Day trips from Madrid Tour Specials at Lowest Prices - Compare & Book Online - | Traveling in Spain

Private Day Trips From Madrid (Spain Tours, Half/Full Day) 2024

Matt Davison — Thu, 25 May 2023 07:23:19 +0000

Madrid is Spain’s capital and one of the liveliest cities in the world. Many people flock to the capital yearly for its fantastic city culture and exciting activities. However, some people prefer venturing out of the city to see and learn more about its surrounding regions.

There is a good reason for tourists leaving Madrid to visit the surrounding areas. Spain is home to important world heritage sites, famous landmarks, and fantastic hiking spots. Private day trips are an excellent way for people to see some of Spain’s biggest tourist attractions on their terms.

Some of the most popular Madrid day trips include visiting Toledo for its historical significance as the ‘city of three cultures.’ Other popular tours include visiting Avila to see its stone walls and Salamanca for its golden sandstone architecture. Finally, Segovia is another popular destination for its ancient aqueduct and cathedral.

Every private tour differs, so you can expect anything from walking tours, personal drives, hiking, and more. Some tours don’t offer food or drinks, so while planning your trip, look for a guide on what to eat in Spain.

Madrid Private Tours Prices 2024

Each tour is different, and as such, the prices vary depending on the tour’s itinerary. Costs can start at about 52 euros ($58) per person in a private group to 837 euros ($938) for a full group of up to 7 people.

Compare prices across the ticket providers below:

Toledo Private Tour from Madrid

$214.11

Available

Viator.com

Private Tour to Toledo from Madrid with skip-the-line ticket to the Cathedral

$330.89

Available

Viator.com

Toledo and Segovia private tour from Madrid. Exclusive private tour.

$433.77

Available

Viator.com

Private Tour El Escorial and The Valley of the Fallen from Madrid

$917.60

Available

Viator.com

Private Madrid Tours Times

While all tours vary in the number of hours spent out, the earliest starting time for a tour is 8:00. The latest ending time is 19:00. Not all trips take up full days. Most start in the morning, end before dinner, and some end in the evening.

Monday – Sunday: 8:00 – 19:00

Private Madrid Tour: Best Time to Go

You should visit Madrid between April and October for the best chance to take day trips in good weather. While the summer months of June to August provide the best weather, it is a time when tourism is booming. This may impact your ability to find private tours at reasonable prices.

Private Day Tours From Madrid Packages

Most private day tours from Madrid offer a private driver and guide to take you to your desired location.

Planning your trip is essential, as many trips are at different price points. Each location has tours that offer different amenities, so make sure you know what you want when you book.

Half-Day Private Tour to Toledo From Madrid

This private half-day tour to Toledo is best for people looking for an informative guided tour of the area’s history. Your Madrid tour guide will take you on a journey through the historical region’s most important monuments and museums.

The tour starts with a panoramic view of Toledo from the viewpoint of El Valle for 15 minutes before heading into the city. The area is known for its Islamic, Jewish, and Christian landmarks. They result from the harmony those groups shared in the Middle Ages.

During the tour, you can visit the Toledo Cathedral, a construction of Spanish Gothic architecture. This tour offers a 10% discount on the entrance ticket to the cathedral (9 Euros or $10 per person).

The tour is customized to your needs and includes upgrades such as more sightseeing, more free time, and an extended lunchtime. You will also see other great attractions like the Santa Cruz Museum and learn more about Toledo’s history.

What we liked: The local private guide had a license to explain and give information about the monuments.

INCLUDES:

Skip-the-line cathedral tickets
Private round-trip transfer to Toledo from Madrid by a Mercedes-Benz sedan or minivan
Wheelchair accessibility
Hotel or accommodation pickup if you’re in Madrid

EXCLUDES:

Admission ticket to the cathedral is at the customer’s expense
Tickets for museums and monuments
You have to upgrade to include free time for lunch, shopping, and more sightseeing

You will also be able to view the work of El Greco, Roman thermal baths, and archaeological findings of the area. Service animals, stroller accessibility, and infant seats are available, making the tour more accessible than most.

Check Price & Book

Full-Day Private Trip to Avila and Salamanca With Guided Tour

This full-day private trip to Avila and Salamanca offers a fully guided tour of both cities. During this 11-hour tour, you will learn the respective histories of the cities and see their most iconic landmarks.

The tour starts at 7:45; you will head to Salamanca to see Plaza Mayor. After spending time exploring the city, you move on to Avila. You will view the Medieval Walls of Avila and much more.

What we liked: The tour balanced time between both cities effectively.

INCLUDES:

Transportation provided from the meeting point for the duration of the tour
An entrance ticket to Salamanca’s Cathedral is included if the shared tour option selected
Professional tour guide who is bilingual in English and Spanish

EXCLUDES:

Hotel pickup and drop off depending on the option selected
Food and drinks
Access to Salamanca’s Cathedral is not included in the private tour option

Check Price & Book

Full-Day Private Day Trip to Segovia From Madrid

This full-day private tour to the city of Segovia highlights top city landmarks like Segovia Cathedral and Alcazar Castle. The tour begins at 9:00 and ends at 5:00, led by a private guide in a private vehicle.

The first attraction of the day is the Cathedral of Segovia, where you will be shown around for about two hours. The other two attractions of the day are the famous Roman aqueduct of Segovia and the Alcázar of Segovia.

Part of this day trip includes a walking tour of Madrid, where you will do a substantial amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

What we liked: Perfect for those who enjoy exploring on foot.

INCLUDES:

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Private guide if the option is selected
Private driver and private vehicle

EXCLUDES:

Gratuities
Food and drinks

Check Price & Book

The post Private Day Trips From Madrid (Spain Tours, Half/Full Day) 2024 appeared first on Traveling in Spain.

Spain Wine Tours | Tickets To Best Wineries & Vineyards

Matt Davison — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 07:10:28 +0000

Winemaking in Spain dates back several centuries. The most crucial time for wine production in Spain began with the expansion of the Roman Empire in 218 B.C. Since then, Spain has made its mark as a certified wine country.

Spain grabs one of the top spots as the world’s third-largest wine producer after France and Italy, respectively. Boasting nearly a million hectares scattered across almost 4,300 wineries. The next time you’re in a city in Spain, going on a wine tasting and vineyard tour is an absolute must.

Your Spanish wine tasting journey typically begins with a guided walking tour of the vineyard, winery, and cellar. You’ll stroll through rows of rare grape vines, chilly underground cellars, and beautiful Spanish architecture boasting ornate stucco walls, terracotta tiled roofs, and soft arches.

Wine tasting in Spain is nothing short of a gastronomical adventure. Indulge in a multi-course meal featuring tapas and other distinctive Spanish dishes. All while tasting delightful wines brimming with intense flavors.

Most of the best wineries in Spain work hand-in-hand with local wine producers and family-owned boutique wineries. Each of these establishments grows and ferments its grapes in different styles, which means no two wines are the same.

Spain Wine Tours — Prices 2024

Spain’s booming wine tourism industry has led to a spike in the number of wine tours and tasting providers. From local budget-friendly vineyards to luxury winery tours, Spain has something for everyone.

You can book a half-day wine tour from about €65 ($68,39 USD) to €82 ($86,28 USD), while a full-day trip will cost you anything from €97 ($102,07 USD) to €170 ($178,88 USD).

From Madrid: Toledo Tour with Wine Tasting and 7 Monuments

$58.01

Available

Getyourguide.com

Madrid: Old Madrid Walking Food and Wine Tour

$72.51

Available

Getyourguide.com

Valencia: Old Town Tour, Wine & Tapas in an 11th c. Monument

$79.98

Available

Getyourguide.com

Madrid: Wine and Tapas Walking Tour

$85.31

Available

Getyourguide.com

Montserrat Half-Day Tour with Tapas and Gourmet Wines

$89.54

Available

Viator.com

Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour

$106.39

Available

Viator.com

Montserrat Tour with Lunch and Gourmet Wine Tasting

$117.54

Available

Viator.com

Madrid Countryside Wineries Guided Tour with Wine Tasting

$138.03

Available

Viator.com

From Madrid: Ribera del Duero Tour of 3 Different Wineries

$197.27

Available

Getyourguide.com

La Rioja: Winery Tour with Tastings and Traditional Lunch

$266.59

Available

Getyourguide.com

Spain Wine Tours — Full-day & Half-day Travel Times

While full-day wine tours in Spain usually start bright and early, half-day excursions are more flexible, giving you the option of either a morning or evening trip. A full-day trip itinerary is typically loaded with activities and must-see monuments in Spain.

Full-day tours usually begin between 8:45 and 9 am. Half-day excursions may begin in the morning from 11 am or 6 pm in the evening.

Monday – Sunday: 8:45am – 8:00pm

Best Time to Go On A Spain Wine Tour

Spain’s Mediterranean climate is illustrated by its warm, arid summers and cool, wet winters. This means that this prominent wine country is ideal for year-round visits. You can visit in autumn when the vines are lush green and the ripened grapes are ready for harvest.

But the ideal time to go is late spring or early summer when holiday-makers typically flock to the coastlines to visit the best beaches in Spain.

Wine Tours in Spain: Package Options & Tickets

All Spain wine tour packages commonly share the wine tasting experience. But many others choose to stand out by offering optional additions like a tapa tasting, multi-course meal, or walking tour around a prominent Spanish neighborhood.

These packages vary in costs, from budget to luxury. But the popularity of these tours often leads to fully booked trips, so it would be wise to make a reservation ahead of time or purchase a skip-the-line ticket.

With skip-the-line tickets, you’ll have priority access to skip the long queues and waiting lists. These tickets often come with add-ons like separate entrances, air-conditioned roundtrip transportation, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like historic Toledo.

La Rioja: Winery Tour with Tastings and Traditional Lunch

As one of the most well-renowned wine regions in Spain, La Rioja boasts over 400 wineries. Discover enticing flavorful wines from the La Rioja Alavesa wine area on this half-day tour, while surrounded by lush peaks of the Cantabria mountain range.

This tour begins with an engaging vineyard exploration and then a tour of the stunning traditional Spanish bodega (wine cellar). While an expert guide takes you through their unique winemaking process.

Once you’ve taken in enough sites of the gorgeous scenery, you’ll be treated to a wine tasting session followed by lunch made from locally produced ingredients.

What we liked: Great for tasting a range of Spain’s finest wines.

INCLUDES:

Wine Tasting Sessions
Lunch
Hotel pick-up
English & Spanish-speaking guide

EXCLUDES:

Extra food and wine

It’s worth noting that you must bring your passport or ID on this tour, as alcohol is only served to people over the age of 18. The drive to the winery takes approximately two hours from one of Spain’s seaside towns — San Sebastián.

Check Price & Book

Ribera del Duero Wineries | Half-Day Tour & Tickets

The Ribera del Duero wine land is one of Spain’s top red wine-producing regions. Take a half-day trip from Madrid to Ribera del Duero and escape into the rich culture of winemaking and taste the purest expression of Tempranillo — Spain’s most well-known grape.

The tour begins with a two-hour minivan ride from Madrid; as you drive further north, your expert bilingual local wine guide narrates the region’s story. You’ll learn about the unique fruity character of the Ribera del Duero grape, the harvesting, and different fermentation techniques.

What we liked: Skip the line through a separate entrance.

INCLUDES:

Wine Tasting (Minimum of Two Wines per Winery)
English and Spanish-speaking Local Guide
Visit to a Historical Landmark

EXCLUDES:

Lunch (You can get this at your own expense)
Hotel Pick-up & Drop off
Gratuities (This is optional)

Once you arrive in Ribera del Duero, you’ll visit three distinct wineries in these famous winelands. You’ll sample wines made from old and new winemaking methods and hear inspiring stories about how small family wineries turned the area into a global red wine producer.

After visiting the first two wineries, you’ll have some downtime to grab some lunch. You can enjoy classic Castilian regional food, like tapas, a light lunch, or a 3-course meal at your own expense.

Check Price & Book

Montserrat Gourmet Wine Tasting & Lunch | Full-Day Tour & Tickets

Journey into the Catalan countryside from Barcelona to Montserrat for a full-day wine tour in one of Spain’s most vibrant autonomous regions. This trip begins with a guided walking tour through the Basilica and Monastery on Montserrat — a one-of-a-kind multi-peak mountain with spectacular rock formations.

You’ll also get free time to explore the museum and local farmer’s market, after which you can enjoy breathtaking views from the ridge of Cavall Bernat. Afterward, you’ll visit the winery of Oller de Mas for a fascinating cellar tour, a wine tasting, and a multi-course Catalan meal to wrap up.

What we liked: The tour caters for any dietary allergies or restrictions.

INCLUDES:

Guided Visit to a Boutique Winery (3 Wine Tastings)
Multi-course Catalan Meal with Wine
Local English-speaking Tour Guide

EXCLUDES:

Hotel Pickup & Drop-off
Gratuities

The Catalan countryside is known for its passionately independent people, their unique language, innovative flair, and creativity. Their impressive capacity to absorb different influences has led to the region boasting Romanesque art, medieval mountain monasteries, Art Nouveau masterpieces, and Roman ruins.

Catalan wines are rare and more sought-after. The wines also tend to be more pungent, higher in alcohol, and bear darker fruit flavors.

Keep In Mind: The Montserrat winery works closely with low-wine producers and family-owned boutique wineries. Should logistical issues arise, you may visit another cellar instead of Oller del Mas.

Check Price & Book

The post Spain Wine Tours | Tickets To Best Wineries & Vineyards appeared first on Traveling in Spain.

Madrid Wine & Tapas Tours (short, half-day & full-day) 2024

Matt Davison — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 06:30:43 +0000

Wine and tapas tours in Madrid are one of the best ways to experience the city and its neighbouring countryside! The tours in the city and in the rural region differ greatly, but both options are incredible! In fact, you may want to do both.

Wine tastings within Madrid are organised as a kind of bar-hopping experience! You’ll tour the historic centre of the city, tasting delicious local wines and tapas at family-run and well-known spots.

Outside of Marid, you’ll tour various wineries, enjoying the gorgeous landscapes and the traditional experience while you learn about the winemaking process and history!

Wine & Tapas Tasting Madrid Prices 2024

The cost of the tours starts at about €60 ($67 USD) to €165 ($183 USD). They range between 3-hour tours in the city and full-day tours on wineries near Madrid. Choose the perfect tour for your budget, group, and preferences!

Compare prices across the ticket providers below:

From Madrid: Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour

$22.92

Available

Getyourguide.com

Madrid: Ham and Wine Tasting Tour

$23.92

Available

Getyourguide.com

Iberico Ham & Spanish Wine Small Group - Madrid Food Tour

$66.85

Available

Viator.com

Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour

$89.06

Available

Viator.com

Small-Group Wine Tasting Day Trip from Madrid

$137.21

Available

Viator.com

Madrid Region Wineries: Guided Tour and Tastings

$156.91

Available

Getyourguide.com

Guided Wine Day Tour to Ribera del Duero from Madrid

$170.95

Available

Viator.com

From Madrid: Ribera del Duero Tour of 3 Different Wineries

Available

Getyourguide.com

Madrid: 2.5-Hour Wine Tasting, Ham & Tapas Tour

Available

Getyourguide.com

Times

These Madrid wine tours start between morning and afternoon – you can pick the times according to your own travel itinerary. There are even evening tours available!

Monday – Friday: 7 am – 7 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8 am – 7 pm

Best Time to Go

Wine tasting is a terrific activity year-round. In winter, the inner-city tours are a great way to get out of the cold and warm up with some delicious alcohol and meats! In summer, you’ll explore Madrid wineries in dappled sunlight. Perhaps the most interesting time, though, is harvesting season (August – October). You’ll get to learn and see a great deal of winemaking activity over this period!

Madrid Winery Tours

Choose a more affordable inner-city wine tasting with a jovial atmosphere and interesting food pairings. Alternatively, pick a half-day or full-day wine tasting beyond Madrid for a more traditional experience.

Tapas & Wine Tasting in Madrid

Explore Madrid on this unique and exciting tour, tasting wines and Spanish cuisine through a number of stops in the Old Quarters! It’s a wonderful way to get to know Madrid’s local haunts while enjoying its excellent produce.

You will join your foodie guide on a romp through the streets, learning about Madrid’s history and culture. You’ll hear stories about how wine and ham tie everything together! With your wines, you’ll try local Spanish specialities, including, Iberian ham – as well as salchichón, chorizo, and a number of cheeses.

This tour is a terrific way to meet other travellers and have a good time. It’s also ideal for fun groups, couples, and solo travellers.

What we liked: Great for if you don’t want to leave the city, and just have a bit of wine tasting fun.

INCLUDES:

Specialized local guide
Wine tastings at various stops
Meats and tapas

EXCLUDES:

Vegetarian option
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Gratuities (optional)

Check Price & Book

Half-Day Madrid Winery Tour

On this 6-hour Spain wine and food tour from Madrid, you’ll visit 3 different wineries and try a number of wines at each! Enjoy the picturesque countryside and learn about wine-making in the region.

This is a more traditional wine tour, and you’ll get to talk to the local sommeliers, learning about the unique processes at each long-running winery. It’s the perfect way to spend a hot summer’s day, as you’ll do most of your tastings in the cool wine cellars. There are even caves in these cellars!

What we liked: A great way to learn about wine-making, without spending the whole day.

