From Albir, Altea, Benidorm & Calpe: Valencia City Excursion

Planning a day trip to somewhere as vibrant and historic as Valencia can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. If you’re staying along the Costa Blanca and craving a taste of this bustling city without the hassle of organizing transport or sightseeing, this excursion from Round Town Travel might be just what you’re looking for. It’s a popular choice, with rave reviews and a solid reputation, making it worth considering whether a full day out fits your travel vibe.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances free time with guided options—giving you the chance to explore at your own pace while still benefiting from local insights. We also appreciate the affordable price point of $44, which, considering the transport, a map, and optional extras, seems to offer good value for a full day in a city packed with sights and flavors.

On the flip side, a few things might be worth thinking about before booking. The long travel time (around 2 hours each way) means your day is quite packed, and if you’re not a fan of lengthy coach rides, it could be tiring. Plus, the itinerary’s flexibility depends on your chosen optional extras and how much time you want to dedicate to each activity, so it’s worth planning ahead.

This trip works best for travelers who want a taste of Valencia—history, architecture, and local cuisine—without the stress of navigating alone. It’s a good fit if you enjoy independent exploration but also value having some organized structure and local tips. It’s especially suitable if you’re staying in Albir, Altea, Benidorm, or Calpe and want an easy way to see a different city in just a day.

Key Points

• Value for money: At $44, it offers a well-rounded experience with transport, free time, and optional extras.
• Flexible exploration: You get about 5 hours of free time to wander Valencia’s streets, markets, and landmarks.
• Knowledgeable guides: Reviews highlight friendly, well-informed guides who add value with local tips and historical insights.
• Optional activities: Visiting the Oceanografic or Mestalla Stadium are available as extras—you choose how to spend your time.
• Comfortable transport: The coach is air-conditioned, making the long ride more pleasant.
• Well-organized: The trip includes clear timings and convenient pick-up and drop-off points, though delays can occur.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Ride to Valencia: What It’s Like

Starting from one of the eight pick-up points along the coast, your journey to Valencia takes roughly two hours by coach. Most reviews mention the coach arriving on time, which is promising for those who dislike surprises. The ride itself is usually smooth, with guides giving snippets of information along the way—think of it as a gentle primer to what you’ll see once you arrive.

Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach helps make a long day manageable. But just keep in mind that the return trip might be a bit longer if there are delays, especially during busy seasons or if pickups and drop-offs don’t run perfectly to schedule.

Unpacking Valencia: What You’ll See and Do

Once you arrive at Torres de Serranos, your gateway into the old town, you’ll find yourself in the perfect spot to start exploring. The main highlight is the 5-hour free time, giving you plenty of options. Here’s how that might unfold:

The Historic Center and the Cathedral

Most travelers kick off their visit with the Valencia Cathedral, home to the legendary Holy Grail. If you’re into religious architecture or just curious, it’s worth stepping inside. The cathedral’s blend of Gothic and Baroque styles makes it a striking sight. A popular optional add-on is the guided walking tour of the old town, which lasts about 75-80 minutes and costs around 8 euros. Based on reviews, guides like Charlotte and Lynn make the history engaging and approachable, often sharing tips on other must-see sites.

The Turia Gardens

One of the city’s standout features is the Turia riverbed gardens. This sprawling park, built on a dried riverbed, offers a peaceful escape from the busy streets. You’ll love the lush greenery, fountains, and pathways—perfect for a relaxed stroll or just taking in the scenery with a snack. Many reviews praise the gardens for their beauty and tranquility, making it a favorite among visitors.

More Great Tours Nearby

Food and Local Specialties

No visit to Valencia would be complete without trying paella—the city’s most famous dish. You might find street vendors or cafes serving their version, and the experience of tasting authentic Valencian rice is unforgettable. Plus, don’t miss coca Valenciana (a sweet or savory pastry) and horchata—a traditional drink made from tiger nuts. These food experiences are often highlighted as some of the trip’s best moments.

