The tour starts from Plaza de Espana, 7 in Madrid where you will be met by your multilingual guide and taken to El Escorial (about 49 kilometres from Madrid).
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, El Escorial is a symbol of the Spanish Power in the 16th century and commemorates the San Quintin Battle. It is also a mausoleum for Charles V. You will also visit the Hapsburg Palace, Kings and Princes Mausoleum, Chapter House and the Basilica.
Further on, proceed to Valle de Los Caidos (Basilica of the Valley) located about 9 kilometres from El Escorial. It is an enormous monument built between 1940 and 1959 to honor the Spaniards killed during the civil war. It is a basilica excavated in the mountain at 1350 metres above sea level where an impressive 150 metre-high cross places itself over the magnificent nature reserve of Madrid mountain range.
After the explanations of guide from the outside, you will have free time to contemplate this magnificent architectural monument, take pictures and admire the wonderful views of the Sierra de Madrid.
Continue on a panoramic tour of Madrid. Drive through the courtesan district of the Madrid characterized by Renaissance and baroque style buildings built by Phillip II.
Along the way stop for lunch at a local restaurant (cost not included). Visit the Madrid of the Bourbons and the complex town planning schemes of Charles III, Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains and the Puerta de Alcalá. Also visit the elegant Plaza de Oriente and The Prado Museum. Pass through some of Madrid’s famous avenues such as Gran Vía, Castellana, the district of Salamanca, Plaza de Castilla, Parque del Oeste, University Campus, commercial and financial zones of Modern Madrid, the Las Ventas Bullring and the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium. Along the way, stop at the famous Hard Rock Café where you will be offered a drink.
After the day’s exploration you will be taken back to Madrid, your tour will finish at Plaza de Espana, 7.