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All guided tours and activities are offered by

Professional Tourist Guides Association AGUITUR.

tel. +34 96 06 186 76 / +34 663 419 931 e-mail: [email protected]

valenciatouristguides

mailto:[email protected]

OPTION 1.

VALENCIA HISTORICAL CENTER

Duration: 2 hours. Goal: Discover the eldest part of Valencian center through its main monuments. Visit inside the Cathedral and Central Market. Optional Orxata Tasting can be arranged. Type of tour: walking.

DESCRIPTION OF THE TOUR

SERRANOS TOWERS (14th century): Built by Christians as a part of their defensive wall and converted later into a prison for the noble society. This conversion saved them from demolition in 1865.

BENICARLO PALACE (15th century): It was built as the residence of the Borja family, using the late-gothic style. In the 18th century it was converted into a spinning mill. Nowadays this palace is the headquarters of Valencian Autonomous Parliament –Les Corts Valencianes.

THE VIRGIN SQUARE: it is one of the main squares in Valencia. It is surrounded by three significant buildings: the Basilica, the Cathedral and the Generalitat Palace. The square displays the impressive Fountain of Turia on one side, where the irrigation system of Valencia is represented.

ROYAL BASILICA (17th century): It is the second most important religious temple after the Cathedral and one of the first Baroque buildings in Spain. The Royal Basilica is home to the statue of Our Virgin of the Forsaken, the saint patroness of Valencia

GENERALITAT PALACE (15th century): This palace is the headquarters of the Regional Government. Its construction started in the 15th century in Gothic style. In the 16th century a Renaissance tower was added and finally it was finished in the 20th century following the original plans.

ALMOINA SQUARE: it is hiding the ancient ruins of the original city of Valentia that can be seen in the Archeological Museum with the same name. This center is the result of more than 20 years of excavations, where pieces of ceramic, coins and documentary material were found.

VALENCIA HISTORICAL CENTRE (2 HOURS). According to the Valencian laws 62/1996, 90/2010 and 10/2013 only Official Tourist Guides authorized by the

Government of Valencian Autonomous Community have the legal right to guide tours and tourists on the territory of the Valencian Autonomous Community. People or Companies that are breaking these laws are committing a “very severe

administrative offence”.

CATHEDRAL: The Cathedral was built on the site of the former mosque of Balansiya, the name of Valencia during the Muslim era. Valencian Cathedral is a master piece of Valencian Gothic Cistercian style. The Miguelete (15th century) is the bell tower of 60 meters high and one of the highest buildings of Valencia even nowadays.

Palau or Almoina Door (13th century): It was built in Romanesque style. It has a semicircular arch and its cover is supported by 14 corbels which take the form of a head. According to legend, they represent seven hundred couples whom the King James the First brought from Lerida to repopulate the new Christian city.

Apostles Door (14th century): It was built in Gothic style. Every Thursday at midday, the “Tribunal de las Aguas” The Water Court takes place at the Door of Apostles. Today it is the oldest institution of justice in Europe.

CATHEDRAL INSIDE (only the free entrance part). The Master piece of Cistercian Gothic Style Valencian Cathedral is full of treasures: original Goya’s, Maella’s paintings, gorgeous Baroque Altar painted by 2 pupils of Leonardo da Vinci and Italian Painter Paolo San Leocadio. The Holy Chalice which is commonly named as Holy Grail and officially recognized by Vatican. Borja’s family chapel.

SANTA CATALINA CHURCH (13th century): Saint Catherine’s Church is one of the oldest churches in the city, dating from the 13th century and built in Gothic style. Today its interior is decorated in Cistercian Gothic style but its former belfry was demolished and the present is an elegant Baroque bell tower.

HORCHATA TASTING (optional): Horchata is the most famous drink in Valencia. It is a refreshing drink made with three ingredients: water, sugar and “chufa” (“tiger nut” or “earth almond” in English). The chufa is a small tubercle planted in the fields located in Alboraya (Valencia). The price of 1 horchata + fartón (traditional Valencian biscuit) is about 5 €.




