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
2,836 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best Escorial guide
Ricardo L,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David and Daniel were just an outstanding job during the tour. Very knowledgeable and with the best pace that I have seen in a tour. I really recommend David for any tour.
Excellent tour
Samuel G,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was concise and informative the driver Daniel got us there quickly and comfortably. The Guide David provided excellent commentary.
Waste of Time and Money.
833rogerc,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I booked and paid for this excursion via Tripadvisor , but the only instructions I received for the departure point referred to "outside the commercial gallery (permanently closed) on Calle de San Bernardo". I searched the location on Google maps and arrived there 30 minutes before the departure time. However, having spoken with numerous local people, no one had ever heard of the gallery. I therefore missed the trip. Subsequently, I explained to the tour operators that the departure instructions were incorrect or inadequate, but they refused any refund.
Amazing experience
Angel R,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience. Very knowledgeable tour guide Beatriz. Overall knowledge of history and political history background give great context. Definitely recommend
El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen
Lynette G,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Superb half day tour not to be missed. María and Bea were excellent guides, and Paco was our wonderful driver of the very clean and comfortable bus. The sites visited were amazing.
El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen
178lynetteg,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Superb tour. María. Bea and Paco were excellent. Very knowledgeable and an excellent half day tour. Don't miss it!
Escorial Monastery and Valley of the Fallen
14erwinn,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was great! Enjoyed all the rich history of Spain! Oscar gave an informative tour and Paco was punctual!
Trip to the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial - Benedictine Abbatial Church and Pontifical Basilica of the Holy Cross.
D3424WFhenryj,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Punctual; the guide Betty was very professional and provided a comprehensive historical overview of the places visited. 100% recommended.
A really lovely time,
Daydream35093743226,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beatrice was the best guide in the world:))) We had a brilliant time! Thank you
Excellent explanation with a lot of history and subject matter management.
Paula J,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent handling of information, very kind and courteous.
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