Segovia, El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Day Trip from Madrid

Join this tour , lasting around 11 hours , and discover some of Spain’s most iconic sites. You’ll have the chance to visit the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen, two mausoleums built by two of Spain’s most controversial rulers.

You’ll also visit the city of Segovia, steeped in history and home to buildings dating back centuries. Throughout the tour, you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide, from whom you’ll learn about the history and architecture of the many iconic sites you’ll visit.

You’ll see 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, to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Saint Quentin. It was built between 1563 and 1584 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

You’ll visit the famous 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 is notable for its underground Catholic basilica, its abbey and its monumental 150-metre-high cross, perched atop the cliff. On 24 October 2019, the remains of Francisco Franco were exhumed from the Valley, 44 years after his death.

In Segovia, you’ll have the chance to visit some of the city’s most iconic monuments, including the following:

• Segovia Aqueduct: It was built in the early 2nd century and remained in use until 1973. The most remarkable feature of this colossal architectural feat is that the ashlar stones are interlocked without the use of mortar or any other form of fastening.

• Alcázar of Segovia: The favourite castle of the Catholic Monarchs. It stands atop a crag, overlooking the confluence of two rivers, and was considered impregnable in its day. Although originally built as a fortress, the Alcázar has also served as a palace, a prison, an artillery college and a military academy. Today, it can be visited as a museum.

Once the excursion is over, you’ll return to Madrid by coach, on a round-trip journey that will drop you off at the original starting point. A comprehensive tour of three of Spain’s most important tourist and architectural destinations. A must for lovers of history and culture.