Departure from Valencia, Spain - One-Day Experience in Xàtiva

Spain | Valencia | Once forgotten by history, Xàtiva, located in the La Costera region, is an ancient city that not only boasts the most spectacular castle complex on the Iberian Peninsula but also nurtured the influential Borgia family in Europe. 🏰 Twin Mountain Castles: An open-air museum overlooking a millennium of civilization 📍 Xàtiva Castle on the Vernissa and Peña Roja ridges ✅ Founded in the Iberian period (6th century BC), expanded through Roman, Islamic, and Gothic eras ✅ Existing Islamic fortifications + Gothic arches + Renaissance palace ruins ✅ The viewing platform offers panoramic views of the entire Costera Valley 💡 Visiting tips: ▪️ It is recommended to take the sightseeing train up and down the mountain (to save energy for in-depth exploration) ▪️ Armor-clad guard changing ceremonies daily at 11:00 and 17:00 ▪️ Secret passage: Find the "Traitor’s Gate" built during the Arab period ⛪ Old Town Tour: Journey between Baroque and Gothic styles Four must-visit landmarks: 1️⃣ Collegiate Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady (La Seu) Houses the original "Last Supper" altarpiece by Ribalta Gothic cloisters embedded with Roman stone carvings 2️⃣ Old Royal Hospital (15th century) Rare Gothic medical building, now the Municipal Music Hall Vault paintings preserve medieval herbal charts 3️⃣ Almudín Grain Market Arab-style arcade building, now an archaeological museum Collections include Paleolithic hand axes and Neolithic pottery 4️⃣ Ruins of the Monastery of Saint Dominic Baptism site of the Borgia family, with a surviving 14th-century rose window Recommended to follow the "Borgia Route" tour 🌳 Natural Archaeology: Explore ancient human habitats 📍 Cova Negra Archaeological Site ✅ Neanderthal habitation site ✅ Unearthed ancient human teeth and flint tools ✅ Located in a natural park ideal for hiking and birdwatching 🍚 Must-try classic dishes ▫️ Arroz al Horno (Oven-baked rice): Slow-cooked in a Moroccan clay pot, served with chickpeas and blood sausage ▫️ Arnadí (Pumpkin dessert): Arab-influenced sweet paired with cinnamon almond sauce 🍷 Paired with local Montesa red wine Contact an expert guide to arrange your itinerary and tickets!