Splendors of Valencia - Panoramic Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Tour Code: vlc-001
From the comfort of your coach, you will see the most important monuments of beautiful Valencia on this panoramic driving tour.
Third in importance after Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138 BC, but it was the Muslims who had a more detectable influence upon modern Valencia. Leaving the pier, you will enjoy views of the most modern buildings in town, all belonging to this City of Arts and Sciences.
The tour will driving past the city hall, including the old Casa Ensenañza, an 18th-century building, and the New Building, 20th-century construction with a unique facade. Next is La Lonja, the city's Commodity Exchange and Maritime Consulate, built in the 15th century. Typical of the modernist era is the Central Market; planned and built in the first years of the 19th century.
Other notable sights include the Cathedral and Chapel of the Holy Chalice, dating back to the 13th century and built on the site of a mosque which had, itself, replaced a Roman temple. Inside, the Chapel of the Holy Chalice contains the chalice which legend says was used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper.
The tour concludes with views of the Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados, built between 1652 and 1667 and dedicated to Our Lady of the Abandoned, the patron virgin of Valencia; Quart Towers, a former gate of the medieval wall, built in 1444; and Serranos Towers, a former prison surrounded by a moat and built around 1391.
Please note: This tour involves some walking during the free time scheduled to allow guests time to browse the area and shops at the town center, before returning to the pier. There is also a brief walk between the drop-off/pickup-point and the city center.