Highlights
- Madrid city tour with a visit to El Escorial Monastery and Valley of the Fallen
- Take a scenic drive along Madrid's Gran Via and Plaza de España
- Explore El Escorial Monastery and go on a guided tour of the basilica
- See the Valley of the Fallen monument that honors those who died in the Spanish Civil War
- Enjoy a drink at the Hard Rock Cafe
- Enjoy a discount by booking this combo tour!
Useful Information
Madrid Super Saver: La Cibeles
Departing from the central Plaza de España, begin your exploration of Madrid and its environs with a trip to El Escorial Monastery. Also known as the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo El Real, it was built by King Philip II in the 16th century to house the remains of his parents, Charles I and Isabella of Portugal. Today the palatial complex is renowned for its collection of European art. Your guided tour highlights pieces from the collection and includes visits to the Pantheon of Kings and the basilica.
Next stop is the poignant Valley of the Fallen basilica, six miles (9.5 km) from El Escorial Monastery. Erected by dictator General Franco, the basilica was built into the side of the mountain, topped with a massive cross, as a monument to the dead of the Spanish Civil War. Your visit includes a guided tour of the basilica, as well as time to enjoy the expansive valley views.
Afternoon Tour: Panoramic Madrid Sightseeing Tour
Returning to Madrid, you’ll have free time to explore and have lunch (own expense) before boarding a comfortable air-conditioned coach for your panoramic tour of Madrid. Highlighting the city’s major sights, the tour is an ideal introduction to Madrid and its layout for first-time visitors. Take in Madrid’s majestic Gran Via boulevard, enjoy a guided walk around Plaza de la Villa and Plaza Mayor, tour the city’s historic districts and visit the famous parks Casa de Campo and Parque del Buen Retiro.
This seven-hour panoramic day tour concludes at Colon Square in central Madrid, where you are invited to enjoy a complimentary drink at the Hard Rock Cafe.
Reviewed by Brian S, November 2012
FANTASTIC!! Loved the tour and the guide was one of the best we had in Spain. She was very nice, well informed and her english was perfect. She managed to go back and forth in a timely basis in both languages so no one missed any sights or information on the tour. The El Escorial Monastery was one of the highlights of the trip. The Crypt is incredible and worth seeing as is the Fallen. I also opted for the additional afternoon sightseeing tour and got the same guide again. Such good luck! It was a quick but compehensive tour of Madrid which gave me great ideas on what to see during my visit. We also were able to get off and take photos which was great. Our guide even gave us tips on what to do during the "Austerity Strike" which worked out wonderfully so I didn't lose a day of sightseeing. This tour was money well spent!! Go, you won't be dissappointed!!
Reviewed by Jennifer K, September 2012
The trip was well worth it and Carmen the guide was excellent
