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
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.
Options
Half Day Tour Escorial y Valle de los Caidos con Tickets Included from Madrid
What‘s Included
The Valley of Fallen Admission Ticket
Professional Guide
Escorial Monastery Admission Ticket
Trip by luxury bus with air conditioned and Wifi
Food and drinks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2,893 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very informative
NorthStar815873,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour. Lots of historical information. Knowledgeable guide!
Will do again!
W8162NMlaurenp,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was exceptional. The tourist guild (Oscar) was very good at reminding tourists that the valley is a mass grave and should be treated as such. I am so greatful that we booked with an amazing tour guild instead of trying to do it by ourselves.
A memorable experience
karenpH2573QJ,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oscar was a phenomenal guide! He shared details that were so interesting. Fernando was a great driver!! A+++
Very educational
Storyteller818949,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oscar was great! He is very knowledgeable in the history of Spain and the royal family
Monumental visit
919demetriusp,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oscar the guide and Fernando the driver were both excellent!! The places are great to learn about the history of Spain
Good experience
bobbysB5133DB,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good half day activity, lots of informations, not a lot of tourists
Monastery trip
derraldb2026,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Extremely educational. Oscar was our tour guide and knew so many facts. Totally worth the time and money to Go on this outing.
History
N854TRvirginiam,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David and Miguel were amazing!! Great tour :)
Great
annajF5489QR,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sergio was a great guide and we really liked the tour. The transfer worked fine and the bus was cool - even with 30 degrees outside. We got many informations and the time spent at the monuments was adequate.
Nice tour to get more familiar with history of Spain.
511vedranv,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Interesting tour with lot of Spanish history.
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