
Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 3,168 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid worth booking?
Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid is a 5-hour experience in Madrid, Spain, from $71 per person. It scores 91 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 3,168 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 91 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (3,168)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $71 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- The Valley of Fallen Admission Ticket
- Professional Guide
- Escorial Monastery Admission Ticket
- Trip by luxury bus with air conditioned and Wifi
Not included
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
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.
60 minutes here · Admission included
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.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Madrid
Departure Point: Departure: Calle de San Bernardo, 7, 28013 Madrid at 9.00 am - Outside the commercial gallery. Checking - 08:30 hrs.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Departure Point: Departure: Calle de San Bernardo, 7, 28013 Madrid at 9.00 am - Outside the commercial gallery. Checking - 08:30 hrs.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 24 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Fun and Tickets
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3,133 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
3,133 verified traveler reviews for Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Worth a trip out of Madrid
A very good and educational tour, the locations visited were impressive and memorable and our guide David was very knowledgeable.
via Tripadvisor
Must-do tour
This is a must-do tour. Our guide was so passionate and knowledgeable. He was a great guide for this tour. We learnt so much.
via Viator
An Amazing Day Trip from Madrid
Fabulous experience! David was an exceptional guide, and our driver, Ki Ke (spelling??) was great. I am really glad I chose this tour and consider both venues must-sees for a half-day trip from Madrid.
via Tripadvisor
Two interesting historical monuments
Well-organized tour, comfortable bus driven by Quique, and excellent guiding in English by David. El Escorial got the largest share of time and we stopped by Valle de los Caídos on the way back. Two interesting historical monuments.
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful day out from Madrid
Two fascinating places to visit with two radically different stories but each telling something vital and essential to Spanish history. The team of David (guide) and Qique (driver) were excellent and David gave just the right amount of context and depth at each stop.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1,109
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by Fun and Tickets, who run 28 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.7 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Fun and Tickets runsWhy this scores 91
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Madrid.
How much does Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid cost?
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Prices start at $71 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Madrid usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Madrid is not rushed.
Is Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 91 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 3,168 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Madrid, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid?
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Around 1,109 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Madrid can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Madrid and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Madrid within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Madrid?
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On Outty we rank every Madrid experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Madrid Essential: Historic Center, Plaza Mayor & Royal Palace, Madrid Walking Tour from Puerta del Sol to Retiro Park, Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour with Rooftop Views and Local Guide. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Madrid?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Madrid?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid?
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Included: The Valley of Fallen Admission Ticket; Professional Guide; Escorial Monastery Admission Ticket; and Trip by luxury bus with air conditioned and Wifi. Not included: Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid?
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Departure Point: Departure: Calle de San Bernardo, 7, 28013 Madrid at 9.00 am - Outside the commercial gallery. Checking - 08:30 hrs. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Madrid. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid?
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Across 3,168 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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