Madrid to El Escorial and The Valley of the Fallen: Day trip
Private ride with a local driver
7h 15mRound tripPrivate driver
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About your trip
Spend a day immersing yourself in the refined majesty of El Escorial, featuring a palace and monastery that highlight the history of the Habsburg era. Then, head to The Valley of the Fallen, a solemn memorial where visitors can learn more about Francoist Spain and the scope of the Spanish Civil War.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Madrid whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your driverās local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden cafĆ© here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips youāll love sharing later. This isnāt a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.Explore at your own pace
Take a day trip to two significant historical sites with a private driver who will pick you up right at your accommodation in Madrid, ensuring your explorations are as stress-free and immersive as possible.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions in El Escorial and The Valley of the Fallen should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
- Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From ā¬139
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalā¬417
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in Madrid
You choose the pickup spot.
1
El Escorial
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 3 hours - admission not included








2
The Valley of the Fallen
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included





Back to Madrid
Weāll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7
Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.
Know more about your day trip
El Escorial (officially The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial) is a vast historical complex built by King Philip II in the 16th century, serving as a monastery, royal palace, museum, and school. Its significance stems from its role as the political center of Philip II's empire, its impressive Renaissance architecture, and its royal pantheon, which contains most Spanish kings and queens since Charles V.
The Valley of the Fallen features a massive basilica carved into a mountain and the world's tallest memorial cross, measuring 150 meters. You'll see the monumental entrance, the central basilica with its long nave and religious artwork, and spectacular mountain views. Until 2019, it housed Francisco Franco's tomb, but his remains have since been relocated.
Yes, The Valley of the Fallen remains politically sensitive as it was built partially by political prisoners after the Spanish Civil War. The site continues to generate debate about historical memory in Spain. While visiting, you'll gain perspective on Spain's complex 20th-century history and ongoing process of reconciliation.
You'll typically spend about 2-3 hours exploring El Escorial's various sections (royal apartments, basilica, library, art collection) and approximately 1-1.5 hours at The Valley of the Fallen. This schedule allows for comprehensive visits without rushing, while still returning to Madrid at a reasonable time.
Both sites have dress codes as they contain functioning religious spaces. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and hats should be removed inside the basilicas. Respectful attire is particularly expected at the Valley of the Fallen, which remains an active Benedictine abbey.
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer visits (July-August) can be quite hot, especially at The Valley of the Fallen, which sits at a higher elevation. Winter visits (December-March) may encounter occasional snow at both sites, adding a different perspective to the experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! Youāre free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning youāll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.
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