Travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience in Spain’s third-largest city won’t want to miss the Valencia Old Town Tour. This comprehensive half-day excursion dives into the rich history and vibrant gastronomy of the city’s picturesque historic center. From exploring iconic landmarks like the Central Market and Silk Exchange to indulging in a decadent 10-course tapas feast, this tour offers an engaging introduction to the captivating blend of past and present that defines Valencia. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned foodie, this exceptional experience promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the city’s enduring charm.
Just The Basics
- Explore the historic Old Town of Valencia, including the 11th century Silk Exchange building, on a comprehensive half-day walking tour.
- Savor a 10-course tapas lunch featuring local Valencian specialties, accompanied by regional wines.
- Discover the vibrant Central Market and browse the fresh produce, cured meats, and artisanal cheeses.
- Gain insights into Valencia’s rich history, architecture, and renowned culinary heritage during the guided tour.
- Enjoy a flexible and accessible experience, with wheelchair and stroller access, as well as a child-friendly policy.
Tour Overview
This half-day culture and cuisine tour of Valencia’s Old Town is ideal for first-time visitors and food lovers alike.
It includes a walking tour of the area’s major monuments and attractions, as well as a 10-course tapas lunch with regional wines.
Guests will explore iconic sites like the Central Market, Silk Exchange, and Church of San Nicolas, while also browsing through the fresh Spanish produce of the Central Market.
The highlight of the tour is the feast on a 10-course tapas meal, accompanied by regional wines that showcase the best of Valencia’s culinary offerings.
This comprehensive experience provides an immersive introduction to the history, architecture, and gastronomy of this vibrant Spanish city.
Highlights
Guests explore Valencia’s major monuments and attractions, including the Central Market, Silk Exchange, and Church of San Nicolas. They browse the fresh Spanish produce available at the Central Market. The highlight of the tour is the 10-course tapas meal, complemented by regional wines that showcase the best of Valencia’s culinary offerings.
| Dish | Description | Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Patatas Bravas | Crispy potatoes with spicy tomato sauce | Tempranillo |
| Jamón Ibérico | Cured Iberian ham | Garnacha |
| Pan con Tomate | Toasted bread rubbed with garlic and tomato | Verdejo |
| Paella Valenciana | Traditional Valencian rice dish | Moscatel |
| Crema Catalana | Creamy custard dessert | Moscatel |
Meeting and Pickup
The tour meets at Pl. de Sant Jaume, 1, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain and ends at the same location.
This central meeting point is easily accessible by public transportation, making it convenient for travelers to arrive and depart.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all participants. Infants are welcome to join the tour, though they’ll need to sit on their parents’ laps.
The tour operator has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing guests to receive a full refund if they cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
In case of poor weather, the tour may be rescheduled or fully refunded.
Accessibility
The Valencia Old Town Tour is accessible to wheelchair users and those with strollers, ensuring a comfortable experience for all participants.
Conveniently located near public transportation, the meeting point at Pl. de Sant Jaume, 1 in Ciutat Vella allows easy access for travelers.
Infants are welcome to join the tour, though they’ll need to sit on their parents’ laps.
The tour’s accessibility features make it an inclusive option for visitors of varying mobility levels.
Whether you’re exploring the city’s historic monuments or savoring the flavors of a 10-course tapas meal, the Valencia Old Town Tour caters to the needs of all participants, creating an enjoyable and inclusive experience.
Cancellation Policy
Can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but if canceled less than 24 hours, there’s no refund.
Tour may also get canceled due to poor weather, though participants can choose a different date or receive a full refund.
The cancellation policy for this tour offers some flexibility:
- Cancellations made 24 hours or more prior to the tour date are eligible for a full refund.
- Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour aren’t eligible for a refund.
- The tour may be canceled due to inclement weather, in which case participants can either reschedule or receive a full refund.
- Refunds are processed promptly, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all.
Explore Valencia’s Monuments
Explore Valencia’s rich history and cultural heritage by visiting its major monuments and attractions, including the Central Market, Silk Exchange, and Church of San Nicolas.
These landmarks offer a glimpse into the city’s vibrant past and showcase its architectural beauty.
Browse the bustling stalls of the Central Market, where you’ll find an abundance of fresh, local produce.
Marvel at the intricate Gothic architecture of the Silk Exchange, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the hub of the region’s lucrative silk trade.
Step inside the Church of San Nicolas, a stunning example of Valencian Baroque style, and admire its ornate interiors.
These monuments provide a captivating introduction to the city’s storied past.
Browse Central Market
After taking in the architectural wonders of Valencia’s landmarks, visitors can browse the bustling stalls of the Central Market, where an abundance of fresh, local produce awaits.
This indoor market showcases the region’s agricultural bounty, from vibrant citrus fruits and fragrant spices to succulent seafood and premium meats.
Shoppers can:
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Peruse the stalls of colorful fruits and vegetables, selecting the ripest tomatoes, crispest lettuces, and juiciest oranges.
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Inspect the glistening display of just-caught fish, including Mediterranean specialties like sea bream and red mullet.
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Inhale the aromas of cured Spanish hams, artisanal cheeses, and fragrant herbs.
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Chat with the friendly vendors, who are eager to share their expertise and recommend the finest regional delicacies.
Feast on Tapas & Wine
Following the tour of the Central Market, visitors are treated to a 10-course tapas feast that showcases the vibrant flavors of Valencia’s regional cuisine.
Accompanied by carefully selected local wines, the tapas menu offers a delightful progression of small plates that highlight the freshness and diversity of the city’s produce and culinary traditions.
Diners savor an array of classic Spanish specialties, from crispy Valencian paella croquettes to tender grilled octopus drizzled with pimentón oil.
The tapas experience provides a well-rounded introduction to the region’s beloved gastronomic heritage, allowing travelers to indulge in the rich, complex tastes that have made Valencia a celebrated foodie destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Vegetarian or Vegan Options Available for the Tapas Meal?
The tour’s tapas menu can accommodate vegetarian and vegan dietary requirements. Guests should inform the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking, and the restaurant will prepare a selection of plant-based dishes to suit their preferences.
The tour give you a satisfying and inclusive culinary experience that showcases the diverse flavors of the region’s cuisine.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There’s no specific dress code for this tour. Participants should dress comfortably and appropriately for walking around the historic Old Town. Casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
The focus is on experiencing the local culture, cuisine, and sights, so there’s no need for formal attire. As long as guests are dressed in a way that allows them to move around easily, they’ll be well-prepared to fully enjoy the tour.
Can We Take Pictures During the Tour?
Absolutely, guests are encouraged to take photos during the tour. The tour provides ample opportunities to capture the vibrant sights and flavors of the local culture.
Whether it’s snapping shots of the historic monuments, browsing the bustling Central Market, or admiring the mouthwatering tapas spread, participants are free to document their experience. Just be mindful of respecting any restrictions or requests regarding photography within certain areas.
How Much Walking Is Involved in the Tour?
The tour involves a fair amount of walking, as it’s a half-day culture and cuisine tour of Valencia’s Old Town.
Guests can expect to explore the area’s major monuments and attractions on foot, including the Central Market, Silk Exchange, and Church of San Nicolas.
The tour is designed for first-time visitors and food lovers, providing an immersive experience through the historic streets and bustling local markets.
Wear comfortable shoes to make the most of the walking tour.
Can We Purchase Additional Wine or Tapas During the Tour?
The tour includes a 10-course tapas lunch with regional wines, but participants can purchase additional wine or tapas if they’d like.
The tour price covers the pre-selected food and wine, but guests are welcome to order extra items throughout the meal.
This provides flexibility for those who want to further explore the local cuisine and beverages during the experience.
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Sum Up
This captivating tour offers an immersive introduction to Valencia’s vibrant past and renowned cuisine.
Visitors can explore the city’s iconic landmarks, indulge in a delectable tapas feast, and savor local wines, all while discovering the rich history and culture that define this captivating destination.
It’s an ideal experience for first-time visitors and foodies seeking to uncover the essence of Valencia’s Old Town.
