Let's go to Spain: paella, tapas, and cycling in Valencia

First day

Welcome to Valencia
We’ll arrive in Valencia in the afternoon and check into our hotel in the heart of the city. After checking in, we’ll meet our Italian guide—who lives in Valencia —and who will accompany us throughout this adventure. During the initial briefing, we’ll learn in detail what awaits us over the next few days of our cycling vacation in Valencia: guided bike tours to explore the historic city, Calatrava’s works in the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, the golden beaches, and the fragrant Turia Gardens.
To start getting a feel forthe Valencian atmosphere, we’ll have dinner at a typical Spanish restaurant, enjoying local specialties such as Valencian paella. It will be the perfect start to a week filled with fun, culture, and nature.

Second day

In the Heart of Valencia
In the morning,we’ll take a guided walking tour of Valencia’s historic center. We’ll visit the magnificent Valencia Cathedral and its bell tower, known as the Miguelete, where the bell named “Miguel”—a reference to the Archangel Saint Michael, who was tasked with protecting the city from evil—hangs at the very top of the tower. We’ll make our way to Plaza Redonda, continuing on to Plaza del Ayuntamiento, home to City Hall. We’ll arrive at the ancient and majestic Mercat Central and the Lonja de la Seda, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Lunch and a free afternoon to relax, shop, or do whatever we prefer!

Third day

Albufera by Bike
Aday trip to explore the natural Albufera lagoon, near the city of Valencia. We’ll ride through the historic center and the beautiful Turia Park, and—thanks to a bike path that will take us several kilometers—we’ll arrive at the Albufera lagoon. We’ll cycle along a strip of land between the salty waters of the sea and the fresh waters of the lagoon. It will be a total immersion in nature, all the way to the village of El Palmar, where a traditional boat will be waiting for us for a relaxing scenic cruise—and for a very good reason: to taste the best paella in Valencia! Enjoying paella together by the sea will be the perfect way to recharge before heading back to the city.

Fourth day

Between History and the Future: A Bicycle City Tour of
Today we’re taking the Valencia city tour—a guided bikeride through the streets of Valencia’s historic center. We’ll pass by the famous squares: Plaza de la Virgen, Plaza de la Reina, and Plaza de l’Ayuntamiento, all the way to the magnificent Cathedral and the Serranos Towers. We’ll then take a true plunge into the history and culture of Ciutat Vella. Valencia is steeped in history but also modern: we’ll cycle toward the “city of the future,” the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències architectural complex designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, passing through the beautiful Turia Gardens. Free time for a visit if you’d like. We’ll return to the city center, have the afternoon free, and in the evening we’ll meet up for dinner together at a traditional Spanish restaurant.

Fifth day

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to beautiful Valencia. During this cycling vacation, we strolled through its historic center, marveling at the majestic Valencia Cathedral and the Lonja de la Seda. We soaked up the authentic energy of Valencia’s Central Market, the beating heart of the city. On our bikes, we rode through the lush, green Turia Park until we reached the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, a masterpiece of modern architecture. And of course, we savored the true flavors of Valencian culinary tradition, including an unforgettable paella—a dish that originated right here. Valencia bids us farewell with sunshine and smiles. Have a safe trip home, everyone… until our next adventure!