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Custom tour packagesValencia
Like many Mediterranean cities, Valencia’s history dates back to Roman times and it was coveted for its unique location on a bay. With fresh water and fertile banks from the Turia River, Valencia has remained an ideal place to settle or to visit for millennia. It has always been an important city in Spain not only for its busy port but also for one of its main exports; silk. The Lonja, known as Valencia’s main silk and commodity exchange, was built in the late 15th century when the silk trade brought a massive boom to the city. During that time, Valencia was constructed with some of the world’s finest examples of Gothic civic buildings.
A beguiling mix of the old and the new, bathed in the Mediterranean sunshine.
Valencia was the capital of Spain on several occasions; once during the Roman empire, again during the French invasion led by Joseph Bonaparte, and most recently, during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. Valencia was part of the Moorish empire during the Middle Ages too. It should be no surprise that a port city with a long and storied history is home to a varied and fascinating cuisine. Paella is Valencia’s most famous export but you’re in for a treat as you discover dishes shaped by two millennia of the ebbs and flows of empires.
Popular itineraries featuring Valencia
Spend some time in Valencia on a tour that takes in other cities in Spain and neighboring countries. Our custom tour packages including Valencia and other destinations throughout Spain and Europe make multi-city trips hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.
Things to do in Valencia
Exploring the city with an expert guide when in Valencia, and we can arrange for a tour on foot, bike or even by tuktuk. Without a doubt you’ll be trying the city’s signature paella, but what better souvenir of your time in Spain that learning how to recreate the dish at home? We’ll arrange for a local chef to teach you the secrets of a perfect paella.
For a wonderful stroll beyond the center, visit the quaint Cabañal neighborhood, located by the Malvarossa beach. This area is more of a residential area, but sure worth the visit just to see the tiled facades and modernist style homes. This area has character and it’s meant to look this way, it’s a neighborhood that fought and resisted City Hall to keep its style, warding off outrages urbanistic plans that threatened to demolish their homes.
Group Paella Cooking Class with Market VisitWhere to stay in Valencia
Valencia has a great variety of accommodations, from boutique hotels to grand luxury hotels, you have many options. Small or large, options also include spas and seafront views, and you can really find all sorts of accommodations that satisfy every type of taste. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to select from.
Classic 4-star Hotel
A short walk from the city's sights and attractions is just one of the privileges of this classic hotel
Large Luxury Hotel
Where can you go from Valencia?
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Frequently Asked Questionsabout Travel to Valencia
How many days should I spend in Valencia?
Valencia is a city of arts and science, with lots of interactive and exciting programs, eye-catching architecture, not to mention the surrounding natural site, the Albufera National Park. In the hometown of the paella, you should either taste or learn how to prepare it. To explore and absorb all these, we recommend staying at least three days.
What is The Fallas about?
“The Fallas” is one of Valencia’s main annual events, and worth considering visiting in early Spring for. During this festival that celebrates the end of winter, massive figures made of paper and cardboard are constructed and then burned to ashes on the night of March 19th.
What are some must try things in Valencia?
When visiting Valencia, there are two things that you must try before returning back home. The first is the internationally renowned Spanish dish, with origins from this very city; Paella. Although you can find this popular dish all over Spain, the original recipe is from Valencia. You can even take a private paella cooking class, so you’ll be able to recreate it back home. The second must-try is Valencian horchata. Unlike the rice based Mexican horchata, this drink is made from tiger nuts that are soaked, ground, and sweetened. It is usually accompanied by fartons, sugar-dusted pastry fingers.
How much should I expect to spend person per day in Valencia?
You can expect to spend 35-40 EUR/person/day (40-45 USD) for food, beverages, transportation, and random leisure needs (spontaneous visit to a museum). If you plan to take excursions, the average cost may rise to 100-120 EUR/person/day (110-130 USD). Day trips usually include transportation, some food, and drink.
What are the most significant cultural sights in Valencia?
It is a challenge to highlight just a few cultural venues in Valencia. They are abundant. The cathedral and La Lonja de la Seda are the most well-known sites. To discover some of the modern art, visit the contemporary art institute, aka Ivam, or MuVIM. To get closer to science, you should not miss a visit to the City of Art and Science Complex, which is one of the grandest attractions in the city.
How do I get around Valencia?
The easiest way to get around in Valencia is the metro and the other means of local transport. You can benefit from the Valencia Card, which entitles visitors to an unlimited number of rides on the city vehicles and offers discount admission to some must-see sights. Biking is also an option in Valencia. The city is flat, and the bike road network is excellent.
WHere should I shop in Valencia?
There are busy shopping streets, like Calle de Colón, which is the signature shopping street in Valencia. Here you will find international as well as local fashion stores. High-end designer stores line up on Calle de Poeta Querol. To dig deeper into the creativity of the Spanish spirit and mind, you should go a bit further, to Ruzafa, Canovas, or El Carmen quarters. Canovas is home to chic clothes, El Carmen to vintage items, meanwhile Ruzafa is a gift, coffee, and tea shop heaven. Please note that in Spain these small shops usually close for a few hours in the afternoon. Make sure to double-check opening hours before heading out!
Do they speak Spanish in Valencia?
When visiting Valencia, keep in mind that the official language is Spanish, but they also speak Valenciano - a variation of Catalan, spoken in Catalonia.
What are the options in Valencia for people with dietary restrictions and intolerances?
In a country with such a diverse gastronomy culture, no one with a dietary restriction remains hungry. A great variety of vegetable and rice-based appetizers, soups, and main courses will spoil vegetarians or gluten-intolerants. Apart from the various traditional dishes, you will find shops and restaurants specialized in offering food for people living with dietary restrictions.
Where's best, easiest and safest to get some local currency in Valencia?
ATMs are safe to withdraw cash in Spain, as long as you decline the "helpful" conversion rate the ATM may offer. You can use your credit card in most restaurants, cafés, and bars. For some hidden or street-based souvenir shops, you might need cash, but it is very seldom. In case using your credit card, please always require payment in the local currency, which is EUR in Spain.
Is Valencia safe?
Valencia is a safe city. A little threat of pickpocketing may be present during festivals, but that's because of the assembled crowd.