Like anybody averse to shivering in the winter chill, we were excited by the opportunity to source new conference venues and event ideas in a country with a warmer climate. The Spanish city of Valencia promised sunshine, sights and delicious food as a fitting farewell to 2019. We couldn’t wait to visit and were delighted with what we found. Keen to experience the best of Valencia, we enlisted help from our friends at Sea Saffron. They offer a selection of guided tours by local hosts which showcase the best of the area. We chose their City of Arts and Sciences tour with rooftop wine tasting and tapas, which delivered all we’d hoped for and more.

We met with our charming guide Lara, along with the rest of our group near the City of Arts and Sciences. Lara was warm, approachable and very knowledgeable throughout our experience. She began the tour, informing us how the former river Turia was diverted to avoid flooding, repurposing the riverbed to create the immense green park which runs through the city. The City of Arts and Sciences in a true architectural feat, still appearing futuristic and otherworldly almost 25 years after construction began. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the complex hosts venues of cultural and scientific importance which are Valencia’s most significant tourist attraction. Lara told us of Calatrava’s inspiration in bringing these breath-taking constructions to life, adding an additional level of fascination to an unmissable part of any visit to Valencia.

In addition to beautiful architecture, Valencia has a reputation for delicious food and drink, and what better way to sample it than from a 33rd floor terrace offering stunning views across the city? We were taken to Valencia’s tallest building to enjoy a local food and wine tasting experience with unbeatable vistas. We gazed across the sprawling city and suburbs, the glistening sea and the distant rice paddies that feed Valencia’s appetite for its native dish; paella. We loved the black seafood paella we tasted, plus the Marineta de Onteniente, an exquisite Manchego and local sausage melt, all freshly prepared on premise. The wines and tapas were plentiful, placing the cherry on top of a highly enjoyable 4-hour experience.

Are you organising an event in Valencia? We can advise on the best venues, tours and MICE events this beautiful city has to offer. Get in touch with Flavour Venue Search and we’ll help you plan the perfect Valencian experience for you and your guests.