Private tour in Valencia Sarah-Kate R

Valencia City and Countryside Tour

5.0

(27) reviews

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

1

Tour date
Start time
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

166

Reviews

Tours delivered

26 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

If you are like me, why choose one when you can have both, right? I love the social life, culture and amazing architecture and importance of the city but also love the Valencian countryside, where I chose to move to, once we had our little Valencian-American children. L'Albufera lagoon and natural park is just 6 miles south of the city and is the largest 'lake' in Spain, with gorgeous views and its on microclimate. Seeing the farmlands of Valencia, the rice paddies and the natural protected bird and wildlife park, gives you a much better perspective on our history here and a fuller view of Spanish life. Although the usual itinerary, as listed below, combines Valencia city and the L'Albufera natural park with a boat ride, this is totally customizable and if you prefer one of the Northern country-side views, such as my town, El Puig, or Jewish and Roman Sagunto, just let me know. Come with me on this fun packed visit of both the best of Valencia and the most popular of our countryside excursions!

Your Valencia tour itinerary

•Private pick up at your requested spot (such as cruise ship port, hotel, train station •Valencia city Highlights: Historical downtown walking tour including walk by the Roman ruins, gothic streets, Modernista Central Market, Cathedral, medieval Lonja Silk exchange •Scenic drive of the beach area with ancient port history •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 stop in city or in L'Albuferra •45 min. Boat ride on the lagoon with interesting regional and historical commentary and bird watching •Scenic drive back through the rice paddies to drop-off point Let me know ahead of time if you may want to substitute the L'Albuferra countryside with Northern Valencia, visiting Sagunto or quaint El Puig instead, leaving a bit more time in the city.

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 - SsangYong with tinted windows and leather seats. 7+ people - Please consult for minibus rental. 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 accept the booking. I can also book minibus at an additional charge.

What's included
Other: Private car with pick-up and drop-off in a Mercedes Class B or a SsangYong Rodius and a bilingual driver/guide including all driving expenses (gas, parking, etc.). If you are more than 6, I can hire a mini-bus with driver for an extra charge.Boat rides in L'AlbuferraGuided tour by an official local guide and Spanish-American bilingual professional with more than 15 years in the European tourism industryPRIVATE tour, catering only to you with no one included that is not your party.Commitment to total client satisfaction and American-style pre-tour, touring and post-tour service.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: Entrances
What's not included
Other: Entrances to the monuments are not included as every group has slightly different interests and closure days can be fairly unpredictable in Spain. You may decide on the day with my suggestions. No entrance fee is more than 5€ and most are around 2-3€ with discounted prices for retirees. Our 2pm lunch meal is our largest meal of the day in Spain and the norm is a 3 course meal, costing around 15€, of excellent quality.
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
Boat
Tour reference number
74216
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
5.0

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Valencia

27 reviews

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Valencia best suited for?

This private tour in Valencia is perfect for travellers who want to experience both the vibrant city life and the serene countryside of Valencia. It's ideal for those interested in history, culture, and nature, as it includes visits to historical sites, a scenic drive through the countryside, and a boat ride on L'Albufera lagoon. The tour is also suitable for families, including kids and seniors, as it is wheelchair accessible and has a minimal activity level.

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
Start time
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
Start time
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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