Experience the grandeur of Spain on a guided half-day visit to El Escorial monastery and the Valley of the Fallen monument from Madrid. Discover why the Baroque-style El Escorial complex was considered the eighth wonder of the world, and admire the poignant sculptures of the Valley of the Fallen monument, erected in memory of the millions who died in the Spanish Civil War. You’ll gain insights into Spain's intriguing history at these symbolic monuments, reflecting the Spanish monarchy, church and 20th-century conflict, and have the option to include a half-day city tour of the highlights of Madrid.
Highlights
- Morning tour of El Escorial monastery and Valley of the Fallen from Madrid
- See royal tombs and ornate artworks on a guided tour of El Escorial monastery
- Tour the Pantheon of Kings and basilica
- Visit the poignant Valley of the Fallen monument to those who perished in the Spanish Civil War
- See cultural treasures and learn interesting details about Spain’s often turbulent history
- Option to include a half-day Madrid sightseeing tour
Recent Photos of this Tour
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El Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen from Madrid
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Valle de los CaidosValle de los Caidos - very impressive.Photo by: Hector GUSA, 04 2008 -
Large view of Valle de los ...Together at el valle de los caidos.Photo by: Hector GUSA, 04 2008 -
The Valley of the FallenThe photo is of the entrance of the Valley of the FallenPhoto by: Clive Alfred J11 2012 -
March 2011A blustery cold day in the hills north of MadridPhoto by: Judi05 2011 -
El Escorial in February 2010Photo taken during my February visit in El Escorial.Photo by: Jiri JCzech Republic, 03 2010 -
El Escorial MonasteryEl Escorial MonasteryPhoto by: Amanda-Hazel MAustralia, 10 2009 -
Valley of the FallenValley of the FallenPhoto by: Amanda-Hazel MAustralia, 10 2009 -
Valley of the FallenValley of the FallenPhoto by: Amanda-Hazel MAustralia, 10 2009 -
Valley of the FallenBreathtaking and even the mountain looked sculpted.Photo by: Dana AUSA, 03 2009 -
Valley of the FallenThe cross was hugePhoto by: Dana AUSA, 03 2009 -
ValleyThe view from the top was beautiful.Photo by: Dana AUSA, 03 2009 -
Picture from bridgeThe tour stops for about 30 seconds on this bridge and only people on the right side of the bus can get it.Photo by: Ana LUSA, 09 2008 -
Valley of the FallenI framed it so that you couldn't see the scaffolding at the front of the basilica.Photo by: Ana LUSA, 09 2008 -
Full viewUnfortunately, couldn't place anything in front of the Basilica...Photo by: Ana LUSA, 09 2008 -
Front of the Escorial ...It was raining the day we visited so this was the end of the tour instead of the start of it. :)Photo by: Ana LUSA, 09 2008 -
Picture from Palace windowStill raining. The gardens are beautiful.Photo by: Ana LUSA, 09 2008 -
Nice ShotMy wife.Photo by: Edward CPhilippines, 05 2008 -
Valley of the FallenThere's me.Photo by: Edward CPhilippines, 05 2008 -
Front View of the Valley of ...Me and my wife.Photo by: Edward CPhilippines, 05 2008 -
Entrance to EscorialEscorial.Photo by: Hector GUSA, 04 2008 -
Special Offer
Book and travel on our 'Tour Only' option before June 30, 2013, and save 10% on the recommended retail price.
Useful Information
Visit the Valley of the Fallen
Departing Madrid by air-conditioned coach, travel to the Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the Spanish monarchs’ historical residence and royal monastery, 28 miles (45 kilometers) northwest of Madrid. Your guided tour reveals the history behind this massive, regal complex of buildings, celebrated for their architectural perfection and a striking symbol of 16th-century Spanish power.
Your tour of the World Heritage-listed royal complex takes you to the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo El Real, built by King Philip II to house the remains of his parents, Charles I and Isabella of Portugal. The tour guides you through the monastery’s basilica, with its important religious relics, highly decorated altar and Baroque dome inspired by St Peter’s in Rome.
Your guided tour of El Escorial also takes you to the austere but grand palace and the royal mausoleum known as the Pantheon of Kings, home to the marble tomb of Charles V, the first king of Spain. For insights into the construction of El Escorial, browse the Architecture Room’s collection of architects’ and builders’ equipment dating back hundreds of years. Visit the Weapons Room to see ornate armaments, and admire painted frescoes in the highly decorated library.
Your tour continues from El Escorial to the Valley of the fallen, 6 miles (9.5 kilometers) to the north. Admire the vast basilica built into the side of a mountain, topped by a gigantic granite cross that towers 150 meters (500 feet) high and dominates the landscape. The monument was built by the Spanish dictator General Franco to commemorate the dead of Spain's Civil War.
Take a guided tour inside the austerely modern basilica, with its vaulted crypt and sculpted angels, then look out from the surrounding esplanade of arches to admire the spectacular valley countryside surrounding the complex.
Relax on the scenic return journey to Madrid, where your tour ends in the early afternoon, or where you'll continue your day of sightseeing on a guided 2.5 hour city tour highlighting Madrid’s famous monuments and landmarks (if upgrade option selected).
Your tour of the World Heritage-listed royal complex takes you to the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo El Real, built by King Philip II to house the remains of his parents, Charles I and Isabella of Portugal. The tour guides you through the monastery’s basilica, with its important religious relics, highly decorated altar and Baroque dome inspired by St Peter’s in Rome.
Your guided tour of El Escorial also takes you to the austere but grand palace and the royal mausoleum known as the Pantheon of Kings, home to the marble tomb of Charles V, the first king of Spain. For insights into the construction of El Escorial, browse the Architecture Room’s collection of architects’ and builders’ equipment dating back hundreds of years. Visit the Weapons Room to see ornate armaments, and admire painted frescoes in the highly decorated library.
Your tour continues from El Escorial to the Valley of the fallen, 6 miles (9.5 kilometers) to the north. Admire the vast basilica built into the side of a mountain, topped by a gigantic granite cross that towers 150 meters (500 feet) high and dominates the landscape. The monument was built by the Spanish dictator General Franco to commemorate the dead of Spain's Civil War.
Take a guided tour inside the austerely modern basilica, with its vaulted crypt and sculpted angels, then look out from the surrounding esplanade of arches to admire the spectacular valley countryside surrounding the complex.
Relax on the scenic return journey to Madrid, where your tour ends in the early afternoon, or where you'll continue your day of sightseeing on a guided 2.5 hour city tour highlighting Madrid’s famous monuments and landmarks (if upgrade option selected).
Recent Reviews of this Tour
Reviewed by Carol V, USA, May 2013
Tour was excellent and left and returned on time. The guide gave his information in both English and Spanish and he was very informative and spoke English very well..
Since there was a small group the bus was not full we were able to spread out and be comfortable.
I would recommend this tour
Reviewed by Phillip L, January 2013
Our trip to El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen was great ... well organized and a very good guide. We also did the p.m. tour of Madrid on the same day ... also well organized but the tour was ruined by taking us to the Hard Rock Cafe for nearly an hour ... certainly not the Madrid we wanted to see
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