask

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Meeting point

Tours depart from the local partner's office at C/ San Nicolás 15 (next to Plaza de Ramales).

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Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes

Know before you go

Comfortable shoes are recommended.
The duration of the tour includes round-trip transfers.
It is kindly requested that visitors do not take photos or film inside the exhibitions.
Please note that the itinerary is subject to change.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 122 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.6/5
Transportation
4.9/5
Value for money
4.2/5
Safety
4.7/5

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Great trip chaotic start!

We had a chaotic start to this trip when the guide couldn't find the coach due to a triathlon taking place in the centre of Madrid. This ment we were running half an hour late and were rushed through the basilica of the valley. Saying that Manuel our guide was knowledgeable and had a good sense of humour and did repeatedly apologise for the start. The monastery is amazing. We would have liked longer to look around!

May 6, 2019

Wonderful Memorial Tour Outside Madird

This is my second time on this tour and OMG the number of tourists has tripled since I was there six years ago. We had Carmen as our local tour guide and loved her. She is a no nonsense professional guide that makes sure everyone knows and adheres to the rules. As a result, we got to see everything without being rushed or having to wait for late/lost people or chatty Cathies interrupting her speeches. Three are tons of stairs (75) up and down to the crypts so please know this ahead of time but it is well worth the visit. Loved the Valley of the Fallen as a War Memorial though the lack of respect for the chapel and boorish clouts talking and photo taking (prohibited) was a let down inside. The views are breathtaking outside and there is nice café near the bus stops to grab a snack and drink. Very impressive site to visit and well worth the money. Weekends are crowded so if you can go during the week it might be better.

October 23, 2018

Great half day option

Tour guide Marta was friendly and smiling and the information she provided was fascinating. Both locations were amazing feats of architecture and a must see. The only thing was the lack of time spent at El Escorial probably due to the lengeth of the overall tour. We saw glimpses of the magnificent grounds from inside the monastery however were only guided around the interior and did not get a sense of the building like in the promotional photos. This is by no means a complaint. Purely a fact of the tour. We enjoyed the experience very much.

May 6, 2017

El Escorial & Basilica of the Valley 5-Hour Guided Tour

El Escorial & Basilica of the Valley 5-Hour Guided Tour

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Great trip chaotic start!

Wonderful Memorial Tour Outside Madird

Great half day option

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