Art & Design Trips to Valencia

Constructed in 1928, Valencia’s central market is one of the most beautiful in all of Spain; a vast Modernista concoction of wrought iron and stained glass, surmounted with cupolas and whimsical weathervanes. The region of Valenciana is not known as Spain’s orchard for nothing and inside you’ll find a breathtaking array of colourful, fresh produce with almost 1,000 stalls to choose from.

The Gothic-style Cathedral tower is a symbol of the city. It rises to a height of 50.85 metres, which is also the size of its perimeter. This eight-sided tower owes its name to one of its twelve bells, specifically the bell that marks the hours. The climb up the 207 steps rewards with splendid views over the ancient city.

On the coast 16 miles north of Valencia, Sagunto is a town piled onto a hillside under a ruined castle. Occupied by Iberians, Romans, Moors and Christians it is packed with vestiges of this rich history. The Jewish quarter, one of the oldest in Spain, is a dense labyrinth of compact, whitewashed houses, tiny passages and archways.

Requena is a monumental city in the Ayora Valley and has a wine growing tradition going back many centuries. Underneath the town is an extensive network of caves which have been used in various ways throughout the centuries including storage places and wine cellars. There is a guided visit of the Torre Oria winery with a wine tasting at the end of the visit.

Although descended upon every year by thousands of tourists, it nevertheless has managed to remain authentic and pleasingly Spanish. Elegant, palm-lined boulevards stretch along the seafront, decorated with colourful azulejo tiles, and the old town is an atmospheric huddle of narrow streets. Must do’s include a visit to the Santa Barbara Medieval fortress, and the Modern Art Museum, that includes works by Dali, Picasso and Miro.

The leading theme park in the area offering all the usual thrills and spills themed around 5 Mediterranean civilizations. Starting in Ancient Egypt, visitors can see the Pyramid of Keops or slide down the Cataracts of the Nile before heading to Greece, the Land of the Gods, with its huge Olympia theatre. Rome is next, offering the dizzy Flight of the Phoenix and the largest wooden roller coaster in Europe. A guaranteed crowd pleaser.

These two imposing towers that guard a narrow gateway are the most spectacular survivors of the medieval city walls. Built in 1392, the towers have been used as a prison for knights and the nobility, and have since become a popular symbol of the city. You  can enjoy splendid views of the city and the river Turia from its terraces.

Bioparc Valencia is a new generation zoo which aims to immerse its visitors into the wild habitats that have been recreated here: the Savannah, Madagascar and Equatorial Africa. Visitors can enjoy, practically without barriers, spectacular landscapes in which different species co‐exist as they would in nature.

Situated south of the city, Albufera is a wetland area that is home to the largest lake in Spain, and is famous for its rice production. Chaperoned by a rice farmer, your group will hear about the history and significance of rice in Albufera, and you will also learn about how the rice is cultivated. Groups will enjoy a boat trip to admire the beautiful scenery and wildlife on the lake.

One of Valencia’s most famous exports is Oranges. Take a trip to visit an Orange grove where groups will receive an educational tour of the groves to learn about how the oranges are grown and cultivated. They will then get the chance to pick their own oranges and mandarins in order to make their own fresh orange juice!

Located in a National Park are the caves of San Jose.  Take a boat trip along the longest navigable underground river in Europe which is one of the most extraordinary activities that the region of Valencia has to offer.   The cavity emerged through the erosion of limestone which has been shaping stalactites and stalagmites for thousands of years.  This pleasant boat ride accompanied by a guide will lead you through more than 2km that have been explored up to now.