El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Half Day Trip from Madrid
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
The tour begins with a guided visit to the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage with fast-track access which Philip II ordered to be built as a Royal Residence and Royal Pantheon. Symbol of the greatness of the Spanish Empire, the palace-monastery complex is an impressive construction of great historical-artistic and architectural value that houses jewels such as the Basilica, the Pantheon, the Royal Library or the palatial quarters occupied by the different reigning dynasties.
Continuing our route to the nearby Valley of Cuelgamuros where the highest Christian cross in the world (150 metres) announces the location of the Valley of the Fallen, an extraordinary and controversial work of architecture, sculpture and engineering erected in honour of the fallen in the Civil War in Spain. We visit the interior of the basilica carved into the rock and admire the grandeur of the monumental complex and the natural scenery that surrounds it
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The duration of the tour includes the round trip Madrid-El Escorial-Valley of the Fallen-Madrid, 2 hours
The duration of the tour also includes the walking from the bus to Monuments and free time, 45 minutes
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Accompanying bilingual English & Spanish guide on the bus.
Round trip Madrid-El Escorial-Valle de los Caídos-Madrid by air-conditioned bus.
Fast-track entrance and guided visit to the Monastery of El Escorial.
Fast-track entrance to the Valley of the Fallen and guided visit inside the Basilica.
Any not specified service
What To Expect
Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial
The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a complex that includes the palace was the residence of the Spanish royal family, the basilica is the burial place of the kings of Spain and the monastery - founded by monks of the Order of St. Jerome - is currently occupied by friars of the Order of St. Augustine. It is one of the most unique Renaissance architectures in Spain and Europe.
Valley of the Fallen
The Valley of the Fallen, officially called Valle de Cuelgamuros since October 2022, is a monumental complex consisting of a Catholic basilica, an abbey and a 150 m high cross perched on the top of a cliff overlooking the surrounding valley; with the peculiarity that the basilica is subway in its entirety. Once the visit is finished , free time to explore the surroundings at your own
Options
El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Half Day Trip from Madrid
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very convenient excursion...
Veronique D,
Aug 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very convenient excursion to visit El Escurial y la Valle de Cuelgamuros. Not enough explanations about life at the time and the explanation of the paintings. Paintings by Greco among others, only one is commented. That makes a good basis for knowing if we want to come back or not. I'll look for a more historic visit next time. For the valley, beautiful place for nature!🤩 Cold and impersonal site. Would be almost scary! But I definitely wanted to see him once in my life. Effective guide. Comfortable bus. 1/2 day very pleasant and in line with my expectations
A very positive experience which needs a little improvement
Paul S,
Jul 3, 2025
- Viator
4.00A very positive experience. Visit well organized. Guide was very knowledgable although his English diction was not always clear. Perhaps a half hour free break between the Monastery and the Valley would have made a big difference. After all the tour was meant to end at 2pm. However we arrived back in Madrid about 30 minutes earlier.
Great if you understand Spanish.
Tom N,
Jun 26, 2025
- Viator
3.00While the sites and transportation to and from them were fine the audio and guide where not that good if you were needing to hear it in English. We left feeling the discussion was “Spaingless”, 70% Spanish and 40% in English. The earphones were horrible.
Good sights, but guide not great.
Frank A,
Apr 20, 2025
- Viator
4.00Sites were great. Guide Michelle lacked enthusiasm and engagement with group. Got the impression she was just going through the motions.
Huge part of Spanish History including the Civil War era
Kathleen S,
Apr 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00A lot of walking and it's VERY COLD inside both the Escorial and the church in the Valley of the Fallen. These locations are up in the mountains so be prepared! Pathways and inside the Escorial are well paved and easy to navigate. The tour bus takes you right up to the entrances of both the Escorial and then the Valley of the Fallen grounds. These sights are less toured and fascinating. Our tour guide, Sylvia supplied us with lots of facts and interesting history of the sites. My only regret was I wished that our tour included an excursion into the extensive manicured gardens which are part of the Escorial grounds but are not open to the public apparently.
Related Experiences
Operated by Travel Tours Experience