Sights and ideas for your own excursion in the beautiful port city

Valencia Excursion Offers and Tickets

- Berths of the Cruise Liners

Cruise ships dock at the Muelle de Poniente (Moll de Ponent) in Spain's third largest city. Two ships can moor at this so-called Estacion Maritima. On-site passenger bridges provide easy access to the cruise terminal. There, free WLAN, a restaurant and a tourist information stand, which is open sometime after the arrival of the ship, await the visitors. Besides a lot of information and plans, the VLC Cruise Card is also available there. Recently, work has begun on the expansion of the port area, which is now well underway. The additional berths of the North Extension Quay created in this way will give other ocean liners the opportunity to visit Valencia. Usually, shuttle buses connect these berths with the Cruise Terminal Estacion Maritima. Taxis are almost always available directly at the ships.

- Shuttle Buses

As the city centre with its sights is not exactly on the doorstep, shuttle buses of the shipping companies are often used for a fee. If this is not the case, buses of the city are usually available for this transfer, which are also with costs but usually cheaper. The cruise passenger is not faced with a choice. Either the busses of the shipping company or the locally organized busses are available, which in most cases drive to the city hall square Plaza del Ayuntamiento, which is centrally located in the city centre. But both variants are not absolutely necessary, as at the roundabout close to the Estacion Maritima, city buses of the very well-developed line network stop. The one-way trip costs there a little 1,50 euro per person that can be paid straight to the bus driver.

- Public Transport in Valencia

Two companies are responsible for public transport. EMT Valencia maintains the numerous bus lines and FGV is responsible for the railway operation of the metro lines. Mainly designed as metro, lines 4, 6 and 8 are operated above ground as trams. While the streets are often and especially during the rush hours congested, the trains of the nine lines are moving quite fast. A one-way trip within a zone costs 1.50 euros each by bus and train and when changing trains, a new ticket must be bought or used. Cheaper strips of 10 are also available. A taxi costs about 15-20 Euros depending on the berth and destination in the city centre. There are offered two different round trips to the sights of the city. These cost up to four people 28 euros each per hour and vehicle. For departures in the harbour area, a surcharge is added, so that trips started outside and return trips can be cheaper.

- EMT Bus

- Metroplan with zones

- Metro

- Metro ticket prices

- Round Trip by Public Bus

Of particular interest to cruisers are the buses of lines 4 and 95, which go to the centre of the city and also stop at the roundabout to the west of the Cruise Terminal. Signs show the way to the bus stops. Nearby, a few metres further on, are the halls of the drivers' camp of the former Formula One race track. Markings on the asphalt show the pit lane and the start and finish line. The two bus lines can be used, in connection with a walk, for a cheap sightseeing tour. Thereby, one buys a normal one-way ticket for 1,50 Euro from the bus driver for each trip and thus passes the most important sightseeings. For example, if one additionally stops at the Oceanogràfic (aquarium), one needs three tickets per person for this round trip and therewith, one gets there for 4,50 euros. The pure travel time with both lines is 50 minutes.

- Bus line 4 and 95

- Valencia Tourist Card

For those who want to travel a lot with the public transport and want to visit some sightseeings that are subject to a fee, the purchase of a tourist card is a good idea. The VLC, Valencia Tourist Card is available with a validity period of 24, 48 and 72 hours, and for 7 days. The 24 hours version, which is interesting for cruisers, costs 15 euros and entitles you to free use of EMT buses and trams in zone A and metro lines in zones AB. The lines 3, 5 and 25 can also be used with this card. It also gives you a discount on the regular entrance fees at many attractions and providers and on various offers. A different version is also offered. The VLC Cruise Card is especially for cruise tourists. This card includes the local shuttle bus service to the city centre, which is only available if the shipping company does not provide its own (paid) transfer. With this card you are not allowed to use the public transport, but with 10 Euro it is also cheaper. The cards are validated at the first use by holding them at a card reader or by a date stamp.

- Valencia Tourist Card

- Sightseeing Tours

One way to explore the city is by using the red Hop On Hop Off bus. Valencia Bus Turistic offers two different routes for the city, which can be changed as often as you like. A complete round of the historical (red) and the maritime (blue) tour takes 90 minutes each and costs 17 Euros for adults and 10 Euros each for children and teenagers from 7 to 16 years. The open double-decker buses run every 30 minutes, in spring and summer every 20 minutes. The blue tour passes the port and also stops at a distance from the cruise terminal. A third (green) tour goes to the Albufera Natural Park and includes a 30-minute boat ride. With a total duration of 120 minutes you will be on the road a little longer, but you will pay the same price. However, a purchased ticket can only be used for this route and cannot be combined with the other two. There is an audio guide available that speaks the German and English language.

- Sightseeing Bus

- Albufera Nature Park

South of Valencia is the Albufera Nature Reserve. This internationally important wetland is also Spain's largest rice growing area, which is home to the shallow, freshwater-filled Albufera Lake, separated from the Mediterranean by a strip of land. The extensive nature park is also declared to be a bird sanctuary, which is also used by various bird species as a resting and breeding place. From the small village of El Palmar you can set off on a relaxing boat trip and enjoy the beautiful nature of the Parque natural de la Albufera. The adjacent restaurants offer specialities of local cuisine to fight hunger, first of all, of course, the hearty Paella Valenciana. At lunchtime it can get very crowded as the locals also like to eat there. The easiest way to get to El Palmar is to take the green line from Valencia Bus Turistic, also because the boat trip is already included and organized there. Alternatively, a taxi needs 20-25 minutes for one direction for the approximately 18 kilometres. Or one uses the bus line 25, which however does not pass the port of Valencia. The boat trips cost 4 to 8 euros per person depending on the location and provider.

Excursion offers and tickets from

GetYourGuide

more tours and transfers...

- City of the Arts and Sciences

The modern and futuristic landmark of Valencia is located in the drained riverbed of the Turia, over a length of about two kilometres. Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, the City of Arts and Sciences, is an extremely attractive and unique park and building complex. It includes the Hemisfèric Cinema and Planetarium, the Science Museum, the Oceanogràfic Aquarium, the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía Opera and Culture House, the Club Umbracle open-air gardens and the Àgora multipurpose hall. The Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava was significantly involved in the creation of this impressive area.

- Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

- Oceanogràfic Aquarium

Buses number 15 and 95 stop in front of the entrance of the largest European Aquarium Oceanogràfic. From the port, bus number 95 only runs for about 10 minutes. The marine aquarium uses an area of 110,000 square metres, which is designed to be barrier-free, and is home to around 45,000 animals from over 500 different species. In the integrated Underwater Restaurant Submarino you can enjoy a snack, surrounded by shoals of fish and thus sit in an extraordinary environment. The Oceanogràfic is open daily from 10:00 am and closes at 6:00 pm at the earliest. But most of the times, it is opened much longer, as for example in the summer months up to 01:00 at night. The regular entrance fee for adults is 29,10 euros each. Combi-tickets are also offered.

- Aquarium Oceanogràfic

- Park map

- Science Museum

In the science museum Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe "Touching is expressly allowed". Physical and chemical relationships are explained to the visitor in a partly playful way. Thus, it is also very interesting for children to try out different techniques and natural sciences at the experimental stations. Special exhibitions are regularly presented on the ground floor of the impressive building. The museum is open daily from 10:00-18:00, in the summer months even until 21:00. The regular entrance fee is 8 Euros per person and with the offered combination tickets you can save some more money.

- Planetarium and 3D Cinema

Impressive pictures can be seen in the IMAX 3D cinema Hemisfèric, which is also used as a planetarium. Mainly impressive 30-45 minute documentaries are screened on the 900 square meter concave screen. The cinema has 300 seats and with the ticket you will also receive compatible 3D glasses. Combined tickets can also be purchased here. The regular ticket, which is only valid for the Hemisfèric, costs 8.80 euros. Usually, the first performance starts at 11:00 a.m. and the last one at 8:00 p.m. In the low season, the show may end earlier.

- Historic City Gate

The massive Torres de Serranos city gate is what remains of the city's former ramparts. Built at the end of the 13th century, the two towers formed an important entrance to the city and were an integral part of the city wall for a long time. Temporarily also used as a prison, the demolition of the wall began in 1865. Later, the rear facade was removed, bringing five halls permanently to light. Today's freestanding towers can be climbed for a fee of 2 euros to enjoy the great view of Valencia. This is possible daily from 09:30 o'clock and until 19:00 o'clock. On Sundays and public holidays, the access is free of charge and allowed until 15:00 o'clock. In autumn and winter, it is closed at dusk.

- Cathedral

You can also get a nice view of the roofs of the city from the El Miguelete bell tower of Valencia Cathedral. The medieval tower is 51 metres high and can be climbed by a spiral staircase with 207 steps. The access is open daily from 10:00-19:00 and there is a charge of 2 euros per person. In the winter half year it is closed between 13:00 and 17:00 o'clock. Valencia's cathedral is located in the Plaza de la Reina square, where buses of line 4 and the Hop On Hop Off buses also stop. The church is from the 13th century and was built on the foundations of a mosque. It houses the holy chalice of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ in the former chapter house, which now functions as the chapel Capilla del Santo Caliz. Parts of the cathedral are accessible daily except Sundays, from 10:00-17:30 and only on payment of a fee of 5 euros per person. From March to October is additionally open until 18:30 and Sundays from 14:00-18:30. The available audio guides can speak different languages, including German and English.

- Cathedral of Valencia

- Silk Market

At the Plaza de la Reina there are a lot of nice cafés and restaurants. In western direction and about 5 minutes walking distance on the street Carrer de la Llotja 2, you will find the building of the old silk exchange La Lonja de la Seda. Although the times of busy trade belong to the past, the gothic building from the 15th century is worth a visit. In 1931 it was listed as a historical monument and since 1996 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 2000 square metre area includes a tower, an inner courtyard with orange trees, a hall with a decorated wooden ceiling and a high, impressive hall with twisted columns. It is open Monday to Saturday from 09:30-19:00, Sundays and public holidays from 09:30-15:00. The regular entrance fee is 2 euros per person. On Sundays and public holidays, a free tour is possible.

- Market Hall

Opposite the old silk exchange is the central market hall Mercat Central. The construction of this imposing structure took 14 years and was finally completed in 1928. Around 300 traders present their goods of various kinds on an area of about 8200 square metres. The 959 stands offer fresh fruit and vegetables, sausages and meat products, bakery products, spices, sweets and, in a separate area, seafood and fish. In the basement, which is almost the same size, fish used to be sold at auction, but today it is used as a parking area for the vehicles of traders and visitors. The market hall is open Monday to Saturday from 07:00-15:00 and closed on Sundays. A visit is recommended due to the high availability of goods during the morning.

- Mercat Central

- Parks and Gulliver

The former riverbed of the Turia runs through the middle of Valencia. Due to repeated and devastating floods, the river was finally diverted and, after draining, generous parks were created over a length of around nine kilometres. The Jardín del Turia Park is the green lung of the city and provides a pleasant link between the City of Arts and Sciences and the Cabecera Park. Swan boats are available for hire on the waterside of the Cabecera. In addition to the numerous paths, bridges, playgrounds and sports facilities at Turia Park, the Park Gulliver playground is especially interesting for children. There are climbing, staircase and slide facilities integrated into the 70-metre-long figure, which can be tried out with pleasure. Free access is available daily between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm. In July and August, on the other hand, it is open from 10:00-14:00 and from 17:00-21:00. Bus line 95 stops near Gulliver Park.

- City Hall Square

At the centrally located town hall square Plaza Ayuntamiento, there is a stop not only for the shuttle buses but also for several city bus lines. The very well preserved buildings on the square fit together harmoniously. Thereby, the gorgeous buildings of the post office and the city hall are specially outstanding. The latter opens its doors Monday to Friday for residents and visitors from 08:00-15:00. If there are no meetings taking place in the halls, they can be viewed as also from the generous balcony, from which one has a fantastic view to the Plaza Ayuntamiento. In the building there is also a small historical museum that is opened on weekdays from 09:00-14:00 o'clock. Beside the city administration and the museum, the city hall also accommodates an office of the tourist information. There you can get helpful information, city maps and the VLC-Valencia Tourist Card.

