Private tour in Valencia Sarah-Kate R
5.0
(12) reviews
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Sarah-Kate R.
5.0
Guide rating
166
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26 hrs
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Hola! Ven conmigo! Please let me show you the hiden gems of my hometown and surrounding areas. I can't wait to meet you and share with you what I love most: the history of Spain, Valencia and Europe, their cultural similarities and differences throughout with great stories and anecdotes. I have been guiding and leading tours across Valencia, Spain and Europe since 2005 and not only am I an official guide, but having done a Masters in History at the University of Valencia along with the translation of a history textbook, I can accurately say I am a published historian too! I am completely bilingual in Spanish and English, from Maine in the US, but brought up partly in the Dominican Republic. Even at age 10, I found myself in the front of a van helping my mother with her work, as we described the landscape and translated together. Being a guide is like a family legacy! I went to Bates College, in Maine back in the US, and continued travelling on abroad programs and studied in Ireland, Germany and China and studied several other languages. 5 days after I graduated, I came to Spain, in 1999, to Madrid first, to teach English. I thought I would stay only for a few months… But then I fell in love with... THE CITY OF VALENCIA! ThenI met my Valenciano husband, as I am fond of reminding him ;) So after over 26 years here, I am a complete local now, having married into a very large Valencian family. My husband, Vicente, and I have 3 trilingual children, who knows their mom loves her job and they get to travel a lot with me. We lived in Barcelona for 5 years where I started guiding in 2005 in the city and throughout Spain, France and Portugal through a high-end educational tour company, with both adults and teens. So, I really do enjoy all ages and family groups as well. One of the elements I love about my work is that I get to connect with interesting, unique, kind and generous people from all over the world. I particularly thrive identifying with the similarities of international people and helping them relate to Spanish customs to really feel like they are interacting with Spain, not just visiting. I have stayed in touch with many guests throughout the years and love seeing them again in other parts of Spain on occasion. As a passionate Spanish-American dual citizen, I have a unique way of telling the story of Valencia, the importance of the old kingdom of Aragon and the history of Spain, but also of helping you understand the modern differences between Spain and your country, which are fascinating current anthropological conversations. I still get excited about being on the very grounds of where the Romans were 2000 years ago, or on the hilltop of my very town where an important battle took place in the 13th century or walking through new art or technology exhibits on the cutting edge of Europe. But I also find our health care system and politics equally as interesting. On every street corner, there are clues into our past and our future and I continuously read and research our treasures and national statistics to share with you. I will make your visit with me utterly interesting and relevant in your own life that you will want to come back or move here! I enjoy taking care of you, helping you with your needs and making your time here uniquely memorable, whether on a customized tour for your specific interests or on one of my tried and trusted tours (almost 250 with ToursByLocals)! My average client is like you: worldly, curious, enjoys the personal time spent with a local, with no run-of-the-mill style, but also expects efficiency and professionalism and I aim that you have that 5* experience every time. So, please come with me- I look forward to sharing my Valencia with you! Updated Feb. 2025 •Official Licensed Local Guide of Valencia •20+ Years Experience with all nationalities, group sizes and ages •MA in History at the University of Valencia (2020-2021) •BA in Philosophy, Cum-Laude graduate, Bates College, Maine USA (1995-1999) •Former Co-President of American Club of Valencia •Official Spain and EU guide, running groups and private tours throughout the rest of Spain, Morocco and Europe since 2005, so have an immense amount of information for the rest of your travels and can be hired for longer tours beyond Valencia. •Luxury Travel Award for my private website 3+ years •No. 1 TBL Guide in no. of tours given in Valencia •English and Spanish teacher with 10+ years of experience with kids, teens and adults, if you have language needs to practice on our tour as well
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Sarah-Kate R.
My Original Valencia Day Tour visits the ages of Valencia's history, from Iberians to Romans, our 500 years of Moorish rule in Valencia, medieval hardships and subsequent Golden Age to Spain's unification of kingdoms, for better or for worse, to the ideological wars of the 20th century, you will get a full Spanish experience in the sites our city offers. What makes Valencia so unique is the ability to see something like Calatrava's City of Arts and Sciences and have it make sense, after visiting the gothic quarter in the historical downtown. You will not just get the highlights of our city from the beach and port areas, the modernista bullring, station and markets but you'll feel like you have jumped into Spanish history itself, as you will learn that Valencia is the pivotal place that rockets Spain to its position in the 15th century. This is a private immersive experience, stopping for a traditional lunch of paella or tapas, as you may prefer. Be careful, you may want to move here by the end of the day!
•Private pick up at your requested spot (such as cruise ship port, hotel, train station) •Scenic drive of the beach area with ancient port history •Historical center walk: Roman ruins, gothic streets, Modernista Central Market, Cathedral, medieval Lonja Silk exchange (with entrances into two in depth and other entrances as shorter peek stops), Moorish wall ruins •Main plazas with their historical importance •The incredible City of Arts and Sciences Complex in the riverbed Turia park (walking) •Driving tour of chic residential neighborhoods, bullring and modernista train station, Gothic towers from the 14th and 15th centuries and medieval wall •Lunch with reservations at a traditional spot in the city on an outdoor terrace if weather permits. Tapas or paella may be decided upon (lunch price not included) •Optional scenic drive to the Albuferra lake, just 6 miles south •Drop-off at requested spot
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3 people or fewer: Mercedes Class B (like a small SUV). 4-6 people: Large Ssangyong Rodius minivan with tinted windows and leather seats. 7+ people: Please consult as it is easy to get a minibus at an additional cost. IMPORTANT NOTE for groups of 6: In my touring van, the middle two seats are very large and comfortable, and the back seat is a bench seat for 3 people. This may be a tight squeeze, so I need a confirmation that this is alright before I can accept the booking.
Valencia, Valencian Community, Spain
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12 reviews
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