Did you know that Philip II built the Monastery of El Escorial to fight the devil?
Our private tour of El Escorial takes you to one of Spain’s grandest UNESCO-listed sites just 50km from Madrid. During the 60-minute public bus ride, your knowledgeable local guide will whet your appetite with an introduction to this 16th century Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a former royal residence, monastery and necropolis. As this is a private tour, it will be shaped entirely around the aspects of the site that interest you.
Learn about the succession of Spanish kings over the last 500 years, including the Bourbons and influential Hapsburgs. Visit the magnificent tombs of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, along with a succession of kings and queens of Spain in the Royal Pantheon. Visit the Courtyard of Kings, explore the Basilica, tour the Royal Palace and admire the magnificent Library and frescoed Hall of Battles.
Your private tour guide will ensure you get the maximum benefit and enjoyment from this tour of El Escorial, explaining the significance of each building and answering all your questions.
Highlights
See the majestic UNESCO-listed Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Discover who built it, when and why
Listen to interesting tales of Spanish kings and queens while exploring the Palace, Monastery and Pantheon
Experience Spanish scenery as you travel between Madrid and El Escorial
Enjoy a bespoke private tour tailored to your personal interests and preferences
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After 2 days in Madrid we still felt we had still not got to its essence so we called MadSnail and booked a full day walking tour with Enrique. He is so enthusiastic about the city he lives in, the city he loves, that you can't help becoming inspired! He brought to life the culture and history in a very visceral and engaging way. Quoting verse from Cervantes; describing the Spanish resistance to Napoleon's armies in 1808; explaining paintings by Goya and El Greco; creating a great narrative of the succession of Spanish royal families...Or finding a great Tapas bar; exploring the diverse selection of Jamon Iberico (Spanish hams); discussing Spanish wines or the ancient history of the city....need we say more. Look no further than Enrique and MadSnail!
A visit to Madrid is an excellent opportunity to visit the UNESCO-listed Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial with your own private tour guide. Meet at the Moncloa Bus Station at 8.40am for the one hour journey through Spanish countryside to El Escorial. This historic royal complex dates back to 1563 and is a magnificent royal site.
Your private tour guide will design the tour to include the aspects of the royal complex that interest you the most. Tour the Royal Palace, learn about the Monastery, admire the decorative Basilica and hear about some of the most important kings and queens whose tombs can be seen in the Royal Pantheon. The private tour of El Escorial will include the Library, Architectural Museum, Art Gallery, School, Garden of the Friars, Courtyard of the Kings and frescoed Hall of Battles, among other fascinating sights.
This private guided tour delves into the culture, architecture, history and religion that influenced El Escorial, and Spain itself. Hear about the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and the wealthy Hapsburgs and Bourbons whose influence was felt throughout the whole of Europe. Feel free to ask questions of your guide, and enjoy his informative commentary in your own native language on this unforgettable private tour of El Escorial Monastery, Palace and Royal Pantheon. Return with your tour guide by bus to Madrid around 2pm or choose to linger in El Escorial for lunch and another stroll around this world-class attraction independently.
Here is a relevant article from our blog
Important Information
Duration: 4 hours
Languages Available: English, Spanish, Italian, French
Languages available on demand: Chinese, Arab, Russian, German, Portuguese (write to confirm availability)
Inclusions: private guide, entrance to museum and sights, use of public transportation if necessary, bus tickets
Exclusions: pick up by car
Meeting Point: the guide meets you at your hotel lobby or at the entrance to your apartment building. In some cases a metro ticket is provided from your hotel to the starting point of your tour. This is a walking tour, the pick up service is on foot, not by car.
Cancellation: you can cancel with 100% refund up to 72 hours in advance. 50% is returned with 48 hour notice and no refund with less than 48 hours notice.
Book Now
After 2 days in Madrid we still felt we had still not got to its essence so we called MadSnail and booked a full day walking tour with Enrique. He is so enthusiastic about the city he lives in, the city he loves, that you can't help becoming inspired! He brought to life the culture and history in a very visceral and engaging way. Quoting verse from Cervantes; describing the Spanish resistance to Napoleon's armies in 1808; explaining paintings by Goya and El Greco; creating a great narrative of the succession of Spanish royal families...Or finding a great Tapas bar; exploring the diverse selection of Jamon Iberico (Spanish hams); discussing Spanish wines or the ancient history of the city....need we say more. Look no further than Enrique and MadSnail!
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