Exploring the historic and cultural landmarks beyond Madrid is an enticing prospect for many travelers. This day trip whisks visitors to the remarkable Monastery of El Escorial, the moving Valley of the Fallen, and the enchanting city of Segovia. With skip-the-line access and an expert guide to navigate the sights, the tour promises an enriching experience. From the architectural grandeur of El Escorial to the awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct in Segovia, this packed itinerary offers a compelling glimpse into Spain’s storied past. Whether you’re seeking a deeper understanding of the country’s history or simply wish to learn about its stunning landscapes, this day trip is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- A full-day tour from Madrid that explores the historic Monastery of El Escorial, the Valley of the Fallen, and the picturesque city of Segovia.
- Priced from $99.62 per person, with transportation, guide, and skip-the-line tickets included.
- Duration of 11 hours, available in Spanish and English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Key highlights include the Cloister of the 4 Evangelists, the Palace of Philip II, and the Gothic Cathedral in Segovia.
- Restrictions on luggage, bags, food, and pets, with comfortable shoes recommended for the walking tour in Segovia.
Tour Overview
For those seeking an immersive day trip from Madrid, this full-day tour offers an opportunity to explore the historic sites of El Escorial, the Valley of the Fallen, and Segovia.
Priced from $99.62 per person, the 11-hour tour is available in Spanish and English.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, as well as the reserve now and pay later option.
The tour includes transportation, an official guide, and skip-the-line tickets for El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen.
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and restrictions apply on luggage, bags, food, and pets.
Itinerary Details
The day trip begins with a morning visit to the Monastery of El Escorial, a grand complex that once served as a residence for Spanish kings.
Guests will explore the Cloister of the 4 Evangelists, the Palace of Philip II, the Pantheon of the Royal Family, and the Basilica.
Next, they’ll visit the Valley of the Fallen, a memorial for Spanish Civil War victims featuring a 150-meter high cross, a Basilica, and a Crypt.
After a 1-hour lunch break in Madrid, the tour departs for Segovia.
Here, visitors will see the Plaza del Azoguejo with its iconic Roman Aqueduct, the Town Hall Square, the Gothic Cathedral, and the Alcázar Castle.
Morning Visit
The morning visit begins with an exploration of the Monastery of El Escorial, a majestic complex that once served as a residence for Spanish kings.
This architectural marvel includes:
- The Cloister of the 4 Evangelists, a peaceful sanctuary
- The Palace of Philip II, a glimpse into royal history
- The Pantheon of the Royal Family, a solemn resting place
- The Basilica, an impressive religious structure
After exploring the Monastery, the tour continues to the Valley of the Fallen, a memorial for victims of the Spanish Civil War.
Towering above the site is a 150-meter high cross, alongside the Basilica and Crypt, offering a somber yet meaningful experience.
Afternoon Excursion
After the morning visits, the tour returns to Madrid for approximately an hour of free time for lunch.
Around 3 PM, the group departs for Segovia. In Segovia, the tour explores the historic city center, including the famous Plaza del Azoguejo and its well-preserved Roman aqueduct.
Visitors also see the Gothic cathedral and the iconic Alcázar Castle. The walking tour provides an in-depth look at Segovia’s architectural and cultural highlights.
Though the afternoon schedule is packed, some reviews note the pacing can feel a bit rushed. The Segovia portion caps off an engaging day exploring key sites outside of Madrid.
Transportation and Inclusions
Air-conditioned bus transportation is provided for the full-day tour from Madrid.
The tour includes:
- Official guide with skip-the-line tickets for El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen
- Segovia walking tour
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and meals and drinks aren’t included.
Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, as there are restrictions on luggage, large bags, food, and pets in the vehicle.
The itinerary is subject to change, so it’s essential to double-check the details before the tour.
Important Information
Meeting point for this day trip from Madrid is VPT Tours. Comfortable shoes are recommended for this excursion, as there will be walking involved. No large bags, luggage, food, or pets are allowed on the vehicle. The itinerary is subject to change, so check for any updates prior to the tour.
| Restriction | Details |
|---|---|
| Luggage | Not allowed |
| Food | Not allowed in vehicle |
| Pets | Not allowed |
| Wheelchair | Tour not suitable for wheelchair users |
The tour covers a lot of ground, so being prepared with the right footwear will ensure a comfortable experience. Adherence to the restrictions helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable day trip.
Customer Feedback
Travelers generally rate this day trip from Madrid quite favorably, with an overall score of 4.2 out of 5 based on 99 reviews.
The guide service received a 4.1 rating, while transportation was scored 4.3. Customers were slightly less pleased with the overall service and organization, each rated 4.1 and 4.2 respectively.
Key takeaways from customer feedback:
- Mixed reviews on the pacing and organization of the afternoon Segovia tour segment
- Overwhelmingly positive feedback on the guided tours of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen
- Appreciated the convenience of hotel pickup/drop-off and skip-the-line tickets
- Some concerns expressed about the flow and timing of the day’s activities
Price and Availability
Priced from $99.62 per person, this full-day tour from Madrid offers a convenient and comprehensive exploration of three iconic Spanish destinations – El Escorial, the Valley of the Fallen, and Segovia. Lasting approximately 11 hours, the tour is available in both Spanish and English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve now and pay later, making it easy to secure their spot.
| Availability | Price |
|---|---|
| Full-day Tour | From $99.62 per person |
| Duration | 11 Hours |
| Languages | Spanish, English |
| Cancellation | 24 Hours for Full Refund |
| Reservation | Pay Later Option |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Bus?
No, the tour restrictions do not allow bringing your own food or drinks on the bus. The tour provider recommends leaving large bags, luggage, and pets at home for the comfort and safety of all passengers.
Is There an Option for a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?
Yes, the tour company offers a private tour option in addition to the group tour. The private tour allows for a more personalized experience with a dedicated guide and flexible scheduling to meet the customer’s needs.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?
Customers can customize the day tour itinerary to visit additional sites, but this may come at an extra cost. The tour operator can provide options for a private tour to allow for more flexibility.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes for walking. Visitors should avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops as they may not be allowed entry into certain sites.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Free Time in Segovia?
The tour provides 1 hour of free time in Segovia, allowing visitors to explore the city’s sights at their own pace before rejoining the group. This gives travelers flexibility to grab lunch or visit additional attractions during the afternoon portion of the excursion.
Recap
This day trip offers a captivating glimpse into Spain’s history and architecture. Travelers can explore the majestic Monastery of El Escorial, pay respects at the Valley of the Fallen, and marvel at Segovia’s iconic Roman aqueduct and Alcázar Castle. With transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and skip-the-line tickets included, it’s a seamless and immersive way to discover these remarkable sites for just $99.62 per person.