Madrid to El Escorial and The Valley of the Fallen: Day trip

Enter a royal palace and monastery, soaking up Habsburg history in El Escorial. Visitors can take around three hours to explore El Escorial, delving into the history of the Habsburgs and the Spanish Renaissance. The complex features intricate gardens, decadently decorated chapels, and charming town squares. Here, you can learn more about the reign of Philip II and discover how this period shaped Spain’s history and culture. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site features majestic architecture and forms the perfect first stop for a historical day trip.

Take a couple of hours to better understand the losses of the Spanish Civil War and how this period shaped Spain. Travelers can spend an enriching afternoon visiting The Valley of the Fallen, featuring a Catholic basilica and a memorial to those lost in the Spanish Civil War. The monumental cross is over 490 feet (150 meters) tall and is visible on the drive to the site from miles away. The basilica portion of the complex is carved directly into the rock itself, and previously contained the remains of a controversial figure, General Francisco Franco. Travelers can admire the intricate architecture of this solemn place and learn more about this period of conflict. The Valley is open 10:00 -18:00 from October to March, and 10:00-19:00 from April to September (it is closed on all Mondays).