OVERVIEW

Come visit the Albufera Natural Park and learn about its importance and how specialists work on the conservation and the biodiversity of species in the area. Although you may have visited La Albufera on previous occasions, this time, we are going to discover La Gola de El Pujol, a very particular area inside the park and the most popular gully. The historical route of the Gola del Pujol is a short walk of about 40 minutes over 700 metres and 8 stops, which runs parallel to the Gola del Pujol, a gorge that joins the Albufera lake with the sea. The path, fitted out with non-slip wood, leads from the gates in front of the famous jetty - one of the most photographed spots in Valencia - to the Estany del Pujol, an artificial pond that has existed since 1970 and has now been converted into a protected spot for the birds that visit the area - it is of vital importance for many species - and bathing in this area is prohibited. You’ll walk under the shade of pinewoods and discover many endemic species of plants and insects. On the shore of the lagoon there is a jetty and a very interesting viewpoint, which provides a panoramic view of the Albufera.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow a specialized guide through the national park in a discovery of biodiversity and conservation.
• Gain insight into how the land was transformed from rice fields into freshwater wetlands.
• Cruise through the reserve in a boat and observe the abundant water birds.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy the charms of the streets, squares and hidden corners of Valencia. Sample its signature dish and the symbol of Spanish cuisine around the world - Paella. You'll also learn how and where Paella originated during this visit to Albufera. Explore the city of Valencia, with sights of the City of Arts and Sciences, a panoramic drive and a stroll through the old quarter to visit some of the most important historic buildings. Few cities like Valencia are able to blend so many architectural styles including Medieval, Art Nouveau, Baroque and Gothic along with ancient ruins and the most modern avant-garde buildings this well. See the New Valencia, where The City of Arts & Sciences is a leisure center designed for the diffusion of science and culture. Its unique buildings will impress you.

Walk to la Plaza de la Reina in the historical center and discover its more relevant monuments and buildings. Admire the Cathedral with the Miguelete Tower and its many different architectural styles and works of art - La Lonja declared Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO and the Central Market’s modernist building. Visit the Fallero Museum, where you will learn everything about the tradition of the Fallas festival. Enjoy a traditional Paella lunch and a glass of wine while taking in the views of the beach as the locals do. Learn about another surprising area of Valencia, the Albufera Nature Park. It features the largest lake in Spain and one of the most important wetland areas in the Iberian Peninsula. The lake is home to rare species of wading birds and a variety of wildlife. Its waters have been worked by fishermen and rice growers supplying ingredients and inspiration for the region’s delicious cuisine.

Explore the city of Valencia, with sights of the City of Arts and Sciences, a panoramic drive and a stroll through the old quarter to visit some of the most important historic buildings. Discover how attractive the combination of ancient remains and modern buildings are. It’s a city with international services and avant-garde design. Stop to see The City of Arts & Science, the New Valencia. This major leisure center was designed to promote science and culture. Marvel at the unique and spectacular design of the Hemisféric and the Museu de les Ciencies.

A walk in the historical center takes you to Plaza de la Reina to visit the more significant monuments and buildings like the Cathedral, La Lonja “the Silk Exchange” declared Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO and the Central Market, Valencia’s modernist market. Enjoy the charm of “round square”, discover hidden corners, and walk around the main streets of the city center and Santa Catalina Square where you’ll have some free time to explore.

Admire the highlights of Valencia at your own pace by riding a double-decker bus around the city, hopping on and off whenever you please at the attractions you find most intriguing. You will first be dropped off at Plaza de la Reina, a lovely plaza in the heart of Old Town. Whenever you are ready, use the complimentary bus pass to explore the destinations that are most appealing to you. Simply hop on one of the buses and then hop off when it reaches an attraction of interest from the nearly 15 designated stops. Stay for as long as you like, and then hop on another bus whenever you’re ready. The buses operate throughout the day and make continuous loops around Valencia’s must-see landmarks. Once onboard, you will receive a route map that describes the destinations, making it easy to choose your favorite ones. You can remain in the city for up to five hours.

