Valencia, Spain´s third largest city whose founding dates back to 138 B.C., is famous for its orange trees, avenues lined with palm trees, mild climate, sandy beaches and, above all, friendly people.

Valencia´s major commercial port was once an important link between the peninsula and other Mediterranean countries.

Valencia is also home of "paella" and the famed Lladró porcelain figurines.

Unlike larger Spanish cities, Valencia has conserved many of its ancient customs and traditions and its small town atmosphere.

Internationally, Valencia has become a leading congress and conference venue in Europe.

The city of the Arts and Sciences is soon to become the symbol of 21st century Valencia and is a major scenario for cultural and scientific activities.

Major multinational corporations such as Ford and IBM have made Valencia an important European business base.

Take a stroll through Valencia´s narrow streets and see the castle walls and stone turrets that once surrounded and guarded the city.

Visit the many musuems which have made Valencia a major cultural attraction in Spain.

In your free time take a trolley to the beach, practice your Spanish in one the small shops near the Central Market, enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the hundreds of outdoor cafés or taste delicious "tapas" at any bar.

Valencia´s ideal location on the coast of Spain between Barcelona and the Costa del Sol makes it a convenient point of departure to other great Spanish cities.

It is possible to take weekend train trips from Valencia to reach Madrid or Barcelona.

The Balearic islands of Ibiza and Mallorca can easily be visited by the numerous boats and ferries which leave daily from Valencia´s port.