Description: Escorted Group Coach/Train
Tour departs from Madrid to Valencia by Train then follows up the coast
by Motor-Coach to Barcelona and finally ending in Madrid. Visit along the
way various important cities like: Valencia, Barcelona, Zaragoza ..more...
Valentia, dating back to
137 B.C., is what we now know as Valencia, Spain. If there was any confusion
as to where Valencia is or what it is known for, the city's renovation
with breathtaking architecture turned into museums, aquariums and Imax
cinemas plus the hosting of the world famous America's Cup 2007 has definitely
put it on the map.
Valencia has gone through
all kinds of cultures, taking advantage of each one's contributions, from
the Romans through the Arabs, the Catholic Kings with Ferninand and Isabel,
the dictatorship of Franco up to the democratic Spain which now exists.
All of this and all that is happening nowadays is what has made Valencia,
Spain what it is today and what it will be tomorrow.
Starting in the 70's, this
Mediterranean city began hosting important congresses, now even better
equipped with the new vanguard Music Auditorium and Congress hall built
in 1988 in the old river-bed of the Turia River. A little further down
the river-bed, you will find an impressive group of four white modern buildings,
each one offering beauty to the eyes from the outside and an eye-opening
experience on the inside. This is the biggest cultural free time resort
within a city in all Europe.
The City of the Arts and
Science
The Oceanographic Park:
A spectacular revelation
of the different phases of marine life, bringing what was once far away
and unknown, close to the human eye.
Hemispheric Planetarium:
Brought about so that once
again, the spectator can experiment for themselves the attractive sensations
of what space is all about. Through the most modern technology with Imax
cinemas and laser shows, you are brought so close to outer space through
impacting images and sounds.
The Prince Philip Science
Museum: This was designed to house permanent science theme related
expositions and modern technology.
The Arts Palace:
This building will soon be completed and will be destined to the creation
and diffusion of the scenic arts.
Heaps of Fun for Everyone
in Valencia
There are so many other attractions
for everyone's likings, all located inside the city centre and very easy
to get to by bus, metro or car hire, such as the IVAM (Valencian Institute
of Modern Art), Guillen de Castro Street no. 118, open Tuesdays to Sundays
from 10 AM until 8 PM. It usually costs 2 euros but Sundays and holidays
are free.
The Palace of the Marquee
of Dos Aguas, found in a beautifully decorated alabaster building on
the outside and typical Valencian ceramic and horse carriages on the inside.
It is found on Poeta Querol Street no. 2, open Tuesdays to Saturdays from
10 to 2, from 4 to 8 but Sundays and holidays only from 10 to 2. Saturday
afternoons and Sunday mornings it is free and on the other days it costs
2.50 euros. But do not stop here, visit one of the many tourist offices
within the city centre and get free information and timetable for all.
Las Fallas, the most
popular street celebration in Valencia dating back to the 16th century
is quite an event. It is celebrated from March 15th to 19th, where during
five long days and nights you can enjoy seeing over 350 huge carton monuments
on almost every corner, religious parades made up of the local lads and
lassies dressed in beautiful brocade vestiments, offering bouquets of flowers
to the Virgen Mary.
All this can be seen in and
around the Basilica Square where the flowers are artistically made into
the Virgen's cape, with the baby Jesus held in her arms. But if you could
not plan your visit or flight for these days, there is a fantastic Fallas
Museum in the Monteolivete Square no. 4 which is the home of the most voted
figures which have been saved from being burnt, which is the highlight
of this celebration.
Valencia, Spain and its Sea
Adventure
All that has been mentioned
before has been and will continue to be part of this city's life for a
long time, but the Americas Cup 2007, the most important yachting and sailing
event in the world will only happen once. So if you are still planning
some fantastic vacations and want a lot of new thrills, catch a flight
to Valencia and book your hotel early
to make sure that your holidays will be smooth sailing!
