Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

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.

1 hour • Admission Included

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.

2 hours • Admission Included

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

4.79

2,491 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2121

271

Snowy 🌨
Jorge A,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Sergio was very knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything. Also he was super nice and made this a wonderful experience.
The guide was quite...
Shalini G,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00
The guide was quite knowledgeable, and he did great switching between English and Spanish. Only issue was the group had both English and Spanish and the majority were Spanish. I wish had 2 guides. Would recommend to mention that in the details.
Visit to the Escorial and Valley of the Fallen
Lourdes A,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a very interesting visit, Oscar gave us a lot of information. I loved his way of presenting the story to us, it was dynamic and his particular way of telling is extraordinary. I give a 100 to him and the driver, Fernando, both proved their professionalism.
Great tour
jameseN7323XH,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great tour. Highly recommended. Weather was not the best but still had a good time. Tour guide Oscar and driver Fernando were great.
The best guides I had
salvadorpG4985CI,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very good experiences the david guide took us back to the past and told us all the details is very good person and explains with patience. Felix a crack the best driver I saw took us fast and safe.
Tour with rich historical content.
Nomade Arg,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Entertaining tour with lots of historical content. Guide David took us back to the past in the Escorial, with rich information from the kings and Emperor Charles V. The hanging valley is also very interesting and with beautiful views. The bus very comfortable and the driver Felix drives very prudently. Very nice experience.
Great tour
JOSE GIL J,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was an excellent tour of David and Felix where David explains super well. Know the subject and the places it took us. I recommend it
getaway as a couple
Juan C,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very professional the guide. It is advisable to make this excursion and it would only take the driver who is a good professional, to tell the greeting.
Recommended
Escape36468631334,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent! Beatriz was in charge of showing us this beautiful place, which is impressive and the very detailed explanation of our guide made it very pleasurable and enveloping! I recommend both the tour and Beatriz!
A must do day trip
Lena L,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Beatrice, our guide, extremely knowledgeable about Spanish history. Her English is excellent. Another one of highlights of my Spain trip, and not to miss.