In the early morning, we’ll pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a gem of Herrera-style architecture. King Phillip II had this built to commemorate the battle of San Quentin against the French in 1557, together with a Royal Pantheon where he would bury his father and his offspring. He commissioned its construction by the architect Juan Bautista de Toledo, who was Michelangelo's assistant in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. When he died, Juan de Herrera remained in command. The king personally supervised the construction, and it was completed in 23 years, a record for this time period. Since the sixteenth century, this architectural monument has been considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the World, not only for its large size but also for its enormous symbolic value. After the tour, we will visit a ranch to see how toros bravos (Spanish fighting bulls) are bred and raised. In addition, you can see Andalusian horses and learn how they’re cared for. The tour can be done on horseback or by vehicle according your preferences. Finally, we’ll taste a meal at the ranch itself accompanied by Spanish wine. You can see more options here.