Valencia is well known for its historic monuments, including a Gothic cathedral dating back to the 13th C. and La Lonja (Silk Exchange) that was built in the 15th C. But it has also become famous for the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences that was designed by famed architect (and native son) Santiago Calatrava. Located on the southern end of the city and built over the old riverbed of the river Turia, the complex consists of 7 buildings: Hemisferic, Prince Felipe Museum of Sciences, Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, Umbracle, Oceanografic, Agora, and Pont de l’Assut de l’Or.
The best way to learn more about the City of Arts and Sciences is to explore it with a local guide. Your guide will meet you at your hotel to begin your 3 hour private tour. You can either walk or take a short taxi ride to the complex, where you will be able to examine the buildings from different angles and learn about the architecture of Calatrava. Your guide will customize the tour to include the sites that are of most interest to you.
The tour also includes a visit to the nearby Museo del Ninot (Museum of Las Fallas), which is dedicated to Valencia’s unique Las Fallas festival that takes place each year in March. Ninots are the sculptures that are burned during the festival, and the museum displays the figures that are voted the best each year and saved from being burned. If you can’t make it to Las Fallas, a visit to this museum is a wonderful way to learn all about the traditions of one of Spain’s best known festivals.
2024 Prices (for up to 8 participants) and other info:
- US $290 – Monday through Friday (start time from 9:30am to 2:00pm)
- US $385 – Saturday, Sunday and Holidays (start time from 9:30am to 2:00pm)
- Price includes a tour with an official licensed guide for 3 hours
- Price does not include entrance fees and transportation costs (if any), which are extra
- Common languages available: English, Spanish, German, French, and Italian
- Gratuities are not included and are at the discretion of the client
- Prices are subject to change
Photo credit: Santi Garcia / City of Arts and Sciences
For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.
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