Cuenca & Valencia to Barcelona - 6 days

We depart from Madrid and journey through the serene landscapes of Castilla-La Mancha, stopping at the small town of Villarejo de Salvanes to explore its intriguing castle and pre-Roman archaeological sites. We then continue to the enchanting city of Cuenca for a guided walking tour, including a visit to the 12th-century Gothic cathedral. From Cuenca, we venture into the vast wildlife sanctuary of La Serrania National Park, taking in the incredible rock formations and diverse wildlife. We end the day back in Cuenca, where we will stay for two nights.

We start the day with a visit to the Roman settlement of Segobriga, exploring its remarkably preserved amphitheatre, public baths, and temples. We then head south to Belmonte, where you'll have free time for a tapas lunch before our visit to the remarkable 15th-century Castillo de Belmonte. We return to Cuenca in the afternoon, where you'll have free time to explore at your leisure.

From Cuenca, we journey to the captivating town of Alcala del Jucar, nestled within natural caves and perched between the castle and the Jucar River. After some free time to explore, we visit a winery in Requena for a wine tasting session, sampling some of Spain's finest wines. We then head to the coastal city of Valencia, known for its vibrant nightlife, stunning architecture, and as the birthplace of paella.

We start the day with a visit to the Monastery of Santa Maria in El Puig, a structure with a diverse history. Next, we visit Albufera Natural Park, home to the rice paddies where paella was born. You can enjoy an optional boat ride or spend time observing the unique flora and fauna. We return to Valencia in the afternoon for a short orientation tour of the city, with the evening at your leisure.

Today we journey to Xativa, known as the 'Town of a Thousand Fountains'. We enjoy an included visit to Xativa Castle and a short tour of the town. Next, we head to the charming coastal town of Cullera, where you can relax on the beach or enjoy panoramic views from the 13th-century castle. We return to Valencia in the afternoon, with the rest of the day at your leisure or the option to join a walking tour of the city with a tapas experience.

We depart Valencia for the coastal town of Peniscola, known as the 'City in the Sea'. You can choose to visit the Papa Lunas Castle or enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea. We then continue along the Mediterranean coast to Sitges, a lively cultural hub boasting modernist architecture and intriguing museums. Our journey ends in the vibrant city of Barcelona.