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Contrasts of Valencia

£1,745.00

Learning how to cook authentic Spanish paella. Sipping hot coffee – or ice-cold horchata – in the shadow of the old bell tower, whilst people watching on the Plaza de la Reina.

Valencia is a glorious cornucopia of Spanish sights, sounds and flavours. And with a whole week in the city, we’ll have plenty of time to take it all in, stepping back in time in the twisting alleys of the Old Town, striding into the future in the City of Arts and Science complex, breathing its essence in bustling food markets and relishing its spirit in zesty cocktails. We’ll cruise across the silent waters of Albufera lagoon, wonder at what may – or may not – be the original Holy Grail and master the art of paella making, so we can recreate the flavour of Valencia back home.

  • 6 excursions & visits
  • 12 meals
  • Leisurely pace
Category:

Your itinerary

Day 1 – Valencia

Our door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Valencia. On arrival, we transfer to our centrally located hotel where we’ll stay for the next seven nights. After checking-in, there’s time to freshen up before we gather for a welcome drink and our first meal together.

Eurostars Rey Don Jaime, Valencia (4-star)

Today includes…

Dinner

Day 2 – Valencia Old Town

Today, we head to a traditional farm estate – Spain&s sole cultivator of tiger nuts – to learn how horchata, a famous Valencian drink, is made. We&ll also explore the narrow streets of Valencia’s Old Town. After taking in the medieval might of the Cathedral of Valencia with its famous Romanesque, baroque and Gothic doorways, the energetic among us might want to climb the 207 steps to the top of the bell tower for panoramic views over the streets below. Next, it’s on to Central Market, which is as famous for its stained glass, ceramic tiles and high-domed ceiling as for its stalls piled high with fresh fruit, meat and cheese.

Eurostars Rey Don Jaime, Valencia (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Tour of Valencia Old Town including the cathedral and Central Market (morning)Visit to a traditional tiger nut farm with tour and tasting (morning)

Breakfast and Dinner

view of Square of Saint Mary or Virgens square with Valencia Cathedral Temple, Valencia, Spain

Day 3 – Modern Valencia

Today we see the flip side of the city as we witness some of its finest contemporary art, architecture and museums. Modern Valencia is a showcase of cutting-edge architecture, culminating in the ensemble of futuristic buildings that make up the City of Arts and Science complex. We’ll come face to face with L&Hemisfèric, a building shaped like a giant eye, and the Science Museum whose exterior resembles the skeleton of a whale. Other attractions include an opera house, outdoor art gallery and huge oceanarium, which you’re free to explore independently this afternoon if you wish.

Eurostars Rey Don Jaime, Valencia (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Tour of Modern Valencia including the exteriors of L&Hemisfèric and Science Museum (morning)

Breakfast and Dinner

Free time

city of arts and sciences in Valencia

Day 4 – Valencia

Today is a free day, so you call the shots. Perhaps you’ll take a breather and relax at the hotel. Or maybe grab a map and take off by yourself.

Eurostars Rey Don Jaime, Valencia (4-star)

Today includes…

Breakfast

Free time

Old town, cathedral, Valencia

Day 5 – Albufera

The beauty and flavours of Valencia blend perfectly today as we make the short journey south to Albufera Natural Park and its freshwater lagoon. It’s a beautiful, tranquil place, a haven for migratory birds and waterfowl, and a mecca for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. We’ll enjoy a guided tour before boarding a traditional ‘albuferenc’ to explore the lagoon’s wetlands and canals. Albufera is the home of paella and we&ll visit a barraca – a traditional Valencian house, home to the farmers who cultivated the rice. We&ll watch a paella making demonstration, before tucking into this delicious, saffron-scented dish.

Eurostars Rey Don Jaime, Valencia (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Guided tour and boat trip in Albufera Natural Park (morning)Visit to a traditional barraca and paella making demonstration (afternoon)

Breakfast and Lunch

Albufera National Park near to Mahon, Menorca.

Day 6 – Valencia

We’ve left the whole day free, so you can do as you please. You might want to revisit the City of Arts and Sciences with its jaw-dropping modern architecture and mind-boggling museums. Or slow down completely in the Old Town with its medieval churches, resplendent basilicas and sun-splashed squares. With lunch and dinner free too, the hardest part will be deciding which fine old Valencian café, restaurant or tapas bar to visit first.

Eurostars Rey Don Jaime, Valencia (4-star)

Today includes…

Breakfast

Free time

Main city square of Valencia, The Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Spain

Day 7 – Valencia

Today we immerse ourselves in the colour, charisma and drama of Valencia’s Las Fallas festival, which takes place every year in March. Las Fallas culminates with the burning of the ‘fallas’, lavishly decorated floats that are paraded through the streets accompanied by lively parades, marching bands and crowds of festivalgoers. The Museum of Artist Fallero celebrates Las Fallas through film, photographs and a display of surviving fallas dating back to 1934. After a guided walking tour, and in true festival spirit, we’ll be served a glass of Agua de Valencia, the city’s signature cocktail which mixes cava, vodka, gin and the juice of fresh Valencian oranges in one deliciously decadent glass.

Eurostars Rey Don Jaime, Valencia (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Museum of Artist Fallero with guided walking tour and Agua de Valencia tasting (morning)

Breakfast and Dinner

Free time

Las Fallas festival, Valencia, Spain

Day 8 – Valencia – Departure

We transfer to the airport for the return flight. Upon arrival, our vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

Today includes…

Breakfast