Valencia: Old Town Tour, Moorish Cave Tapas & Port Return

Summary

Valencia’s city walls, tapas in a cave and futuristic icons

You’ll wander Valencia’s Old Town with a local guide, taste authentic paella and regional wines inside an 11th-century Moorish cave, then see the futuristic City of Arts & Sciences before your driver returns you safely to port. Expect stories, laughter, new flavors—and maybe a detail or two you’ll remember long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my day in Valencia with a story about oranges. Our guide Ana handed us a slice right outside the Mercado Central — I swear I could smell the citrus before I tasted it. The Old Town felt alive in that morning light, all uneven stones and faded tiles. Ana had this way of pointing out things you’d never notice alone (like the tiny bat carved over a doorway — apparently it’s a whole thing here). We wandered through winding streets where old men argued softly over cards, and for a second I forgot we were on a cruise schedule at all.

The real surprise was lunch. We ducked into what looked like just another archway but turned out to be part of the original 11th-century city wall — cool stone under my hand, air smelling faintly of earth and garlic. Inside, there was this little patio with sunlight bouncing off old bricks. They served us paella (the proper Valencian kind) and these little tapas that Ana insisted we try with local wine. I tried to pronounce “esgarraet” — she laughed and corrected me gently. It was warm and easy, not rushed like so many group tours can feel.

Later we drove out to the City of Arts & Sciences. The buildings are wild — all white curves against blue sky, nothing like the Old Town at all. Ana explained how Calatrava designed them to look almost like bones or shells; I kept thinking they looked like spaceships waiting to take off. We didn’t go inside (that’s not included), but honestly just seeing them up close was enough for me. On the way back to port, I caught myself replaying that lunch in my head — something about eating in that ancient cave sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Valencia Old Town, Tapas, and City Tour

• Explore Valencia Old Town architecture
• Visit Mercado Central food market
• Enjoy tapas and paella tasting
• Drink prizewinning regional wines
• Tour City of Arts & Sciences
• Return to port by transport

Top questions

Is transportation back to the port included?

Yes, return transport to the port is included after the tour.

Are food and drinks part of this Valencia tour?

Yes, lunch with tapas, paella, and regional wines is included.

Does this tour go inside the City of Arts & Sciences?

No, entrance tickets are not included; you’ll view the exteriors with your guide.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchairs?

Yes, all areas and vehicles are wheelchair accessible.

How long do we spend in Valencia Old Town?

The tour includes guided exploration of Old Town before lunch.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Please advise dietary needs at booking; adjustments can be made.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks English; other languages may be available on request.

How big are the groups on this tour?

The vehicle size depends on group size—sedan for fewer than 7 people or minibus for larger groups.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walking through Valencia’s Old Town with stories from your local guide, entry into an exclusive 11th-century venue for a full lunch of tapas and paella paired with regional wines, plus comfortable transport back to your cruise port when it’s all done.