Valencia Historic Icons Tour: Silk Exchange, San Nicolas & the Holy Grail
Experience a 2,000 year evolution, from ancient Roman roots to ornate Baroque gold on a guided walk
Unlock the artistic soul of Valencia on a tour of the city's most spectacular secrets. Your journey begins at a pair of massive medieval fortress gates before heading into a church so ornately decorated it's known as the "Sistine Chapel of Spain." Then explore a UNESCO-listed merchant’s palace designed to look like a forest of stone palm trees, and visit the city’s grandest cathedral, which houses a chalice recognized as the authentic Holy Grail. See Valencia through the eyes of a local expert!
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Iconic Valencia Cathedral tickets
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See the Vatican-recognized Holy Grail
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Baroque San Nicolas entry
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UNESCO Silk Exchange admission
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Historic district walking tour
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Priority entrance to monuments
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Unravel the secrets of the Silk City
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Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet at the Serranos Towers
Your tour begins at these massive 14th-century gates, once the main entrance to the walled city. You will learn how these towers served as both a fortress and a ceremonial arch for kings. Your guide will point out Gothic details before you head into the old town. -
2
Step inside the Church of Saint Nicholas
You will walk into a medieval church hiding one of the most stunning interiors in Spain. Covered in colorful Baroque paintings, it is known as the Valencian Sistine Chapel. You will learn how artists used massive frescoes to illustrate the life and miracles of Saint Nicholas across the vaulted roof. -
3
Explore the Gothic Silk Exchange
Next, you will discover the Lonja de la Seda, a 15th-century exchange built for wealthy silk merchants. This UNESCO site looks like a castle but served as a bustling trade center. You will wander through a hall of spiraling stone columns that reach upward like giant palm trees. -
4
See the Holy Grail at the Cathedral
You will enter a grand cathedral built over an ancient Roman temple. Inside a quiet chapel, you will view the stone cup recognized by the Vatican as the authentic Holy Grail. Your guide shares the legendary story of how this chalice reached Valencia. -
5
View the Roman ruins of Almoina
Next, you will visit the archaeological heart of the city to see the original Roman streets and bathhouses. You will look through a glass floor to discover the ancient ruins that form the literal foundation of Valencia. Your guide explains how these buried structures were rediscovered. -
6
Your tour finishes at Plaça de la Verge
Your journey concludes in this historic square framed by a grand fountain and the pink Basilica. You will finish in the heart of the city, perfectly placed for local tapas or a cold glass of horchata. Your guide will provide expert tips for your afternoon.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: This tour is wheelchair accessible and stays within the flat areas of the historic center. However, please contact us in advance if you have any mobility concerns to make sure we have the proper accommodations.
ID Requirement: If you have booked a youth ticket, you must bring a valid photo ID to verify your age at the monument entrances.
Dress Code: As the Cathedral and Church of Saint Nicholas are places of worship, please ensure attire covers shoulders and knees.
Weather Advisory: This tour runs rain or shine but may be canceled in the event of a heavy storm.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 3-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Valencia Cathedral entry ticket
Church of Saint Nicholas entry ticket
Lonja de la Seda entry ticket
Guided walking tour of the historic district
Maximum group size of 20
What to bring:
Government-issued ID (Essential for youth verification)
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
Clothing that covers knees and shoulders
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, this walking tour is suitable for families and children of all ages. Children under 12 usually enter the monuments for free, but they still require a ticket which your guide will manage.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
This tour is wheelchair accessible and stays within the flat areas of the historic center. However, please reach out to us in advance if you have any mobility concerns to make sure we have the proper accommodations.
Is there a dress code for the churches?
Because you will enter the Cathedral and the Church of Saint Nicholas, you should wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. This is a standard requirement for religious sites in Spain to ensure respectful entry.
What happens if it rains?
The tour usually runs in all weather conditions, including light rain. If a severe storm makes it unsafe to continue, we will contact you to offer a different date or a full refund.
