Magpie
4.8(2,748 reviews)

Escorial Monastery & Valley of the Fallen Tour

From€62
5 hours
Madrid, Spain

About this activity

Discover Spain's rich history with a guided tour of El Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen, including round-trip transportation from Madrid.

Highlights

  • Explore the historic El Escorial Monastery
  • Marvel at the monumental Valley of the Fallen
  • Enjoy scenic views of the Spanish countryside
  • Learn about Spain's rich history and architecture
  • Experience a comfortable round-trip journey from Madrid

Full description

Step back in time and immerse yourself in Spain's rich history with this captivating tour. Begin with a guided exploration of the El Escorial Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its architectural grandeur and historical significance. Then, visit the Valley of the Fallen, a monumental complex that offers profound insights into Spain's past. Throughout the journey, enjoy comfortable round-trip transportation from Madrid, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and travelers eager to delve into Spain's cultural heritage.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of El Escorial Monastery
  • Visit to the Valley of the Fallen monument
  • Round-trip transportation from Madrid
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Valley of the Fallen is a Francoist regime monument, Catholic basilica and a monumental memorial in the municipality of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, erected at Cuelgamuros Valley in the Sierra de Guadarrama, near Madrid. Franco claimed that the monument was meant to be a "national act of atonement" and reconciliation. The construction works mainly involved free workers and a smaller, albeit significant, percentage of prisoners, these between 1942 and 1950, under the regime of redemption of sentences.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
2

San Lorenzo de El Escorial, also known as El Escorial de Arriba is a town and municipality in the Community of Madrid, Spain, located to the northwest of the region in the southeastern side of the Sierra de Guadarrama, at the foot of Mount Abantos and Las Machotas, 47 kilometres (29 mi) from Madrid. It is head of the same name judicial party. The settlement is popularly called El Escorial de Arriba, to differentiate it from the neighbouring village of El Escorial, also known as El Escorial de Abajo. Felipe II ordered the construction of this Monastery in recognition of the victory of San Quintín, which took place on the day of San Lorenzo in 1557 and is from the King, to erect a mausoleum in memory of his parents and himself, placed under the invocation of Saint Lawrence.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • Confirm the tour's departure time and location upon booking.
  • Be aware that the tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language.
  • Note that the tour includes walking; consider your comfort with walking tours.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for the tour.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and landscapes.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Infant Seats Available
  • Stroller Accessible
  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • Dress code is smart casual
  • Headphones available for radio guide

Traveler reviews

4.8
2,748 reviews
5
2,354
4
285
3
69
2
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Good Experience

Great Experience. Smooth Transporation, Tour guide David is a legend. The Monastery is unique and Valley of Fallen was intriguing and cool.

Vito_ScaleMay 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Escorial and Valle de Cuelgamuros

Very good experience, good driver and goods guides, David and Beatrice

valeriamI2267CGMay 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Highly recommended!

Highly recommended. Both places are spectacular. The staff (bus driver Nicol and guided David and Betty) were amazing. I especially liked the library and the royal apartments at the monastery, and the big cross in the valley. As a suggestion, the visit to the royal apartments should be slower so we can see better. We just walked through very quickly.

Venture27229827606May 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great Tour

Great tour with Beatriz and David.

Kendall JMay 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Disappointing day trip

Felt rushed through the monastery. Hard to hear guide. Guide failed to keep the group together at cathedral the entire visit. No water offered on this trip. No time for lunch as we were running late.

Bill_SMay 24, 2026VIATOR

Additional information

May be operated by a multi-lingual guide Dress code is smart casual Headphones available for radio guide
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