Valencia and its surroundings: Alicante and Benidorm

Program:

• Valencia Walking Tour

Description:

Historical walk through Valencia's Old Town.

Walking tour of the city center, including the Central Market, Plaza Santos Juanes, and the Cathedral (1.5–2 hours).

Visit to the Valencia Museum of Fine Arts (Museu de Belles Arts de València) – the second-largest art gallery in Spain: works by El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, Sorolla, and others.

Program:

• Caves of San José and the Underground River
• Sierra de Espadán Mountains
• Prince Felipe Science Museum in the City of Arts and Sciences

Description:

Departure for the "Caves of San José and the Underground River" tour.

Travel time: approximately 40 minutes (~40 km) from Valencia.

Cave tour with a boat ride on Europe's longest underground river and a chance to explore stalactites and ancient rock paintings.

Hiking tour through the underground galleries in the heart of the mountain. Photo breaks with the Sierra de Espadán Mountains in the background.

Lunch optional. Return to your hotel in Valencia.

In the afternoon, we recommend visiting the Prince Felipe Science Museum in the City of Arts and Sciences (Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe) – Valencia's most modern and interactive museum, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. This enormous building, dedicated to science and technology, features exhibits for both adults and children.

Program:

• Alicante
• Santa Barbara
• Benidorm

Description:

In the morning, depart for an excursion to Alicante.

Travel time: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes (~165 km) from Valencia.

Alicante is a sunny resort town with an ancient mountain fortress, a picturesque promenade, and authentic neighborhoods shaded by palm trees.

Visit the Santa Barbara fortress with panoramic views of the city and coast.

Walk through Alicante's old town: the streets of the Santa Cruz neighborhood and the Esplanade de España promenade.

Free time for lunch in the port or old town.

Benidorm – a modern vibe by the sea.

Transfer from Alicante to Benidorm: approximately 35 minutes (~45 km).

Benidorm is the Spanish Manhattan, with high-rise hotels, golden-sand beaches, and famous views of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea.

A stroll through the old center of Benidorm and the famous "Balcony of the Mediterranean."

Free time to relax on the beach, shop, or enjoy a café (optional).

Return to Valencia in the evening (approximately 1.5 hours).

Program:

• Xativa
• Guadalest
• Tour of the Ordun Family House
• Visit to the Microminiatures Museum

Description

In the morning, depart for an excursion to Xativa.

Travel time: approximately 50 minutes (~65 km) from Valencia.
Xativa is a city with a rich history, famous for its ancient fortifications. The Xativa Fortress is a wonderful example of the blend of Roman, Muslim, and Christian architecture.

Explore the ancient fortress and old town, where you can see the remains of Roman and Arab walls, as well as Christian buildings.

Walk through the old town, with its narrow streets and picturesque squares that evoke the atmosphere of medieval Spain.

Free time, optional lunch.

Guadalest - castle on the summit. Transfer Xativa → Guadalest: 1.5 hours (~120 km).
Guadalest is a picturesque mountain town famous for its medieval fortress perched atop a cliff, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

Stroll through the mountain town and visit the fortress at the summit, where you can admire panoramic views and learn about medieval defense systems.

Tour of the Orduña ancestral home, a historic residence with an interesting collection.

Visit to the Microminiatures Museum, a unique museum displaying stunning works of art created on a miniature scale (optional) (30 minutes).

Return to Valencia in the evening (1.5-hour journey).

Program:

• Albufera
• Sagunto

Description

Departure to Lake Albufera. Travel time: approximately 30 minutes (~25 km) from Valencia.
Albufera is a natural park and lake where local fishermen live in traditional villages known as "Barracas." The lake is home to numerous bird species and is also an important ecotourism site.

Boat ride on the lake, exploring the "Barracas" fishing villages and learning about traditional fishing and the region's natural environment.

Free time and optional lunch.

Departure to Sagunto, home to Roman monuments and a medieval fortress.

Transfer from Albufera to Sagunto: approximately 40 minutes (~40 km).
Sagunto is a city renowned for its Roman history and well-preserved monuments, as well as the medieval fortress that dominates the city.

Visit the Roman theater, amphitheater, and ancient fortress. These architectural monuments tell the story of Sagunto's illustrious history, from Roman times to the Middle Ages.

Stroll through Sagunto's historic center, with its narrow streets that retain an ancient atmosphere and archaeological sites, making the city a true discovery for history buffs.

Free time.

Return to Valencia in the evening (approximately 30 minutes).