San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery Private Tour
+6 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2h 30min
- Price from
- $109 / person
- Location
- Madrid, Spain
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 22 reviews
- Languages
- EN, ES
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Isabella Trébede
- Meeting point
- Look for the entrance with the Spanish flag on top of it. It's right in front of the Tourism Office. Your guide will be carrying an Isabella Trébede tote bag.
Description
On this exclusive private tour, you’ll have a dedicated guide to explore centuries of history within one of Spain’s most impressive monuments. El Escorial Monastery, a national treasure, showcases the power and wealth of the Habsburg dynasty. With priority entrance, you’ll explore its many rooms. The library is a prime example of Phillip II’s Humanism, reflecting his passion for science and the arts, while the basilica reveals the religious context of the time. In the Royal Pantheon, you’ll discover the building’s grandeur and learn about figures like John of Austria, the illegitimate son of Emperor Charles V. Your tour will end in the Hall of the Battles, where you’ll encounter breathtaking murals that will leave a lasting impression. Afterward, you can explore the Renaissance gardens, created for both kings and monks, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forest. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the peacocks that call these gardens home!
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, and Sun
- Start times
- 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM
- Next available
- Wed, Oct 28
- Adult (ages 16+)
- $109
- Child (ages 6–15)
- $37
- Infant (ages 0–5)
- Free
In demand: 30 of the next 39 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial
You will discover the secrets of the monastery, meeting the characters that shaped it across history. During the tour, you will visit the Royal Basilica, the Library that Philip II created, the Cloister, and the Chapter Rooms, filled with art pieces from El Greco, Titian or Velázquez. Then, you will head to the heart of the monastery, where the Royal Pantheon awaits, the burial site of the kings and royalty since the 16th Century. The tour will end at the Habsburgs Palace, inside the rooms where Philip II lived and died.
What's included
Included
Skip-the-line tickets (€ 12 per adult, € 7 per senior and child under 16). Under 5 are free.
Individual headsets to hear the tour guide clearly.
Licensed tour guide.
Not included
Food and drinks are not included.
Hotel pickup or transportation to/from the meeting point.
Gratuities
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
22 reviews
How it compares in Madrid
- Rated higher than 82% of 569 reviewed tours in Madrid
- Starting price $109 is 58% above the typical $69 for tours of similar length in Madrid
Excurgo comparison of 1,714 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible due to the presence of staircases and structural elements. This is important information, in order to avoid customers with mobility impairments facing disappointment after booking the tour.
- Seniors (+65), students (under 25) and children under 16 have reduced access fare (€ 7) and must present a valid ID (or a photo or copy) at the ticket office.
- The basilica is closed during the masses. On Sundays and religious holidays, this means that it is closed the entire morning. In case of closure, your guide will extend the visit at the Library or the Chapter Rooms.
- Not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery Private Tour take?
San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery Private Tour lasts about 2h 30min. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery Private Tour cost?
Prices start at $109 per person for this Madrid experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery Private Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
How much does San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery Private Tour cost for children?
Children aged 6–15 pay from $37, adults from $109. Infants go free.
Does San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery Private Tour sell out?
It can: 30 of the next 39 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery Private Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Look for the entrance with the Spanish flag on top of it. It's right in front of the Tourism Office. Your guide will be carrying an Isabella Trébede tote bag. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery Private Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 10 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Seniors (+65), students (under 25) and children under 16 have reduced access fare (€ 7) and must present a valid ID (or a photo or copy) at the ticket office.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible due to the presence of staircases and structural elements. This is important information, in order to avoid customers with mobility impairments facing disappointment after booking the tour. Not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.
Reviews(22)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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from$109
5.0(22) Free cancellation