An Unforgettable Experience Awaits
Birthplace of Paella and home to the Fallas Festival this is a city of tradition that also looks to the future.
Valencia is a vibrant city where young learners can practice their Spanish skills with friendly locals.
If you are interested in other languages, other popular options include French, German and Mandarin. Our experts can help with your requests.
Trip Highlights
The historic Plaza de la Virgen and the Old Town
Experience the colours and smells of the Central Market
Learn how to make Paella in its birthplace
Discover Valencia’s Fallas Festival at the Fallas Museum
Recommended excursions
Spanish Language Lessons
The best place to learn Spanish is in Spain and we can arrange language lessons at a local language school with a native speaker. This gives students a chance to work on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation and to discuss cultural and social aspects of Spain with the teacher. Afterwards, students can use what they have learned in a real context.
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.
Paella Lesson
A lesson in how to make Spain’s famous rice-based dish provides a great new skill, plus some historical background. Paella originated in the fields of Valencia in eastern Spain. Today it is made in every region of Spain, using just about any ingredient that goes well with rice.
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.
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.
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.
Albufera National Park
Take a trip to the Albufera National Park with its lagoon and rice fields 25kms from Valencia. A farmer will explain about rice cultivation introduced by the Arabs. Take a boat ride on the lagoon in this peaceful area enjoying the scenery and bird life of the lake. See the traditional cottages called Barracas and enjoy a Paella in a local restaurant.
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.
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).
Typical accommodation
Room 00 Valencia
Why groups like it:
- Central location close to the Plaza de la Virgen and the Cathedral
- Newly renovated hostel experienced in receiving groups
- 24 hour reception and buffet breakfast
Facilities
- Multi-bedded rooms, most of them with full private facilities
- Roof terrace
- Free Wi-Fi, individual lockers and air-conditioning
Urban Youth Hostel
Why groups like it:
- Innovative modern hostel opened autumn 2015
- 15 minutes’ walk from City of Arts and Sciences
- Less than 5 minutes’ walk from bus and metro stop
Facilities
- Multi-bedded rooms with and without facilities
- Twin rooms with facilities for leaders
- Restaurant, individual lockers and air-conditioning
Itinerary suggestion
1 Flight to Valencia. Flight time approximately 2 hours
2 Walking tour of the Old Town and Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) (flight time permitting)
3 Evening meal
1 Breakfast
2 Two hour Spanish language lesson
3 Central Market, Old Town and Fallas Museum
4 Evening meal
1 Breakfast
2 Two hour Spanish language lesson
3 Flamenco show
4 Evening meal
1 Breakfast
2 Mestalla Stadium (flight time permitting). Coach transfer to the airport
3 Return flight to the UK
Learning outcomes
Subject focus
Students can:
- Take Spanish language practise beyond the classroom and engage in spontaneous, unscripted conversations with native speakers
- Develop confidence and fluency in Spanish by speaking in practical situations
- Experience Spanish and Valencian culture and learn how the two languages co-exist
- Develop their interest and enthusiasm for the country and its languages
Student outcomes
Students will have had an opportunity to:
- Develop speaking and listening skills by communicating with native speakers in real-life situations
- Gain confidence through learning and testing their capabilities
- Learn about issues affecting contemporary Spain
“
Trip was wonderful overall, the students are all scoring it 8/9/10 out of 10 which is very positive
Cramlington Learning Village
Book with confidence
Ready to arrange your next adventure?
Request a quote today. Enter your name and email to begin your no obligation quote tailored to your group and learning objectives.
