Highlights The sculpted monuments, called 'Fallas', criticise almost everything and anyone imaginable, but do so with tongue in cheek. Over 370 full-scale Fallas and 368 children's Fallas are mounted throughout the city. Some reach extravagant heights and all are great displays of art. On the last day of the festival (19th March) they are all (bar one single elected figurine) burnt to the ground! Whilst there are festivities all around Valencia through the month of March, the key festival dates are the 15th - 19th March. Throughout these 5 days there are ongoing parades, marching bands, traditional costumes, concerts, beauty pageants, bull fights, free street parties and of course, daily fireworks! Las Fallas has been described as Disneyland , Guy Fawkes & the world's biggest party combined! Come and see why for yourself.

Itinerary Wednesday 17th March: After making your way to Valencia please head to the Center Valencia Youth Hostel any time from midday onwards where you will be able to check into your allocated rooms. The Center Valencia is right in the centre of the historic old town making it the perfect place to base yourself for the Las Fallas festival. If you decide to arrive early you can store your bags at the hostel until your room is available. Arriving early is not a silly idea as today is St. Patrick’s Day after all and there is a fantastic Irish pub in town that will be partying all day! You will also undoubtedly stumble across the massive procession of floral offerings to the Kingdom of Valencia's patron saint, Our Lady of the Forsaken. This is considered one of the Fallas week's central events and all the Fallas committees present bouquets of flowers to the enormous image of the Virgin which stands in the centre of the plaza named after her, overlooked by her basilica. This evening we invite the group together for some warm up drinks and an information session where you will receive your welcome packs including a Valencia city map, souvenir tour T-shirt and authentic festival scarf. After the meeting we will then head out to sample the famous Valencian nightlife and Fallas street parties! Welcome to Valencia's biggest annual fiesta! Thursday 18th March: A slow start this morning before we meet together before lunch for an orientation walk around the old town. After our city orientation the afternoon is free for you to absorb all the activities of the fiesta. We recommend heading to the main plaza for the daily 2pm ‘Mascleta' (firecrackers display) and wandering around the historical city centre to try and see as many of the 700+ Fallas monuments erected around the town as you can! Tonight we'll get together for some festive drinks and then get ourselves into a prime position to take in the end of day fireworks known as ‘Nit del Foc' (literally ‘Night of the Fire') which is considered the most spectacular of all the nightly fireworks displays. Friday 19th March : Today is a free day for you to enjoy the fiesta as well as make the most of the Valencian fiesta. Your tour representative will be available to assist you with any questions you may have or inspiration you may require! Perhaps visit to the America's Cup Village; the beautiful Valencian beaches; or the world-class aquarium and City of Arts & Sciences. Fiesta related activities today include a solemn mass in Valencia's Cathedral held in honour of Valencia's patron saint of carpentry, St. Joseph; there is the last ‘Mascleta’ display in the afternoon; the crazy Fire Parade at 7pm and from 10pm the Children's Fallas are set alight.. The grand finale starts at midnight with the burning of all the Fallas in Valencia except for the winning one which is saved until 12.30! To end the evening (now early hours of the morning!) there is an aerial fireworks display in the main plaza. Saturday 20th March: All good things must come to an end and today our Las Fallas festival accommodation package finishes. Check out of the hostel is 11am. We trust you have had an amazing time in Valencia and wish you safe onwards travel!

Accomodation / Transport 3 nights hostel accommodation in Valencia's historical city centre (based on multi-share) 3 continental style breakfasts All the Las Fallas festival events within walking distance from your accommodation and street parties at your doorstep! City map Orientation walk of the historic centre St Patrick's Day celebration at local Irish Bar Commemorative Las Fallas tour T-shirt and authentic festival scarf Services of experienced tour leaders

Dates & Prices
Start Date	End Date	Price in Euros	Local Payments
17th March 2010	20th March 2010	Not Available	Not Available

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