Set out on a captivating day trip from Madrid to uncover the historic gems of El Escorial, the Valley of the Fallen, and Segovia. This guided tour promises an immersive experience, allowing you to explore Spain’s rich cultural heritage. With skip-the-line access and an expert guide, you’ll witness architectural marvels, reflect on the past, and stroll through enchanting old-world streets. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a memorable adventure, this day trip offers a chance to discover the remarkable sights that lie beyond Madrid’s bustling city limits.
Key Points
- This full-day tour from Madrid visits three historic sites: the Monastery of El Escorial, the Valley of the Fallen, and the city of Segovia.
- The tour includes transportation, an official guide, and skip-the-line tickets for El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen.
- Highlights of the tour include exploring the architectural grandeur of El Escorial, the towering cross at the Valley of the Fallen, and the iconic Roman Aqueduct in Segovia.
- The tour provides insights into Spain’s history, from the power of the Spanish monarchy to the legacy of the Spanish Civil War.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and avoid large bags, food, or pets in the vehicle.
Tour Overview
This full-day trip from Madrid takes visitors to three historic sites – the Monastery of El Escorial, the Valley of the Fallen, and the city of Segovia.
Priced from $97.21 per person, the 11-hour tour is available in Spanish and English. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now & pay later option, it’s easy to book.
Priced at $97.21 per person, the 11-hour tour is available in Spanish and English with flexible booking options.
The tour includes transportation, an official guide, and skip-the-line tickets for El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen.
While meals and some monument admissions are excluded, the day promises an immersive glimpse into Spain’s past.
Looking for more options in El Escorial? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Highlights of El Escorial
The morning visit to the Monastery of El Escorial immerses visitors in the architectural grandeur and historical significance of this 16th-century royal complex.
Commissioned by King Philip II, the monastery showcases a harmonious blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles. Highlights include the ornate basilica, the impressive Royal Pantheon housing the tombs of Spanish monarchs, and the magnificent library boasting a collection of over 40,000 volumes.
Guests can explore the intricate details of the building’s façade and courtyards, gaining insights into the power and influence of the Spanish monarchy during the Golden Age.
Exploring the Valley of the Fallen
After departing from the grandeur of El Escorial, the day trip takes visitors to the poignant Valley of the Fallen. This memorial site honors the casualties of the Spanish Civil War.
Visitors can:
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Admire the towering 150-meter-high cross, one of the world’s highest.
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Explore the vast basilica carved into the mountain.
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Learn about the site’s controversial history and the dictator Franco’s role.
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Reflect on the sacrifices and tragedies of the past.
Though somber, the Valley of the Fallen provides a thought-provoking contrast to the ornate architecture of El Escorial, offering a deeper understanding of Spain’s tumultuous history.
Discovering Segovia
After exploring the solemn Valley of the Fallen, the day trip transitions to the enchanting city of Segovia.
The excursion includes a guided walk through Segovia’s old town, featuring the iconic Roman Aqueduct and the Gothic Cathedral. Travelers will have free time to enjoy lunch and browse souvenir shops.
A guided tour of Segovia’s old town, showcasing the Roman Aqueduct and Gothic Cathedral, with free time for lunch and souvenir shopping.
The tour also includes skip-the-line access to the Alcázar Castle, a fairytale-like medieval fortress. With ample time for sightseeing, guests can enjoy Segovia’s rich history and architectural wonders.
The day culminates with the return journey to Madrid, allowing travelers to reflect on the day’s memorable experiences.
More Great Tours NearbyGuided Walk Through Segovia’s Old Town
What does the guided walk through Segovia’s old town entail? The tour guide leads visitors on an exploration of the city’s historic landmarks, bringing the medieval history to life.
The highlights include:
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Viewing the impressive Roman Aqueduct, an engineering marvel that has stood for centuries.
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Admiring the ornate Gothic Cathedral, a stunning example of Spanish cathedral architecture.
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Exploring the Alcázar Castle, a fairytale-like fortress with its distinctive turrets and spires.
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Wandering through the charming cobblestone streets, taking in the quaint plazas and traditional architecture.
The guided walk provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the rich heritage and beauty of Segovia’s old town.
Inclusions, Exclusions, and Participant Information
The day trip from Madrid includes several key inclusions and exclusions for participants.
The tour includes air-conditioned bus transportation, an official guide, skip-the-line tickets for El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen, and a walking tour in Segovia.
However, it excludes admission to specific monuments in Segovia, as well as meals and drinks.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and infants must bring their own baby car seats.
Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and to avoid bringing luggage, large bags, food, or pets into the vehicle.
Availability should be checked for desired participants and dates.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
According to the available customer reviews, the overall rating for this day trip from Madrid is 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 112 reviews.
The guide rating received 4.2 out of 5, while the transportation rating was 4.4 out of 5.
Travelers felt the tour offered good value for money, rating it 4 out of 5.
Feedback was mixed, with some noting time wasted returning to Madrid, while others praised the informative guide and ample sightseeing time.
Key highlights include:
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Informative and knowledgeable guide
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Comfortable transportation
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Good value for money
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Mixed feedback on pacing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book This Tour for a Group of 8 People?
Yes, you can book this full-day tour for a group of 8 people. The tour offers flexible group sizes and provides hotel pick-up and drop-off services to accommodate larger parties. You’ll need to check availability for your preferred dates.
Is Photography Allowed at All the Sites on the Tour?
Photography is generally allowed at the sites on the tour, but visitors should check with the guide or on-site staff for any restrictions. Some monuments, like the Escorial, may have specific rules regarding photography.
What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?
There’s no strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are recommended. Avoid bringing large bags or luggage, as they’re not allowed on the bus. The tour operator advises dressing for a full day of sightseeing.
Do I Need to Bring Any Snacks or Water?
The tour doesn’t include meals or drinks, so it’s recommended to bring snacks and water. However, there’s free time in Segovia for lunch, so participants can purchase food and beverages there if they prefer.
Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?
It’s not possible to extend the tour duration, as it’s a pre-set full-day excursion from Madrid. However, the tour does allow ample free time in Segovia for lunch and souvenir shopping if you’d like to spend more time there.
The Sum Up
This full-day adventure from Madrid provides an immersive experience in Spain’s rich history and culture. Visitors will marvel at the architectural wonders of El Escorial, reflect at the Valley of the Fallen, and explore the charming old town of Segovia, all with the convenience of transportation, skip-the-line access, and an official guide. It’s an excellent opportunity to discover some of Spain’s most iconic destinations in a single day.
You can check availability for your dates here: