Headout logo. Link to home.
Help
Guided Tours

El Escorial Monastery Guided Tour

San Lorenzo de El Escorial facade with tourists entering the historic site in Madrid, Spain.
San Lorenzo de El Escorial monastery interior view during private tour in Spain.
San Lorenzo de El Escorial monastery interior view during private tour in Spain.
San Lorenzo de El Escorial monastery with guided tour, Spain.

Explore El Escorial with a bilingual guide! Uncover royal tombs, war murals, and hidden stories with tickets to this iconic Spanish landmark.

    • Enter El Escorial with an English and Spanish bilingual guide, who’ll help connect the dots between art, politics, and daily monastic life.
    • Step inside El Escorial’s grand basilica, royal tombs, opulent palaces, war-painted Battle Hall, and a library filled with centuries-old secrets.
    • Hear tales of King Philip II’s grand vision, secret passageways used by monks, and cryptic inscriptions—your guide will reveal all there is to know!
    • Fun fact: El Escorial has 16 courtyards, 4,000 rooms, and a library with books bound in human skin!
    • Guided tour of El Escorial Monastery with tickets
    • Expert English and Spanish-speaking bilingual guide
    • Transfers
    • Lunch and beverages
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • Step into Spain’s golden past with a guided tour of El Escorial, where royal grandeur, epic battles, and centuries-old secrets come to life!

    Get started

    Your journey begins at the entrance of the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, where your guide will meet you. Have your ID ready for ticket validation, and breeze through security before stepping into one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks.

    What to expect

    El Escorial Monastery, a 16th-century Renaissance masterpiece built under Philip II, stands as a symbol of Spain’s power, faith, and intellectual ambition. With your guide leading the way, you won’t just admire its grandeur, you’ll understand the stories behind it. As you step into the basilica, your guide will decode the symbolism behind its breathtaking frescoes. In the Battle Hall, they’ll bring history to life with tales of Spain’s greatest victories, pointing out details in the murals that most visitors miss. The pantheon holds Spain’s monarchs, but it’s your guide’s storytelling that makes them feel real; expect stories of royal feuds, political intrigue, and the eerie tradition behind the burials. As you wander through the palatial rooms, imagine Philip II pacing the halls, deep in thought, as your guide explains his vision for Spain’s empire. No visit is complete without the Royal Library, where your guide will reveal why some books were banned, how Philip II built his collection, and even point out secret codes hidden in the manuscripts.

    After two immersive hours of exploring El Escorial’s most fascinating corners, you’ll finish back at the entrance—wiser, inspired, and with plenty of stories to share!

  • What’s not allowed

    • Your furry friends cannot accompany you on this adventure. This tour does not allow pets.
    • Carry a backpack with only essentials, large bags are not allowed on the bus.

    Accessibility

    • This experience is not accessible for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

    Additional information

    • The tour’s start point is in central Madrid, making it easily accessible by public transport.
    • The itinerary of this tour is subject to change.
    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

    • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

    Meeting Point

    • Meet your guide at Real Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial

    • Address: Av. Juan de Borbón y Battemberg, s/n, 28200 San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid, Spain.

    • Guide Identifier: Your guide will be carrying an Isabella Trébede tote bag.

    • Landmark: At the monastery entrance with the Spanish flag above it. It is right in front of the San Lorenzo Tourism Office.

    • Get directions to the meeting point

World at your tap.

Get the Headout app to get tickets on your phone and access app-only deals. Talk about win-win.
Download iPhone appDownload Android app
iphone

We've served 36 million+ guests and we are here for you

36 million+

Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences

In the media

Featured and recommended by the best brands

24 x 7 help center

Have a question? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime