Private tour in Valencia Sarah-Kate R

The Original Valencia Full-Day Tour

5.0

(12) reviews

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Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Sarah-Kate R.

5.0

Guide rating

167

Reviews

Tours delivered

20 hrs

Avg. response time

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.

Overview of your Valencia tour

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!

Recent Reviews

Judith N.United States
October 2024

I can't say enough good things about Kate. She is absolutely wonderful! Her knowledge of Valencia and Spain is tremendous and she was able to answer our myriad of questions. We were able to do and see so much due to her knowledge of the city and her willingness to meet our interests. We thank you Kate for giving us a wonderful day in Valencia. Judy

Jeanne B.United States
April 2024

Our tour was with Josep as Sarah Kate had a family occasion that popped up after we booked. Josep was absolutely amazing! His knowledge of Valencia was incredible and he was very easy to get along with. He showed us so many great things about the city and definitely made us want to come back and spend even more time there! Best of all was lunch - he took us to a great restaurant on the beach and we had one of the best meals yet in our 2 weeks in Spain!

Larry A.United States
October 2023

Our day with Kate was a perfect 10! She is a terrific guide and an extremely delightful person that gave us a comprehensive view of Valencia and the surrounding area. We loved the stops for a local drink and a delicious lunch. We thoroughly enjoyed her company and highly recommend touring with her.

Lisa A.United States
February 2023

Great tour and fabulous guide! Very interesting and what a beautiful place!!

Robert S.United States
December 2022

Kate did a wonderful job of taking us around València. We were first time visitors and she took us to all the city highlights and a great place for paella! She imparts a wealth of information about the city and its unique history. We strongly recommend booking her if you can!

Scott S.United States
October 2022

Vincent was a terrific guide, tailoring what we saw to our interests very flexibly. He brought his deep knowledge to life in a very interesting way. We loved the trip to the rice fields and the paella meal he arranged for us on our request.

Your Valencia tour itinerary

•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

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Other

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.

What's included
Other: Private car and pick-up with a Mercedes (1-3 passengers) or a Ssangyong Rodius (4-6 passengers) and bilingual driver/guide including all driving expenses (gas, parking, etc.). If you are more than 6, I hire a mini-bus with driver for an extra charge.Entrances to two main monuments or museums: The Silk Exchange or L'Amoina Roman Archeological Museum are the most popular. You can also choose the Cathedral or Marquis Palace, for example. Any additional entrances would be paid separately and are subject to time allowance.Personal photographer when you wish
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: Entrance fees
What's not included
Other: Extra Entrances if you so choose AND there is time. Extra Cathedral: Pay at the door aprox. 3.50€ per person for those tickets. Other possibilites: TOWERS: If you would like to climb the Miguelete, the Cathedral tower, or the Torre de Serrano, for great views, it is aprox. 2€.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Valencia, Valencian Community, Spain

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Tour reference number
557543
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Valencia best suited for?

This private tour in Valencia is perfect for travellers who want an immersive experience of the city's rich history and culture. It's ideal for those interested in exploring Valencia's historical sites, from Roman ruins to the modern City of Arts and Sciences. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly, and for those who prefer minimal walking. Additionally, it's a great option for cruise ship passengers looking for a shore excursion.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Valencia be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

Is this private tour in Valencia suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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