Explore 2 historic sites in 1 day on a 10-hour tour of Toledo and El Escorial. Learn about the coexistence of 3 religions in Toledo’s labyrinth of streets, and marvel at El Greco masterpieces. Then, spend the afternoon at the Escorial monastery complex.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 10 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, Spanish
Experience
Highlights
- Explore the historic coexistence of Jews, Muslims, and Christians in Toledo
- Go to the monastery complex of the Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
- Admire works by El Greco in the Church of Santo Tome
- See the Hapsburg Palace of the Spanish monarchy
- View the final resting place of royal princes, princesses and consorts
- Marvel at the world's largest free standing cross at the Valle de los Caidos
Full description
Begin your tour in El Escorial. This was the symbol of the Spanish power in the 16th-century and commemorates the battle of St. Quentin. It is also mausoleum for Charles V. Due to the symmetry and balance of its construction, according to the humanist Renaissance style, for years it had been considered for years the eighth wonder of the world. Explore Habsburg Palace, the Kings and Princes Mausoleum, the Chapter House, and the Basilica.
Next, 9 kilometers away from El Escorial, discover an enormous monument built between 1940 and 1959 to honor the fallen during the Spanish Civil War. The basilica is carved into the mountain at 1,350 meters where an impressive 150 meters high cross places itself over the magnificent landscape of Madrid’s mountain range.
Discover the City of the Three Cultures, 70 kilometers from Madrid. Toledo is a beautiful city-museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the oldest towns in Europe and has great artistic beauty with buildings from almost all periods in history including Arabian, Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance, and Baroque style. Visit the outside of the Cathedral and the interior of the Sto. Tomé Church with The Burial of the Lord of Orgaz, a masterpiece by El Greco.
Explore the interior of the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca and the interior of the incredible monastery of San Juan de Los Reyes. Go to see a demonstration of the famous technique of damascened, inlay of precious metals in steel and forging of swords. Finish your tour with a panoramic sightseeing tour of Toledo and stop at a viewpoint for breathtaking views of the city where you can take the best pictures of Toledo.
Includes
- Transportation by air-conditioned bus
- Guide
- Entrance fee to the Santa Maria la Blanca, Church of St. Tomé, Royal Monastery of El Escorial, and Valley of the Fallen and Basilica
- Tour of the Monastery of San Juan de Los Reyes
- Individual radio-guided system
- Food or drink
- Drop-off at your accommodation
- Additional services
- Gratuities
COVID-19 precautions
Customers must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Calle de San Nicolás, 15, 28013 Madrid. This is next to Plaza de Ramales.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
Know before you go
- This tour is not available on 10 August, 14 September, 24, 25, or 31 December
- Photography and filming are not permitted inside the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, the Valley of the Fallen Basilic, and St Tomé Church
- Please note that guided tours are not permitted inside the Basilica of the Valley
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk
- The duration of the tour includes the round trip to the destination
