Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial (El Escorial) Tours
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Commissioned by King Felipe II as a testament to Spain's devout Catholic faith, the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial—or just El Escorial—was built in the 16th century after the French were defeated in the Battle of Saint Quentin. The highlights of this immense UNESCO World Heritage Site—considered the most important monument of the Spanish Renaissance—include the elegant basilica; the marble Pantheon de los Reyes, where many kings and their relatives are buried; and the Patio de los Reyes, the entrance to the monument. The site is a must-visit for history buffs and architecture lovers.
The Basics
Most visitors explore El Escorial on a group or private full- or half-day tour from Madrid. The famous royal monastery is frequently combined with either a tour of the Valley of the Fallen (Valle de los Caidos), a trip to the city of Toledo, or a city sightseeing tour of Madrid. Travelers can choose between basic admission, an audio guide, and a guided tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Day trips from Madrid typically last between 5 and 11 hours, depending on the options chosen.
- It’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven surfaces.
- The basilica is the most wheelchair-accessible site, while the palace has a number of staircases.
How to Get There
If planning to visit both El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen, by far the most convenient option is a guided tour from Madrid, set about 37 miles (60 kilometers) away. Independent travelers can catch a commuter train from Atocha or Chamartin station in Madrid. From the train station, it’s possible to catch a local bus to the monastery. You can also take bus 661 or 664 from Madrid’s Moncloa bus station.
When to Get There
El Escorial is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm from October to March and from 10am to 8pm from April to September. Each August, San Lorenzo de El Escorial hosts festivities to honor their patron saint, San Lorenzo, and the Virgen de Gracia pilgrimage passes through the streets of town in September.
Visiting the Valley of the Fallen (Valle de los Caidos)
Only 9 miles (15 kilometers) from El Escorial is the Valle de los Caidos (Valley of the Fallen), which is frequently paired with El Escorial tours. This monument was built under dictator Francisco Franco's direction to honor those who had died in the Spanish Civil War. For a moving experience, check out the immense cross atop the mountain and marvel at the mosaics in the basilica, where Franco was laid to rest.
Address: San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Community of Madrid, Spain
Hours: Oct - Mar: 10am - 6pm, Apr - Sept: 10am - 8pm
Admission: Adults: €10
22 Tours and Activities to Experience Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial (El Escorial)
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El Escorial Monastery and Valley of the Fallen Day Trip from Madrid
40
Take time out of your Madrid trip to visit the monastery of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen. This day trip provides fast-track access to El Escorial, the vast Renaissance monastery and UNESCO World Heritage Site. You also receive fast-track access to the Valley of the Fallen monument, located in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range and built in honor of those fallen during the Spanish civil war.
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From
$69.98
From
$69.98
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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El Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen from Madrid
531
Discover Spanish history on a guided half-day visit from Madrid to the monastery of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen monument. Accompanied by a guide, delve into the history of the religious El Escorial complex and discover why it was considered the eighth wonder of the world. Then see the sculptures at the Valley of the Fallen monument built to honor those who died during the Spanish Civil War.
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From
$74.89
From
$74.89
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Avila, Segovia and El Escorial Day Tour from Madrid
21
Explore central Spain beyond Madrid even with just a day to spare on this combo tour of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Take a walking tour of Ávila’s medieval cathedral and city walls, see the remarkable Roman aqueduct and Moorish Alcazar of Segovia, and marvel at the royal scale of the El Escorial palace and monastery. It's an easy and affordable way to see all three sites without planning a thing.
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From
$89.00
From
$89.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen half-day tour from Madrid
31
Uncover the mysteries of magnificent landmarks, El Escorial Monastery and The Valley of the Fallen, on an enriching 5-hour tour from Madrid. Travel through the picturesque countryside surrounding Madrid, and embark on a guided tour of the King of Spain’s official residence on arrival at the UNESCO-listed El Escorial landmark. Then, gaze in awe at the monumental memorial of The Valley of the Fallen, a sculpture that commemorates the victims of the Spanish civil war. Gain valuable insight in Madrid’s rich history, and enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation from Madrid.
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From
$72.44
From
$72.44
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Royal Monastery of El Escorial
6
Discover Spanish history and culture on a half-day guided tour from Madrid to the monastery of El Escorial. Tour the vast UNESCO World Heritage Site with your guide and have time afterward to explore further on your own. It can be difficult to reach the monastery without your own vehicle, but this tour makes it easy to visit with round-trip transportation provided from central Madrid.
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From
$60.16
From
$60.16
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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El Escorial, Valley of the Fallen & Toledo Day Tour from Madrid
78
Journey through Spain’s history as you visit two UNESCO-listed attractions on this full-day tour from Madrid. Explore the grand Monastery of El Escorial, once a royal residence built by King Philip II, then learn more about the Spanish Civil War as you walk around the impressive Valley of the Fallen. Finally, admire the striking architecture and historic monuments of mountaintop Toledo.
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From
$115.41
From
$115.41
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Royal Monastery of El Escorial + Toledo Half Day Afternoon Tour
102
Enjoy two of the top attractions near Madrid, El Escorial Monastery and the picturesque town of Toledo, for one great price during this full-day Super Saver tour. Check out El Escorial in the morning, visiting the nearby Valley of the Fallen monument commemorating the dead of the Spanish Civil War, and hearing insights into Spain's monarchy and 20th-century history from your guide. Continue in the afternoon to the hilltop city of Toledo, the country's medieval capital, to view priceless art by El Greco. All entrance fees, coach transport, and optional lunch upgrade included.
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From
$125.23
From
$125.23
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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El Escorial Monastery tour from Madrid with Optional Toledo
8
Enhance your experience of two of Madrid’s most impressive monuments on an enriching 5-hour excursion to the Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen. With a professional guide, delve into the intriguing history of the arresting landmarks, touring the sacred interior of the Escorial Monastery and gazing at the colossal cross in the Valley of the Fallen. Upgrade your tour to include a visit to the majestic medieval city of Toledo and to enjoy a delicious Spanish lunch.
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From
$60.16
From
$60.16
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen: Fast Track Entry and Guided Visit
27
You don't need a car to visit two of the most impressive monuments located just outside of Madrid. Ride a luxury bus from the capital to El Escorial, the former residence and now burial place of generations of Spanish kings. Skip the line to enter the royal monastery, library, basilica, and Pantheon while a guide illuminates centuries of Spanish monarchy. Later, pay tribute to another chapter of history at the Valley of the Fallen, where a church carved into a rock marks the losses of the Spanish Civil War.
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From
$69.49
From
$69.49
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Monastery of El Escorial Tour from Madrid with Optional Toledo Visit
30
See two of Madrid province’s cultural treasures on this guided half-day tour. Marvel at the 16th-century El Escorial Monastery, built under the reign of King Felipe II, and learn about its rich history as a royal palace, pantheon and basilica. You’ll also journey to the Guadarrama Sierra ranges to visit The Valley of the Fallen, a monumental tribute to soldiers who perished in the Spanish Civil War. Upgrade to include an optional tour of the medieval walled city of Toledo.
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From
$72.44
From
$72.44
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Private Tour
5
Venture outside Spain's vibrant capital city and explore two important monuments on this half-day tour. First, visit one of the Spanish royal sites at the El Escorial Monastery and explore its sprawling complex. Then, move on to the Valley of the Fallen monument, with its giant cross and basilica, built to commemorate those killed in the Spanish Civil War.
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From
$405.00
Price varies by group size
From
$405.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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El Escorial, Valley of the Fallen morning tour & Night Flamenco Show with drink
1
Pair a visit to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen with a nighttime Flamenco show during this 5-hour excursion. Tour El Escorial, an elaborate UNESCO World Heritage complex combining a royal palace, monastery and religious center rolled into one. Then explore out the Valley of the Fallen, a monument built by Franco to honor the victims of the Spanish Civil War. Finish with a performance at Flamenco Torres Bermejas, one of Spain’s most iconic venues. A drink at the Flamenco show is covered.
