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who had successfully taken control of this part of Spain, and was given the name Valentia, meaning brave or valiant.

The original city is an area now known as El Carmen. The narrow streets of this wonderfully charismatic district brings history to life. The incredibly well preserved medieval city walls, built during the Moorish occupation, lead us from the banks of the river Turia through the massively impressive Torre de Serrano city gate into a world of ancient, narrow streets. Wooden slatted blinds drape over ornate wrought iron balconies which protect the inhabitants from the rays of the summer sun.

Ancient flats, some very elegant, others brightly coloured and garish add to the charming contrasts of this delightful area. Quaint cafes and artisan shops invite closer inspection. Also, while you are in this area, look out for the cat house. A tiny little house built on the side of a building with a front door for the cats to use. Legend has it that this house has existed since El Cid walked the streets of Valencia.

tower is the huge medieval bell Miguel.

Nearby you can see the remains of the original Roman city which was unearthed in 1985. Or you can take a well-earned rest beside the delightfully imaginative fountain of Neptune in the Plaza de la Virgen. In front of the cathedral in the Plaza de la Reigna you can make use of the hop on hop off city tour bus. Then all within walking distance, the National museum of ceramic art. Worth a visit just to see the sublime exterior of the building, the old silk exchange which in earlier days really was a trading centre for a thriving silk industry.

Across the road is Spain's largest indoor food market. In the very centre of the city a blaze of colour from the numerous flower stalls and sparkling silver fountains announce your arrival in the town square. The stylish buildings form a square which boasts what must surely be some of the finest buildings to be seen anywhere in the world.

One even looks like a multi-tiered wedding cake. A solid 384 archway bullring looms over a pedestrianised area which offers a wide variety of popular eating places, where Valencianas and tourists alike gather to eat, drink and soak up the lively atmosphere of this sumptuous city

So much for the old. Now on with the new.

In 1957 when the River Turia disastrously broke its banks costing the lives of 60 inhabitants, a decision was made to reroute the river to bypass the city. With the water diverted to the orange groves surrounding the city, the bed of the now dry river still cuts through the centre of the city but has now been converted into a huge park which provides many leisure facilities. As part of this project the city fathers decided in 1967 to build, in and around the river bed, a huge, new and very futuristic leisure complex which is so eye-catching that it is easily seen from the air when flying over Valencia. The City of Sciences as it is known, combines brilliantly designed, futuristic buildings with some very modern activities.

A theatre, an Imax cinema, stunning sparkling blue pools, a botanic area, a hands-on science museum where you are encouraged to have a go, a waterpark with dolphin shows and a shark tunnel, a tourist train, and also nearby is the interesting and often amusing fallas museum, which contains hundreds of effigies which over the years have been rescued from the flames of the city's famous night of fire. Known as "The Fallas".

It is hard to imagine a city with so much to offer the visitor. Valencia is a flat and compact city which is easy to get around on foot or by excellent public transport which includes a first class metro system.

David's Coachtrips offer a 3 day city visit including an introductory city tour. Well located 4* city centre hotel B&B.155€ pp

Next dates 3 days - 12-14 June, 26-28 Sept, 24-26 Oct