VALENCIA

ITINERARY

Day 1

Discover 500 years of the Spanish royal family at Aranjuez

Arrive in a town that’s carved into the cliffs, Cuenca

You’ve heard the Concierto de Aranjuez. This morning, it’s time to travel from Madrid and discover its inspiration.

Aranjuez was the spring home for the Spanish royal family for 500 years and is a fairground for culture vultures, art-lovers, and history buffs. You can snap panorama photos of the huge palace, wander through the fountain-strewn gardens, and ponder over the ancient bull ring.

You continue your journey through Castilla-La Mancha, the heart of Old Spain. This stunning region boasts gentle landscapes, lush nature, and unrivalled Manchego cheese. It’s also where Cervantes set the fictional journeys of Don Quijote in his novel that laid the foundation for modern European literature.

Your next stop is Villarejo de Salvanés. This small town boasts an unusual castle and archaeological sites that pre-date the Romans.

You travel the short distance to Torrejoncillo del Rey. Back in the 1950s, a resident from here sought treasure. They dug deep into a Roman well and uncovered a 2,000-year-old Lapis Specularis mine, the material the Romans used for windows. Tickets to go into the mine and discover its history are included in your tour.

Clinging to the cliffs of a limestone hill, you find Cuenca. A medieval town of cobbled paths and superior crafts. You overnight here for two evenings.

Included Activities

Entrance to Aranjuez Royal Palace and Gardens

Entrance to Lapis Specularis Mine

Accommodation

Hotel Exe Cuenca or similar, Cuenca

Day 2

Traverse the natural stone sculptures and scenic heights of Parque Natural de la Serranía de Cuenca

Today, you explore one of Castilla-La Mancha’s finest nature reserves - Parque Natural de la Serranía de Cuenca, a 73,000-hectare wildlife paradise.

Your first stop in the natural park is in the ‘Enchanted City’. This location boasts some of the strangest rock formations you’ll ever see. Wander around this magical landscape and spot mushroom-shaped stones and faces glaring at you from limestone.

You continue your journey through this landscape and stop at the stunning Mirador de Uña viewpoint.

After lunch, there are a variety of optional activities for you to choose from. Go kayaking, hiking, or visit more vibrant villages. Your guide will help you pick which one suits you best.

Back in Cuenca, you can scroll through your images from the day over tapas and red wine before enjoying a well-earned rest.

Day 3

Study the symbols of ancient cave paintings in Villar del Humo

Savour the flavours of the wines and cuisines of the region

You leave Cuenca behind and travel to Fuentes. At this stop, you get to stretch your legs and admire a few… dinosaurs. Yes, you read that right. This region is famous for palaeontology, and there are a few realistic life-sized models to help transport you to the land before time.

From the Jurassic period, you travel a few thousand years to the Neolithic period in Villar del Humo. Here, you can study the details and symbols of ancient cave paintings on a visit included in the tour price.

You stop at the tiny village of Utiel for a rustic lunch. This region is famous for seafood, pumpkin dishes, and the best oranges in the country – great nourishment for all that time travelling!

Later on, you travel to a winery in Requena for an included wine tasting which will invigorate your taste buds. The delicious beverage has been produced in this area since at least the 7th century BC, so you know it’s going to be delicious.

You then travel to Valencia; the home of paella, laid-back nightlife, awesome architecture, and your accommodation for the next three nights.

Day 4

Learn about Monastic life at the Monastery of Santa Maria

Roam through the unique wetlands of Albufera Natural Park

Today, your journey takes you on a half day trip that combines monastic knowledge with fantastic nature spots.

In the morning, you can choose an optional visit to the Monastery of Santa Maria in El Puig. This large building combines cloisters with defensive structures and has been used as a temple, a school, and even a prison.

It’s now time to explore the rice paddies that gave birth to the paella in the Albufera Natural Park. Your visit here also gives you a chance to spot the unique flora and fauna around a large freshwater lagoon.

You arrive back in Valencia in the afternoon. Here you can join an optional guided tour of the city combined with a tasty tapas experience.

Use the evening to either enjoy the city’s famous nightlife or prepare for the next day of your adventure.

Day 5

Lose yourself in the history and narrow streets of Xàtiva

Xàtiva, the town of ‘a thousand fountains’ lies upon the slopes of Monte Vernissa. A castle crowns the hills, and the location is famous for ancient paper production, educational institutions, and the notorious House of Borgia. This morning, you travel here and have free time to delve deep into all this history and more.

In the afternoon, you embark on a journey to Los Charcos de Quesa. We hope you have packed your swimwear, because this scenic nature spot boasts natural pools and waterfalls for you to dip your toes in.

You return to Valencia in the early evening.

Day 6

Imagine an ancient Roman play at the theatre of Sagunto

Admire a fusion of artistic and architectural styles in Sitges

Sagunto is your first destination this morning. You have time here to roam around a well-preserved Roman theatre, climb to the top of a 2,000-year-old castle complex, and explore the famous Jewish quarter.

You leave this historic town and make your way to the seaside town of Peñiscola. This place is known as the ‘City in the Sea’ and boasts a castle built by the Knights Templar. It’s also the delightful location where you have your lunch today.

A little further along the Mediterranean coast, your journey takes you to Sitges. A happening cultural hotspot, a menagerie of modernist architecture, and a few fascinating museums make this a great preparation for the big city.

You arrive in Barcelona in the evening.