- Bullfighting Arena and Museum

South of the Plaza Ayuntamiento square, at 28 Carrer de Xàtiva street, is the local bullring Plaza de Toros. From the exterior construction it strongly resembles the famous Colosseum in the eternal city of Rome. Despite its smaller dimensions, it can accommodate 16,000 spectators. Outside the events it is not possible to see the building from the inside. Nevertheless, a small adjacent bullfighting museum offers insights into the controversial tradition. The Museo Taurino, opened in 1929, is considered to be the first museum of this kind worldwide and introduces the visitor to the history of bullfighting in Valencia. It is opened daily from 10:00-18:00 o'clock. Deviating from this, on Sunday and Monday it is already closed at 14:00 o'clock. The regular entrance fee is 2 euros per person.

- Central Station

One of the most beautiful station buildings in Europe is the reception building of the main station Estación del Norte. Not far from the terminus station are the metro stations Xàtiva and Bailén, and right next door is the bullring Plaza de Toros. At approximately 800 metres further to the south, the station Valencia Joaquín Sorolla was opened some years ago. This station serves the modern Spanish express trains due to a different gauge. At track 1 of the station there is a small stand of the tourist information.

- Beaches with a Promenade

From the Cruise Terminal Estacion Maritima at the Muelle de Poniente, the nearest beach is about 2 kilometres away. On foot, it takes 25-30 minutes in one direction. It's quicker to take a taxi or a bus of the line 95, which only goes to the southern end of the beach Playa de las Arenas (El Cabanyal). The nicely arranged promenade Paseo Marítimo connects this beach section with the north bordering beach Playa de la Malvarrosa. Sunbeds and parasols can be rented in many areas. There are also showers, toilets and various restaurants. The two overlapping beaches go flat into the sea and have fine sand.

- Largely unspoilt Beaches

The Pinedo Beach (Playa de Pinedo) is located south of the harbour area. Further on, L'Arbre del Gos Beach, El Saler Beach, Garrofera Beach, Devesa Beach and Perellonent Beach line up. Except for the last mentioned Perellonent and Pinedo, these beaches are mostly unspoilt and much less frequented than the city beaches above the port.

- Valencia Zoo

The municipal Zoo of Valencia borders on the parks of Parque Cabecera. The Bioparc occupies an area of around 100,000 square metres and was reopened in 2008 after extensive renovation work. Mainly dedicated to the African continent, the natural design of the grounds, adapted to the original habitats of the animals, is impressive. The opening hours are slightly adapted to the seasons and access is usually possible daily from 10:00-18:00. In the summer months also until 21:00 o'clock. The entrance fee for children from 4 to 12 years is 18 Euro per person and 23,80 Euro per person for adults. The main entrance is located east of the park on Avenida Pio Baroja Street. The city buses of lines 29, 99 (200 metres) and 95 (500 metres) stop nearby.

- Bioparc Valencia

- Excursion Portals and Excursion Providers

Through the tour and excursion providers GetYourGuide, Meine Landausflüge and Viator, you can book various excursions, activities, tours, tickets and admission tickets in Valencia, which are often offered at much lower prices than comparable excursions offered by the shipping companies. Thus, if you book in time, you can realize a variety of excursions on your own.

A small preselection of independent tour operators

for, in and around Valencia,
we have compiled for you here.

- Cruises and Special Offers

If you have not yet booked a Mediterranean cruise, but would like to get to know Valencia personally and go on excursions on your own, you will find great offers from the major cruise operators in the German-speaking world. Aida, Costa and Tui Cruises - Mein Schiff offer attractive routes with their modern cruise ships, together with other interesting destinations. Book your next dream holiday directly with your favourite shipping company at fair conditions.

All ocean and river cruises can also be booked conveniently and inexpensively online with the sea travel specialist Kreuzfahrten-Zentrale Astoria. This means that you can choose from a wide range of up-to-date offers from various shipping companies. These include AIDA Cruises, Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and TUI Cruises. Also attractive are the popular special offers, with which one can travel at a particularly low price and possibly also get a great bargain.

Shore excursions Valencia ..... continue to the 2nd page

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