Cycling Valencia and the Orange Blossom Coast

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Inland you discover typically Spanish villages and the Mediterranean coast is a delight to explore with wild beaches and ecologically important and diverse Nature Parks. This 7 night holiday takes in all that the region has to offer, starting with 2 nights in the wonderful city of Valencia, explore the Albufera wetlands to the south of the city where rice was first grown in Europe and the famous 'paella' dish so typical of Spain was created. Make sure you take plenty of time to explore the city of Valencia itself; the modern City of Arts and Sciences is a must and its contemporary buildings were built on the former riverbed of the River Turia. The historic old town area of the city holds the cathedral with a beautiful mixture of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles, for a perfect view of the city, climb the 207 steps to the top of the Miguelete tower and enjoy the 360 degree view of the city. The gothic building of 'La Longa', the Silk Exchange is well worth a visit and has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1996.After a short transfer inland you explore the off the beaten track inland valleys with pretty Spanish villages, some with their buildings dating back to the 13th and 14th century. Take a dip in the thermal spas of Montanejos where the crystal clear mineral waters are renowned for their rejuvenating qualities before following the river back towards the coast. The gentle coastal cycling takes you past secluded beaches and through the Sierra de Irta Marine Park where you can enjoy the natural environment at its best, before reaching your final destination in Peniscola, a charming town with a Templar castle and medieval walls surrounded by the sea with plenty of cobbled streets to explore.