Valencia – Spain Cruise Tour Information

VALENCIA, SPAIN

Spain’s third largest city, Valencia offers a little bit of everything, from historic sites and bustling city squares to placid beaches. Soak up the sun at Malvarrosa Beach along the urban seafront, or head to El Saler for a more remote beach experience surrounded by white-sand dunes and pine trees. Cruise to Valencia and get your culture fix at Gothic Valencia Cathedral, and see the 15th-century renaissance paintings housed in its interior. Head to Plaza de la Reina in the city’s old town and do some people-watching over a fresh glass of horchata, a classic Valencia beverage made from almond milk with cinnamon and spices, or take a picnic lunch of fresh pears and local cheese to the quiet Turia Gardens.

THINGS TO DO IN VALENCIA

GET GOTHIC
Architecture lovers will fall in love with the Old Town of Valencia. The winding lanes are filled with a mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, including the Cathedral and Plaza del Virgen. Grab your camera and climb the 207 steps of the 13th-century Cathedral bell tower for a stunning view of the city to the countryside and the sea.

ARTS AND CARAFE
Venture outside of the Old Town and over to the City of Arts and Sciences. Spend a few hours admiring the modern design of the futuristic buildings by Santiago Calatrava. Check out the Oceanografic Aquarium, home to a wide variety of sharks, belugas and walruses. Afterward, relax outside in the sunshine and beautiful gardens.

GO TO MARKET
One of Europe’s longest-running food markets, Central Market is the place to go to sample Valencia’s seasonal produce, such as artichokes and pears. To beat the crowds, head here early in the morning to enjoy a warm espresso while you shop. Once properly caffeinated, watch as locals do their daily shopping and admire the stained-glass domes and mosaic details.

LOCAL CUISINE
In Valencia, you’ll find plenty of tapas to sample, but you can’t leave without enjoying paella. The classic Spanish dish has its roots in this seaside city, where it’s usually served up with rabbit, chicken, asparagus and local snails. If you prefer pasta over rice, go in for fideua, a hearty dish of pan-fried noodles piled with local seafood like squid, shrimp or monkfish.

SHOPPING
Head to the Old Town of Valencia during your cruise to find some of the best shops offering handmade fans, embroidered silk shawls and Lladro porcelain. If you happen to end up in the city on the weekend, browse the stalls at the flea market in Plaza Redonda.

Formerly a Roman settlement, Valencia is a charismatic port city on the coast of Spain, and a Mediterranean Cruises destination. Its marriage of modern and ancient architecture is a sight to behold – from the futuristic stylings of the City of Arts and Sciences to the 13th-centry Valencia Cathedral. Walk around its avenues and squares and soak up the city’s spellbinding energy. For restful pursuits, take in the beauty of its protected natural wonders including Albufera National Park.

Cruises excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:

The Iconic Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias and the Oceanographic Museum
Valencia’s Cathedral
Albufera Natural Parc Boat Ride

The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias) is an incredible feat of architecture, fresh out of a sci-fi film! See this amazing landmark and more on a Valencia city tour. This unique Cruise excursion will see you exploring this extensive museum and cinema complex, celebrated for the futuristic composition of its buildings, including the Oceanographic Museum. Here, you’ll discover species from diverse aquatic environments, such as penguins, jellyfish, sea lions, sharks, rays, and dolphins. Including on this tour is a visit to Our Lady of the Forsaken Basilica, a 17th-century wonder featuring a domed ceiling with fabulous frescoes. You’ll also enjoy a scenic coach trip through Valencia’s magnificent squares and beautiful avenues.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Valencia’s magnificent cathedral, Our Lady of Valencia, consecrated in 1238. On this Cruise excursion you’ll appreciate the ornate architecture of this building which unites Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles of architecture. Pause to marvel at the statues, the decorations, the mesmerising painted ceiling, and the frescoes adorning the chapels. The tour also includes a trip to San José Caves, one of Spain’s geological wonders.

Take a Cruise excursion to Albufera, a vast freshwater lagoon and estuary in a protected wildlife park. Here, you’ll partake in a leisurely boat ride across the water, gliding past rice fields, beaches, and a Mediterranean pine forest. Have your camera ready to capture the local wildlife including flamingos, stilts, herons and terns. You’ll also enjoy a guided tour though the Valencia city centre, visiting the central market, the old La Lonja silk exchange, and Valencia Cathedral.