From history to the cinema:
Templars, Popes & Pirates
Travel to a time in which the region of Valencia was the cradle and refuge for rebel popes. Visit the refuge of the last Popes of Avignon, Benedict XIII and Clement VIII. Conquer Peñíscola, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, and sit on the Iron Throne.
Discover Peñíscola, a destination that was seen in movies both Spanish and in Hollywood. The city is loved for its crystal-clear beach, its walled citadel and its castle crowning the highest rock. Indeed, Peñíscola is one of the most beautiful villages in Spain but also, It’s a set seen fit for Game of Thrones and El Cid.
Walk through the white streets of a fishing village and discover an imposing and impregnable castle which controls the passage of frigates and corsairs.
Going off the beaten path, we will reach Sant Mateu, unknown but not to be forgotten for its historical links to Europe, and uniquely arched buildings. Explore Sant Mateu, the historical capital of the Maestrazgo, strewn with buildings reminiscent from a glorious past to discover why it was a headache for European kings and Roman popes.
Finally, you get the chance to climb to the lookout and get a view of the encircling mountains and discover its secrets from a magnificent and unique sanctuary.
9h00 / Carrer de Xátiva, 11, Xátiva Metro Stop, (Google Map)
We recommend you to be 10 minutes before the departure time at each pick up point.
We wil have the opportunity to discover Peñíscola, a tourist destination known worldwide for its crystal-clear beach, it’s castle inside the walled fishing village, crowning the highest rock. Indeed, Peñíscola is one of the most beautiful villages in Spain but also, It’s a great film set!
From the sea to the mountain in the twinkling of an eye… We arrive at Sant Mateu, a very special town, known for its history and for its medieval buildings. Discover why Sant Mateu and Peñíscola were a headache for European kings and Roman popes…
Carrer de Xátiva, nº 11 – Xátiva Metro Stop –
After picking you up from Valencia we will go on an adventure to the North.
Along the way we will find traces of the millenary history of our region: castles, watchtowers, hermitages and large areas of cultivation. Through these lands passed Hannibal with his elephants to conquer Rome, El Cid Campeador and Jaime I who also conquered Valencia.
On the rock, dominating the Mediterranean Sea, stands the imposing castle of Peñíscola. Discover one of the most beautiful villages in Spain which is rich in history, film characters and anecdotes. Explore an authentic fishing village and imagine the life of its inhabitants next to such imposing monuments.
We will enter the Maestrazgo, in the mountains, to reach its former capital, Sant Mateu; a land of refuge for the rebellious popes, exiled Cathars and persecuted Templars. These are lands of the millennial olive trees, ancestral culture and dream landscapes. Enjoy the journey!
You have an hour to eat and several options to satisfy your appetite. In the town square you will find restaurants with menus starting at 9.50 euros with typical food of the area. You can also bring your sandwich from home. Enjoy this free time as you wish.
Once we have refuelled our energy, we will leave for a new adventure.
At this point of our trip, a passionate local guide will tell us more details of this place with a special charm. Sant Mateu is not like any other place! From the beautiful buildings of this town we will find traces of its great history, fruit of a very intense commercial relationship with a powerful city called Florence!
We will then discover the hidden world of monastic life at the sanctuary overlooking the mountains and valley as the sun sets.
Probably you would like to rest on the bus after this impressive day of discoveries, you’ve earned it! We will wake you up when we arrive to Valencia.
