Why Valesa Cultural?
We are dedicated to creating unique and fulfilling trips for each client including the best products and services that we personally inspect. Whether individuals or groups, we work collaboratively throughout our tailoring process to personalize each experience down to the last detail. Excellence in our service is our priority and so we proudly offer:
Meet the owner…
Marcy Forman, General Manager and Co-Owner, is an accomplished travel professional with 40 years experience. Marcy holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Hotel Administration from Cornell University and Spanish Culture Studies from Southern Methodist University in Madrid.
MARCY FORMAN
General Manager / Co-Owner
Where we operate
At Valesa, we not only understand clients individualized needs, but we are experts on the destinations we service as well. As passionate, bicultural professionals, we provide cultural experiences in:
Once we know all about you and what you’re seeking, we’ll craft the trip that best suits your interests, preferences, and tastes.
Where To Go
Regional Highlights
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Valesa Cultural Services – Spain, Portugal, France & Morocco
Valesa Cultural Services is an inbound tour operator offering personalized travel itineraries of priv
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗔
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Kelly.
#ValesaCulturalServices #ValesaCultural
𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧: 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗡’𝗦 𝗛𝗜𝗗𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗚𝗘𝗠𝗦 – 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁
For an unexpected, yet magical experience head to northern Spain- the opposite to the hotel south! This more “celtic” region in terms of landscape and cultural influences, is one of Spain’s hidden gems.
The fishing villages and seaside towns along the coast of the Cantabrian Sea are the perfect place to experience slow Spanish customs, regional culture and history, and eat delicious seafood…. All without crowds.
Here we highlight a few of our favorite villages along the northern coast, east to west:
𝗖𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗮 – the region west of the Basque Country, boasts fantastic seafood, natural beauty, and evidence of prehistoric life from Altamira Museum to the actual caves. Here we especially love the villages of Santillana del Mar, and also the medieval town of San Vicente de la Barquera with its beaches, fresh Cantabrian cuisine, and unbeatable views of Los Picos de Europa mountains. San Vicente de la Barquera’s old town allows a closeup view of Cantabrian history and culture in this charming northern town.
To the west, in the 𝗔𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘀 region, the must-sees are endless. Cider culture, or sidra, is everywhere with apple orchards, meticulously crafted fermentation practices, unique pouring customs and longstanding history for this protected denomination of origin. Historic sites nearby on the Routes of St James and the Silver Route offer fascinating visits and education too.
With countless seaside villages to explore beyond the cities of Oviedo and Gijon, we always enjoy a stop in villages like Luarca, Cudillero and perhaps Tazones. Tazones is known for its Asturian architecture and naval history. These are just a few, there are too many quaint towns to name all….
Finally, heading west, travelers cross into Spain’s northwestern region of 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮. Visit the historical inland town of Betanzos with history dating back to the Romans and distinct periods represented in the architecture. The gastronomy of Betanzos offers Galician delicacies, seafood especially octopus, and local DOP wines like Albariño. Check out the seaside town of La Coruña, or the coastal parador at Bayona for more beautiful photo ops.
Talk to Valesa to learn more about how to tailor your northern itinerary for the best in cuisine, history, and architecture off the beaten path.
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𝗜𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗦 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗔
Off the Mediterranean coast, lies the charming, vibrant, flavorful city of Valencia, the third largest city in Spain. In getting to know the Valencian local gastronomy, you’ll find that there is something for everyone no matter your tastes. Like many Spanish cities, tapas in Valencia are worth sampling and provide the opportunity to get to know the local cuisine in a variety of small bites. Tapas culture allows any group to socialize, savor a city’s flavors, and try a little bit of everything.
After tapas or when venturing out for a heftier meal, you will not be disappointed in the variety of options in Valencia. As home to the famous Spanish paella, Paella Valenciana is a must try for those who want to experience this blended dish of meats, beans, spices, or its seafood counterpart.
Valencia’s food culture extends far beyond paella. Since rice is grown locally, rice dishes are not just limited to paella. You will find arroz al horno, a rice dish distinct from the traditional paella, or fideuà, a seafood dish with a noodle base. Given its location on the Mediterranean Sea, fish and seafood are top choices when menu searching Valencian restaurants.
On the sweeter side of Valencia, citrus fruits stand out in this region. Beyond the city limits, oranges are grown throughout the Valencia region and travelers may want to explore these orange groves on a deeper level.
Agua de Valencia might be the perfect special cocktail for an evening enjoying the sunshine in the plaza or seaside. This native drink has different styles throughout the city, but said simply, is crafted with a combination of orange juice, vodka, gin, and cava.
After dinner and drinks or maybe as a mid-day pick me up, stop at a horchatería for the typical, sweet beverage made of water, tiger nuts, and sugar. Valencians can be found sipping horchata accompanied by a pastry called farton- Abread pastries are meant to be dipped into the horchata for the perfect pairing.
You will find the perfect pairing to match each course of your flavorful experience through this dynamic city. Whether it’s sweet, savory, fruity, or the spirituous that you seek, Valencia boasts local favorites for each member of your party. Get to know Valencian history, bask in the sunshine seaside, and satisfy your tastebuds in this Spanish city.
¡Buen provecho!
#ValesaCultural #ValesaCulturalServices #ValesaCulinary #Spain #Valencia #paella #horchata