RoamRide
HikingCulture

Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen from Madrid

4.3(1133 reviews)Madrid, Spain
5h30DurationEnglish, SpanishOffered inMobile ticketTicketPickup includedPickupEasyLevel

About this experience

Travel from Madrid to the Monastery of El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will explore its historical and architectural significance. An expert guide will lead you through the Habsburg Palace, sharing insights into the Spanish monarchy. The tour also includes a visit to the Valley of the Fallen, featuring an underground basilica and a notable 152-meter cross set against the backdrop of the Madrid mountains. This experience is suitable for history enthusiasts and those interested in Spanish culture. It is not ideal for individuals with mobility issues due to the walking involved. Ensure to check if any specific items are required for entry.

Itinerary

1

Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Check in at our office in central Madrid 15 minutes in advance of your tour. Leave the city aboard one of our comfortable air-conditioned coaches. Enjoy your visit through the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, an architectural ensemble declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Built in the 16th century, it is a symbol of the power of the government at the time. Accompanied by your guide, you will discover the most important areas of the monument. Of Renaissance style, you will marvel at the building symmetry as you walk along the site visiting the Habsburg’s Palace, the Chapter House, the Basilica and the remarkable library.

2

Valley of the Fallen

Visit the Valley of the Fallen, get back on the bus for the short journey to the next destination. The Valley of the Fallen is located 9km away from El Escorial, in Sierra de Guadarrama. You will be able to see it from far away thanks to the monumental cross built above the site. The monument is an underground church built into the mountain. The same is topped by the World’s Largest Cross, which can be seen from miles away.

What's included / not included

Local guideAdmission to the Valley of the Fallen and the BasilicaAir conditioned vehicleHotel pickup and drop-off service (If option Private Tour selected)Radio-guide systemEntrance to the Royal Monastery of El Escorial

Additional information

Accessibility and comfort

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Not recommended for people with walking difficulties or reduced mobility, as the interior of the monument has a large number of stairs and full accessibility cannot be guaranteed due to its architectural features.

Good to know

  • Please note this is a walking tour on arrival at the site. Wear appropriate attire.
  • Julià Travel reserves the right to modify or cancel the tour itinerary without prior notice due to force majeure reasons.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers per guide.
  • In accordance with the regulations of the Valley of the Fallen, the guide will not be able to give explanations inside the basilica. All information will be given outside and the visit will be on your own.
  • Patrimonio Nacional reserves the right to modify the itinerary and the access to some parts of its monuments.

Traveller reviews

4.31133 reviews

Reviews are hosted by Viator

This rating summarises the reviews collected by Viator, which keeps them on its own listing. We show the average exactly as it reaches us, without the individual comments.

Read the reviews on Viator

More to do in Madrid

Everything in Madrid