NEW! Gems of the Mediterranean

Discover more than two millennia of history during a guided exploration of Valencia’s major sights. First founded by the Romans in 138 BC, the city now boasts an impressive collection of historic buildings. Begin with a panoramic drive, passing the Old River and Serrano Gate, before heading out to the more modern parts of Valencia to see the City of Arts & Sciences. Enjoy a stroll to the cathedral at Plaza de la Virgen, commonly known as the “Seu.” It was consecrated in 1238 by the first bishop of Valencia, Pere d’Albalat, and dedicated to Saint Mary by order of James I the Conqueror.  After a visit of its interior, embark on a guided exploration of the surrounding area, including the Generalitat Palace. View its late Gothic architecture and the Renaissance-style turrets added during the 16th and 20th centuries, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Explore one of Spain’s largest parks by coach and boat, then enjoy a homemade plate of Valencia’s famous paella. You will drive with your guide to the small village of El Palmar on the Gulf of Valencia. Here the freshwater lagoon formed by a large coastal sandbar comprises most of Albufera Natural Park—52,000 acres of wetlands that harbor a wide range of flora and fauna. Embark on a calm journey by boat along the waterways. As you drift along, you will pass las barracas, the traditional Valencian houses that provide a colorful backdrop to the lagoon. After your boat ride, come ashore to be welcomed at a barraca to sample paella, the famous dish invented by Valencian fishermen. Your hosts will prepare some before your eyes, then you will enjoy the hearty dish for lunch on the terrace, along with traditional appetizers, desserts and drinks.

Uncover a rich past in one of Spain’s historic towns and explore spectacular underground caves by boat. With your guide, you will drive to Sagunto, an ancient city perched high overlooking the coast. On a walking tour, you will see remnants of the many civilizations that occupied this strategic spot, from the ancient Celtiberians and Romans to the Visigoths and Arabs. Follow your guide along narrow alleyways past the whitewashed houses of the Old Jewish Quarter and see the Roman theater and ramparts of the ruined Citadel. Then head underground into the San José Caves, a subterranean system that is part of the longest underground navigable river in Europe. Board a small boat for a relaxing cruise through the vast and echoing cave complex. As you drift along, marvel at the curious shapes of stalactites and stalagmites and see how the water has sculpted the caves over millennia.

Tour historic and scenic Xàtiva, once a center for higher learning and papermaking. This city is also known as the former home of the notorious Borgia family. Join your local guide for a scenic drive to the fertile plains surrounding the town. During your tour, learn about Xàtiva’s rise as a producer of paper and fine linen and as a thriving center of commerce. The Borgias gained influence here in the 15th and 16th centuries. Despite two Borgias becoming Pope, the family ruled through intimidation and fear. In 1707, Philip V of Spain set fire to the town for its defiance; his portrait still hangs upside down in the city museum, a testament to local opinion. Some 15th-century treasures survived, however; you’ll see fine manor houses, the Renaissance-era hospital and the church. For a bird’s-eye view, you will ascend Monte Bernisa to visit the Castle of Xàtiva that straddles the top.

Learn about the viticulture of Valencia during a visit to one of its most prolific wine-producing regions. Valencia province, despite its harsh growing climate, is famed for its production of wine. Here, 108 different bodegas claim the country’s official Denominación de Origen (DO) mark. You will drive with your guide to the largest wine-growing section of Valencia: Utiel-Requena. Vineyards here mostly grow the native bobal grape, which creates a fruity wine. Enjoy a walking tour through the medieval center of Requena. At the town’s largest wine cellars, learn how grapes are cultivated and enjoy a tasting. You will savor a lunch of local specialties during your visit. If you would like, you can purchase a bottle or two to enjoy back on board. You can also explore the 8th-century caves beneath the town. Created by the Moors, these tunnels were used to store food, wine and olive oil.

Marvel at Europe’s largest oceanarium, then explore Valencia’s culinary culture at three Old Town tapas bars. Transfer with your guide to the fascinating City of Arts & Sciences and its L’Oceanogràfic aquarium, Valencia’s stunning feat of architecture and engineering. About 45,000 creatures of 500 species call this carefully designed, 1.2 million-square-foot facility home. Amid its lush greenery, you will explore a peaceful lagoon, lake and coastal exhibits and gigantic tanks that recreate the world’s most important marine ecosystems. At its center is a breathtaking floating underwater restaurant. You will head above ground into Valencia to soak up the varied flavors and inviting atmospheres of the city’s vibrant and tasty tapas culture. You will visit three of the best tapas bars in Old Town, trying different and delicious small plates at each. En route back to your ship, enjoy an informative panoramic drive past the city’s main sights.

Discover Valencia’s L’Oceanogràfic aquarium, a modern marvel, and walk through the city’s past in its Old Town. Transfer with your guide to the futuristic complex of the City of Arts & Sciences and step into the continent’s largest oceanarium, a vast facility of 500 species and 45,000 creatures over 1.2 million square feet. Lagoons, lakes, islands and coasts are recreated here and gigantic tanks are home to myriad marine life of all sizes. On a panoramic tour, you will see the impressive buildings that comprise the rest of the City of Arts & Sciences, the robust complex of cultural and entertainment venues built on an old bed of the Turia River. Pass the imposing Serrano and Quarts Towers, once the entrances into the city. Pause in the historic Old Town for a walking tour past the Central Market, the grand old Silk Exchange building and the Gothic Valencia Cathedral.

Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.

Discover Valencia’s rich cultural legacy during visits to the Silk Exchange, San Nicolás Church and Museo Fallero. After a short drive to Valencia’s historic center, set out on foot with your local guide to see the iconic landmarks that have shaped this Mediterranean city. Step inside the 15th-century Silk Exchange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built during Valencia’s golden age, and visit San Nicolás Church, known for its painted vaults and baroque decoration. Continue by motor coach to an elegant villa on the outskirts of the city, where you will enjoy a three-course lunch featuring paella, Valencia’s signature rice dish. Then, cap your day with a visit to the Museo Fallero, dedicated to Las Fallas, the city’s treasured festival of fire, satire and artistry, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. After, return to your awaiting ship.

Visit a local food market and learn how to prepare traditional Valencian paella during a hands-on cooking class. Board your motor coach and drive to Valencia’s Mercado de Ruzafa, located within the trendy Russafa neighborhood. Discover regional ingredients and flavors as you explore its array of traditional food stalls, gaining insight into Valencian cuisine along the way. Next, continue on foot through the old town, passing through historic streets en route to your cooking class venue. Upon arrival, you will roll up your sleeves, step into the kitchen and learn the secret to preparing paella from an experienced chef—invented by fishermen, this classic rice dish is Valencia’s most famous one. During your class, you will sample local drinks and appetizers, then cap your visit by enjoying your freshly prepared paella alongside a glass of sangria before returning to your ship.