Excursion Valencia past & present tour at Castellon de la Plana

Most cities have riverbanks to stroll along; Valencia has a whole river. The Jardín del Túria is a unique, long swathe of greenery through the city. The river Túria was diverted south and the former riverbed is now a landscaped parkland walk with trees, sculptures and water features, crisscrossed by 18 bridges - some designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava.

Valencia Past

Departing from the pier and enjoy a short panoramic drive going through the City Centre where you can see the Bullring and Central Station. See the Central Market, an enormous metal, ceramic tile and glass Art Nouveau building. Built in 1928, it contains 1,300 stalls of fresh fish, meat and fruits, selling products from all over Spain. A must stop is made at the Silk Exchange monument, called La Lonja where the old quarter walking tour will begin. Admire this area that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It is a Valencian Gothic-style civil building, built between 1482 and 1548, and one of the principal tourist attractions in the city. This building illustrates the power and wealth of one of the great Mediterranean mercantile cities.

Valencia Present

Valencia's present is defined by the City of Arts and Science complex, designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. The City of Arts and Sciences is a unique complex devoted to science, technology, nature, and art, and is made up of five segments or centres: the Hemisfèric, the Umbracle, the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, the Oceanográfico and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía. Enjoy a guided interior visit of Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia.

After your visit to the museum stroll to the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, an impressive theatre and opera house with a sculpted form is highly symbolic. Platforms project at different levels with passage ways and Mediterranean gardens, with a capacity to accommodate four venues for opera, music, ballet and theatre inside.

When finished the awaiting coach will transfer you back to the port.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 3 hours total in the city. Some surfaces are uneven with cobblestones and steps in the old quarter. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. We recommend wearing lightweight clothing and flat, comfortable walking shoes. Bring a hat, sunscreen and bottled water.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Lonja & Old Quarter, Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofia, City of Arts & Sciences Complex