El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Day Trip from Madrid

Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll learn about the history and significance of these two colossal monuments, erected by two of Spain’s most controversial rulers. The tour will take place on a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, which will take you on a return journey from Madrid to both destinations.

You’ll set off from Madrid towards the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, home to the monastery of the same name. The monastery was built on the orders of Philip II, King of Spain, between 1563 and 1584, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

Currently run by the Order of St Augustine, the monastery was built to commemorate the victory over the French at the Battle of Saint-Quentin in 1557, on St Lawrence’s Day. The building covers an area of 33,327 square metres and is considered a museum in its own right. This is due to the vast number of paintings, sculptures and artistic works of all kinds housed within it.

Following this initial visit, the excursion continues to the Valley of the Fallen, built by the Franco regime between 1940 and 1958 to commemorate those who fell on the Nationalist side during the Spanish Civil War.

The Valley, situated in the town of Guadarrama, is notable for its underground Catholic basilica, its abbey and its monumental 150-metre-high cross, perched atop the cliff.

Much of the monument was built by Republican political prisoners who were used as forced labourers. On 24 October 2019, Francisco Franco ’s remains were exhumed from the Valley, 44 years after his death.

After gaining an in-depth understanding of the great mausoleums of Spanish history, you will return to Madrid on a journey lasting approximately one hour.