Tour of the Borgias with Cathedral included in Valencia

Discover Valencia’s Borgias: A Deep Dive into History and Heritage

If you’re curious about the mysterious and often controversial Borgia family, this Valencia tour offers a rare chance to walk in their footsteps. For just $27.30 per person, you’ll spend about 2 hours and 30 minutes exploring the city’s historic center, with visits to key sites like Plaza de Manises, San Nicolas Church, Valencia Cathedral, and the Borgia Palace. The tour culminates with an inside look at the Cathedral’s Holy Chalice, famously linked to the Borgias, and an overview of their intriguing legacy in this Spanish city.

What we love most about this experience is how it blends storytelling with visual history—getting to see the original façade of San Nicolas and the monstrance in the cathedral brings the past alive. Plus, the guide’s enthusiasm and expertise make complex family dramas accessible and entertaining. The only caveat? This is a walking tour with some cobbled streets, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a fair bit of strolling through narrow city lanes.

This tour suits history buffs, fans of the Borgias, or anyone wanting a more authentic, city-centered experience that brings centuries of family drama into focus. It’s perfect if you enjoy guided storytelling rather than self-guided visits, and if you’re ready to learn about the clergy, politics, and architecture that made Valencia a key Borgia hub.

Key Points

• In-Depth Family History: Learn about Valencian popes Calixto III and Alexander VI, the only Spanish popes, and their complex legacies.
• Historic Sites Included: Visit San Nicolas Church, Valencia Cathedral, and the Borgia Palace, with insights into their connections to the family.
• Inside the Cathedral: Gain access to the Holy Chalice, believed to be the legendary Holy Grail, and see the monstrance.
• Expert Guide: Guided by Paulino, a passionate and knowledgeable host, who makes the stories come alive.
• Authentic Experience: Walking through the old city center, encountering architecture, streets, and sites directly linked to the Borgias.
• Accessible & Well-Organized: Suitable for most travelers; small group size ensures personal attention and a more intimate experience.

A Closer Look at the Borgias Tour in Valencia

What’s Included and How It Breaks Down

Starting at Plaza de Manises, just outside the Palacio de la Generalitat Valenciana, the tour kicks off with a brief introduction to the family’s roots in Valencia. Here, the guide—who many reviewers praise as enthusiastic and full of knowledge—sets the stage with stories that connect the city’s present to its storied past.

From there, the walk takes you to San Nicolas de Bari, often called the “Sistine Chapel of Valencia” due to its stunning frescoes. Standing in front of its original façade, you’ll hear about Alfonso de Borgia, who became Pope Calixto III, and discuss his unusual rise from local clergy to papal throne. Reviewers frequently mention how well the guide brings this figure to life, blending facts with engaging anecdotes.

Next, your journey leads into Valencia Cathedral, where you’ll explore its interior masterpieces and see the Holy Chalice, linked to the Borgias’ legend. This part is considered a highlight, especially for those interested in religious relics and art. The museum houses the grandiose processional monstrance, adding another layer of visual drama to the visit.

The tour also visits Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados, where you’ll see baroque frescoes and learn about Valencia’s patron saint. Finally, the small group proceeds to Plaza de San Lorenzo, home to the Borgia Palace—not open to the public but visible from the outside—and seats of power like the Valencian Cortes. Here, you’ll hear about how the Borgia influence persisted in the city’s political fabric.

The Value of Guided Storytelling

One of the most appreciated aspects, based on reviews, is Paulino’s storytelling style—full of energy, passion, and factual accuracy. A reviewer noted, “Paulino was simply fantastic, speaking Spanish clearly and making the stories accessible to all.” His ability to connect the family’s history to Valencia’s architecture and culture helps make the past tangible.

Another reviewer appreciated how the chronological recounting made complex family politics easier to follow, saying, “The walking and explaining at different sites was perfectly done as the recount of events was easy to follow.” This approach helps travelers understand the family’s influence across centuries, rather than just seeing disconnected monuments.

What You’ll Experience

Expect a comfortable pace—the tour is timed to include entry tickets and inside visits, like the cathedral’s interior and the Holy Chalice. The small group size (max 15) ensures that questions are welcomed, and the guide can tailor the experience somewhat.

The 2.5-hour duration is usually enough to cover the sites without feeling rushed. Travelers have praised the enthusiasm and knowledge of the guide, with many noting that it far surpasses automated audio guides for engagement and depth.

Practicalities and Value

At $27.30, the tour is a solid value for what it offers. It combines cultural sites, artistic treasures, and family stories all in one walk. The inclusion of tickets—especially for the cathedral and the Holy Chalice—means you don’t need to worry about extra costs or long queues, which many travelers appreciate.

The tour’s meeting point at Plaza de Manises is accessible, and the end at Cortes Valencianas makes it convenient for further exploration or return trips. Given the limited group size and the engaging storytelling, this tour offers personalized attention that enhances your understanding of the Borgias’ impact on Valencia.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, particularly those interested in papal history, medieval politics, or Renaissance art. It’s also perfect if you like guided walks that bring locations to life with stories and insights from passionate guides. If you’re intrigued by the mystery of the Holy Grail or the notorious reputation of the Borgias, this tour delivers those stories directly linked to Valencia.

Travelers who value authentic sites, expert narration, and inside access will find this tour rewarding and entertaining. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a balanced mix of culture, history, and storytelling without requiring long hours or strenuous walks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, as the walking is manageable and sites are accessible. Just wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets.

Do I need to buy tickets separately?
No, tickets are included for the cathedral and the Holy Chalice, ensuring smooth entry and no wait times.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to 15 travelers, which allows for a more personal experience and easy interaction with the guide.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the start, allowing flexibility if your plans shift.

Is the tour available in languages other than Spanish?
Reviews mention the guide speaks Spanish clearly, but details about other languages aren’t specified, so check in advance if needed.

How long does the tour take?
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable half-day activity.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, given the cobbled streets and walking pace.

Are there any additional costs?
No, the price covers all entry fees and the guided experience.

Will I see the Borgia Palace inside?
No, the palace is not open to the public, but you’ll see it from outside and hear about its history.

Is the Holy Chalice really the Holy Grail?
It’s linked historically to the Borgias and the legend, but the authenticity remains a matter of faith and legend.

Final Thoughts

For those eager to uncover the lesser-known stories of the Borgias and see the sites that tell their story, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, and engaging storytelling. The knowledgeable guides, especially Paulino, ensure that each stop enriches your understanding of Valencia’s intriguing past. It’s a well-paced, informative walk that balances visual beauty with fascinating tales, making it an excellent choice for history lovers and curious travelers alike.

If you’re after a small-group, authentic experience with insider knowledge, this tour in Valencia is sure to satisfy your interest in one of history’s most infamous families. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and be ready for an engaging walk through time.