| Valencia was one of the great Mediterranean
capitals during the Middle Ages, producing such notable historical figures as
the Cid and the Borgia family. A communications hub that stirred many secular
controversies between Moors and Christians, Valencia is still today one of the
most fertile agricultural lands in all of Europe. Since its foundation and throughout
its development, the city has always remained a continual challenge for the Valencians
as it is threatened by sea, by swampland and rising rivers. That is why the conquest
of land is still being waged today, giving rise to an important avantgarde architecture.
Arrival in Valencia and
overnight
We begin
our visit in Valencia in the heart of the city where we can see a portion of the
ancient Roman walls adjacent to Arab additions and the medieval Christian gates.
Currently it is the Gothic Cathedral with its Miquelet tower that takes center
stage. The Arab-designed narrow streets reveal a city once encircled by rivers.
A stroll through the side streets takes us to shopping centers, the Plaza Redonda,
the Market, and finally, the great symbol of Valencian power, the Silk Exchange
from the 15th century. Since the age of the Caliphs, the Tribunal of Water for
the Gardens of Valencia has gathered at one of the cathedral portals to render
judgment in medieval and effective manner over abuses of their most precious commodity:
water. The Fallero Museum takes us to the beginning of Spring, the most important
celebration of Valencia. Here is where the uncensored ninots are displayed and
eventually subjected to the most characteristic element of the festival of the
Kingdom of Valencia: fire. Overnight inValencia
We leave medieval Valencia through the Sea Gate, but we
are still 5 kilometers away from the docks. The city has long wanted to be joined
to the seashore and one of the most recent and ambitious projects is the City
of Arts and Sciences erected on the old Turia riverbed. Over the past few years,
the prestigious Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava has created the Palace
of the Arts for opera and dance, the Hemispheric cinema, the Museum of Science,
and the Oceanographic for the study of marine science, all sites a reference for
international cultural. Overnight in Valencia
The latest
effort to connect with the Mediterranean was the creation of the sports area for
sailing located next to the commercial docks. Influenced by the America's Cup,
the area has developed into a modern and enormous leisure district. We will wrap
up the morning with a short stroll along Malvarrosa Beach. In the afternoon, an
excursion to the Albufera National Park will provide a nice insight into the natural
surrounding area of Valencia. The rice fields, and the fresh and salty waters
were the basis of the greatest international gastronomical success of Valencia,
the paella. Overnight in Valencia Possibility of organizing a special farewell
dinner
Transfer to the Valencia Airport |
