Itinerary Details
1 Arrive, Valencia, Spain
Valencia may be a culinary big hitter, but it has plenty more to offer besides food: progressive architecture and galleries, hidden plazas and warren-like streets, pretty beaches flooded with sun, lush parks and a ribbon of greenery which winds its way from the city to the sea. Life happens outside, whether it’s gathering on a terrace to share a meal, toe-tapping to an open-air jazz gig, or sipping Agua de Valencia with toes buried in the sand. Wandering around the Barrio del Carmen is a particular joy. Its time-worn streets conceal plenty of hidden tapas joints and wine bars. Further afield, there are mountains to explore, plus the Huerta and Albufera National Park.
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2 Valencia – Pedaling Old Town LanesBegin with a bike ride through orange tree lined lanes to Valencia’s old town, an enchanting time capsule of Gothic cathedrals and lively, hidden plazas. Then, explore the futuristic architectural masterpieces of the City of Arts and Sciences. This evening, take advantage of some free time to relax or explore on your own.
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3 Valencia – Perfecting PaellaA dish renowned the world over, paella traces its roots to the vast, sweeping rice fields of Albufera. Here, join a local chef as he reveals how a humble dish of rice, chicken, rabbit, snails, onions, tomatoes, beans, garlic and saffron becomes more than the sum of its parts when simmered over a smoldering wood fire in the giant pan for which it’s named. Afterward, cruise Albufera Lake to take in the dune beaches, forests and wetlands that front its shores.
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4 Valencia – Rooftop TapasAfter a day of relaxing and exploring the city at your leisure, return to the City of Arts and Sciences for a tapas tasting experience on Valencia’s highest private rooftop. Take in stunning sunset views as prize-winning wines are poured alongside your 10-course tasting menu.
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5 Valencia – Into the MountainsHead out for a day trip to Chulilla, a charming village of whitewashed houses tucked in the foothills of the Serranía Mountains. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this hidden enclave with a hike of the Hanging Bridges Route, a scenic trail that skirts the Turia River amid towering limestone cliffs. Along the way, two suspension bridges afford incredible canyon and river views — the perfect photo op to cap off your adventure. Afterward, take some time to relax amid the charming lanes of Chulilla. Return to Valencia to make the most of your last night in town.
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6 Depart ValenciaMeals:
