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
