Valencia Tours and MSC Shore Excursions

Valencia tours, Plaza de la Virgen | MSC Cruises

Valencia, was founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC, and you don’t have to look far in current-day Valencia to find evidence of this period. Subterranean museum La Almoina in Valencia Old Town, for example, lets visitors stroll through brilliantly preserved remnants of the city in its Roman guise.

 

More historical marvels can be uncovered on our range of Valencia tours alongside ancient architecture. But remember this is also a thoroughly modern city you’re exploring: immense parks and public spaces, a choice of city beaches (including locally loved Playa de las Arenas) and a restaurant scene that celebrates both local and global – just a few of the reasons to visit Valencia.

 

Expert-led trips to Valencia are easily arranged with MSC shore excursions, and you’ll soon see why Valencia has been voted the best city in the world to live in for expats.  As well as Valencia Old Town, with its maze of sandstone-coloured alleys and side streets – a legacy of its Moorish influence – you won’t want to miss the futuristic Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences) in the riverbed of the now-diverted Turia.

 

Valencia excursions can provide lifelong memories to be cherished.

Excursions in Valencia

With so many things to see in Valencia, you’ll get the most from the city through our Valencia tours. Be sure to stroll through Turia Garden, a vast park created when the Turia river was diverted to avoid floods. Ponder the wonders of the world as you walk around the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences – one of the most-visited Valencia attractions). Discover why masterful Valencian painter Joaquín Sorolla was so inspired by his hometown.

Valencia tours, Oceanogràfic | MSC Cruises
Valencia tours, Oceanogràfic | MSC Cruises
Valencia tours, Oceanogràfic | MSC Cruises

Submerge yourself in the delights of Oceanogràfic Valencia

Oceanogràfic Valencia (one of Europe’s largest aquariums) is a world-class facility known for its marine research and conservation work. Found within Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences), the aquarium houses all manner of fantastic creatures and is almost next door to Hemisfèric Valencia, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

 

Before entering, take a moment to gaze at the exterior – the venue is ovoid-shaped to represent the human eye. Inside, an IMAX cinema provides immersive adventures through nature.

Valencia tours, Basílica de la Virgen | MSC Cruises
Valencia tours, Plaza de la Virgen | MSC Cruises
Valencia tours, Cathedral | MSC Cruises

Lose yourself in the backstreets of Valencia Old Town

Filled with alluring history and architecture, Valencia Old Town is where you’ll find the resplendent Valencia Cathedral, showcasing its mix of Roman, Moorish and Baroque influences.

 

Close by is the Central Market of Valencia, a vast and airy Art Nouveau treasure still operating as a fresh produce market. A short stroll away is Lonja de la Seda (the Silk Exchange, Valencia), a cavernous building with cloisters and vaulted ceilings. Also nearby is Torres de Serranos, a duo of towers guarding the main entrance to the walled city.


Valencia tours, Albufera | MSC Cruises
Valencia tours, Albufera | MSC Cruises
Valencia tours, Albufera | MSC Cruises

Sail through life in a lagoon at Albufera

Around 17 kilometres south of Valencia lies the oasis that is Albufera Natural Park, a wetlands sanctuary for more than 350 different bird species, both resident and migratory. Albufera is, in fact, a lagoon set among rice paddy fields, marking a historical link between this locale and the famous Valencia paella.

 

Many locals say that El Palmar, a small village in Albufera, is the best place to sample paella. Meanwhile, a boat trip around the area to get up-close to the birds or simply enjoy a sunset is an experience that stays with you.

Book your cruise to Valencia

Valencia has been drawing visitors since Roman times, and its appeal isn’t dwindling. Turia Garden, Ciudad de las Artes y Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences) and the Moorish maze of sun-dappled alleys in the Old Town are all worth travelling for.
A Valencia cruise, though, can be about much more, as numerous other Mediterranean gems like Palermo, Rome, Santorini and Valletta are reachable. Let MSC Cruises show you why the Med is one of the world’s most-visited holiday regions.

Why choose MSC Shore Excursions to Valencia

Put simply, Valencia is blossoming and our Valencia tours let you see the city at its finest. Whether you’re after paella that you’ll never better or a crash-course in Spanish architectural styles, the guides on MSC shore excursions have got you covered.

Valencia tours and excursions FAQ

In which language Valencia excursions are conducted?

MSC Cruises provides Shore Excursions in Valencia offering language options in English, German, French, Spanish and Italian, depending on guide availability. The final language will be confirmed during your cruise.

Are Valencia tours always available to be booked?

Valencia tours are in high demand, so it's best to book in advance to secure availability for your desired Valencia excursion.

Can Valencia excursion programme be changed?

MSC Shore Excursions provides a preview of Valencia tours that can be arranged. Final Valencia tour descriptions and prices will be confirmed on board. Changes in MSC Shore Excursions programs and itineraries may occur due to unforeseen events or local conditions that impact tour timing.

Does MSC Cruises offer a Valencia bus tour?

MSC Cruises has various options for anyone seeking a Valencia bus tour. The ‘City Tour’ shore excursion involves a coach trip through some of the city’s most charasmatic streets and squares, before a guided walking tour around the historic centre to allow passengers the chance for a closer look at Valencia’s renowned Gothic architecture and buildings.

 

Another popular shore excursion is the ‘Panoramic Tour and Shopping’, which also involves a walking tour through Valencia’s historic centre before a coach ride takes you to see the city’s contemporary side, including some of its modern shopping centres.

How can I visit the Albufera Lagoon from Valencia?

The Albufera Lagoon is located around 10 kilometres south of Valencia’s centre. A great way to experience this unique area is on MSC Cruises ‘Valencia and the L’Albufera Lagoon’ shore excursion. After taking you to explore the city’s key sights and attractions (including the Central Market of Valencia and Lonja de la Seda, the Silk Exchange), the tour transports guests to Albufera Natural Park. Here, they can enjoy the gentle waters of this invaluable wetlands sanctuary on a boat trip, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.

What is included in the Valencia City Tour?

MSC Cruises’ ‘City Tour’ of Valencia is a chance to explore the city like a local. This Valencia tour begins with a coach journey through some of the most attractive city streets and squares, followed by a walking tour of the historic centre, which lets guests view the Gothic architecture visible in many buildings. A visit to Valencia Cathedral also takes place, before a photo stop at Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences), a futuristic architectural marvel and cultural hub.