OVERVIEW

Explore the lesser-known side of Valencia and engage with the local culture for an immersive experience of great authenticity with our fascinating walking tour. Briefs stops at icons such as the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and the medieval cathedral will make the contrast of the hidden attractions all the more dramatic. As you walk through downtown, the guide will provide an insider’s view of these somewhat undiscovered destinations. Upon reaching Plaza Redonda, you will notice its circular shape, a rarity in Spain when it was built in the 19th century. The gloriously ornate city hall is also of architectural interest as it is comprised of two buildings constructed centuries apart.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Valencia with a local guide that will provide an insider’s point of view.
• Hear lesser-known facts about the attractions that make them all the more captivating.
• Interact with the city’s authentic culture.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Dine on a selection of tapas and thoughtfully paired wines at two restaurants following an enlightening drive through downtown. The Romans founded Valencia more than 2,000 years ago, and today the city boasts a wonderful mix of historical and modern attractions. They range from the medieval Valencia cathedral to the City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia’s cultural hub. You will dine at two traditional restaurants that source their ingredients in La Horta, a flourishing agricultural region with thousands of farmland plots and Spain’s largest lake, Albufera, which supplies abundant seafood. Although the tapas ingredients will be determined the day of the excursion based on the season, they often include rock mussels, Valencia-style calamari and anchovies. Dessert may be sponge cake topped with caramelized pastry cream. Red and white wines will also be served to complement the tapas.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Savor a variety of tapas with locally sourced ingredients at two restaurants in Valencia.
• Enjoy a selection of red and white wine that perfectly pairs with the tapas.
• Drive through Valencia and see landmarks that reflect the city’s culture and history.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Watch an authentic flamenco performance while dining at a restaurant in Valencia that has been presenting these mesmerizing shows for more than a decade. As an introduction to the local culture, you will first stop for a glass of chilled horchata, a milky beverage made with a vitamin-rich superfood known as chufa. "El Coso" will offer an even more in-depth immersion into the Valencian lifestyle through its cuisine and flamenco show. As you dine on traditional foods such as Iberian ham, a Spanish omelet and foie gras croquettes, you will be treated to a passionate flamenco performance. UNESCO added this centuries-old art form to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list because it is so artistically expressive. Through dance, song and guitar music, the seductive gypsy art of flamenco will tell stories with themes ranging from love to oppression. You can’t help but be caught up in the highly emotional performance.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch a highly expressive flamenco performance that fuses dancing, singing and music.
• Dine on traditional cuisine made with ingredients locally sourced in Valencia.
• Pause for a glass of horchata, a milky drink synonymous with the area.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Capture the moment by taking the perfect selfie photo in Valencia ! Instantly share your experience with family & friends on your favorite social media site as some of the stops might include wi-fi in real time. Your accompanying guide will help you how choosing the spot to take the best selfie photo including composition, posing, lighting etc. Capture the spirit of this incredible destination.

Your tour begins with a short drive from the ship to your first photo stop, City of Arts & Sciences. You will have designated selfie stops at: • City of Arts & Sciences
• Streets of the Old Quarter
• Calle Bolseria
• Plaza Lope de Vega
• Las Arenas Beach

End your picture-perfect day with a relaxing transfer back to the ship.

A visit to the renowned Lladro Factory is the highlight of this tour, with an overview drive through the city. Learn about the delicate process of making the famous porcelain works of art and see the views of Valencia.

Enjoy a panoramic drive through the city. You'll see the Quart & Serrano Towers, as well as some of the historical center from the comfort of your coach. Visit the Lladro Factory and take an interesting and educational tour through the production chain. You’ll receive an overview of the porcelain’s history and family business, including a documentary on the start of the company and the founding brothers. After touring the factory, stop to view the large display in the exhibition room. You’ll also have some time to shop for your ideal Lladro figurine as a beautiful memory of your cruise and holiday.

Enjoy Valencia the easy way and discover what this fascinating city offers! It’s the perfect way to see the city for those who cannot walk or stand for long periods of time. Details are given along the way by your guide and there are opportunities to take pictures. The architecture of this beautiful city ranges from ancient Roman works to Santiago Calatrava's cutting-edge City of Arts and Sciences. Take a panoramic drive around the city, making a photo stop at the impressive City of Arts and Sciences located in the old river bed and built as a large scale urban recreation center for culture and science.

It showcases some of the most futuristic and beautiful architecture in the world. See the heart of the city as you pass by the historical center. Here you’ll find the more significant monuments and buildings; an important collection of the city’s rich heritage. You’ll have some free time in the city center to explore further, shop or taste some of the local specialties. A drive along the sea front promenade offers views of the America’s Cup marina.

Learn to make traditional paella at a farm in nearby L’Horta, an agricultural region on the outskirts of Valencia where most of the ingredients grow or can be found. Valencians often spend weekends in L’Horta to relax and enjoy a dinner of paella. The gathering is a ritual of sorts, in which families come together to socialize and dine on a dish that was first prepared in this area in the 15th or 16th century. The owner of the farm will show you around the grounds and point out some of the many garden items that will end up in your paella. You will then join a hands-on workshop and learn the basics of preparing this once-humble dish from scratch. While the dish is simmering in a large circular pan, you will toast the upcoming meal with a glass of sangria. When the paella is finished, you might taste it straight from the pan, another Valencian tradition.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Visit the farming region of L’Horta, where Valencians often spend weekends relaxing.
• Tour a farm where many of the ingredients for paella are grown.
• Learn to make traditional paella in a hands-on workshop on the farm.
• Dine on the freshly made paella, perhaps straight from the pan, which is a tradition.

See the city highlights and spend time at Europe’s largest aquarium. The aquarium recreates the world’s most important marine ecosystems to enable environmental research, teaching and to contribute to the protection of marine life.

A panoramic drive marks the start of your journey through the 3rd largest city in Spain. Cross the Turia River and drive along the Gran Via and Calle Jativa passing the bullring , central train station and Serrano Tower. The Oceanografic is part of the City of Arts and Sciences. Set in a landscaped park of lush greenery covering an area of about 27 acres/110,000 m2, it’s the largest aquarium in Europe. It is home to approximately 45,000 creatures representing 500 different marine species. You’ll have a guided tour and free time to explore the areas that interest you most, on your own.

You can visit the Dolphinarium one of the largest in the world, see penguins in the Antarctic section and walruses and beluga whales in the Artic. Take a stroll under the amazing shark tunnel, which depicts a journey through the Atlantic Ocean from the Canary Islands to Bermuda.