Xativa Castle & Village Tour
Discover the secrets of the ancient hilltop castle and surrounding town, home to one of the most powerful Renaissance families in Spain, the House of Borja or the infamous Borgia Popes. This is a private full-day tour with a private guide one hour south of the city and can be combined with an L’Albufera lagoon visit with a boat ride or can be visited on its own.
Only about an hour south of the city, Xativa is a wonderful day trip from Valencia. As the second largest city in Kingdom of Valencia after the Christian re-conquest, it held great early economic and church power and was site where one of the most influential European families, the Borgias, where born.
Leaving Valencia, we pass through orange groves and mountain passes to this hilltop town, protected by the walled fortress originally built the Iberian tribes and Romans. The walls you see today were mostly reconstructed by the Moors and in Christian medieval times, which is when Xativa was most powerful. You climb to the top of Xativa will be rewarded with panoramic views of the medieval rooftops and the village below.
A lunch stop is always scheduled during this tour, so we will recommend for you one of several excellently priced spots with fabulous quality dishes that are typical of this area. We can eat in the town or you can combine this with a stop in the L’Albufera lagoon region, home of the origin of the Valencian paella, where we can eat and also take a 45min boat ride through the lagoon. Please indicate your preference on your booking form.
Duration: 8 hours
Meeting Point: Train Station, Bus Station, Port, Hotel, or Destination of Your Choice
***For Port Pick Ups Only: Your private guide will meet you at the ‘Acciona Transmediterranea terminal’ at the cruise ship port, where your ship might be docking anyway. If you dock elsewhere, you will be at a pier a bit further away with restricted access for vehicles and private pick-ups. In this case, the port authorities will provide a shuttle bus, free of charge, that takes about 5 minutes to get to the Acciona Transmediterranea Terminal, which is the only place private pick-ups are allowed. Your guide will be waiting for you at the terminal with a sign in your name.
Transportation:
- 4 people or fewer – Mercedes Class B (similar to a small SUV).
- 4-6 people – Chrysler Grand Voyager with tinted windows, leather seats, and electric doors.
- 7+ people – Private coach with a driver, in addition to your guide.
IMPORTANT NOTE (for groups of 6): In my larger touring car, the middle two seats are spacious and comfortable, and the back seat is a three-person bench seat that might be a tight squeeze for some. Before I can confirm a booking for six people with this vehicle, I will need confirmation that you understand this arrangement before I accept the booking. If you prefer, I would be happy to arrange a private coach and driver in addition to your guide. Please let me know that this is your preference when you submit your pre-booking form.
Inclusions:
- Private tour for you and your party alone
- Private passionate, friendly and knowledgable private guide in language of your choice
- Private air conditioned transportation, including all driving expenses (parking costs, fuel, etc.)
- Entrances to Xativa Castle
- Cafe or beverage invite
Exclusions:
- Additional museum or monument entrances
- Lunch*
- Souvenirs
- Gratuity (non-obigatory)
*Please note that while every full day tour includes time for lunch, the price of lunch is not included in the price of the tour, as it will need to be paid directly to the restaurant on the day. We would be delighted to organize lunch for you at a local restaurant within your preferred budget. If you prefer, your guide can accompany you to lunch to assist you with translating and ordering, or you can meet with your guide after your meal has finished.