Valencia, Spain - Mediterranean Cruises

The ‘Oceanografic’, which was designed by the Spanish architect Felix Candela, is Europe's biggest marine park, and home to 500 species of fish and other sea creatures from every ocean of the world. It's a fascinating underwater world where you can take a virtual stroll from one side of the Atlantic to the other through a shark tunnel or get a real feel for marine life in the touch pool. You will see everything from white whales and walruses to dolphin displays and an underwater auditorium with a Red Sea aquarium as its backdrop.

You’ll have approximately 3½ hours to enjoy and explore the park independently. A selection of restaurants, cafés and shops can also be found at the Park.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The pathways are flat and easily accessible. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and take sun protection.The time of the dolphin show is scheduled by the park on the day of the call therefore we cannot guarantee in advance that this may be seen, every effort will be made by the guide to enable you to see the performance.

Valencia’s architecture ranges from ancient Roman works to Santiago Calatrava’s cutting edge City of Arts and Sciences. As you drive around on your panoramic tour, you’ll head towards the city centre, passing by the impressive City of Arts and Science. Built especially for leisure, this area is located in the old Turia river bed; a brief photo stop will be made.

In the heart of the city, la Plaza de la Reina, discover the historical centre, where the fascinating old monuments and buildings are located. You’ll drive past the Cathedral with the Miguelete Tower, the Lonja, declared Heritage of Mankind by the UNESCO, the Central Market and many more attractions.

Enjoy some free time to shop or have a coffee in one of the many local cafés before heading for a scenic drive along Valencia’s seafront promenade.



This excursion operates by coach and involves very little walking.

A panoramic trip by coach marks the start of your journey through the third largest city in Spain. Cross the Turia River and drive along the Gran Via and Calle Játiva passing the colloseum-like Bullring and Central Train Station into the heart of the old city to reach the Central market area.

Continue on foot through the Old Quarter as you explore some of the cities' Gothic architecture including the Silk Exchange Market, now an exhibition pavilion with an impressive façade that was constructed on spiral columns. Weave your way through the city’s streets passing Santa Catalina Church and Plaza de la Virgen ending at the symbolic Torre del Miguelete (bell tower) where there will be chance for a photograph.

Leave the city and head south towards La Albufera. Set between rice paddies and the sea, the park is a paradise for migratory birds including Grey Herons and many species of duck. Keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife as you board a boat for a relaxing trip through the lagoon and learn about the flora and fauna of the park before heading to a local restaurant for a Valencian Paella luncheon before returning to the ship.

This excursion will operate by coach, boat and on foot. There is approximately one hour of walking. Flat, comfortable footwear is recommended. This excursion may operate in reverse depending on local conditions.

On your drive towards the city, enjoy a brief photo stop at the City of Arts and Sciences, a new leisure centre with unique buildings such as the impressive Hemisfėric and the Museu de les Ciencies.

Your walking tour will begin in the heart of the city, la Plaza de la Reina where your guide will give you a brief introduction to the surrounding area. Discover the historical centre and visit the Cathedral with the Miguelete Tower.

You will also visit one of the most astonishing Gothic civil buildings in the world, La Lonja, which was declared Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO. Near to the Main Square, you will visit the art nouveau Central Market. Constructed in 1928 it’s a ‘must-see’ building, and a ‘temple’ for fresh products, creating a melange of aromas, movement and colour.

Enjoy the charms of the streets of the Valencia, its squares and hidden corners. From old to new, next it’s onto the commercial part of the city, where you will be able to relax and taste ‘horchata’, a typical nut based Spanish drink.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There are some steps to be negotiated at the Central Market, Lonja and the Cathedral. Central Market and the Cathedral are closed on Sundays, therefore an explanation will be given from the outside.

Relax as your escorted transfer takes you from the port and city of Valencia towards El Saler Beach, located in the natural parklands of Albufera.

There you'll have three hours to sit back and relax on your sun lounger and enjoy this beautiful setting. This golden beach is the ideal place to swim in the crystal-clear waters and pay homage to the sun and sea. Sun loungers and umbrellas are included and if you are feeling thirsty there are bars and cafés close by.

At a designated time, the coach and escort will be waiting to bring you back to Valencia and the ship.

BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Please remember to bring sun protection, a hat, a towel and some Euros. There may be independent suppliers on the beach that may offer watersports. These are provided by parties unconnected to Cunard.

Valencia is Spain’s third largest city. Sit back and relax as you enjoy a panoramic tour to admire some of the culturally diverse districts of the city, including the Carmen Quarter, Torre de Quart and Case de Beneficence.

Your tour continues on foot from the city’s Central Market past the Bullring , Central Station and the 15th Century Silk Exchange which is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic civil architecture in Europe. Head off into the Spanish countryside to San José and the Caves of Valle d’Uxo. As you descend into the eerie depths, you’ll transfer into small boats to discover the natural beauty of the ‘Bat Cave’, ‘Diana’s Lake’ and the ‘Dry Zone’. Witness the ‘Cathedral’ with its stunning symphony of colours and sides that have been carved out by water over thousands of years.

As you travel back to your ship, you will be able to view the more modern ‘City of Arts and Sciences’, which was designed by local architect Santiago Calatrava.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately one hour of walking over uneven ground and 10-15 steps to negotiate at the caves. Flat, comfortable footwear is recommended.Photography is not permitted inside the caves. This tour is not recommended for anyone suffering with claustrophobia.

After a pleasant scenic drive through the rural countryside, you will arrive at Requena, a very pretty, old walled town, which has a unique cave system situated in the old part of the town.

Your walking tour of the town will commence with a stroll through the cobblestoned streets of the old town quarter of ‘La Vila’. You will be taken inside one of the oldest caves in the region that was used as a shelter, wine cellar and as a silo. Inside the cave your guide will give a fascinating insight into the history of the caves.

Next it’s onto a local wine cellar, where your guide will explain about the wine production and the culture of wine and ‘Cava’. To complete your tour you will have the chance to taste a glass of ‘Cava’, and, if you wish, purchase the wine or ‘Cava’.



This excursion will operate coach and on foot. This tour involves a lot of walking over rough and uneven ground and many steep steps; therefore it is not considered for guests with walking difficulties. Guests are reminded to wear sensible footwear. The drive to Requena takes approximately 45 minutes.

Your tour begins with a panoramic overview of both old and new Valencia. Passing The City of Arts you will head towards the heart of the city with its many historical buildings and monuments.

Upon arrival at the ‘City of Porcelain’, otherwise known as the Lladŕo Factory, you will be taken through the production chain, learning about the fascinating production of the Lladŕo porcelain. Lladŕo was started by three brothers in the 1950’s in a small workshop.

The family-run workshop saw the birth of the renowned stylised porcelain sculptures, which have earned Lladro well-deserved fame worldwide. Before your tour of the factory, you will be taken into the audiovisual room to acquaint yourself with the history of porcelain, the company and the steps in the handcrafted process of the creation of Lladŕo porcelain.

In the Museum are exhibits of the early Lladŕo pieces. There will be an opportunity to purchase any item of Lladŕo in the shop at the end of your tour.
Enjoy a taste of local flavours of the nut based drink, ‘horchata’, a typical nut based Spanish drink, before your return journey back to the port.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot.Guests are advised that the visit to the Lladŕo factory involves a considerable amount of standing.

Sailing from the 2007 America's Cup port, the crew will rig the sails and your catamaran will glide peacefully along the Valencian bay.

Dependant on the wind direction you will either head north passing Malvarrosa Beach or South towards Saler Beach. Sit back, relax and take in the stunning coastal scenery or simply lay back on the nets and bask in the sun.

The catamaran will drop anchor for you to enjoy a dip in the inviting crystal-clear waters.

During your time on board a light luncheon will be served accompanied by wine and soft drinks.


BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, passengers are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.



This excursion will operate by coach and catamaran. Guests are advised that there is a 15 minute non guided transfer to the catamaran berth. Please remember your swimwear, sunscreen and a towel. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages prior to any swimming activities.