Toledo, El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen

*** PLEASE NOTE: The Valley of the Fallen is currently closed to renovation - it is unknown at this time when the site will re-open.  This tour will be to Toledo and El Escorial - with more time spent at both sites.

This is a very full day - great for those wishing to see plenty of sights in one day of travel.  This package includes a half day to Toledo with a half day tour to El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen - for a special discounted price!

TOLEDO: The beautiful imperial 'city-museum' of Toledo is located 70km (40 miles) away from Madrid. It is one of the oldest towns in Europe, called the “city of three cultures”, since Christians, Muslims and Jews lived here in harmony for many years together. It has genuine Spanish buildings that include almost every period in Spain's history (Arab, Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance and Baroque). A highlight of a visit to Toledo is seeing the famous paintings by the 16th-century master, El Greco. Toledo was the setting for many of El Greco's artworks, including the famous 'Burial of the Count of Orgaz' at the church of Saint Tome.

Prepare to discover a world heritage site and a city famous for its medieval character - full of churches, synagogues, mosques, art galleries, shops, and more.

The highlights of the city include the amazing 13th-century cathedral, the medieval castle and Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue. We will also visit Saint Tome Church and San Juan of the Kings.

Enjoy getting lost in narrow cobblestone streets and historic alleyways...

EL ESCORIAL: Considered the eighth wonder of the world for a long period of time and currently a world heritage site. The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo El Real was built by King Philip the Second. The austere Renaissance complex combines a palace and monastery, and features a wonderful collection of art. On this visit, an experienced guide will take us for a tour of the complex, including the Hapsburgs Palace, Kings and Princes Mausoleum, Chapter Houses and the Basilica.

VALLE DE LOS CAIDOS (Valley of the Fallen): This enormous monument was built between 1940 and 1959 to honour the Spaniards killed during the civil War. It is a Basilica excavated in the mountain at 1350m above sea level where an impressive 150m high cross places itself over the magnificent nature reserve of Madrid's mountain range. The monument was built by the Spanish dictator General Franco and it is said thousands of prisoners were killed during its construction. We will take a guided tour inside the basilica, and admire the spectacular valley landscape surrounding the complex.

At the end of the tour we return to Plaza de Espana in the center of Madrid.