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

2,442 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2073

270

A Very Fascinating and Informative Half-Day Trip
jose c,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the Escorial, answered all our questions, and shared many historical anecdotes. His coverage of the Valley was eye-opening. I was surprised to learn that 20,000 political prisoners were used to build the complex. Initially, the prisoners got only one day of reduced sentence for every two days they worked; talk about an unjust trade. The Escorial was much more beautiful than I imagined. And just seeing the statues inside the Valley of the Fallen was worth the price of the tickets. I later looked up the Valley on YouTube, and it didn’t seem that impressive on video,, but in person it is stunning.
Nice quick trip
Juan Jose C,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
There were problems with the communication devices at the beginning which consumed time. The guide was courteous but was in a big big rush. The volume of the communication devices was very low. Also the bus seats are too crowded and uncomfortable. Very little space once one seat is reclined
Tour Monastery
ricardor342,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very nice places The monastery and the Valley of the Fallen spectacular. at this time of December it is advisable to go very warm. the guide David super friendly explains you well.
Well designed your program
miaow417,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This is a well designed tour. The program is efficient and the guides kept a good pace. Rafael and David were great guides who kept us engaged throughout. El Escorial is a little difficult to visit from Madrid so having this tour program is pretty convenient.
An immersioni in Spanish History
raimondof289,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very interesting tour among iconic places of hispanic history, I would just suggest a stop in front of the main entrance of the Escorial so people can take a picture of the official entrance.
Escorial and Valley of the Fallen
MaruLeal,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent tour with guides Rafa and David, and our driver Pedro. Very timely everything, with enough free time, and very good information.
An extraordinary visit
adrianacF3752TM,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A very interesting visit, our guide David was great. Definitely a recommended excursion for all audiences.
Excellent experience
C4744XAximenac,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very good experience, I loved that they took into account the theme that they have devices to be able to hear the explanation. On the other hand David as a guide I loved it as it had details everything. Thank you very much for this experience
The Escorial and Valley of the Fallen
soyelmoot,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience and a must visit while staying at Madrid. Our guide, David, was very friendly and enthusiastic about explaining everything.
Great
Carolina C,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent, incredibly informative. Love all the. History details and great views. David was corduroys and highly knowledgeable