2025 Volendam, Valencia, Spain...

 I got up at 6 am to take photos in the dark as we sailed into Valencia. Ann, Cathy and I got off the ship before the 8:15 sunrise and met David Jose, our guide for the day. I had not been to Valencia for more the 11 years and this was the ladies first visit. Our first stop was the City of Art and Sciences…The City of Arts and Sciences, is a world-renowned complex that combines modern architecture, entertainment, and education in one place.  What an impressive site! The buildings unique architecture was designed by the famous Valencia architect Santiago Calatrava. It is a stunning combination of glass, steel, and concrete, making it a must see. The perfect reflections in the water was like giving me a fresh canvas and brush with each photo I created…  I was in my element, snapping away creating some pretty cool images.  Once in the city center we parked underground at the Mercado Colon, the iconic 1916 former market set in a grand modernist building is now a dining & shopping hub. The rest of our time was spent walking the streets of Old Town Valencia…. taking in the major historic sites like the; Bank of Valencia, Valencia University, Valencia Cathedral, Silk Exchange an architecture gem, Serranos Tower, where I climbed the iconic tower to take in the spectacular views of the city. Everywhere you turned the city was packed with thousands of walkers, runners and skaters participating in a charity walk/run for cancer. The last area we visited was the Barrio del Carmen, a historic area with charming old streets and vibrant street art. Valencia is a very walkable city, and its old town is packed with history, architecture, and picturesque spots.  We returned the ship for a late lunch and some sun time. Thanks, David, for a very enjoyable day. We are really looking forward to our out-of-town tour from Barcelona tomorrow.