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From
$120.32
From
$120.32
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Segovia Half day from Madrid with Optional Toledo or Escorial visits
9
Go back in time and see one of Spain’s most magnificent castles on this guided tour to historic and beautiful Segovia with transportation on an air-conditioned coach included. In this ancient city, see the preserved Roman Aqueduct and Gothic cathedral and visit the Alcázar fortress and castle. Choose the option to spend the morning exploring Toledo or Escorial before carrying on to Segovia.
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From
$60.16
From
$60.16
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Ecotourism in San Lorenzo de El Escorial
1
Excursion based on the interpretation of nature and the observation of the fauna and flora characteristic of the natural environment of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
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From
$33.32
From
$33.32
El Escorial: Royal complex between mountains
We'll leave Madrid by train and, in around one hour, the landscape will return magic: the huge complex, with Monastry, Palace, Library, kings and princess Panteon... unforgatable experience. We'll visit all, and lunch between montains in a well preserved 19th century art deco style village; and back walking around trees, half an hour to the train station to returning to Madrid, even once coming from El Escorial we will feel diferent, much better and relax :)
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From
$266.55
per group
From
$266.55
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Avila, Segovia and El Escorial Private Tour
1
Even with limited time in Madrid, see other highlights of Central Spain on a private day trip to the World Heritage cities of Ávila and Segovia. All logistics are arranged by a personal driver and guide, who takes you directly to Segovia’s ancient aqueduct and alcazar palace, plus Ávila’s magnificent cathedral and old city walls. If time allows, extend your sightseeing to the El Escorial monastery—once the home of Spanish kings.
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From
$519.00
Price varies by group size
From
$519.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Half Day Tour Escorial y Valle de los Caidos con Tickets Included from Madrid
5
This is tour is ideal for time-tight travelers interested in religious sights and historic monuments. Avoid the hassle of organizing car rental, and instead, travel with ease between sites in a luxury bus with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. Go to a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Monasterio del Escorial, and visit the Valley of the Fallen (Valle de los Caidos) monument and Catholic Basilica.
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From
$72.44
From
$72.44
Luxury Private Tour Madrid - El Escorial
Booking this 8-hour tour you will visit the city of Madrid:
- Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
- Visit to the historical center of Madrid
- Enjoy a genuine "tapas" tour
- Madrid Museums
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From
$732.99
per group
From
$732.99
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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El Escorial, Valley of the Fallen + Madrid Segway Afternoon Tour
Experience two of Spain’s most impressive monuments, El Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen, plus a Madrid Segway tour, during this half-day trip. Wander through the halls of El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before paying your respects to the dead from the Spanish Civil War at the Valley of the Fallen. Finish the excursion by rolling past top Madrid sights on a Segway.
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From
$114.18
From
$114.18
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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El Escorial Tour - Madrid by Beetle
El Escorial has a storied and glamorous history, having functioned as a basilica, pantheon, university and traditional home to the King of Spain. This tour matches that charm and glamour, taking you to El Escorial and other historic sites in a stylish 1970s convertible VW Beetle. With a guide on hand to answer your questions, get intimately familiar with some of the historical and cultural highlights of Madrid.
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From
$749.65
per group
From
$749.65
per group
Private 5h tour Escorial Monastery & Valley of the Fallen from Madrid w/ pick up
Enjoy this private day tour outside of Madrid including visits to the Monastery of the Escorial and Valley of the Fallen. You will travel in a private vehicle with a private chauffeur to ensure your guide´s full attention.
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From
$520.57
Price varies by group size
From
$520.57
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Private 8-hour Tour of Madrid + Escorial Monastery & Valley of the Fallen
1
See the best of Madrid on this private full-day tour that showcases the top attractions and historical highlights. Follow your local guide to the Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen. Learn about local customs, traditions and history as you make your way through the sights. Enjoy the luxury and convenience of a private guide and chauffeured vehicle on this top tour.
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From
$675.26
Price varies by group size
From
$675.26
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
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