Toledo & Real Monasterio del Escorial (full day)

Discover beautiful Toledo, a living museum just 70km from Madrid. Explore this beautiful old town and learn why it is known as the city of three cultures and admire buildings in the Arab, Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance and Baroque style. Then we'll visit the Monastery of El Escorial, built by King Philip II and the Valley of Fallen a monument to Franco built by thousands of Republican prisoners after the Spanish Civil War.

Toledo is located in an impressive location on a rock in a bend of the River Tajo. This old town was an important cultural centre for Muslims, Jews and Christians in the early middle ages and there's plenty to see from the impressive Gothic Cathedral, atmospheric narrow cobbled streets and an incredible variety of buildings in Arabic, Mudejar Gothic and Renaissance styles. We'll also visit El Greco's stunning Burial of the Count of Orgaz in the Church of San Tomé.

Next stop is El Escorial. This massive monastery and palace was built by King Philip II in the 16th Century and stands as an impressive symbol to Spanish Imperial power. We'll visit the Habsburg Palace, the Pantheons of the Kings and the Princes, the Architectural Museum, the Weapons Room, the Library and the Basilica.

The final stop is a visit to the Valley of the Fallen. This massive monument was built between 1940 and 1959 by thousands of Republican prisoners after the Spanish Civil War as a mausoleum to dictator Franco. You will have time to explore the area by yourself and enjoy stunning views over the Sierra de Madrid before boarding the bus for the return to the capital.

Meeting / Pick up point: Julia Travel, Plaza de España, 7.
Duration: 11 hours.
Start or opening time: 8.45am.
End or closing time: 7.45pm.
Languages: Spanish, English and Italian (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays).

Assistance or guided tour

Admissions

Meal

Drinks

Equipment

Optional meal

In Spanish at 8.45 am

Appropriate age for child ticket from 6 to 15 years