Private Tour of Valencia: Old Town, La Lonja de la Seda

The tour begins at Torres de Serranos, the 14th-century Gothic gateway that once controlled entry into the city. From there, the route leads to Plaza de la Virgen, where the cathedral, the basilica, and the old riverbed converge in one of Valencia's most meaningful public spaces.

You will view the exterior of the Cathedral of Valencia, a structure that took several centuries to complete and reflects Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque influences. Nearby, Horchatería Santa Catalina offers a well-earned break with traditional horchata and fartons, accompanied by a brief history of this uniquely Valencian drink.

The route passes through the bustling Mercado Central before arriving at La Lonja de la Seda, the 15th-century silk exchange recognized by UNESCO for its outstanding Gothic hall. Along the way, your guide will point out the narrowest building in Europe and the distinctive circular form of Plaza Redonda.

The Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas presents one of Spain's most elaborate Baroque facades, a carved alabaster entrance that rewards close inspection. Nearby, La Nau — the historic seat of the University of Valencia — offers a quieter, academic counterpoint with its Renaissance courtyard.

Puerta del Mar marks the site where Valencia's medieval walls once met the road to the sea, and your guide will place it in the context of the city's long history of trade and defense. Crossing the Puente de la Exposición — designed by Santiago Calatrava — brings you into the old Turia riverbed park.

The tour concludes with a walk along the tree-lined Paseo de la Alameda before entering Jardín de Monforte, a 19th-century neoclassical garden known for its sculpted hedges, fountains, and peaceful atmosphere. It is a quiet and fitting end to an afternoon in the city.