REDONDA SQUARE – SHOPPING OF VALENCIAN HAND MADE CERAMIC (OPTIONAL): It is one of the most peculiar modernist constructions in Valencia. Popularly known as “el clot” (“the hole” in English) because of its circular shape. There are plenty of small shops where you can find all kind of souvenirs and Valencian ceramics.

LA LONJA (15th century): The Lonja (“The Silk Market” in English) is the best example of the Valencian Golden Age, a period when Valencia became one of the main cultural and financial centres of Europe. In 1996, it was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

SAINT JOHN’S CHURCH (13th century): Saint John’s Church was built on the site of an old mosque in the 13th century. The rear facade is the most outstanding part of the temple and it is the result of the restoration done in the 18th century, when it was totally transformed into a Baroque style.

CENTRAL MARKET (20th century): The Central Market is an excellent example of the modernist architecture of the twenties (1920’s). With a surface area of 8,000 m², it is one of the largest markets in Europe. In the interior of the market you can find all kinds of food, such as vegetables, fruits, fish, seafood and meat products.

THE CITY COUNCIL SQUARE. Is the main modern square of Valencia with gorges modernist buildings as The City Council Building, The Main Post Office and many others which used to be office buildings. All of them are the part of the New Valencia, designed in the end of XIX century and build in the first half of XX.




PRICES AND DESCRIPTIONS

Option 1. With transport. The transportation will be done by 50 pax. coach.

Price guide + coach: 420 €

Meeting point: hotel lobby

End of the tour: hotel lobby Duration:

Transfer with coach to the city center: Walking tour in the city center: Transfer with coach from the city center back to the hotel:

15 min 4 hours 15 min

Maximum people in the group (because of the coach capacity) 50 pax Option 2. NO transport. The transportation will be done by the group itself. Can be done with public transport or by taxi. The guide will meet the group at the hotel’s lobby.

Price for guide only: 160 €

Meeting point: hotel lobby End of the tour: hotel lobby Duration: Transfer with coach to the city center: Walking tour in the city center: Transfer with coach from the city center back to the hotel:


Optionals: It is possible to arrange horchata tasting (traditional valencian non alcoholic drink) for the whole group during the tour in the most historical horchateria. The price of 1 horchata + fartón (traditional Valencian biscuit) is about 5 €. For this we need to know the number of people in advance.

Recommended timing:

10:00 – 14:00 or 16:00 – 20:00




OPTION 2. VALENCIA THE CITY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES + FALLAS MUSEUM

Duration: 2 hours. Goal: Discover Valencian XXI century quarter through the avant-garde complex of the City of Arts and Sciences. Get into the atmosphere of the most important Valencian festivity “Las Fallas” in the Museum of Fallas which is located just in front of the City of Arts and Sciences. Type of tour: walking


THE FALLAS MUSEUM - INSIDE: It is a must see for visitors who want to learn more about the most important festival in Valencia: ”Las Fallas”, declared the Festivity of International Tourist Interest. During your visit you will find photographs of the Fallas, propaganda for the festival and, most importantly, the "ninots indultats", the effigies or figures that are saved from the flames after being chosen by a popular vote.

THE CITY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES - OUTSIDE: The City of Arts and Sciences is a huge futuristic complex dedicated to the arts, the sciences and the wildlife. The complex, designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava has five main buildings:

Hemisferic (1998): It has a 3D Cinema and a Planetarium. The building represents a large human eye where the projection room would be the pupil, the opaque roof would be the eyelid and the two lateral parts would be the eyelashes.

Principe Felipe Science Museum (2000): it is a pioneering museum where you can discover some of many contributions that science and technology have made to our lives. One of its façades represents a waterfall when it rains and the opposite front façade represents the skeleton of a dinosaur.

Umbracle (2000): it is a green promenade and garden. Under its cover, there is an impressive variety of plants of different species, most of them are autochthonous species of the Valencian Community.




Reina Sofia Palace (2005): It is an auditorium devoted to the theatre plays, operas, ballet, dance, etc. Its oval-shaped structure based on the concept of a ship in the old riverbed of the Turia River, where it makes it home.

