Enjoy a visit to the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and discover the ideological and cultural aspirations of the Spanish Golden Age. See how Italian and Flemish artistic forms blend together and learn of the era of Philip II. Explore the building that houses several different purposes. First, the monastery of San Lorenzo el Real was created for the monks of the order of St. Jerome. Explore around and learn of Emperor Charles V and his wife who once lived there. Experience the untouched layout of the building, which to this day is largely unaltered. From the Library to the palace, walk through and find the Basilica, erected in 1574, and ponder the artwork that took years to complete.

Visit the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and travel through the history of Spain to the reign of Philip II. Admire this Renaissance marvel and learn from your local guide the ideological and cultural aspirations of the Spanish Golden Age. Discover the interior of this imposing building built in the 16th century. Explore the basilica, the Battle Hall, the pantheon, the palatial rooms, and other essential places of the monument. Also, visit the famous library of the Royal Monastery whose volumes were collected by Philip II to expand his humanistic knowledge. After two hours of unveiling the mysteries of this grill-shaped monastery, finish the guided tour next to the entrance.

Embark on a guided tour to the Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial and enjoy skip-the-line entry. Explore the Basilica of the Valley of the Fallen and hear the history behind each turn from your guide. Leave Madrid in the morning and travel 50 minutes to San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Visit the baths upon arrival and then begin the tour of the San Lorenzo Monastery. Learn the long history of Spain, specifically the reign of Felipe II. See the building that best summarizes the ideological and cultural aspirations of the Spanish “Golden Age” and is named a World Heritage Site. See places like the Patio de Reyes, Cloister, Chapter Rooms, The Basilica (except on Sundays), The Pantheon of Kings and Infants, and the Royal Rooms. Travel to the Valley of the Fallen located in the Peña de Cuelga Muros after leaving San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Visit its surroundings and the basilica carved into the rock, and the burial place for 33,847 people who died in the Spanish Civil War. Be amazed by the great granite cross that is visible from kilometers away.

On this 5-hour tour from Madrid, you’ll begin with a visit to the Monastery of El Escorial. It was built under the reign of powerful King Philip II as a residence for Spanish kings, a monastery, and a royal pantheon. It became a symbol of the great power of the Spanish Empire at that time. The monument was declared to be of artistic and historic importance and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Valley of the Fallen was built in 1936, about 9 kilometers from Escorial, as a memorial to those who died during the Spanish Civil War.  Situated in a beautiful valley in the Guadarrama Mountains, this impressive work features a cross standing more than 150 meters high, as well as a basilica and crypt built into the hard rock under the mountain. The tour includes admission to the Valley as well as a visit to the basilica’s interior.

After meeting with your guide, get away from the bustle of the city on a comfortable air-conditioned coach. At the first stop, enjoy a guided tour through the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, an architectural ensemble declared World Heritage site by UNESCO. Built in the 16th century, it is a symbol of the power of the government at the time. Learn about the impressive Royal Mausoleum and the story behind the 21 years of construction time. Marvel at the symmetry of the Renaissance-style building. Listen to your guide's commentaries as you explore the Habsburg Palace, the Chapter House, the Basilica, and the remarkable library.  Then, board your bus again for a short drive to the Valley of the Fallen. The site is located 9 kilometers away from El Escorial, in Sierra de Guadarrama. This enormous monument, built between 1940 and 1959, is carved into the mountain, 1,350 meters up. An impressive 150-meter-high cross stands over the magnificent nature reserve of Madrid’s mountain range, which can be seen from miles away.

