Private Tour El Escorial & Valle De Los Caídos Hotel Pickup

Exploring Spain’s rich history takes on new meaning with this private tour of El Escorial and Valle de los Caídos. Travelers can explore the nation’s architectural and cultural landmarks, guided by experts who bring these sites to life. Convenient hotel pickup in Madrid and luxurious transportation set the stage for an unforgettable journey that uncovers the intriguing stories behind these iconic destinations. Whether seeking a deeper understanding of Spain’s past or simply an immersive sightseeing experience, this tour promises an engaging and enlightening adventure.

Key Points

• Private transportation in a luxurious Mercedes minivan with hotel pickup in Madrid for a 5-hour excursion to El Escorial and Valle de los Caídos.
• Explore the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the controversial monument of Valle de los Caídos.
• Gain insights into the historical significance of these sites, with El Escorial reflecting the ambition of King Philip II and Valle de los Caídos built by Franco.
• Flexible cancellation policy and discounted pricing available, with entrance fees to the sites not included in the tour price.
• Tour available in multiple languages, providing a convenient and immersive experience for exploring these important cultural and historical landmarks.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This private tour of El Escorial and Valle de los Caídos offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of two historically significant sites northwest of Madrid.

The 5-hour excursion includes private transportation in a luxurious Mercedes minivan with ample space and comfort. Pickup is conveniently located in Madrid, and the tour is available in multiple languages.

Visitors can explore the grand Monastery of El Escorial and the solemn monument of Valle de los Caídos.

Cancellation is flexible, and discounted pricing is available. With an experienced guide, this tour provides an enriching historical experience just outside Spain’s capital.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with pickup in Madrid, about a 1-hour drive northwest to the town of El Escorial. Visitors will explore the 16th-century Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial for 2 hours. Afterward, they’ll travel 15 minutes to the Valley of the Fallen monument and basilica, spending 1 hour on site. The tour wraps up with the 1-hour drive back to Madrid.

| Destination | Duration | Significance |

| — | — | — |

| El Escorial | 2 hours | Largest Renaissance building in Spain, serving as a monastery, royal palace, and more |

| Valle de los Caídos | 1 hour | Monument built by Franco as an act of national reconciliation, his former burial site |

Historical Significance of El Escorial

El Escorial, a sprawling complex built between 1563 and 1584, stands as a testament to the grandeur and ambition of King Philip II.

This architectural marvel served multiple functions, including a monastery, basilica, royal palace, and mausoleum.

Located 28 miles northwest of Madrid, the sheer scale of the building reflects Philip’s desire to create a symbolic center of power and faith.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, El Escorial‘s Renaissance design and rich history make it a significant cultural and historical landmark in Spain.

Historical Significance of Valle De Los Caídos

Constructed from 1940 to 1958 and opened in 1959, the Valley of the Fallen (Valle de los Caídos) was built by Francisco Franco as an act of national atonement and reconciliation following the Spanish Civil War.

The monument and basilica served as Franco’s burial place until his exhumation in 2019. The site remains a controversial symbol of Spain’s tumultuous past, as the construction utilized forced labor from political prisoners.

Today, the Valley of the Fallen continues to stir debate over its historical significance and appropriate commemoration of the civil war’s victims.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes all taxes and fees, bottled water, private transportation in an air-conditioned Mercedes V Minivan, and lunch.

This tour includes all taxes, bottled water, private air-conditioned Mercedes V Minivan transportation, and lunch.

Entrance fees for the Royal Monastery (€12 per person) and the Valley of the Fallen (€9 per person) aren’t included.

The Royal Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen are must-see highlights of the tour. Visitors should plan to bring cash or a credit card to cover these entrance fees.

The tour offers excellent value, with an opportunity to explore two significant historical sites in the comfort of a private vehicle with an experienced guide.

Customer Feedback

Based on one review, the tour has received an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Customers praised the punctuality of the driver and the comfort of the air-conditioned Mercedes minivan. The driver was also noted for being informative throughout the tour. While the overall experience was excellent, some customers suggested improvements to the restaurant experience during the included lunch.

| Positives | Negatives |

| — | — |

| Punctual driver | Restaurant experience |

| Comfortable transportation | – |

| Informative guide | – |

The tour’s strong customer feedback highlights its attention to quality and customer satisfaction.

Booking and Flexibility

Customers can reserve their spot for this private tour without any upfront payment, allowing them to check availability for different starting times and participant selections.

Reserve your spot for this private tour without upfront payment, and check availability for different start times and participant options.

This flexible booking process provides several advantages:

• Customers can secure their preferred tour date and time without the need for immediate payment, making the booking process more convenient.

• The ability to select the number of participants ensures the tour can accommodate the desired group size.

• With no prepayment required, customers have the freedom to make changes or cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind and flexibility.

Transportation and Languages

This private tour provides luxurious transportation in a Mercedes V Minivan, which features 7 seats, reclining leather, and dual-zone climate control.

The tour is offered in several languages, including Spanish, English, French, and German, ensuring a seamless experience for international travelers.

Whether you’re seeking a private, personalized excursion or prefer the flexibility of selecting your own start time and group size, this tour caters to your preferences.

With comfortable transportation and multilingual support, you can focus on exploring the historical and cultural gems of El Escorial and Valle de los Caídos.

Common Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary According to My Preferences?

Yes, the private tour can be customized to your preferences. The tour provider offers flexibility to adjust the itinerary, duration, and activities based on your interests and needs, within the overall scope of the tour.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Charges Beyond the Tour Price?

Yes, there are additional fees beyond the tour price. The tour includes all taxes and fees, but entrance fees for the Royal Monastery (€12 per person) and the Valley of the Fallen (€9 per person) are not covered in the tour price.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, with approximately 1 hour of walking at each location. Visitors can expect to walk around the town and monastery of El Escorial, as well as the monument and basilica at Valle de los Caídos.

Is There an Option to Extend or Shorten the Tour Duration?

The tour duration is fixed at 5 hours, but customers can’t shorten or extend it. The tour operator provides flexibility through reserve now & pay later booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I Request a Different Pickup Location Besides Madrid?

Yes, you can request a different pickup location besides Madrid. The tour provider offers flexible pickup options across the region to accommodate your needs and preferences. Simply inquire about alternative pickup locations when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

This private tour offers an immersive exploration of Spain’s rich history. Travelers will experience the grandeur of El Escorial and the controversial Valle de los Caídos, with the convenience of hotel pickup and a luxurious Mercedes minivan. Expert guides provide insightful commentary, while flexible cancellation policies ensure a hassle-free experience. This tour is an excellent opportunity to explore Spain’s cultural landmarks and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s past.

You can check if your dates are available here: