Valencia. The Soul of Mediterranean Cuisine.

Valencia • Maestrazgo • El Puig •  Utiel – Requena

SAMPLE ITINERARY
All itineraries can be modified to fit your travel time, budget and specific interests.

Day 01 – Valencia – Castellon del Atl Maestrazgo
Today you’ll be greeted at the airport and driven to the county of Castellon north of Valencia, to your hamlet rural accommodations at the lovely AldeaRoqueta in the picturesque valley of the Sierra Engarcerán, within the historic county of Castellon del Alt Maestrazgo, known as “the Tuscany of Spain”. After resting, your host will take you on a tour of this historic hamlet, whose history dates back to the Templars. This quaint village with its lovely square and narrow passageways has been carefully and lovingly restored to recall its former glory.

Your hotel couldn’t be more perfectly designed to take advantage of this tranquil landscape. Its eighteen spacious and secluded suites are spread throughout the hamlet. Tonight you’ll join the rest of the guests for welcome cocktails and sampling of the wines unique to this area of Valencia. This will be followed by a welcome dinner, where you’ll be introduced to the local cuisine.

Day 02 – Cooking with Vino in Maestrazgo
After a typical country breakfast, you’re going to embark on your first great adventure into Valencia’s creative Mediterranean cuisine. You’ll join Vincenta, the AldeaRoqueta’s known traditional cook, in preparing several of the region’s most popular home dishes. You’ll choose from several favorite local recipes, such as Arroz Caldoso con Pollo y Conejo, rice with chicken and rabbit, or Tomblet a special lamb stew or Olla del Maeztrazgo, made with lamb, pork and vegetables or Alcachofas Rellenas (Stuffed artichokes with foie). Then enjoy the fruits of your labor during lunch, La Comida.

In the afternoon, become acquainted with some of the various nearby family owned wineries known for their Cabernet-Sauvignons, Syrah and Merlot wines, like Mas de Rander, Gabriel Mayo or Vicente Flors Bodegas, established wineries where you’ll partake of excellent wine tasting. You’ll also find out why the rich soils of the Maestrazgoplains make it possible for the Valencia region to produce some of Spain’s most unique wines. This evening relax back at the AldeaRoqueta before a country dinner.

Day 03 – El Puig
Today you’ll travel to El Puig County, where you’ll visit a number of historic sites of importance dating back to the time of El Cid. You’ll start with a tour of the fascinating Monastery El Puig, which was founded by King James I of Aragon, who conquered Valencia from the Moors in the 13th century. It’s now the home of 240 paintings from the 16th through the 18th centuries. It also documents the development of the printing press and exhibits the first book to have been printed in Spain in 1474. You’ll also visit El Puig’s two famous Chapels: Ermita de San Jorge and Ermita de Santa Bárbara.

Then it’s on to Saguntofor lunch, where you’ll enjoy ‘paella’ in the land where it was invented. Here you’ll explore this city, which played a crucial role in Spain’s ancient history. In 219 BC this Romanfortress was sacked by Hannibal. All the inhabitants were killed or killed themselves rather than fall into the hands of the Carthaginians. But the history of “Saguntum” dates back even further. In fact in this one location, you can explore the excavated remains of all five of Spain’s great civilizations. The Iberians, Carthaginians, Romans, Moorsand early Visigoth Christian Kingdoms. One thing you won’t want to miss is the infamous Roman limestone amphitheatre, which was controversially restored using modern materials.

Then return to your relaxing accommodations in AldeaRoqueta, where you’ll join Vincentafor more hands on training preparing local culinary delights, which you’ll get to savor during dinner.

Day 04 – Alto Turia and the great Vinos of Utiel–Requena – Valencia
This morning travel along the upper reaches of the Rio Turia through picturesque hill country in order to reach the world renowned wine region of Utiel– Requena. Here you’ll have the opportunity to tour some of the region’s great bodegas. Like the Gandia Brothers Wineries, surrounded by acres and acres of magnificent lush vineyards. If you choose to you can enjoy a balloon ride which takes you over the valley. Your tour will ends with a wine tasting and an informative discussion on how to pair their different exquisite wines with the rich local cuisine. Then continue to the modern and historical city of Valencia, for a relaxing evening in your lovely hotel.

Day 05 – Historic Valencia
This morning after breakfast enjoy a private walking tour of Valencia’s rich historic Quarter. Your visit will start with the public market, an art-deco masterpiece of iron, glass and tile, where you’ll have a chance to admire an immense assortment of local produce. The market is visited daily by local chefs, searching for fresh produce for their restaurants.

Then continue your visit of the famedSerranos Towers, the great Cathedral of Valenciaof 1262, with its three famous portals, each built in a different architectural style: Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic, next to the Miguelete Tower, the city’s landsmark. Before lunch in the heart of the historic quarter, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of the local popular café/bars were you can drink a cool glass of authentic ‘horchata’. After lunch, you’ll visit La Lonja Silk Exchange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1482 and decorated with massive gargoyles, it’s considered a Gothic masterpiece.

Day 06 – Valencia, First City of the New Millenium
Today you’re going to see architecture so advanced and futuristic, it has given Valencia the reputation of being the First City of the New Millennium. Of course, we’re talking about the avant-guard Ciudad de Artes y Ciencias, the City of Arts and Sciences designed by Valencia’s own master architect, Santiago de Calatrava. This futuristic collection of buildings includes the Opera House, IMAX cinema, Planetarium, Hall for the Performing Arts, Science Museum, Oceanographic park and an under-water restaurant.

You’ll also visit the home of the re-known Lladro Ceramics Factory. Here you’ll observe, learn and admire the various techniques used by the professional local ‘artesanos’ who have made the name Lladroan international favorite.

This evening we have something very special in store for you. You’re invited to be the personal guest of one of Spain’s great upcoming Chefs,Ximo Saez, known for his twist on regional and ‘nouveaux cuisine’. He is the President of the Rice Association. For your farewell dinner, he’ll prepare variations of Paellas Valencianas, along with other unique dishes that have placed him in at the forefront of great Spanish gastronomy. He has promised to share some of his ingredients so you can amaze your friends back home.

Day 07 – Valencia – USA
This morning you’ll be driven to Valencia’s International Airport for your flight back home. You’ll arrive with plenty of great stories and delicious recipes to share with your friends.