Audio Guide to Creating the Perfect Valencian Picnic

Discover How to Create the Perfect Valencian Picnic for Just $9.99

The Audio Guide to Creating the Perfect Valencian Picnic offers an engaging self-guided tour through some of Valencia’s most iconic food spots, all for only $9.99 per person. Lasting approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, this experience is ideal for anyone eager to blend local gastronomy with a relaxed picnic in Parque Central. The tour features the guidance of Suzie, a licensed city guide and owner of Tours in Valencia, who leads you through independent shops specializing in artisan bread, pastries, cheese, charcuterie, chocolates, and wine.

This tour is a flexible, self-paced adventure with lifetime virtual access, allowing you to explore at your convenience before or after your visit. It’s perfect for those who enjoy discovering authentic local flavors without the constraints of a large group or rigid schedule. However, note that food and drink purchases along the way are not included in the price, giving you the freedom to choose your favorites.

Key Points

• Affordable and flexible: At $9.99, this tour provides a budget-friendly way to explore Valencian food culture.
• Self-guided with virtual access: Enjoy unlimited, lifetime use of the tour, including a virtual option to do it from home.
• Authentic local shops: Visit independent shops like Mercat de Colón, Orxateria Daniel, and La Majada Quesos.
• Delicious tastings: Sample Horchata, artisan cheeses, chocolates, Buñuelos, gelato, and local coffee.
• Ideal picnic setting: The tour culminates at Parque Central, the perfect spot to enjoy your carefully curated Valencian picnic.
• No food included: Be prepared to purchase items along the way, as food and drinks are not included.

Starting Point at the Historic Mercat de Colón

The tour begins at Mercat de Colón, a 1916-built food market that showcases Valencia’s vibrant culinary scene. From here, the guide directs you to explore Valencian specialties and enjoy a sweet and creamy Horchata — a signature drink made from ground nuts. This early stop sets the tone for a food-focused journey that balances history, tradition, and taste. While purchases are not included, the market’s atmosphere offers a lively start to your day.

Sampling Valencian Horchata at Orxateria Daniel

Next, the tour takes you to Orxateria Daniel, a renowned spot for local Horchata. Here, you can sample this traditional beverage, which pairs beautifully with local Spanish ham. The shop provides insights into Horchata’s significance in Valencian culture, making it more than just a taste. While no food is included in the tour price, this stop offers a genuine opportunity to experience a local favorite.

Exploring Valencian Wedding Traditions by the Basilica

Passing by the Basílica Sant Vicent Ferrer, the tour highlights local wedding customs and traditions. This stop adds a cultural layer to the culinary journey, connecting food to local festivities and community practices. Though no food is involved here, the architecture and the stories shared about Valencian life enrich the experience.

Discovering Award-Winning Artisanal Cheese at La Majada Quesos

A highlight for cheese lovers is the visit to La Majada Quesos, Spain’s award-winning cheese shop. The shop offers a variety of artisanal cheeses for your picnic spread. While the tour doesn’t include purchases, this stop emphasizes quality and local craftsmanship, providing inspiration for your culinary basket.

Sweet Indulgence at Trufas Martínez

Moving on, Trufas Martínez specializes in chocolate truffles, perfect to satisfy a sweet tooth. This chocolatier is a treat for anyone looking to add luxurious chocolates to their picnic. It’s a chance to appreciate Valencia’s chocolate craftsmanship that complements the savory items gathered along the route.

Sampling Valencian Buñuelos at Xurreria El Contraste

At Bunyoleria Xurreria El Contraste, Mariano, a fourth-generation pastry maker, introduces you to Buñuelos, the Valencian take on churros. Filled with pumpkin, these snacks are fluffy and ideal for sharing during your picnic. While food purchases are not included, this stop highlights a local snack tradition that many find irresistible.

Enjoying the Best Gelato at Antigua Lechería Valencia

A perfect finish to your tasting journey is at Antigua Lechería Valencia, where you can sample the town’s best gelato. The shop offers flavors rooted in local ingredients and traditions, making it an ideal treat after exploring the city’s food scene. This delightful stop adds a sweet touch to the overall experience.

Savoring Coffee at Ikore Kofi Ruzafa

The tour extends to Ikore Kofi Ruzafa, a specialty coffee shop where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. It’s an opportunity to enjoy local cafe culture and appreciate Valencia’s coffee craftsmanship. While no food is included here, it offers a moment of refreshment and culture.

Shopping for Local Ingredients at Mercat de Russafa

Next, the route takes you to Mercat de Russafa, a vibrant fish market where you receive insider tips on selecting local seafood and ingredients perfect for your picnic. This stop emphasizes shopping knowledge and ingredient quality, helping you assemble a genuinely Valencian spread.

Picking Up Fresh Bread at Forn Valencia

Forn Valencia is known for bread baked in a wood-fired oven, providing fresh, crusty loaves for your picnic. The shop’s traditional baking methods ensure high-quality bread that pairs well with cheeses and charcuterie purchased earlier. No purchases are included, but the shop offers ideal accompaniments.

Tasting Traditional Valencia Paella at QUE BÓ!

The tour’s culinary highlight is at QUE BÓ!, where you can try authentic Valencia paella, made with rabbit and chicken. This savoury dish provides a taste of local cultural pride in one of Spain’s most famous dishes. You may choose additional savory options to complement your picnic, though food is not included.

Ending at Central Park’s Philippines Entrance

The final stop is at Jardí de la Horta, the entrance to Central Park Valencia. Here, you can spread out your picnic and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The park’s peaceful atmosphere offers the perfect backdrop to relax and indulge in your carefully selected Valencian treats.

Practical Details and Booking Info

This private tour guarantees a personalized experience with only your group participating. The starting point is at Carrer de Jorge Juan near Mercat de Colón, and the tour wraps up at Jardí de la Horta within public transportation reach. You’ll receive instructions and a unique code to download the tour, with virtual tour access available at any time for lifelong use.

Please bring your own smartphone and headphones, and be prepared to purchase food and drinks along the way. The entire experience is designed to be flexible, allowing you to explore at your own pace and spend as much time as you wish at each stop.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour suits culinary enthusiasts eager to discover authentic Valencian flavors without large crowds or fixed schedules. It appeals especially to food lovers who enjoy tastings and shopping for artisanal products. Perfect for those looking for a relaxed, educational experience that culminates in a beautiful picnic at Parque Central.

The Sum Up: A Practical and Tasty Valencian Experience

The Audio Guide to Creating the Perfect Valencian Picnic offers an accessible, cost-effective way to explore the city’s food scene, blending local shop visits, tastings, and cultural insights. The self-guided format and lifetime virtual access make it a flexible choice for visitors wanting to craft their ideal picnic spread.

While food purchases are not included, the variety of stops ensures a diverse selection of cheeses, chocolates, baked goods, and savory dishes to inspire your picnic. The experience’s highlight is the final picnic at Parque Central, a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the flavors of Valencia.

This tour is most suited for independent travelers who appreciate authentic culinary discovery and want the convenience of a guided self-exploration. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to indulge in Valencian food traditions with minimal hassle and maximum flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, as it’s a self-guided experience with stops at food shops, children can enjoy tasting and exploring.

Do I need to bring my own food?
No, but you should be prepared to purchase food and drinks along the route, as they are not included in the tour price.

How long does the tour take?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, but your pace can vary.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes at Jardí de la Horta in Central Park Valencia.

Can I do this tour at any time?
Yes, it’s available any day from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, and you can access the virtual tour anytime afterward.

Is there any physical requirement?
The tour involves walking between stops, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are there any restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but you should bring your own smartphone and headphones.

What’s the main benefit of this tour?
It offers insider tips on local ingredients, authentic tastings, and a relaxed, flexible schedule perfect for food lovers.