Cuenca & Valencia to Barcelona - 6 days
Cuenca & Valencia to Barcelona - 6 days
6 Days Starting in Madrid, Spain and ending in Barcelona, Spain
Visiting: Cuenca, Valencia, Barcelona
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
16-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 6-day journey from Cuenca and Valencia to Barcelona, exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of Spain. Begin in Madrid, traveling through the heart of Castilla-La Mancha to the medieval city of Cuenca, where you'll marvel at the hanging houses and visit the Gothic cathedral. Discover the mushroom-shaped rock formations of La Serrania National Park and the Roman ruins of Segobriga. Savor regional wines in Requena and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Valencia, the birthplace of paella. Explore the coastal charm of Peniscola and the cultural hub of Sitges before concluding your adventure in the bustling city of Barcelona. Enjoy guided tours, wine tastings, and the comfort of 3-4 star accommodations, all while being escorted by an English-speaking guide.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Madrid
Location: Cuenca
Accommodation Name: hotel
Madrid – Cuenca – La Serrania National Park – Cuenca. Leaving Madrid, we journey through the heart of Old Spain, Castilla-La Mancha. This region boasts serene landscapes, diverse nature, and renowned Manchego cheese.
Our first destination is Villarejo de Salvanes, a small town with an intriguing castle and pre-Roman archaeological sites. Continuing to Cuenca, we enjoy a guided walking tour, including a visit to the 12th-Century Gothic cathedral.
From Cuenca, we venture into La Serrania National Park, a vast 73,000-hectare wildlife sanctuary. We take in the incredible and bizarre mushroom-shaped rock formations of the 'Enchanted City', and keep our eyes peeled for resident wildlife, including wild boar, golden eagles and majestic griffon vultures. Enjoy the panoramic vistas from the Mirador de Una viewpoint before we return to Cuenca, our base for two nights. The evening is at leisure.
Please note: Pick up for this tour is at 8:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 8:30) - Madrid Pick Up Point, Hotel Porcel Ganivet, Madrid.
Day 2: Cuenca
Location: Cuenca
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cuenca – Segobriga – Belmonte – Cuenca. We start today with an included visit to the Roman settlement of Segobriga, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Spanish Meseta. After exploring the remarkably preserved amphitheatre, public baths, and temples, we head south to Belmonte. There's free time for a tapas lunch before our included visit to the remarkable 15th-Century Castillo de Belmonte, known for its unique triangular courtyard and six-pointed star shape.
Back in Cuenca, there's free time to explore at leisure. You may wish to visit the Castilla-La Mancha Paleontological Museum, home to incredible dinosaur fossils and models.
Day 3: Cuenca
Location: Valencia
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cuenca – Alcala del Jucar – Valencia. From Cuenca, we journey to Alcala del Jucar, a captivating town nestled within natural caves and perched between the castle and the Jucar River. There's free time to explore the town and find somewhere for lunch.
Next, we visit a winery in Requena for included wine tasting. This region has produced some of Spain's finest wine as far back as the 7th Century BC. After sampling some of the regional produce, we head to Valencia. This coastal gem is known as the birthplace of paella, boasts a vibrant nightlife, and is home to stunning architecture.
Day 4: Valencia
Location: Valencia
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Valencia - Albufera Natural Park - Valencia. This morning, we explore the Monastery of Santa Maria in El Puig on an included visit. This structure has a diverse history with cloisters and defensive elements - it has served as a temple, a school, and even a prison
Next, we visit Albufera Natural Park, home to the rice paddies where paella was born. You can enjoy an optional boat ride or spend our time here observing the unique flora and fauna. There's also time for lunch independently. Returning to Valencia, we enjoy a short orientation tour of the city and the evening is at leisure.
Day 5: Valencia
Location: Valencia
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Valencia – Xativa – Cullera – Valencia. Today we journey to Xativa, known as the 'Town of a Thousand Fountains'. Situated on the slopes of Monte Vernissa, it is best known as the historic home of the notorious noble family of Borgia. We enjoy an included visit to Xativa Castle and a short tour of the town, as well as free time to further explore independently.
Next, we head to the charming coastal town of Cullera. Our time here is free to relax on the beach, or enjoy panoramic views from the 13th-Century castle. In the afternoon, we return to Valencia. The rest of the day is free, or you can join an optional walking tour of the city, coupled with a delectable tapas experience.
Day 6: Valencia
Location: Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
Valencia – Peniscola – Sitges – Barcelona. In the morning we depart Valencia for the coastal town of Peniscola, known as the 'City in the Sea'. There's an optional visit to the Papa Lunas Castle, built by the Knights Templar in the late 1200s. Perched at the peninsula's highest point, the castle offers panoramic coastal views. Alternatively, don your swimsuit for a refreshing swim in the tranquil sea.
Continuing along the Mediterranean coast, our next stop is Sitges, a lively cultural hub boasting modernist architecture and intriguing museums. After a short visit, we complete our journey to Barcelona, where our tour ends.
Please note: This tour finishes at 18:30 - Barcelona Drop Off, Abba Sants Hotel, Barcelona. (If travelling prior to April 2024, you will be dropped at Hotel Evenia Rocafort, Barcelona).
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-4 star hotels -
5 breakfasts
Enjoy 5 breakfasts during your tour.
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5 nights in 3-4 star hotels
Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels for 5 nights.
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Escorted by an English-speaking guide
The tour is escorted by an English-speaking guide.
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Transportation in an air-conditioned luxury mini-coach with a local driver
Travel in an air-conditioned luxury mini-coach with a local driver.
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Entrance to Ciudad Encantada (Enchanted City)
Entrance to the Ciudad Encantada (Enchanted City) is included.
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Entrance to Cuenca Cathedral
Entrance to the Cuenca Cathedral is included.
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Entrance to the Roman settlement at Segobriga
Entrance to the Roman settlement at Segobriga is included.
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Entrance to Castillo de Belmonte
Entrance to the Castillo de Belmonte is included.
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Requena wine tasting
Enjoy a wine tasting session in Requena.
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Entrance to Monastery of Santa Maria in El Puig
Entrance to the Monastery of Santa Maria in El Puig is included.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Tipping
Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and is not included.
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Optional activities & additional attractions
Optional activities and additional attractions, unless specified, are not included.
Age Policy
Minimum age 16, escorted by an adult
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with transportation provided by an air-conditioned luxury mini-coach, driven by a local driver. This ensures a comfortable and convenient journey as you explore the beautiful landscapes and cities of Spain.
Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights in comfortable 3-4 star hotels, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures. Experience the charm and hospitality of Spain with accommodations that offer modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses an air-conditioned luxury mini-coach with a local driver for transportation.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking guide.
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Are there any wine tasting experiences included in the tour?
Yes, there is an included wine tasting experience in Requena, a region known for producing wine since the 7th century BC.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 5 nights in 3-4 star hotels.
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Are there any entrance fees included in the tour package?
Yes, entrance fees to several attractions are included, such as Ciudad Encantada, Cuenca Cathedral, the Roman settlement at Segobriga, Castillo de Belmonte, Monastery of Santa Maria in El Puig, and Xativa Castle.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 5 breakfasts.
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Is there a luggage allowance for the tour?
Yes, there is a 20kg luggage allowance, with details available in the Trip Notes.
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What is the minimum age requirement for this tour?
The minimum age requirement for this tour is 16, and participants must be escorted by an adult.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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