An Unforgettable Experience Awaits
This is a great educational city destination with so much for school trip groups to see and experience.
Trip Highlights
Futuristic architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences
Hands-on activities at the Principe Felipe Science Museum
The historic Plaza de la Virgen and the old town
Vibrancy of the Central Market, one of the oldest in Europe
Recommended excursions
The City of Arts and Sciences
This is the largest recreational and cultural centre in Europe, nearly 2 kms long and constructed in the former bed of the Turia River. The attractions in the complex are The Oceanografic, The Palau de las Arts Reina Sofia, a performing arts auditorium, The Science Museum Principe Felipe and the Hemisferic, a projection Hall. The Umbracle has a garden of Astronomy and an open air art and sculpture gallery.
The Oceanografic (City of Arts and Sciences)
This is the largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe. The planets main marine ecosystems are represented here. The aquarium is home to over 500 species including walruses, penguins, shark and dolphins. There are also wetland bird species. Photo by Felipe Gabaldón – CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
The Science Museum Principe Felipe (City of Arts and Sciences)
This interactive museum focuses on the evolution of life and the promotion of science and technology. It’s aim is to look at science in a fun way with exhibitions, scientific animations, workshops and activities. Popular exhibits include looking at the sequencing of DNA, The Legacy of Science exhibition by researchers, and the magnificent building is designed in the form of a whale’s skeleton.
The Hemisferic (City of Arts and Sciences)
This spectacular building in the form of a giant eye is the centre piece of the city of Arts and Sciences. The hemisphere is reflected in the surrounding water pool to give an illusion of a whole eye. There is a planetarium and IMAX Cinema. The Iris of the Eye is an omnimax theatre.
The Umbracle (City of Arts and Sciences)
Designed as an attractive entrance to the City of Arts and Sciences this is a landscaped walk and outdoor art gallery and sculpture park. There are many species of plants and trees which form the gardens all from the area of Valencia.
Bioparc
This is an African-themed zoo with over 4,000 animals in landscaped enclosures. In the African Savanna see rhino, giraffe, zebra, lion and mongoose. In Equatorial Africa landscape see elephants. Go in search of gorillas in the Equatorial Forest. In Kitum Cave there are hippos and crocodile and enjoy watching lemur in the Madagascar area. Activities help raise awareness of protecting the natural environment.
MUVIM
This Modern Museum of Enlightenment and Modernity has a permanent exhibition ‘The Adventure of thought’ which explores the development of thought from the Middle Ages to the present day. Its collection features photography, design, advertising, moving image and ‘net-art’. The museum building is an example of the city of Valencia’s contemporary architecture.
Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)
This magnificent gothic civil building from Valencia’s golden age in the 15th century is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was a commercial centre from a period when Valencia was a major trading power in silk and other goods.
Plaza de la Virgen
This central square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the two heritage treasures the Cathedral and the Basilica of the Virgin. The 13th century Cathedral was built on the site of a Roman Temple which was later a mosque. The Chapel of the Holy Grail is believed to house the cup that was used by Jesus at the Last Supper.
Central Market
This jewel of modernist architecture with its dome and stained glass windows has over 1,200 stands. A visit to the market is a feast for the senses with all types of local culinary produce available. Enjoy the atmosphere and a chance to practice some Spanish.
Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart
These are the two remaining medieval city gates, defensive towers that formed part of the medieval city walls. The Torres de Quart played an important role keeping out Napoleons Troops during the War of Independence against the French. Canon ball marks can still be seen. The towers offer great views over the Old Town.
Valencia History Museum
This museum traces the history of Valencia through the ages and how this has shaped the city today. The collections look at important events in the city’s history its culture and customs. There are paintings, archaeological exhibits, photographs, books, costumes and multi-media exhibits. The building itself is the old city water works built in 1850.
IVAM – Modern Art Museum
The permanent collection has works by Picasso, Braque, Pollock, Valdes, Klee and others. There are also temporary exhibitions. There is an exhibition of the sculpture of Julio Gonzales.
Museum of Fine Arts
Set in an impressive historic building, this art museum has the largest collection of paintings in Spain after the Prado in Madrid. There are works by medieval Valencian artists and works from the Valencian school. There are also works in the collection by Andrea del Sarto, Van Dyck, Murillo, Velázquez, El Greco and Goya.
Fallas Museum
This is a museum dedicated to the traditional annual festival which takes place in Valencia in March to mark the coming of spring. Hundreds of papier- maché models are made for the festival and all are burnt in the final celebrations except for one which is chosen by the people. The museum displays the chosen models or Ninots dating back to 1934. There are posters and photographs of the Fallas.
Mestalla Stadium
Football fans will enjoy a tour of the Mestalla Stadium, the home of Valencia’s football club. The stadium seats 55,000 and is the fifth largest in Spain. The guided tour includes the changing rooms, player’s tunnel, VIP boxes, the stadium chapel and pitch.
Terra Mítica Theme Park
This popular theme park near Benidorm is an exciting day out. Themed on ancient civilizations including Egypt, Rome and Greece there is fun and entertainment for all ages. Groups will enjoy a variety of live shows, thrilling rides, eateries and shops. (Seasonal opening)
The Race for Time – E3 City Trail
The Race for Time trail is a teacher-led, self-guided city tour showcasing top landmarks. Fun activities along the way promote teamwork and dynamic thinking, turning a normal walk into a sightseeing adventure! Each trail pack includes comprehensive teacher’s notes and a risk assessment document (MFL and Enrichment version available).
Itinerary suggestion
1 Flight to Valencia. Flight time approximately 2 hours
2 Walking tour of the old city and Lonja de la Seda (flight time permitting)
3 Evening meal
1 Breakfast
2 The Science Museum Principe Felipe
3 Bioparc
4 Evening meal
1 Breakfast
2 Central Market and old city
3 The Oceanographic
4 Evening meal
1 Breakfast
2 Mestella Stadium (flight time permitting). Coach transfer to the airport
3 Return flight to the UK
Learning outcomes
Subject focus
Students can:
- Experience learning outside the classroom in another country – the language, culture, history, geography, science and art
- Practise speaking a foreign language
- Build confidence and learn to value the skills and techniques needed for personal and team success
- Broaden the mind through the study of another culture
- Discover, explore and have fun with fellow students and teachers
Student outcomes
Students will have had an opportunity to:
- Visit a foreign country and experience another languages and culture
- Understand more about Spanish history, art and architecture
- Improve their scientific knowledge through hands-onactivities at the City of Arts and Sciences
- Gain independence and self-confidence
- Strengthen existing friendships and make new friends
- Understand personal organisation, co-operating and working with others in a variety of environments
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This is the second time I have used Travelbound and I would definitely recommend to a friend. I was happy with the organisation of the
trip and also how quickly emails were returned. I felt TB staff were always there to assist.
Our Lady’s High School
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