Ágora (2009): It was inaugurated in 2009 to host the Valencia Open 500 tournament, one of the most important international sport meetings. It was conceived as a multifunctional space for holding different types of events: congresses, conventions, concerts and performances.


Option 1. With transport. The transportation will be done by 50 pax. coach. Meeting point: hotel lobby End of the tour: hotel lobby Duration:



Maximum people in the group (because of the coach capacity) 50 pax Price guide + coach: 420 €

Option 2. NO transport. The transportation will be done by the group itself.

It can be done with public transport or by taxi. The guide will meet the group at the hotel’s lobby.

Meeting point: hotel lobby End of the tour: hotel lobby Duration:



Price for the guide only: 160 € Entrance tickets: Fallas Museum:

2 € per person

Recommended timing: 10:00 – 14:00 or 16:00 – 20:00




OPTION 3.

VALENCIA BIKE TOUR

Duration: 3 hours. Goal: Discover Valencia in a different, original, healthy and funny way! Just bike it! Type of tour: bike.


Malvarrosa Beach: Valencia has a proud tradition of well-kept beaches, which dates back to the early 1900s when many noble families had summer house on the beachfront. Although the beach is situated very close to the city it boasts of surprisingly clean water, being awarded with the prestigious recognition of the Blue Flag, given to the cleanest and the best equipped beaches in Spain.

Valencian Harbor: The harbor of Valencia was inagurated in 1483 by the famous Spanish king Fernando el Catolico. Recently several important international sport events took place in this area. Two America’s Cup Sailing Competition (in 2007 and 2011) and every year Formula 1 European Grand Prix on the street circuit.

THE CITY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES - OUTSIDE: The City of Arts and Sciences is a huge futuristic complex dedicated to the arts, the sciences and the wildlife. The complex, designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava has five main buildings:




Hemisferic (1998): It has a 3D Cinema and a Planetarium. The building represents a large human eye where the projection room would be the pupil, the opaque roof would be the eyelid and the two lateral parts would be the eyelashes.

Principe Felipe Science Museum (2000): it is a pioneering museum where you can discover some of many contributions that science and technology have made to our lives. One of its façades represents a waterfall when it rains and the opposite front façade represents the skeleton of a dinosaur.

Umbracle (2000): it is a green promenade and garden. Under its cover, there is an impressive variety of plants of different species; most of them are autochthonous species of the Valencian Region.

Reina Sofia Palace (2005): It is an auditorium devoted to the theatre plays, operas, ballet, dance, etc. Its oval-shaped structure based on the concept of a ship in the old riverbed of the Turia River, where it makes it home.

Agora (2009): It was inaugurated in 2009 to host the Valencia Open 500 tournament, one of the most important international sport meetings. It was conceived as a multifunctional space for holding different types of events: congresses, conventions, concerts and performances.

OLD TURIA RIVERBED. In the old Turia riverbed moved outside of the city due to the strong flooding in 1957 nowadays is located a twelve km long Mediterranean garden crossing the city from East to West connecting two Valencian icons: the Bioparc and the City of Arts and Sciences.

MUSIC PALACE. Is also known as a “microwave”. This Valencian concert hall is the first modern building located in the old riverbed designed by Garcia Paredes, an architect from Madrid. Nowadays it hosts local and international band musical concerts and events.




SERRANOS TOWERS (14th century): Built by Christians as a part of their defensive wall and converted later into a prison for the noble society. This conversion saved them from demolition in 1865.

BENICARLO PALACE (15th century): It was built as the residence of the Borja family, using the late-gothic style. In the 18th century it was converted into a spinning mill. Nowadays this palace is the headquarters of Valencian Autonomous Parliament –Les Corts Valencianes.

THE VIRGIN SQUARE: it is one of the main squares in Valencia. It is surrounded by three significant buildings: the Basilica, the Cathedral and the Generalitat Palace. The square displays the impressive Fountain of Turia on one side, where the irrigation system of Valencia is represented.

ROYAL BASILICA (17th century): It is the second most important religious temple after the Cathedral and one of the first Baroque buildings in Spain. The Royal Basilica is home to the statue of Our Virgin of the Forsaken, the saint patroness of Valencia

GENERALITAT PALACE (15th century): This palace is the headquarters of the Regional Government. Its construction started in the 15th century in Gothic style. In the 16th century a Renaissance tower was added and finally it was finished in the 20th century following the original plans.

Apostles Door (14th century): It was built in Gothic style. Every Thursday at midday, the “Tribunal de las Aguas” The Water Court takes place at the Door of Apostles. Today it is the oldest institution of justice in Europe.

ALMOINA SQUARE: it is hiding the ancient ruins of the original city of Valentia that can be seen in the Archeological Museum with the same name. This center is the result of more than 20 years of excavations, where pieces of ceramic, coins and documentary material were found.

Palau or Almoina Door (13th century): It was built in Romanesque style. It has a semicircular arch and its cover is supported by 14 corbels which take the form of a head. According to legend, they represent seven hundred couples whom the King James the First brought from Lerida to repopulate the new Christian city.




THE PALACE OF MARQUISES OF “DOS AGUAS” (Two Waters) redecorated in XVIII century in profuse baroque style with elements of rococo. Nowadays is a State Museum of Ceramic with huge collection of pieces coming even from Iberian age to the modern times. It has 5 pieces done by Pablo Picasso.

VALENCIA OLD UNIVERSITY. It has been inaugurated in 1502 thanks to the license given by the second Valencian Roman Pope, Alexander the VI. Remodeled in the end of XIX century is the one of the eldest universities in Spain.


Bikes will be placed to the hotel, but the tour will be finished in the city center.

Public transport can be used to go back to the hotel. Optional transfer with coach can be arranged.

Price: guide + bike 22 €/person

Meeting point: Hotel lobby End of the tour: City center Duration 3 hours (20 min

break for drinks and refreshments not included in the price)

Maximum people in the group

No limits. The group will be divided into small groups of 20 people max.




OPTION 4. REQUENA

“PAGO DE THARSYS” WINERY WITH WINE AND CAVA TASTING + TRADITIONAL SAUSAGES TASTING + OLD MEDIEVAL TOWN + SUBTERRANEAN CAVES + SILK MUSEUM

Duration: 8 hours. Goal: to enjoy one of the most prestigious Valencian wineries, to taste authentic Valencian wines and cavas, to visit the old town of Requena, its subterranean caves and Silk Museum. Type of tour: transfer by coach and walking. 09:30 – 10:45 Meeting at the hotel’s lobby and transfer by coach to Requena. 10:45 – 12:30 Visiting «Pago de Tharsys» winery, wine and cava tasting.

«Pago de Tharsys» is one of the best Valencian wineries from the point of view of the quality of wine and cava which they are producing. For instance, the most expensive Valencian wine of 300 € per bottle is produced here. This small family owned and managed winery was established at 1808 and from the very beginning was specialized on aboriginal Spanish types of grape, such as: Bobal, Tempranillo, Albariño and Godello. A bit later Cabernet-Franc, Merlot and Bronx have been introduced. Even the name of the winery has some exclusiveness. The word “pago” means that all wine is produced only from the own grape property of winery which is the guarantee of the quality and the authenticity of the precedence of wine. «Pago de Tharsys» is very well known brand in national and international wine championships and trade fairs. Also they are producing sweet wine and different liqueurs typical for Spain. The visit to the winery is about one hour and 30 min for the tasting. 12:30 – 12:45 Transfer to Requena town. 12:45 – 14:00 Walking through the medieval part of the town and visit to

subterranean caves or to the Silk Museum .




Requena is a good example of the very old small town which is still preserving that special charm of narrow medieval streets, small squares and primitive churches. Requena apparently was established at VII-VIII century before Jesus Christ by Iberians much before Roman legions conquered these territories. Under medieval part of the city which is still existing practically untouched is located real subterranean village which can be visited in the most part of it. Small Museum of Silk is very worth to visit too, because of very unique pieces in its collection. The Museum is privately owned and usually the owner is inviting everyone who approaches to it with homemade local red wine. 14:00 – 14:15 Tasting of local sausages.

Requena is very well known in Valencian Region because of typical and high quality different type of sausages. We are going to visit very traditional family owned and managed small butchery and taste homemade sausages. Local specialty is so called “white and black dog” (of course it is not done from dog) .

14:15 – 16:00 Lunch.

Lunch will be done in a very special local restaurant which is apparently located inside of the private prison of medieval Governor of Requena. Local food is very different from coastal cuisine of Valencia City and some unique dishes can be tasted only here: “ajo arriero” and “morteruelo”. 16:00 – 17:30 Transfer back to Valencia by coach. End of tour.





Lunch includes:

• Salad from fresh vegetables with duck ham • “Ajo arriero” (kind of potato and garlic puree) • “Morteruelo” (kind of pate from pork liver, rabbit meat, spices and bread) • Main course: roasted front leg of lamb with accompaniment • Homemade cakes and fresh fruit • Coffee or tea, wine, cava, mineral water and soft drinks

The transportation will be done by 50 pax. coach. Meeting point: hotel lobby End of the tour: hotel lobby Total duration of the tour:

Transfer by coach from Valencia to Requena: Tour in Requena, visit to wineries, old town, lunch Transfer by coach from Requena to Valencia

8 hours 60 min 6 hours 60 min

Maximum people in the group (because of the coach capacity) Minimum people in the group

50 pax No minimum

Price guide + coach: Price for the visit to the winery (wine and cava tasting included) Price for Subterranean Caves Price for Museum of Silk Price for the lunch

750 € 5 € per person 3 € per person 2 € per person 30 € per person

Recommended timing: 09:30 – 17:30




OPTION 5.

PAELLA COOKING EXPERIENCE

Duration: 4 hours. Goal: Discover original Valencia tastes and gastronomy, enjoying private gastronomic experience of Paella cooking competition. Type of tour: Gastronomic experience.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY

Enjoy our private hands-on cooking competition, specially designed and programmed, just for you!!

This private day cooking experience is the perfect excuse to discover the beautiful and real Valencia.

In a “Finca” near Valencia (just 15-20 drive from main Valencia City center ) surrounded by orange fields you can learn the steps in how to prepare and cook the most famous dish in Spain: THE PAELLA!

On arrival to the family’s finca we will visit the orange plantation where you will have the opportunity to take some oranges just directly from the trees. The oranges you choose will be used in tasting of Agua de Valencia (typical low percent alcoholic drink made with cava and fresh orange juice) at the end of the cooking competition.

After visiting the orange plantation the group will be divided into several small teams. Every team will be equipped with everything they will need to cook paella.

The teams will start at the same time and will be guided by one chef who will explain and control the process of Paella cooking.

At the end of the cooking competition, the chef will taste each paella to determine the winner. This will be judged on the cooking process of each team and the final taste of Paella.

All groups will then enjoy their home-made paellas for lunch which will be accompanied with a salad, followed by dessert. Drinks are also included.





Transport with coach up to 50 pax . Paella cooking competition activity Official Tourist guide

260 € per coach 68 € per person 200 € per guide

Meeting point: Hotel lobby End of the tour: Hotel lobby Duration 4 hours

All above indicated prices include 21% of VAT

All tours are available in: English, German and Spanish

To book any tour or for additional information please contact:

Konstantin Stanishevski, tel. (34) 607 360 343, [email protected] Michal Marczyk, tel. (34) 663 419 931, [email protected]






Visita Guiada/Guided TourVALENCIA

Centro Histórico/Old Town

17:00 (2 horas/hours)29.03.2013 - 01.04.2013

CADA DÍA DE LUNES A DOMINGOEVERY DAY FROM MONDAY TO SUNDAY

ESPAÑOL + ENGLISH

SIN RESERVA PREVIANO BOOKING NECESSARY

12€POR PERSONA PER PERSON

< 12 AÑOS/YEARSGRATIS/FOR FREE

PUNTO DE ENCUENTRO MEETING POINT

TOURIST INFO: PLAZA DE LA REINA, 19

INFO

TEL. +34 960 61 86 [email protected]

all guided tours and activities are offered by ... · propaganda for the festival and, most...

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