INCLUDES:

Luxury transport
+- 10 wine tastings at 3 wineries
Expert guide
Snacks (if specified)

EXCLUDES:

Gratuities
Meals

Check Price & Book

Full Day Madrid Tours and Tastings

For a more customizable tour, join this full-day excursion into the Spanish surrounds. You’ll visit wineries and vineyards where you can learn about wine production and growing.

You will also join in on a wine-related activity, and explore some historic sites in the area! This is where the tour becomes customizable, as you’ll get to choose between various stops. Visit a medieval town, a castle, and/or a cathedral. This is a lovely way to spend a day out of the city, taking in the lush landscapes and enjoying great wines.

What we liked: A lovely way to combine history, nature, and wine!

INCLUDES:

Local professional guide
Entry fees and activities
Luxury transport
Wine tastings
Snacks and water

EXCLUDES:

Lunch
Gratuities
Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Check Price & Book

The post Madrid Wine & Tapas Tours (short, half-day & full-day) 2024 appeared first on Traveling in Spain.

Madrid to Avila Day Trip | Tours & Experiences

Matt Davison — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 11:37:54 +0000

Price for Avila Day Trip from Madrid Includes

The price includes a full-day trip from Madrid to Avila and Segovia or Salamanca – depending on the tour you choose! You’ll travel in an air-conditioned bus with a bilingual tour guide who will be showering you with history and facts all day, ready to answer any of your questions.

Check out the different tour options below:

From Madrid: Full Day Avila, Segovia and El Escorial Tour

$22.74

Available

Getyourguide.com

Avila and Segovia Full Day Guided Tour from Madrid

$52.75

Available

Klook.com

Avila with Walls and Segovia Day Tour from Madrid with Optional Lunch

$74.87

Available

Viator.com

From Madrid: Avila with Walls & Segovia Full-Day Tour

$84.24

Available

Getyourguide.com

Madrid: Tour of Avila & Salamanca

$94.91

Available

Getyourguide.com

Day Tour To Avila & Salamanca from Madrid

$99.19

Available

Klook.com

Avila and Salamanca Tour from Madrid

$99.23

Available

Viator.com

Avila and Segovia Guided Tour with Lunch Upgrade

Available

Viator.com

Begin your tour approaching the historical city of Avila. See its famous city walls, and the monuments within it. With countless churches, monasteries and convents, it is home to a depth of Spanish religious history. After leaving Madrid in the early morning, you’ll travel to Avila for a walking tour, with a guide who will answer all the questions you might have while providing you with some historical knowledge of the city and its inner workings, as well as its past.

Pass by the Sanctuary of San Vincente, one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Spain, where the bodies if Vicente and two other Christian martyrs lie buried. Walk by the Cathedral of Avila, a crossover between Gothic and Romanesque architecture, and finally walk across the seminal walls that have surrounded the old city for centuries. These walls are considered some of the best-maintained worldwide, for their age.

After this, you’ll head to Segovia to visit the famous aqueduct and learn about its creation by the Romans, as well as seeing the Canonries, and ending up at the Alcazar, a historical Spanish monument. Next, you’ll break for lunch, with some free time to do some eating, shopping or exploring of your own.

Finally, depending on the tour your choose, you could visit El Escorial and its famous architectural complex which contains an incredible Royal Palace, a basilica, a pantheon, a library, a school and a monastery – an impressive collection that very few places in the world can boast about. Should you choose the combo tour, you will continue on the second day with a full tour of the city of Toledo.

All in all, this is a tour detailing and exploring the intense and tumultuous history of Spain, through its art, architecture and culture. Spain’s history of a melting pot of cultures and religions has lead to a rich and detailed past, which can be seen through the art and architecture that still stands today.

If you’re at all a historical person, this is the tour for you. If not, this might be the tour that changes that.

Tour of Avila, Spain – Attractions:

Here are some informational details about your tour. While the city lies quite far above sea level, allowing for extreme cold at times, the summers are conversely sweltering – so be sure to check the weather ahead of time and pack appropriately.

Avila Tour Times

The tour departs from Madrid in the early hours of the morning.

Duration

This is a full day, 11-hour tour.

Cost

Tickets start around $70 per person

Facilities

There will be a number of bathrooms along the way, as well as restaurants and shops along the route where drinks and snacks can be bought. Though, due to the long duration of the tour, it might be advisable to prepare a few to bring yourself.

Check Price

The post Madrid to Avila Day Trip | Tours & Experiences appeared first on Traveling in Spain.

Segovia Day Trip

Matt Davison — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 08:08:23 +0000

Madrid To Segovia Day Trip

We have always found the people of Segovia to be very friendly and helpful. And if we had to choose between a visit to Avila or Segovia when planning your trip to Spain, we would definitely pick Segovia and leave Avila for another visit.

This amazing Madrid to Segovia day trip is a remarkable way to see all the main points of Segovia, while also being filled in on some interesting history. And if you find yourself stuck wondering what to do in Segovia – your guide will know just the thing! Check out some of the stops you will enjoy on this tour:

The Cathedral Of Segovia, Spain

This must-see stop on your tour was completed in 1577 and is open to the public on weekdays and weekends. The Cathedral of Segovia is located in one corner of the Plaza Mayor, at the center of the city.

The Alcazar of Segovia

During the Middle Ages the monarchs of Castile made the Alcazar a frequent place of residence. The castle was a key fortress for control over the Castile region of Spain. Now it’s one of the most visited monuments in Spain!

Do take the climb up the tower on your visit – from here there are fantastic views of the city and surrounding area. The canopy behind the two thrones bears the arms of the Catholic monarchs and is inscribed “Tanto Monta” (it makes no odds). The stained glass window holds an image of Henry IV and is a modern work. The ceiling was restored to look like the one destroyed in the fire of 1862.

The Aqueduct Of Segovia

Aqueducts are impressive structures. The Romans made them out of large blocks, and this one still stands relatively straight after 2000 years.

Tip for when you’re there: notice the slight shift in the second layer of blocks and how the first layer was just laid on an existing, native rock.

Segovia Day Trip With Walking Tour

Embark on a journey of a lifetime to Segovia via a luxury bus and get dropped off at the stunning aqueduct upon arrival. Admire one of the best remaining examples of Roman engineering, built over 2,000 years ago to transport water to the city. Go to the Visitor Center to see a model of Segovia and watch a presentation that will help you to decide which monuments you would most like to visit.

From here you will be able to enjoy a 90-minute walking tour to get to know the city with a local and bilingual tour guide pointing little details out to you along the way.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the buildings of the “Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct” include Romanesque churches and the unusual fortress of the Alcázar.

Relax on the luxury bus as you travel back towards Madrid in the afternoon.

Duration

Full-day, with a 90-min walking tour

Cost

This day trip costs €36,94 per person, excluding entrance and lunch

Price Includes

Round-trip transportation by luxury bus (Madrid – Segovia – Madrid), bilingual guide and a 90-minute walking tour of Segovia.

Facilities

Luxury bus, toilet facilities and access to Segovia’s public facilities

The post Segovia Day Trip appeared first on Traveling in Spain.

Madrid to El Escorial – Visit The Magnificent Escorial Palace

Matt Davison — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 13:49:11 +0000

We’ve gone on a search to find our top guided tours of El Escorial Palace and Monastery so you have multiple options to choose from. If you love royalty and history, a tour including a visit to El Escorial palace and the royal tombs definitely won’t disappoint!

From 5-hour guided tours that takes you to the monastery and the Valley of the Fallen, to half-day trips exploring Madrid or Toledo – there is a tour available for every type of traveler. All of the tours include a visit to the architectural masterpiece of El Escorial palace.

Book one of these amazing tours now and get ready to breathe in the fresh mountain air, enjoy the architectural magnificence and rich history of El Escorial palace in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama.

From Madrid: Full Day Avila, Segovia and El Escorial Tour

$24.69

Available

Getyourguide.com

Royal Monastery of El Escorial Half Day Tour from Madrid

$51.25

~~$54.00~~

Available

Klook.com

El Escorial & Basilica of the Valley 5-Hour Guided Tour

$63.14

Available

Getyourguide.com

El Escorial Monastery & The Valley of the Fallen Day Tour

$66.75

Available

Klook.com

Madrid: Toledo and El Escorial Full-Day Coach Tour

$109.15

Available

Getyourguide.com

Segovia and El Escorial from Avila with Drop Off in Madrid

Available

Viator.com

Day Trip to El Escorial Spain

Once the mausoleum of the Spanish monarchs, the El Escorial palace now forms a big part of the history of Spain and its previous rulers. In the small town of El Escorial, you can find the palace and monastery building that stands dramatically against the calm and peaceful surroundings of nature.

The monastery at San Lorenzo de El Escorial was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. This building is a palace, monastery complex and an eternal memorial for the relatives of King Charles V.

In 1558 Felipe II was deeply affected by the death of his father, Charles V. He decided to build the San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery to create an eternal memorial for all his loved ones. Felipe II used world-class architects to construct this stunning building. Even today, with its structure still perfectly solid, you would hardly believe that the first stone was laid in 1563!

If you find yourself in the region of Madrid, Avila, or Segovia, this is a sight worth seeing, with its rigid architectural structure and dramatic impression. Book a ticket to this Spanish palace in Escorial and experience the multifunctional building once occupied by the royals of El Escorial.

Here are some highlights you can look forward to:

The Basilica & The Royal Pantheon

The Basilica or cathedral forms the center of the monastery complex and its dome rises almost a 100m into the sky. Nearly all the Spanish monarchs were buried in this octagonal space, known as the Royal Pantheon. The space is covered in marble, jasper and bronze in the baroque architectural style and is a truly spectacular sight to see.

The Royal Apartment

During certain parts of the year, Felipe II, lived at the monastery. The king’s chambers look upon the altar of the Basilica, while the queen’s chambers can be found on the other side of the Basilica, having its own view of the altar from a different angle.

The Crypt: Royal Tombs In Escorial, Spain

The royal tombs can be found in the crypt of the palace in Escorial, Spain. It is a true show of elegance. The stairway leading down to the crypt is covered in marble and so is the crypt itself, a beautifully decorated space that will surely make some jaws drop!

When the castle was still operating, a “rotting room” was located behind the walls of the crypt. When royal family members died, their remains were stored in the “rotting room”. The corpses were then moved to their final resting place in one of the crypts.

El Escorial Library

People particularly find the impressive library – with more than 40 000 books – a highlight of their visit! A 55m long marble floor forms part of the decor of the barrel-vaulted library. The sight of the books in contrast with the marble is an astonishing sight.

Image by @librarytime

San Lorenzo Del Escorial: Escorial Palace Guided Tour

Many travelers visit this little town on a day trip from Madrid. If you’re planning your own trip to Spain, we suggest you do the same!

Expect a feast for your eyes when you enter the Monasterio Del Escorial. Felipe II found the site of El Escorial palace on the 10 August 1577 which falls on the feast day of Saint Lawrence. In Spain, St Lorenzo Day forms an important part of history and you’re at the right place to learn it all!

El Escorial Palace Hours

Winter Opening Hours: October – March

Tuesday to Sunday: from 10:00 to 18:00

Summer Opening Hours: April – September

Tuesday to Sunday: from 10:00 to 20:00

Duration

This is a full day tour, including your drive from Madrid to Escorial, the visit to the Royal Monastery of El Escorial and the Basilica of the Valley.

Cost

Online tickets for your guided tour from Madrid, entry to the monastery and Basilica of the Valley costs € 58.

Price Includes

This price includes transport from Madrid, entrance to the monastery, Valley of the Fallen and the Basilica. It doesn’t include gratuities – check out our post on tipping in Spain!

Facilities

There is access available for people with disabilities. Enquire about this before your tour.

El Escorial, Valley Of The Fallen and Toledo: Day Tour From Madrid

If you’re pressed for time and want to explore as much as possible, a day tour from Madrid might be the perfect solution. This tour includes a visit to the UNESCO-listed center of historic Toledo.

You’ll get to see two UNESCO-listed attractions: the Monastery of El Escorial and the Alcazar of Toledo. Join your expert tour guide on your journey to the Valley of the Fallen, where you can pay your respects to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Spanish Civil War.

Oh, and don’t forget that hotel pick-up and lunch are included in this fun day tour. What a relief!

Check Price & Book

The post Madrid to El Escorial – Visit The Magnificent Escorial Palace appeared first on Traveling in Spain.

The Alcázar of Toledo (Guided Tours & Day Trips) 2024

Matt Davison — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 14:38:18 +0000

Sitting atop a hill with panoramic views of the city around it, the Alcázar makes for a perfect tourist destination for anyone with an interest in Spain’s wartime history. Especially for any military history buffs. Not to be forgotten are the Toledo Cathedral, and the ever-present multicultural history of the city from the Moors, Christians, Jews and Muslims who resided there over the centuries.

Originally a Roman Palace built around the 3rd Century, the Alcázar of Toledo (or Alcázar de Toledo) is a stunning landmark with a rich history that’s been past down over the centuries. It was first restored in the 1500s by Spanish Royalty and later restored again after Francisco Franco’s troops took refuge in the Alcazar in the Spanish Civil War, 1936. In this battle, it was nearly entirely destroyed and was restored and rebuilt up until its completion in the late 1950s.

Today the Toledo Alcazar, sitting on top of Toledo, is the city’s Army Museum, as well as home to some army offices. An extensive amount of Spanish Army history is covered in the museum, all the way from the Roman times, to the discovery of the ‘new world’, up until the Spanish Civil War, and later their involvement in Afghanistan. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, solidifying its place both in modern and ancient history.

If that sounds like an incredible place to explore to you, choose a day tour from Seville or Madrid, or catch a train here and join a short guided tour of the Alcazar.

Toledo Spain alcazar Prices 2024

The cost of the tours start at €12 Euro ($14 USD) to €50 ($56 USD) depending on the kind of experience you’re looking for – a short guided tour, a skip-the-line-ticket and tour, or a full-excursion! Compare prices across the ticket providers below:

Alcazar of Córdoba Guided Tour

$13.25

~~$19.85~~

Available

Klook.com

Toledo Full-Day All Inclusive Tour from Madrid with Lunch

$22.54

Available

Getyourguide.com

Seville: Alcázar Guided Tour with Priority Entrance

$37.56

Available

Getyourguide.com

Fast-Track Seville Guided Tour into Alcazar

$40.60

Available

Viator.com

Seville: Alcazar, Cathedral & Giralda Guided Tour

$49.26

Available

Getyourguide.com

Cathedral, Alcazar, & Giralda Guided Tour Combo Tickets in Seville

$49.79

Available

Klook.com

Segovia and Toledo Tour with Alcazar & Optional Cathedral

$54.73

Available

Getyourguide.com

Cathedral & Alcazar of Seville Guided Tour (Skip the Line)

$71.18

Available

Viator.com

Times

Guided tours of the Alcazar last 1-3 hours depending on what is included. The tours of Toledo are full-day trips! It is open all year-round, but closed for maintenance on Wednesdays.

Thursday – Tuesday: 11 am – 5 pm
Wednesday: Closed

Best Time to Go

There’s never a bad time to visit the former royal palace of Spain’s Catholic Kings! The best time to visit Toledo is in spring, as the weather is perfect and summer crowds disperse. But since Toledo is off the general tourist map, and the Alcazar is always cool, we honestly can’t think of a reason not to visit any time of year.

Alcazar Toledo Tours

There are some great options for a tour of the Alcazar! Whether you love all things history or military, or you just want to take a day trip somewhere beautiful, these tours are just the thing.

Alcazar of Toledo Guided Tour

Explore Toledo’s most impressive monument! Visible from everywhere in the town, it is a must-see. On this tour, you’ll marvel at the incredible mosaics, the luxurious rooms and sculptures, the immense gardens, and the view from the watchtowers!

The castle contains centuries of army memorabilia such as weapons, uniforms, models and documents. From the courtyard on top of the Alcazar de Toledo, you can admire the picturesque views of the Tagus River, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula; as well as walk the ramparts for a panoramic view of the city.

The city is also famous for having a long history of Islamic, Jewish and Christian residents living side-by-side, with religious artifacts found all over.

What we liked: A perfect short tour of the Alcazar, with stops at all the important places .

INCLUDES:

Professional local guide
Walking tour
Admission to the Alcazar

EXCLUDES:

Food and drinks
Hotel transfer
Gratuity (optional)

You can also choose a skip-the-line tour, so that you waste no time waiting to be inside! This is a great option in peak seasons, or for those with little time to lose.

Check Price & Book

Full Day Segovia & Toledo Alcazar Tour

If you’re staying in Madrid and want to explore beyond the city on an exciting day tour of Spain’s historic landmarks, this is an ideal day tour. In addition to a guided tour of the Alcazar, you will visit Toledo and Segovia’s most impressive attractions. This includes the Jewish Quarter, and the magnificent Toledo Cathedral!

You can also select an option with a traditional lunch – or get your own lunch with the help of your guide! It’s a really lovely option for those with a little more time to explore, and interest in this gorgeous area of Spain.

What we liked: A wonderful day of activity and beauty in these two cities.

INCLUDES:

Round-trip transport from Madrid
Professional bilingual guide
Traditional lunch (if selected)
Entrance fees

EXCLUDES:

Snacks and drinks
Gratuity (optional)

Check Price & Book

The post The Alcázar of Toledo (Guided Tours & Day Trips) 2024 appeared first on Traveling in Spain.