Toledo & Real Monasterio del Escorial full day (with lunch)

Experience the rise and fall of Spain with this intriguing day tour of Toledo, El Escorial and Valle de los Caidos. Whisk through some of the most glittering and darkest chapters in its history as you explore these three attractions. Admire the medieval majesty of Toledo. Behold the baroque brilliance of El Escorial and the daunting scale of the fascist monument at Valle de los Caidos.

Impressively located on a rock in a bend of the River Tagus, Toledo is a former capital, which still looks today much like it would have back in the 15th century, when it was home to a cosmopolitan mix of Muslims, Jews and Christians. See the glorious Gothic cathedral, wander ancient cobbled streets and admire the Moorish, Mudejar and Renaissance architecture. Visit the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco's stunning Burial of the Count of Orgaz.

The monastery and palace complex of El Escorial was built by King Philip II (of Armada fame) in the 16th century and is perhaps the impressive symbol of Spanish imperial power and glory. Visit the Habsburg Palace, the Pantheon of the Kings and the Princes’ Mausoleum, the Architectural Museum, the Weapons Room, the Library and the Basilica. Discuss it all over a traditional lunch in a nearby restaurant.

The final visit if to the Valle de los Caidos (Valley of the Fallen) a monumental mausoleum built by hundreds of Republican prisoners after the Spanish Civil War and where notorious dictator Generalissimo Franco is buried.

Meeting/pick-up point: No.7 Plaza de España.
Duration: 11 hours.
Start/opening time: 8.45am.
End/closing time: 7.45pm.
Languages: Spanish and English with Italian available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Meal

Drinks

Assistance or guided tour

Admissions

Equipment

Optional meal

In Spanish at 8.45 am

Appropriate age for child ticket from 6 to 15 years