Air Canada Vacations

Before you leave Canada

Entry requirements

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Spain. The passport should be valid for at least the expected duration of stay in the country. For all other nationalities, consult your consulate or tourist board for details. You can also visit www.voyage.gc.ca for up-to-date information.

Baggage

Please refer to aircanada.com for baggage information.

Airport check-in

It is recommended that you present yourself at the airport counter of the airline indicated on your voucher 3 hours prior to departure. Air Canada or Air Canada Vacations representatives will be available starting at 5 a.m.

During your stay

City highlights 

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and one of Europe's most fashionable destinations. From the Roman Forum, founded by Junius Brutus on the site of today's Plaza de la Virgen, to the modern Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of the Arts and Sciences), Valencia City is an eclectic mix of Christian, Moorish, Spanish and modern.

Thanks to its location, Valencia has been the Spanish gateway to the Mediterranean, with the special charm that seaport cities have. The fine sand and crystal waters, the vastness of the open sea, and the proximity of the coastal mountain range lend the Valencian coast a unique appeal.

Getting around

Most of Valencia’s monuments and important buildings are in the historic old town, which can easily be travelled on foot.

Subway
The metro system runs 5.30 a.m. – midnight, and station entrances are marked with the letter “M”. Line no. 4 covers the main streets of the centre, the port and the popular beach of La Malvarrosa.

Bus
In summer there are extra services to the beach. To get around by night, there are night buses which depart from the Town Hall Square.

Taxi
Taxis run all day and night. They are white with the city shield and their license number on the side.

Shopping

Valencia has a long craft and artisan tradition with the ceramics industry being particularly important. The town of Paterna is famous for the production of socarrats (painted ceramic wall decorations) and for its green and purple ornaments. There are hand painted fans, decorated with ivory or exotic wood, and incredible silk art which can be seen in ceremonial dress and the costumes during Las Fallas in March.

Dining

Valencian gastronomy is varied, natural and traditional. The fruit and vegetables of this fertile land, fresh fish and abundant seafood provide the main ingredients of an exquisite Mediterranean cuisine.
 
The most characteristic dishes are made with rice; the star of the show is the world-famous paella, though there are other traditional dishes like arroz al horno (oven-baked rice), arroz a banda (rice with fish), arroz negro (rice with black squid ink), la fideua (made with noodles instead of rice) and all-i-pebre (a stew made with eels, garlic and pepper).

Sightseeing

The Gothic architecture of Valencia’s old town is charming. Climb the 200 steps of the cathedral’s bell tower for a rewarding view. Later, relax in one of the many parks, cafes or bars.

Other places worth visiting include the Silk Exchange or the Serranos Towers, which are the main remnants of the city wall which once encircled Valencia. Outside the wall are the Turia Gardens, the largest green area in the city and a perfect place for enjoying the open air.

Other museums in Valencia, such as the Valencia Institute of Modern Art (IVAM), run workshops for children. The Fallas Museum offers a marvellous opportunity for learning the history and traditions of Las Fallas.

The Arenas and Malvarrosa beaches are just minutes from the city centre. Just next to Arenas and Malvarrosa is the Paseo Maritimo, a magnificent sea-front promenade, where you can enjoy walking, roller skating, jogging, sun bathing or stopping at a restaurant for delicious paella and a glass of wine.

Entertainment & nightlife

Las Fallas
The world-famous Las Fallas is a party of epic proportions. For the week leading up to March 19, the streets are alive with fireworks displays, music, street performances and parades. The true party is the night of March 19 when hundreds of enormous effigies are set ablaze.

Valencian nightlife is also well known. Nightclubs are located in the outskirts of the city as well as on the Valencia to Cullera road that crosses plenty of beaches.

Your departure from destination

Hotel checkout

Hotel checkout times may vary depending on the property but generally you must vacate the room by noon.

Duty-free shopping

After an absence of 7 days or more, Canadian residents are permitted to return with a maximum of CAD$750 of merchandise per trip without paying duty. Each time you leave Canada for at least 48 hours, you are eligible to declare up to CAD$400 of merchandise. A written declaration may be requested. Each adult is allowed 1.1 litres (40 oz.) of liquor, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or cigarillos, 200 tobacco sticks and 200 grams (7 oz.) of manufactured tobacco. To calculate the number of days absent, do not count the day you left Canada but include the day you return. If you include cigarettes, tobacco sticks and loose tobacco in your personal exemption allowance, only a partial exemption will apply. You will have to pay a minimum duty on these products unless they are marked “Canada-Duty paid”. Canadian made products sold at duty-free shops will be marked this way.

Airport check-in

Procedures are the same as for departure from Canada.

Customer care

For inquiries relating to extension of stay or change or hotel changes, please email us at: prevoyageclientele@vacv.com. We are at your service seven days a week; from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday to Friday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.