Valencia Voyage: A 9-Day Itinerary for the Perfect Getaway

Day 1: Arrival and City Tour

Arrive in Valencia and meet your private guide, who will transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, start your trip with a private Valencia tour to get an in-depth overview of the city's main attractions. Your guide will take you to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the central square of Valencia, where you can admire the impressive City Hall and the fountain of Neptune. Next, visit the Cathedral of Valencia, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture that houses the Holy Grail believed to be the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. Return to your hotel for dinner.

Day 2: Exploring the Cultural Side of Valencia

Head to the Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Valencia's most important landmarks. This stunning building was once the city's silk exchange and is known for its ornate Gothic style. Your guide will explain the history and significance of the building as you explore the interior. For lunch, try traditional Valencian cuisine, such as paella or fideu, a noodle dish similar to paella but made with seafood and noodles instead of rice. Your guide can recommend a local restaurant that serves authentic Valencian food.

In the afternoon, continue your city tour with a visit to Mercado Central, one of Europe's oldest and largest markets. This bustling market is a feast for the senses, with colorful stalls selling fresh produce, meat, fish, and spices. Your guide will help you navigate the market and sample some local delicacies. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or tapas bar. Your guide can recommend some of the best places to try traditional Valencian tapas, such as patatas, bravas, croquetas, and boquerones. After dinner, stroll through the streets of Valencia and take in the city's lively atmosphere at night.

Day 3: Beach Hopping

Start your day by heading to Playa de la Malvarrosa, the most popular beach in Valencia. This long and wide beach is easily accessible by public transportation and offers plenty of restaurants and bars along the promenade. Lounge on a sunbed, rent an umbrella or take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea. Just a short distance from La Malvarrosa is Playa de las Arenas, a quieter and less crowded beach perfect for relaxing. You can also head south to the beaches of El Saler or La Devesa, which are in a nature reserve and offer a more secluded and wilder experience.

For lunch, try some fresh seafood at one of the beachside restaurants. Paella is a must-try, but you can opt for grilled fish or seafood platters. After lunch, take a siesta or continue exploring the beaches of Valencia. You can rent a paddleboard or kayak, take a windsurfing lesson, or relax on the sand. In the evening, head back to the city center and enjoy dinner at one of Valencia's many restaurants. Your guide can recommend some of the best places to try local cuisine or international dishes. After dinner, walk along the beach promenade and enjoy the sea breeze under the stars.

Day 4: Mercado Central and Ciutat Vella

Start your day at Mercado Central, one of Europe's oldest and largest markets. This market is a feast for the senses, with its colorful stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to local fruits and vegetables. Take a moment to sample local delicacies like paella, horchata, and bocadillos. Afterward, explore the charming Ciutat Vella, or Old Town, full of narrow streets, historic buildings, and interesting shops. Visit the iconic Plaza de la Virgen, home to the stunning Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados, a Baroque church with a beautiful interior. Next, go to the Plaza de la Reina, where the Gothic-style Valencia Cathedral is a must-see attraction from the 13th century.

For lunch, try some tapas at one of the many bars and restaurants in the area. Your guide can recommend some of the best places to try local specialties like esgarraet, a dish made with roasted red peppers and salt cod. In the afternoon, visit the Museo de Bellas Artes, home to a large collection of Spanish art from the 14th to the 20th centuries. For dinner, head to the trendy Ruzafa neighborhood, where you'll find various international restaurants and bars. Try some craft beer at a local brewery or indulge in sushi at a Japanese restaurant.

Day 5: City of Arts and Sciences

The City of Arts and Sciences is one of Valencia's most iconic attractions and a must-visit for architecture and science enthusiasts. This futuristic complex is located at the end of the Turia Gardens and includes a planetarium, an aquarium, an opera house, and a science museum. Spend the day exploring all the different exhibits, and walk outside the buildings to appreciate the incredible architecture.

For lunch, try some Mediterranean cuisine at the restaurant located in the Oceanogrfic, the largest aquarium in Europe. Enjoy views of the marine life while you dine on fresh seafood and rice dishes. In the evening, head to the trendy neighborhood of El Cabanyal, where you'll find a variety of bars and restaurants. Try some paella at Casa Carmela, a local institution that has been serving delicious rice dishes for over a century.

Day 6: Albufera Natural Park

Take a break from the city and head to the Albufera Natural Park just south of Valencia. This wetland reserve is home to various bird species and is a great place to go hiking or take a boat tour. You can also try the local specialty, paella, at one of the many restaurants in the nearby village of El Palmar. Take a boat ride to explore the park's lagoon and enjoy the stunning scenery. For dinner, head back to Valencia and try some traditional Valencian cuisine at a local restaurant. Try some arroz al horno, a rice dish baked in the oven with pork and vegetables, and a stew made with eel, garlic, and paprika.

Day 7: Turia Gardens and Bioparc

Take a stroll along the Turia Gardens, a beautiful park running through Valencia's heart. The park is built on the site of a former riverbed and is full of fountains, sculptures, and playgrounds. Afterward, visit the Bioparc, and head over to the Bioparc, a unique zoo dedicated to creating immersive and natural habitats for its animals. Get up close and personal with some of the world's most fascinating animals, including lions, elephants, and gorillas. Have dinner at a gourmet restaurant before returning to your hotel for rest.

Day 8: Day trip to Xativa

After breakfast, take a day trip to the charming town of Xativa, about an hour's drive from Valencia. Xativa is known for its historic castle, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a delicious lunch in an excellent restaurant. Then set out to explore the town's old quarter, full of narrow streets and historic buildings. Return to your hotel for dinner. 

Day 9: Departure

It's time to say goodbye to this beautiful city. After breakfast, your private guide will transfer you to the airport for a happy and safe departure.