At a start time to suit the schedule of you and your private party, board an air-conditioned Mercedes Benz vehicle at your Madrid hotel. During the 1-hour drive to El Escorial monastery, your guide provides history-rich commentary tailored to suit your interests.
On arrival at the 16th-century monastic and palatial complexes, commissioned by King Felipe II of Spain, you’ll embark on a guided tour of El Escorial: highlights include the elegant basilica and the marble Pantheon de los Reyes, where many kings and their relatives are buried.
Your next stop is the emotive Valley of the Fallen (Valle de los Caidos), a monumental complex that consists of a rock-carved basilica, an abbey, and a colossal 150-meter (492-foot) cross that commemorates lives lost in the Spanish Civil War.
After gaining insight into the significance of each monument, return to your vehicle and relax during the drive back to your Madrid hotel.