Begin your full-day tour with a morning visit to the Monastery of El Escorial, built under the reign of powerful King Philip II as a residence for Spanish kings. See the Monastery and Pantheon of the Royal Family at this site that was declared a monument of Artistic and Historic Interest, and Mankind Heritage. Your tour includes the Monastery, the Cloister of the 4 Evangelists, the Palace of Philip II, the Pantheon of the Royal Family, the Chapterhouses, and the Basilica. The Valley of the Fallen is a memorial to those who died during the Spanish Civil War. Situated in a beautiful valley in the mountains of Guadarrama, this impressive work features a colossal cross standing over 150 meters high, and Basilica and Crypt excavated in the rock under the mountain. This tour includes admission to the Valley and a visit inside the Basilica. On arrival in Toledo you’ll take a panoramic walking tour of the city, entering the old quarter to visit the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, and admire the façade of the impressive Primate Cathedral, the old Palace of Justice, and the City Hall. Continue your walk through the narrow streets of the old Jewish quarter to the Church of St. Tomé, home to the famous El Greco painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz. You’ll also visit the old Synagogue of Ste. Maria la Blanca, which remains as a symbol of the coexistence of the 3 Cultures. Afterwards you’ll visit a typical damasquino factory to see this well-known handicraft art form of Toledo.

Leave Madrid and head to the beautiful Valley of the Fallen, declared a National Heritage Site. Tour the amazing location and discover Spain of the 20th century. Have the special chance to admire the largest Christian cross in the world.  Following, visit El Escorial, the most important architectural monument of the Spanish Renaissance, and learn about Spanish royalty. Immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere of the place before following your expert guide into the heart of Segovia. Visit the aqueduct and the areas of the convents, along the way listening to stories and legends that span back to the centuries before the Muslim conquest. Discover the most emblematic places of the city, its history, its hidden corners and anecdotes, and its main monuments such as Alcazar of Segovia or the Cathedral. Following this cultural pitstop, discover Spanish gastronomy, settling down at a traditional restaurant for a famous Cochinillo Segoviano (suckling pig). The suckling pig has had a constant presence in the culture and cuisine of Segovia. Learn the tastes, recipes, and tradition of preparation across different countries and you may arrive to the conclusion that Segovia's version is the most surprising of them, due to its simplicity and natural cooking approach.

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.

Explore Madrid with a Go City All-Inclusive Pass over 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days, and save up to 30% compared to buying separate attraction tickets. With more than 15 attractions, tours, museums, and experiences to discover, you can join a guided tour of the Royal Palace, explore iconic museums including the Prado and Reina Sofia, jump on a hop-on hop-off bus tour and indulge in ‘churros con chocolate’ at the end of a Segway tour. Sync your pass with the Go City app and you’ll have everything you need in the palm of your hand. Use the city guide for opening times and reservation information and use the handy map to navigate your way around the city. The All-Inclusive Pass is perfect for those wanting to see and do as much as possible – simply choose the number of days you want and start exploring. The following attractions are included - (R) reservations required: • Prado Museum Guided Tour (R) • Madrid Royal Palace Tour (R) • Chocolate and Churros Segway Tour (R) • Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour • Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum • Toledo Tour – Self-Guided with return transport (R) • Flamenco Show in Torres Bermejas (drink included) (R) • Madrid Electric Bike Tour • Reina Sofia Museum – Guided Tour (R) • Parque del Retiro and Cibeles Palace Tour • Museo de Cera (Wax Museum) • Madrid Highlights Tour (R) • Madrid Sightseeing Segway Tour (R) • El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Tour (R) • Museo Lázaro Galdiano • Las Ventas Experience • Retiro Park – Bike Tour • MAPFRE Foundation Art Exhibitions • Toledo and Segovia – Full-day Tour with transport (R) Please note: Attractions and tours are subject to change. Check the Go City digital guide included on your confirmation voucher (or the Go City app) for the full list of inclusions, opening times, and reservation instructions (where applicable) before you go.

Begin this rewarding experience in private service by being picked up directly at your accommodation in Madrid. You will be able to enjoy a visit to the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, symbol of the great Spanish power during the reign of Felipe II. It used to be a Monastery, Hospital, Royal Palace, Pantheon, Library, University, Museum, and Basilica. Continue with this fantastic experience visiting the Valley of the Fallen, built in 1936 in memory of those who fell during the Spanish Civil War.