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Royal Monastery of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen

The Renaissance-style El Escorial Monastery was long considered the Eighth Wonder of the World and is an impressive symbol of Spanish power in the 16th Century. Enjoy a visit to this amazing site before heading to the Valley of the Fallen monument, erected in memory of the millions who died in the Spanish Civil War.

El Escorial is a spectacular World Heritage site built by Phillip II to commemorate the Battle of San Quintin and also acts as a mausoleum for Charles V. This immense palace, monastery, museum and library dominates the landscape and is a symbol of Spanish power in the sixteenth century.

The balance and symmetry of the architecture is true to the humanist Renaissance style and the interior is adorned with paintings and frescoes. Accompanied by your experienced guide, you will explore the Habsburg Palace, the Kings and Princes Mausoleum, the Chapter House and the Basilica.

The tour continues from El Escorial to the Valley of the fallen where you will admire the vast basilica built into the side of a mountain and topped by a gigantic granite cross that towers 150 meters (500 feet) high! The monument was built by the Spanish dictator General Franco to commemorate the dead from 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.

Experience Includes

  • Entrance and walking tour of the Royal Monastery of El Escorial
  • Visit to the Valley of the Fallen and the Basilica
  • Bilingual official guide
  • Air conditioned motor coach
  • Individual radioguided system

Experience Excludes

  • Refreshments
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off
  • Optional gratuities

Departs

April to October: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. November to March Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. 

Departure location

San Nicolás Street nº 15 (on the corner with Plaza de Ramalas).

Start times

8.30 am.

Duration

Around 5.5 hours.

Additional information

  • Children aged 5 years and under are free of charge, provided they do not occupy a seat.
  • Comfortable shoes are recommended.
  • Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour begins.
  • Royal Monastery of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen Basilic visitors are kindly requested to respect the instructions of the Security: Photography and filming are not permitted inside the exhibitions.
  • Please, note that guiding inside the Basilica of the Valley is not allowed.

Terms & Conditions

  • Free cancellations for bookings cancelled with the supplier 72 hours prior to the tour date. No refunds are given for cancellations made within 72 hours of tour date..
  • Children aged 5 years and under are free of charge, provided they do not occupy a seat.
  • Comfortable shoes are recommended.
  • Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour begins.
  • Please note the Royal Monastery of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen visitors are requested to respect the following statement: photography and filming are not permitted inside the exhibitions.
  • In accordance with the regulations of the Valley of the Fallen, the guide will not be able to give explanations inside the basilica. All information will be given outside and the visit will be on your own.
  • Patrimonio Nacional reserves the right to modify the itinerary and the access to some parts of its monuments.
  • All bookings for this tour are on a request basis - please allow 72 hours to receive your tour confirmation.