Valencia Day Trip: Cathedral, City of Arts & Private Sailing

The Silk Exchange is Valencia's only UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's the first stop on foot.

A full-day guided tour of Valencia combining the historic center—Cathedral, Central Market, and the Silk Exchange—with the modern City of Arts and Sciences, ending with a private sailing experience and paella. The guide speaks English, Spanish or French; pickup is included. Entrance fees to monuments are optional at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Valencia's culture and architecture

• Guided walking tour historic center
• Visit Valencia Cathedral and bell tower
• See the Silk Market UNESCO site
• Explore Valencia Central Market
• Discover City of Arts and Sciences
• Visit maritime quarter
• Private sailing with paella and views

The Experience

The day starts in the old quarter with a walking tour of the landmarks that shaped Valencia. You'll see the Cathedral and its bell tower, then move through the Central Market—the epicenter of local commerce where farmers still meet residents among the Modernist architecture—and reach the Silk Exchange, Valencia's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guide walks you through what each building holds and why it mattered. From there, the route shifts to the modern side of the city: the City of Arts and Sciences, with its architecture by Santiago Calatrava, stands as a complete contrast to the medieval streets you just left.

The afternoon moves to the water. A private boat takes you out from the maritime quarter, and the boat comes equipped with paddle surf boards and snorkeling gear if you want to use them. The final cleaning happens on board. You'll taste authentic Valencian paella during the sail, watching the coast from the water—a moment most city tours never reach. The whole day runs seven to eight hours, so you're back with time left in the evening.

Private transportation is arranged for you, and the guide stays with the group throughout. Entrance to the monuments themselves is optional and charged separately at checkout, so you can decide which interiors matter to you as you go. The boat experience is the fixed part of the day; everything else moves at the pace the guide sets.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• a live guide in English, Spanish or French.
• the walking tour of the historic center including the Cathedral, Central Market and Silk Exchange.
• access to the City of Arts and Sciences.
• a private boat ride with fuel included.
• paddle surf boards and snorkeling equipment on the boat.
• and final boat cleaning.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Valencia Walking Tour

Is this one for you?The seven to eight hour commitment means you can fit the full arc—old city, modern architecture, and water—into one day without rushing between them. If you have only a morning or afternoon free, a shorter walking tour or a boat-only option would suit better.

Top questions

What is the Silk Exchange and why does it matter in Valencia?

The Silk Exchange, or La Lonja de la Seda, is Valencia's only UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important monument in the city. It's a Gothic building where silk merchants once traded, and the guide will walk you through its history and architecture as part of the morning's walking tour.

Does the tour include entrance fees to the Cathedral, markets and City of Arts and Sciences?

Entrance fees to monuments and museums are optional—you choose at checkout which ones you want to enter. The walking tour visits these sites, but going inside each one is your choice and costs extra.

What's included on the private boat ride?

The private boat includes fuel, paddle surf boards, snorkeling equipment, and final cleaning of the boat. Authentic Valencian paella and drinks are available for an additional 35 euros per person, charged separately.

How long is the full day, and what time does it end?

The tour runs seven to eight hours total, combining the walking tour of the historic center and City of Arts and Sciences with the private sailing experience. You'll have time left in the evening after the boat returns.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, private transportation and pickup are included in the tour. The guide meets you and handles transport between the walking sections and the boat.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide is available in English, Spanish, or French. You'll choose your preferred language when you book.