Isabel, our tour guide, and our driver, Zdenka were fantastic! Isabel was extremely knowledgeable and great with our kids. They recommened a restaurant for lunch back in Madrid and made reservations for us. It was the perfect tour to visit both sites in a customized and comfortable manner.
We had a wonderful experience. First, we got a ride in a very beautiful Mercedes Benz van with Manuel as the chófer, Carmen was the tour guide. They were very friendly and professional. Then we headed to El Escorial, she was excellent. She told us so much about the history and meaning of many of the things we were looking at. The chapel is impressive, the Castle is beautiful. Then we headed to the Valley of the Fallen. Very interesting part of history. The tallest cross in the world. The view was amazing. Then we headed back to Madrid and both Carmen and Manuel made sure we made it back on time for our next event. Just wonderful.
While I would recommend a visit to El Escorial and The Valley of the Fallen, I would not recommend the private tour. It was costly but convenient. Our tour guide was a bit arrogant, was constantly telling other tour guides to talk more quietly while she talked above everyone else, walked right through the middle of groups, and didn't have her facts. She claimed that a woman astronaut from Spain had landed on the moon. She did know her history but obviously hated Franco which came through on the tour. We were rushed through the Churches. Oftentimes, I wish we had some of the tour guides that were leading other groups. Sign up for a group tour.
Our guide was awesome. Her sense of humor and expertise made for an informative experience for my whole family. I learned so much and would take another tour with her any day.