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

4.78

2,419 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2053

267

Must do
Edwin S,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This is a must do, the history and the structures have to be experienced firsthand, photos and videos don't do them justice. The guide was very knowledgeable and she was very friendly and fluent in English.
Great way to see El Escorial and learn Spanish history
N9292MKjamesh,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The guide Beatrice was very knowledgeable and kept a good pace. It was easy to stay engaged as she explained what we were seeing and definitely elevated the experience. There was so much background that we would not have known otherwise. The organization and transportation was also very well done and easy.
Dia Top!!!
174ainhoag,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Perfect day and special visit thanks to Beatriz, the guide, a passionate historian of what she does, never boring and always smiling. He kept us always attentive to every explanation. I also want to mention Manuel who took us in total safety, kind and smiling. Thank you.
Visit to Escorial
238mnmn,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was very informative and well organized. Beatriz made so fun and interactive. Manuel the driver was always punctual. They were both very friendly. Great team work! I can recommend them. Thank you Beatriz and Manuel!!!
Great experience on the tour
ChanchalK8,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience with Manuel and Beatrice for the trip. Beatrice was great at explaining the entire tour. They are actually worth.
Recommended
leticiapG1434JH,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Good experience with Manuel the driver and Beatriz the guide. We have had a very pleasant morning and the tour suits the group
Great experience
James M,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The guide was good and knowledgeable and friendly. The bus was very comfortable. Excellent experience!
Excellent visit
Stephen T,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very good visit, with a guide speaking Spanish and English, both very well. The two places surprised me, because they were bigger and full of history than I expected.
Excellent Experience
R1607XUmichaeln,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Oscar and the bus driver were great. Oscar really knew the history of the sites and was knowledgeable. The two locations were beautiful. We had enough time to get plenty of pictures and videos and did not feel rushed. Overall, an excellent experience.
Guide to the Valley of the Fallen.
ruisX4514EB,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent visit. Everything went very well. The guide (Oscar) was very friendly and helpful. I recommend it to everyone. Two very important places in the history of Spain.