Hotel Port Denia QQQQ

Xativa

This excursion heads to the town of Xativa that sits in the shadow of an impressive medieval castle. There are a wealth of historic attractions within the town, including the Seu Cathedral, the Palace of the Marquis of Montortal and the Arco Palace. Just outside Xativa is the Cova Negra (Black Cave), where 30,000-year-old relics have been discovered. It is believed that the notorious Borgias originated from Xativa and that they funded many of the town’s palaces and churches.

Three-quarter day

Moraira and Jalon

Nestled in the mountains between Calpe and Jávea is Moraira. This attractive resort is an affluent haven with its charming marina, excellent harbourside restaurants and traditional Spanish bars. Next, you’ll stop in the village of Jalon, where you’ll have the chance to visit the numerous wine bodegas and the blue domed church.

Half day

Valencia

This tour of Spain’s third-largest city starts with a visit to the Fallas Museum, where you will find out more about the history behind this great fiesta – the fallas themselves are huge papier-maché sculptures. Next is a visit to one of the biggest indoor markets in Spain, followed by a guided walk past the cathedral and basilica. After some free time for lunch, a final stop is made at the City of Arts and Science, where there is an opportunity to take photographs of the superb modern buildings and bridges. This excursion involves a fair amount of walking with a local guide.

Full day

Altea, Calpe and Sierra

Spend some time wandering round the charming old town of Altea, a web of cobbled, narrow and crooked streets lined with restaurants and shops affording glimpses of the bay.

Be sure to visit the church of La Mare de Déu del Consol — you can’t miss its beautiful blue and white domes, tiled with glazed ceramics. Perhaps enjoy a stroll along the lively seafront promenade before continuing to the historic fishing port of Calpe. Here, the 1,000-foot high Rock of Ifach, a historic surveillance point and visual navigation feature, is joined to the land by a narrow isthmus, neatly protecting the harbour.

Full day

Maserof

Travel inland to Maserof, where you can step back in time on a visit to a restored finca and bodega that are about 300 years old. Enjoy the views of the beautiful countryside while tasting the bodega's fine wines!

Half day

Guadalest

This excursion takes you to the beautiful village of Guadalest, set on a peak between the mountains. A natural strongpoint, it was used by the Moors as a fortress centuries ago, but is now more famous for its lacemaking and crochet work.

Half day

Villajoyosa and Chocolate Factory

Travel south to this beautiful seaside resort with its brightly coloured houses, designed to help fishermen find their way home. The town developed trading connections with Ecuador and Venezuela in the 19th century, importing cocoa. A chocolate industry sprang up and Villajoyosa is now famous for its particular confectionary.

Enjoy a guided tour of a chocolate factory – with the opportunity to taste the product – followed by a visit to the local market.

Half day

Gandía

Situated on the southern tip of the Costa Azahar, or Orange Blossom Coast, Gandía is an affluent city renowned not just for its oranges but for being the former home of the Borjas – their palace is where St Francis Borja was born in 1510. The lifetime of Duke San Francisco Borja coincided with the golden age of the city and he went on to open colleges all over Spain and Europe.

On this half-day trip you’ll stay in the cultural and commercial centre rather than visit the coastal strip, allowing you to see some of the historical monuments and seek out the enticing shops along Gandía's wide tree-lined avenues as well as those tucked away in its narrow streets. You’ll also have time to independently explore the Palace of the Borjas if you choose (entrance is not included).

Half day

Benidorm Palace

Take in a show at one of the most prestigious night spots on the Costa Blanca – the Benidorm Palace. This cabaret once played host to Rudolf Nuryev, and today offers a vibrant and colourful international show, expect exotic costumes and a serious flutter of feathers and sequins!

Evening

Javea Old Town

This sleepy, historic town's old town district is built on the hillside and surrounds the Gothic church of San Bartolemé. The more modern part of the resort is alongside the sandy beach.

Half day