Contrasts of Valencia

Day 1 - Valencia

Join your tour group at the hotel.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Day 8 - Valencia

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.