Excursion Orange trail route: historic orange groves in carcaixent tour at Valencia

Discover why the Valencia region is renowned for its world-renowned oranges during this immersive, half-day tour and tasting excursion at an historic orchard.

Valencia, Carcaixent

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Carcaixent, a town and municipality in the province of Valencia, eastern Spain. Although Carcaixent dates from Neolithic, Iberian, and Roman times, it is perhaps best-known as the birthplace of orange and citrus tree growth in Valencia, and the industry has flourished since the 19th century. Valencia is renowned for its oranges and its orange trees are unique, producing sweet fruit with a hint of bitterness and a deep, orange hue often associated with the 'perfect' orange. The weather here is ideal for growing orange trees, with just the right mixture of rain and sunshine, and helps produce some of the best oranges in the world.

Colourful Orange & Lemon Groves, Mountains, Huerto Ribera, Gardens, Orange Trees, Flowers

Whilst driving towards the La Ribera region, take in spectacular panoramic views and photo opportunities of the fields of colourful orange and lemon trees, along with groves scattered throughout the countryside around the historic town of Carxaixent. Upon arrival at Huerto Ribera, take a guided walking tour of this historic, family-owned property. First, visit the monumental front house, which was built in 1870 and is surrounded by mountains and exquisite views of the area's natural beauty. Take a stroll through the gardens filled with centenary orange trees and all types of flowers, and delight in the intoxicating aroma of the orange blossoms.

Citrus Varieties & Picking, Tastings of Orange Juice, Home-Made Specialities & Spirits, Store

Learn about the orchard's history, traditional vs. modern orange cultivation, and pruning, irrigation, and grafting. See the many varieties of citrus trees planted here, including sanguinelli, citrus yuzu, Buddha hand, limes, citrus caviar, calamondin, kumquats, and limequats. You can even collect your own seasonal oranges or tangerines to take home (from September until June). Next, enjoy a tasting of freshly-squeezed orange juice, home-made specialities, such as jams, marmalades, and orange blossom honey, served with biscuits or cake, and Valencian spirits; all are available for purchase at the orchard's store. Following your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Valencia, La Ribera Region, Local Towns & Landmarks, Carcaixent, Huerto Ribera, Historic Home, Orange Orchard, Walking Tour, Orange-Picking, Tastings

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and standing for approximately 0.6 miles (about one kilometre), at times over uneven, natural, inclined and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and several at the venue. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, bottled water, and Euros or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Products to be tasted could change depending upon the season. The driving time between the pier and Huerto Ribera Orchard is approximately one hour in each direction. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary.