A full day journey to the historical and cultural past of Spain
The Monastery of El Escorial was built under the reign of the powerful King Philip II to be a Residence for the Spanish Kings, Monastery and Pantheon of the Royal Family, becoming as a symbol of the great power of the Spanish Empire on the time. The monument was declared of Artistic and Historic interest, and “Mankind Heritage”. The visit include the Monastery, the Cloister of the Four Evangelists, the Palace of Philip II, Pantheons of the Royal Family, the Chapterhouses, and the Basilica. The Valley of the Fallen is a monument built as a memorial of those who died during the Spanish Civil War in 1936. Located in a beautiful valley in the Mountains of Guadarrama, this impressive work has a colossal cross over 150 mts. high, and the Basilica and Crypt excavated in the hard rock under the mountain. This tour includes the entrance to the Valley and the visit inside the Basilica.
Then we will visit Toledo. This monumental city is located one hour drive from Madrid. The city is like an immense museum of great beauty and holds some of the most genuine historical Spanish monuments. Its old gothic and renaissance buildings, its narrow streets and alleys, testify old days of magnificence. The old city has been considered as a National Monument, and declared World Heritage City by UNESCO. Toledo is also named the city of Three Cultures, as for a long period of time, the Christian, Islamic and Jewish lived peacefully within its walls. Use of comfortable shoes is recommended.
Upon arrival we start with a panoramic walking tour of Toledo, entering to the old quarters to visit the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, and admire the facade of the impressive Primate Cathedral, the old Palace of Justice and the City Hall. We’ll continue our walk through the old Jewish quarter with its narrow streets to visit the Church of St. Tomé, with the very famous painting of El Greco “The Burial of Count Orgaz”, the old Synagogue of Ste. Maria la Blanca, which remain as a symbol of the coexistence of the “Three Cultures” and Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes. Panoramic tour with the bus around the outskirts with a short stop to admire the
views from the other side of the river and take photos with beautiful sights. We’ll also visit a typical factory of Damasquino, well known handicraft art of Toledo