Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
On this excursion we will visit the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, an architectural heritage site of the Humanity, and the Basilica of the Valle de los Caídos, a monument that stands out for its gigantic size.
5 hour direct tour to the Valle de los Caídos with its basilica excavated in the Sierra de Madrid and discover the grandeur of the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, a World Heritage Site and symbol of Spanish supremacy of the sixteenth century.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Dress code is smart casual
Headphones available for radio guide
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Valley of the Fallen
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.
Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial
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.
What‘s Included
The Valley of Fallen Admission Ticket
Professional Guide
Trip by luxury bus with air conditioned and Wifi
Escorial Monastery Admission Ticket
Food and drinks
Options
Half Day Tour Escorial y Valle de los Caidos con Tickets Included from Madrid
Reviews
2,544 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Really interesting trip.
sarah b,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The tour guide gave an excellent insight into both sites, it was great to be able to understand a bit more about the history of the sites and of Spain. Incredible views at the valley of the fallen monument, even impressive in the rain. Well organised and great value for money
Excellent guided tour
Alexander W,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is an unmisseable guided tour of two hugely significant historical sights not far from Madrid which are also exciting to visit. The tour guide David was excellent and friendly and gave us all the information we needed in English as well as in Spanish. The coach took us there very quickly and we had sufficient time for breaks at both places. Altogether it was a thoroughly enjoyable half day excursion which l would recommend all visitors to Madrid to go on.
Ver interesting...
Susan E,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ver interesting perspectives on different periods in Spanish history. Sergio was an excellent guide. He was very pleasant and very well informed.
Escorial and valley of the fallen
S9896ZOmelissas,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Tour guide was very knowledgeable.
To repeat.
yaneidap2026,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very pleasant visit accompanied by the guide Luis.
Amazing tour; applause for the guide
C1189JPcarloss,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David and George were excellent. David had extremely solid knowledge of everything visited, and was more than willing to answer questions clearly and in detail. The tour flowed amazingly and without any problems.
Very good trip
632delmac,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent explanation David and George
Fascinating Historical Tour from Madrid
brittanyaC190WY,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour to El Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen was one of the most interesting experiences during my time in Madrid. It’s a perfect trip for anyone who wants to learn more about Spain’s history while visiting two very impressive landmarks. El Escorial Monastery was absolutely stunning. The architecture is grand and the entire complex is filled with history, art, and beautiful rooms. Our guide explained the significance of the monastery, the royal pantheon, and the role it played during Spain’s powerful empire. It was fascinating to walk through such an important historical site. The visit to the Valley of the Fallen was equally powerful and memorable. The scale of the monument and the massive cross above the valley are truly impressive. The guide provided helpful historical context, which made the visit even more meaningful and thought-provoking. The tour was well organized, transportation from Madrid was comfortable, and the guide was knowledgeable and engaging throughout the trip. It was a great way to see these iconic sites without worrying about planning or transportation.
The landscapes, the monastery and the valley of the fallen.
LuisRCh,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience and the Bea guide quite friendly and attentive.
Perfect excursion. I'd come back for more details.
augustocI1959AJ,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really liked the tour. The Beatriz Rodriguez guide excellent. Everything was 100.
From €62.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Fun and Tickets