The Silk Road is a route that was born from commercial exchanges with different products, especially silk. Its origin was in the Chinese silk business from the 1st century BC. After hundreds of years, it was extended by Asia and then arrived to Europe. Sericulture arrived to the Iberian Peninsula by the Arabs and Valencia became soon the leading city in Spain in the silk industry.
In 2015, UNESCO includedSpainas amember state of the Silk Road Programme. Valenciahas been considered as theSilk City 2016focal point fromUNESCO Mediterranean Programme. In this visit guided across the Valencia Silk Road an expert guide will reveal you allabout the process of silk-making and trading, the most important industry in Valenciabetween 16th-18th centuries.
Youll start in The College of the Higher Art of Silk Making. It was one of the main drivers of the Valencian economy and the silk manufacturers from its founding in the 15th century. Nowadays, its the Silk Museum. Next stop will be in an old Silk Factory that still retains its original distribution. Then, youll walk by the neighborhood of Velluters (the velvet artisans) as you listen about the architectural heritage, the delicate fabrics and the charming history of the silk industry. Then you'll see the most representative Valencian clothing shops related to silk fabrics.
Youll visit "La lonja de la seda", declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It was the trade center of the city, and the silk-tradding had a central role in its commercial transactions. Finally, youll be immerse in an old family factory, where ecclesiastical silk ornaments were produced with old looms and traditional embroidery techniques.
After this guided tour youll enjoy one of the best paellas in Valencia. As first plate, you can choose between Valencian paella, seafood paella or fideu (noodles paella) accompanied by typical starters and desserts prepared with traditional recipes.
After lunch, get ready to enjoy a Bus Tour with 2 routes included: Historical Valencia route will take you to explore the historical and monumental city: the old town, city center, and other sites of interest. On the Valencia Maritime route youll be going to meet the coastal area and most modern zone in Valencia: the City of Arts and Sciences, the Port of Valencia and the Malvarrosa beach, among others. You can combine both routes as you prefer, drop-on drop-off at any stop, as many times as you want on the same day. The duration is 90 minutes each route.An intense day in Valencia that combines culture, history, traditions, gastronomy and modernity... You cannot miss it!