VALENCIA, TERUEL and CUENCA

This very complete route of approximately 1000 km is the best choice to visit 3 of the most characteristic communities of Spain. 

Days 1 (2, 3, ...)

The idea for the first day is to make a straight trip to Valencia, a cosmopolitan and avant-garde city where are hidden several surprises. It is one of the European cities that best combines the past (it has historical remains from 138 BC) and the newest (F1 street circuit). The proposed tour is unique because it takes us gradually through the city and let us to discover its most famous attractions as its famous places (City Hall or the Virgin) and the Carmen district with its labyrinthine streets and historical buildings, the spectacular and modern City of Arts and Sciences or the grandiose Gothic Cathedral and its famous tower attached, “El Miguelete”, from where you can enjoy a marvellous panoramic view of the city. We also visit the building “Lonja de la Seda”, Gothic monument par excellence of Valencia and which is considered one of the most beautiful buildings of European civil Gothic architecture.

Another essential visit are the 9km gardens located in the old Turia riverbed. There can go to visit the “Palau de la Música” (one of the major European auditorium) or enjoy the unique bridges that cross the gardens and finish in the Bioparc or the recognized Oceanográfic, great experience for both children and adults. Do not forget the 34 museums in the city and invite us to enjoy the art, history and architecture.

In spring and summer (and even during the fall) the promenade, beaches and terraces come alive and invite us to taste rice (paella), “horchata” (tiger nut milk drink) and ice cream while feeling the gentle sea breeze.

   

To sleep we move 80 km to Oliva where we stay in a detached house 500m from the beach! Here you can get as many days as you want but it is recommended that you spend at least two full days enjoying the tranquillity of the sea and the mountains. Besides, 2 km from this house is the “Oliva Nova Golf”, a holiday resort focused on sport and relaxation, where you can practice your favorite sports, golf (18 holes golf, 72 par golf course designed by Severiano Ballesteros), tennis, paddle tennis, football, karting or horse riding.

Day 4

After our visit to the Valencian coast we suggest to immerse in culture and history in the province of Teruel.

Before leaving the Mediterranean coast, we stop in Sagunto (Castellón), whose old historical area contains a wealth of primitive archaeological remains and monuments that attest to its importance in the ancient world. The ancient city of Sagunto has been declared a Cultural Historic Monument and its Roman theater, built in the first Century, has been declared a National Monument. The Main Squeare, the Gothic church of Santa María, the Jewish Quarter and the Town Hall with its neoclassical façade are other interesting places.

Another possible stop before resting in Teruel is the Segorbe villa where its medieval urban planning hides some architectural gems such as its Cathedral and the remains of its ancient walls. To complete the tour there, you can visit the Cathedral Museum or the Archaeology or the Ethnology Museums. The festivities of Segorbe, declared of Tourist Interest, are in late August and include a full program of cultural, religious and recreational activities.

   

   

That night we stay in a country house in the village of Mora de Rubielos (Teruel). A place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet and also, soak up in culture considering that its medieval heritage has earned the declaration of Historical-artistic complex. It should be noted that in the town centre are two great examples of the Mediterranean Gothic style: the old Collegiate Church of St. Mary, built in the XIV Century and the imposing Castle, one of the best preserved in Aragón area. 

Day 5

We will use that location as a starting point for two visits of great beauty and relevance. Specifically, it is proposed to visitTeruel and Albarracín, half hour, an hour away respectively.

That city of legend, thanks to the famous story of the lovers of Teruel, has charming corners and in its historic and medieval quarter retains an important legacy and was declared a World Heritage Site. The Cathedral and its tower (decorated with ceramic) and the churches of San Salvador, San Martín and San Pedro are the jewels of a Mudéjar style. But do not forget to visit other places like the Torico main square, the arches´ aqueduct or the popular ride of the Óvalo. Another interesting visit, especially the smaller ones, is the Dinópolis a dinosaur theme park.

From the capital of the province and after a short drive we reach the town of Albarracín, declared National Monument. Former capital of a Taifa kingdom, that small village has retained its medieval and Islamic essence. Its old town with an interesting set of medieval streets and its rampart is an essential visit.

During this tour, we don´t forget Teruel cuisine which has its main source of inspiration in the pig, form which are made excellent sausages and hams (protected under the PDO Jamón de Teruel). “Las migas” (with bread crumbs and pork), garlic soup and roast lamb, are also typical. For dessert you have to try “the delicious sighs lover” (dessert made of cheese and egg) or the Calanda peaches.

 Note: That day we will sleep in the Mora de Rubielos house again.  

  

Day 6

The next morning, we go back to Madrid, but before that we do a full day tour to one of the 13 Spanish cities declared World Heritage by UNESCO, the beautiful city of Cuenca. Located in an enviable natural environment, between the gorges of the Júcar and Huécar rivers, emphasizes its historical quaerter placed in the edge of rocky walls in mountains near Cuenca. The Cathedral, the Hanging Houses (XV Century) and cobbled streets catch the most experienced traveler. Passing through the Plaza de la Merced, where we can see good examples of Baroque religious buildings we reach the Main Square where you can admire the arches of Gothic Town Hall and the Cathedral, built on an ancient mosque. Its structure alternates Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, the result of a long construction period. The wooden balconies hanging houses hang over the riverbed of Huécar river, but you should cross the river to get one of the best views. But there are more monuments that stand out in importance and beauty as the Provincial and Diocesan Museums, the Curato House and the Bishop's Palace. 

"Zarajos" (roasted lamb innards), "Morteruelo" (kind of hot pâté) or "Ajoarriero" (cod stew) are some local dishes, in addition to vegetable stews, roasts and river fish. Almonds, honey cake and figs are included in all kinds of imaginative cuisine. Among the drinks are outstanding wines of the Certificate of Origin of La Mancha and the popular “resolí”, a liqueur made with coffee, sugar and orange rind.

About 30 kilometers from the capital begins the Serrania de Cuenca, where we can admire the unique landscape of theEnchanted City, composed of the curious forms of water erosion and wind have resulted in the massive limestone, resembling objects, animal or human figures.

The last stop before come back to Madrid is Uclés, a small town whose main attraction is its monastery, built by Francisco de Mora, in the sixteenth century, also known as "El Escorial de La Mancha "or" Escorial Chico ". A great place from which enjoy the sunset.

At night we return to Madrid after this unforgettable journey through the East of Spain.


































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