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
Reserve now & pay later: Reserve now & pay later to book your spot without any charges today. Learn more
Duration 5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: Spanish, English

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

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 155 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.7/5
Transportation
4.8/5
Value for money
4.2/5
Safety
4.7/5

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Exactly what it was about. Efficient, good ride. Important basic information regarding the area you are passing by during the journey. A moment for the toilet before and after. In El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen, the most important information. Time for a museum shop. Nice guide Klara. Her English should be understood even by people with basic knowledge of the language. Return to the Royal Palace in Madrid, so you can continue sightseeing on your own.

December 2, 2021

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

Good tour

Overall, I would recommend taking this tour. The Escorial Monastery is very beautiful, with a lot of art and history inside. The guide was very professional and entertaining in her explanations during the visit to the Escorial. He definitely did an excellent job explaining the history of both places. The church of the Valley of the Fallen and its views are spectacular. There was free time to explore. I really liked the tour but it felt a bit rushed. It is sold as a 5 hour tour but it did not even take 4.5 hours. We left at 9:00 am and at 1:15 pm we were already back in the center of Madrid. I feel that additional time should be given in the places, especially if one is paying for a 5 hour tour. That detail aside, it was a good tour.

December 2, 2018

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!

Good tour