Optional Visits: Oceanografic and Mestalla Stadium

For those interested in visiting the Oceanografic (the sea world) or the Mestalla Stadium (home of Valencia CF), there’s the option to buy tickets on the day. These extras can add a couple of hours to your tour if you choose to explore either site in detail. From reviews, the Oceanografic is a hit for its impressive aquatic displays, while football fans enjoy the stadium tour.

How the Day Unfolds

The total itinerary is quite straightforward: an early start from your coast town, a 2-hour coach ride, 5 hours of free time in Valencia, then another 2-hour ride back. This structure gives you a good balance—enough time to see key sights and enjoy some local flavors, but not so long that it becomes overwhelming.

The drop-off points are conveniently located near major sites, making it easy to continue exploring if you wish. But be prepared for the long day—most reviews mention that it’s a full, busy experience. The long coach rides can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to sitting for extended periods, but many find the trip well worth it given the sights and atmosphere.

The Guides and Overall Organization

One of the standout points across reviews is the quality of the guides. People mention guides like Charlotte, Kathy, Louisa, and Lynn as being knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. They’re great at sharing interesting facts and keeping everyone informed, which really enhances the experience.

Organization-wise, travelers say the trip is generally well-managed, with clear timings and comfortable buses. Some mention minor delays or the coach arriving slightly late, but nothing that marred their day. The optional guided walking tour is a good value add, especially for those who want context and history without doing it all alone.

Practical Considerations

The trip costs around $44 per person, which many find reasonable considering transport, free time, and optional extras. If you’re into food, culture, and sightseeing, you’ll probably find this trip offers good bang for your buck. Just remember that the experience hinges on your interest in exploring independently—since the tour itself doesn’t include a guided sightseeing session in the city.

The trip is wheelchair accessible, and the coach has toilet stops along the way, although some reviews mention that the return journey sometimes lacks facilities, so plan accordingly. Kids over 2 are technically not included, and those with medical conditions or mobility issues should consider whether a full day of coach travel suits their needs.

Who Will Love This Trip?

If you’re in the Costa Blanca area and want a cost-effective way to see Valencia’s highlights, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy independent exploration but appreciate the structure of organized transport and tips from friendly guides. Food lovers will enjoy sampling local specialties, and history buffs will find plenty to fascinate them.

It’s not ideal if you’re looking for a luxury experience or want to spend more time at each site. The long hours on the coach might be tiring for some, and if you prefer a more leisurely pace, you might want to look for smaller, more flexible options.

FAQ

How long is the coach ride to Valencia?
The trip takes approximately 2 hours each way, making it a full-day commitment but with a comfortable coach.

Are there any entrance fees included?
No, entrance tickets to attractions like the Oceanografic or Mestalla Stadium are optional extras you can purchase on the day.

What’s the best way to explore the city during free time?
Many travelers recommend the guided walking tour for historical insights, but you can also explore on your own, visit markets, or relax in the gardens.

Is the trip suitable for children?
While children over 2 are not specifically excluded, the full-day nature and coach travel might be better suited for older kids or teenagers.

Can I visit the Oceanografic Centre?
Yes, you can purchase tickets on the day, and many reviews suggest it’s worth the visit for marine lovers.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and maybe a hat or sunglasses for sunny days. Pack some snacks or water for the coach ride.

Is it easy to find the meeting points?
Yes, the pick-up points are well-organized and clearly communicated, with multiple options along the coast.

What’s the price value like?
At $44, it’s a good deal for a full-day trip including transport, free time, and optional activities, especially given the positive reviews on guides and scenery.

Final Thoughts

This Valencia day trip from Albir, Altea, Benidorm, and Calpe offers a practical, budget-friendly way to explore a vibrant Spanish city without the hassle of planning. The combination of comfortable transport, a good amount of free time, and the chance to taste local food makes it appealing for travelers wanting a snapshot of Valencia. The guides generally receive high praise for their friendliness and knowledge, which enhances the experience.

While it’s a long day with a fair amount of coach time, many travelers find the sights, flavors, and atmosphere of Valencia make it worthwhile. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy independent exploration, are interested in local cuisine, and want to see key landmarks without organizing every detail themselves.

If you’re after a straightforward, well-organized day trip that showcases some of Valencia’s best, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just remember to rest up beforehand and be prepared for a full day of walking and sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here: