Excursion to "El Escorial"

Service Description

The Royal Palace of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, commissioned by Philip II, is an enduring testament to the glorious era of the Spanish Empire, on which "the sun never set." This monastery is now a World Heritage Site and is considered a preeminent symbol of Spanish power from the 16th century. It was built to commemorate the victory at the Battle of San Quintín. Not only the monastery's basilica is worth seeing, but also the Pantheon, where the remains of Charles V rest. Its design is characterized by rationality, symmetry, and balance, and the spirit of humanism permeates the atmosphere. For these reasons, El Escorial was called the Eighth Wonder of the World for years. The entrance tickets and transportation costs are not included in the price. There are three options: 1.) Guided Tour on Site You will meet your guide on site, who will lead you through the monastery palace for a good two hours. We'll take care of booking your tickets in advance, so you can enjoy direct access without waiting in line. On the tour, you'll see the palace's most important halls. Of course, you'll also stop by the basilica, the Pantheon, and the famous library. Let us guide you instead of wandering through the many rooms of the gigantic palace on your own. Duration: 2.5 hours 2.) Half-Day Excursion Your guide will meet you at your accommodation in Madrid and drive you to the Monastery-Palace of El Escorial. He will guide you through the gigantic palace. You'll see all the highlights, such as the basilica, the library, and, of course, the famous Pantheon. Afterwards, there's time to enjoy a drink in the beautiful Plaza Mayor of San Lorenzo de El Escorial or stroll through the gardens. Your guide will return you to Madrid, so you don't have to worry about anything. Duration: 5 hours 3.) Full-day excursion On this excursion, you'll first see the monastery palace of El Escorial with all its remarkable chambers, the library, the Pantheon, and the church. Afterwards, you can either travel to Segovia or to the Valle de los Caídos (National Monument of the Holy Cross in the Valley of the Fallen). The highlight is the basilica, built into the rock and serving as the burial site for the many Spaniards who died during the Civil War (1936-1939). When you see the mountains and valleys of the region, you'll understand why this location was chosen for both monuments. Duration: 8 hours