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
2,804 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Interesting tour of El Escorial
Mike L,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00El Escorial is a beautiful site and Maria was very knowledgeable about the location. Even with the controversy, the Valley of the Fallen is an impress location worth seeing and Maria had a number of interesting facts to share about it. Aldemil was the driver. They were both professional. We’ve been on many tours and this is one we recommend!
Valley of the Fallen/ Él Escorial Tour
G5070LFmatthewh,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Maria was great. She was kind, educational, & informative!
El Escorial
kimberlylI6997MN,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Maria was our guide and she was fantastic!! She did a great job sharing the history of El Escorial /Valley of the Fallen. We would do another tour with this company.
Lovely day, we learned so much Spanish history.
Maps11978183547,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Maria was excellent! Super knowledgeable and friendly. Fantastic experience!
Good trip
J4670ARericr,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Maria was great. Transport was easy
Escorial and Valley of the Fallen
BartoszG289,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful tour and truly enjoyed every moment of it. Our guide, Beatrice, was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. She shared many interesting facts and stories, making the experience both educational and entertaining. We highly recommend this tour, especially with Beatrice as the guide. Thank you for an excellent experience!
Fantastic Escorial
miklosb823,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good, well organized, excellent guide
Escorial
156daimarap,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beatriz was our guide and she was wonderful 👌👌Ademir was our driver 👍👍
Maria was an excellent guide, both friendly and extremely knowledgeable.
Daniel M,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fascinating and varied trip, much enjoyed.
Great tour and guide
sokratisa2026,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour and David was a very helpful guide that answered all our questions. Ademir our bus driver was really smooth and the bus comfortable. Just one warning; this tour had lots of stairs, so get those calf muscles ready 💪
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