Valencia & the Scenic Coast 2024

• Revel in the ruins of a Roman settlement at Segóbriga

Today starts with a visit to the former Roman city of Segóbriga. Travel back in time as you explore one of the most important archaeological sites of the Spanish Meseta.

After you’ve wondered at the well-preserved ruins of the amphitheatre, public baths and temples, you’ll travel south to Belmonte.

Here you’ll have free time to try out some local Spanish delicacies for lunch before a visit to Castillo de Belmonte. This magnificent 15th-century castle is known for its unusual design, with a triangular courtyard and a six-pointed star shape.

Back in Cuenca, you can admire natural wonders and see dinosaurs at the Paleontological Museum if it’s open. Or, you can scroll through your images from the day over tapas and red wine before enjoying a well-earned rest.

Included Activities

• Entrance to the Roman settlement at Segóbriga
• Entrance to Castillo de Belmonte

Optional Activities

• Entrance to Castilla-La Mancha Paleontological Museum

Accommodation

Hotel Exe Cuenca or similar, Cuenca

• Savour the flavours of the wines and cuisines of the region
• Relish paella at its birthplace in Valencia

You leave Cuenca and travel to the fascinating town of Alcala del Júcar. Built deep into natural caves, it’s located on a rocky slope between the castle and Júcar river. Here you’ll have time for lunch.

Later on, you head to a winery in Requena for an included wine tasting which will invigorate your taste buds. The delicious beverage has been produced in this area since at least the 7th century BC, so you know it’s going to be delicious.

You then travel to Valencia; the home of paella, laid-back nightlife, awesome architecture, and your accommodation for the next three nights.

Included Activities

• Requena wine tasting

Accommodation

Hotel Eurostars Rey Don Jaime or similar, Valencia

• Learn about Monastic life at the Monastery of Santa Maria
• Roam through the unique wetlands of Albufera Natural Park

Today, your journey takes you on a half day trip that combines monastic knowledge with fantastic nature spots.

In the morning, you can choose an optional visit to the Monastery of Santa Maria in El Puig (ticket included). This large building combines cloisters with defensive structures and has been used as a temple, a school, and even a prison.

It’s now time to explore the rice paddies that gave birth to the paella in the Albufera Natural Park. Your visit here also gives you a chance to spot the unique flora and fauna around a large freshwater lagoon.

You arrive back in Valencia in the afternoon. Here you can join an optional guided tour of the city combined with a tasty tapas experience.

Use the evening to either enjoy the city’s famous nightlife or prepare for the next day of your adventure. (B)

Optional Activities: Guided city walk and tapas experience in Valencia, and Monastery of Santa Maria in El Puig

Accommodation: Hotel Eurostars Rey Don Jaime or similar, Valencia

• Lose yourself in the history and narrow streets of Xàtiva
• Enjoy panaormic views of Cullera coastline

Xàtiva, the town of ‘a thousand fountains’ lies upon the slopes of Monte Vernissa. A castle crowns the hills, and the location is famous for ancient paper production, educational institutions, and the notorious House of Borgia. This morning, you travel here and start off with visiting the castle, orientation tour and free time to delve deep into all this history. The ticket to the fortress is included in your tour.

You’ll then embark on a journey to the lovely town of Cullera. You’ll have free time here to soak up the sun on one of the long sandy beaches or take in the panoramic views from the castle vantage point. The emblematic medieval structure dates back to the 13th century.

You return to Valencia in the afternoon and can join an optional guided tour of the city combined with a tasty tapas experience.

Included Activities

• Entrance to Xàtiva Castle

Optional Activities

• Guided city walk and tapas experience in Valencia

Accommodation

Hotel Eurostars Rey Don Jaime or similar, Valencia

• Admire a fusion of artistic and architectural styles in Sitges

You depart Valencia in the morning and make your way to the seaside town of Peñiscola. This place is known as the ‘City in the Sea’ and boasts a castle built by the Knights Templar. Choose to visit the fortress, which stands on the highest point of the peninsula, and admire the panoramic coastline. Or take a dip in the tranquil seas to cool off. You’ll also have time here for lunch.

A little further along the Mediterranean coast, your journey takes you to Sitges. A happening cultural hotspot, a menagerie of modernist architecture, and a few fascinating museums make this a great preparation for the big city.

You arrive in Barcelona in the evening.

Optional Activities

• Entrance to the Papa Lunas Castle in Peñiscola