Katz & Dawgs Unlimited ™

Valencia

July 14

VLC-006 VALENCIA AT A GLANCE & WINE TASTING

Explore the architectural diversity of Valencia through historic landmarks that include its medieval Cathedral and Central Market. Then sample several distinctive regional wines.

Depart from the pier and drive directly to the modern City of Art and Sciences for a photo stop. Valencia's cultural hub, the "city" includes a planetarium, science museum, open-air oceanographic park and stunning performing arts center. Designed by Valencia architect Santiago Calatrava, the landmark building is absolutely spectacular in size and silhouette, as it contains four different concert halls devoted to opera, ballet, music recitals and cinema. Continuing on, you'll pass the city's bullring and lovely North Railway Station before stopping at the twin Quart Towers, which were built in the 15th century as part of Valencia's defensive walls. The remainder of the tour is mostly walking, initially over to D.O. Valencia for a wine tasting of as many as five different vintages.

The D.O. refers to the Denomination of Origin, meaning the wines were produced in the Valencia region, which consists of more than 80 wineries or "bodegas." Wine has been produced here since Neolithic times, and Valencia has become Spain's largest wine export center. Valencia's best-known wine is a traditional dessert wine made from moscatel grapes.

Following the tasting, you'll walk to the city's medieval Cathedral, built on a site El Cid dedicated to the blessed Virgin, and then over to the Central Market for an exterior visit. Incredibly, the market has occupied the same location since the 13th century. Later, you'll drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour includes approximately two hours of walking, that includes negotiating some cobblestone surfaces and there will be some steps to negotiate. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. Weather appropriate clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; sunscreen; a bottle of water from the ship; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The order of the sites seen or visited may vary.

Easy

Duration: 4.00 Hrs

The bubbles were tethered to the edge of the pool.
Kids (one kid per bubble) climbed in to a partially inflated bubble at the edge of the pool, the bubble fully inflated, and the kids frolicked inside.
I don't know for how long the "ride" lasted until they were pulled back to the shore, nor how much it cost.
But it sure looked cool.

Part of our tour was a complimentary wine tasting.
Amazingly, there was no sales pitch, and indeed, nothing for sale.