The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo El Real was built by King Philip II to house the remains of his parents, Charles I and Isabella of Portugal. The austere Renaissance complex combines a palace and monastery, and features a wonderful collection of art. On your visit, an experienced guide will take you for a tour of the complex, including the Pantheon of Kings and basilica.

Located six miles (9.5 kilometers) north of El Escorial lies the Valley of the Fallen, a vast basilica built into the side of a mountain and topped by a gigantic granite cross. The monument was built by the Spanish dictator General Franco to remember the dead of Spain's Civil War. You'll take a guided tour inside the basilica, and admire the spectacular valley landscape surrounding the complex.