Valencia, Spain
MORE INFORMATION
Highlights
- Culture, History, Culinary & Active event
- Visit Central Market, its people and its fresh food
- Taste delicious local food
- Ride through El Río park
- Get to know the ABC of Spanish gastronomy
Description
This experience is all about stimulating your senses: seeing, smelling, tasting! Get to know the Valencian culture & gastronomy through a dynamic morning.
We meet up at 9:30 In front of the 'Regidoria de Comerç i Abastiments de València'. Before picking up our bikes, we’ll have a specialty coffee at a unique little place near the silk market with delicious coffee! I'll bring a piece of local Valencian cake from a traditional bakery called 'coca Valenciana' to taste with the coffee.
After our coffee, we'll enter the cathedral of the senses: the Central Market. This emblematic art nouveau building with over 300 market stalls is a must-see! I will explain the importance of the fresh market in Valencian gastronomy and talk about local (seasonal) products that you can buy. I'll also share my favorite market stalls.
Now it's time to pick up the bikes from the bike rental near the main entrance of the Central Market.
By bike, we will pass by the Lonja de la Seda & Iglesia de los Santos Juanes and from there we will head towards the Torres the Quart, one of the old former city gates. At these places, I will explain some of the history, anecdotes & fun facts about Valencian life.
From there we will bike towards the Turia park, former riverbed of the Turia river. Once we've descended into the Turia park, we will explore the former riverbed (first I'll explain the history of the park, when it was created and how people enjoy it nowadays).
After a short stop, we'll bike towards the other only remaining city gate: the Torres de Serrano. We will observe it from the riverbed and I'll explain the interesting history and different functions this city gate had. We'll continue cycling through the riverbed until we arrive at the 'Alameda boulevard'. Once there we'll enjoy a typical Valencian 'almuerzo' (brunch).
We'll stop at a famous Alameda restaurant, a classic and historical place for Valencian almuerzo! We will order or local sandwich (pick your favourite from the menu) or pincho de tortilla + drink (soda, water, beer or wine) for takeaway.
We will bring our almuerzo to a nearby hidden park (surprise!) to enjoy it surrounded by beautiful nature. I'll explain how the Almuerzo tradition in Valencia got so important and how it has become a unique social happening.
After our almuerzo, we'll continue the gastro bike tour through the Turia park, passing by the beautiful Palau de la Musica, Gulliver playground and of course the City of Arts and Sciences. At these places, I'll explain history, fun facts and of course things to do and discover!
From the City of Arts & Sciences, we'll bike back through the Turia park, making a stop at the Alameda bridge (I'll explain the history of this modern bridge) to finally dive back into the old city center.
In this last part of the tour, we'll pass by Puerta del Mar, Parterre (a small park with monumental Ficcus trees), Plaza Patriarcha & Palacio de Marques de dos Aguas (ceramics museum). I will explain curiosities, history and fun facts.
After our last stop, we'll head towards the bike rental shop again to return the bikes. This is where the tour ends (near the main entrance of the Central Market and where the tour initially started).
Who Is This Experience Good For
- Anyone interested in visit historic buildings
- Anyone interested in local markets
What's Included
- Drink & Food: 3 stops | Central Market, Horchateria, Almuerzo
- Guide
- Bike rental
Important! Please let me know if you have any allergies, intolerances or dietary preferences before the start of the tour that I need to be aware of.
What's Not Included
- Bottle of water (bring plenty of water on hot summer days!)
- Suncream (optional: sun hat)
- Extra drinks or food
Know Before You Go
- Minimum Needed: 6 people
- Maximum Capacity: 10 people
- Booking Deadline: 5 days before event
- Weather Dependent: Yes, if there is heavy rain we will have to postpone or cancel.
- Difficulty Level: Easy, but 3 hours walking/riding bike.
- Special Clothing Required: Yes, comfortable shoes.
- Extra Cash: Needed for tipping / Shopping at Central Market
Host Introduction
Hola! My name is Koen Mateboer and I emigrated to beautiful Valencia about 11 years ago for love. Over the years I have only grown to love this city more and developed a strong passion for Valencian life! My mission is to connect people with local life and gastronomy in its most authentic form while enjoying and exploring the beautiful city and its surroundings. I do this by connecting with people through personal attention, a healthy dose of humor and lots of enthusiasm! I hope to welcome you soon to enjoy a memorable day of Valencian life together!