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It tends to get overshadowed by Madrid and Barcelona, but Valencia deserves to be regarded as one of the great cities of Spain.

Superb architecture, from Roman to 21st-century, brilliant tapas bars, an atmospheric old town… there is just so much to admire in this Mediterranean metropolis.

Oh and did we mention, they invented paella here?

Find out the secrets of this alluring city for yourself with today’s Big Deal, offering a three night break in Valencia with direct flights and comfortable, modern hotel accommodation.

Mediterranean getaway

The Big Deal, exclusive to 5pm customers, flies you direct to Valencia with Ryanair from Glasgow International and includes hand luggage and three nights room only accommodation, based on two sharing a double or twin room at the 4* AC Hotel Valencia by Marriott.

The city breaks are for three nights, flying out from Glasgow International on the following dates:

31st March

7th, 21st, 28th April

5th, 12th, 19th May

2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd June

Flights are direct, at the following times:

Outbound flights – certain dates will depart 06:35 and others at 08:55, arriving at 10:10 and 12:50 respectively.

Inbound flights will depart 06:35 and 10:40 and arrive 08:30 and 12:45 respectively.

Other airports and dates may be available subject to extra surcharge. Please enquire by calling directly.

Stylish accommodation

The Hotel Valencia by Marriott is located close to the harbour, near the spectacular Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias and adjacent to the Parque Oceanográfico Aquarium.

The nearest beach is around 15 minutes away on foot. There are frequent public transport connections to the old town, with a bus stopping right by the hotel entrance.

Elegant décor air-conditioned rooms have parquet flooring, ensuite bathrooms, plasma satellite TV and minibar.

Hotel facilities include a fitness room, Turkish baths and a restaurant serving contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. There is free WiFi in the lobby area. WiFi in rooms is charged at five euros for 24 hours.

Valencia attractions

Valencia lives up to the travel show cliché about being a city of contrasts. Close to the hotel is the fabulous space-age architecture of Santiago Calatrava’s Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias, a museum, gallery and exhibition centre complex built in a brilliant and awe-inspiring pattern of soaring curves and reflective surfaces. It also includes Europe’s largest aquarium, with displays devoted to conservation.

A short bus trip away and you are in the atmospheric streets of the medieval old town, shady lanes packed with bars, boutiques, clubs and little tapas places serving up delicious Mediterranean dishes.

Don’t forget that Valencia was the birthplace of paella. It’s a dish traditionally eaten in the daytime, at weekends usually, in one of the restaurants lining the city beaches, where the locals head as soon as the sun appears.

Another local delicacy is horchata, the almondy drink that is just as delicious and refreshing as the local orange juice, which is arguably the world’s best.

Guest reviews

The AC Hotel Valencia by Marriott has plenty of positive guest feedback on TripAdvisor, including these recent reviews, edited for length:

‘Lovely hotel. Clean and simple room. Very helpful team. Hotel is situated between beach and city centre, right next to aqua centre and a good shopping mall.’

‘A great location with excellent facilities, all very welcoming. The staff are very friendly and nothing is too much for them. Some great restaurants nearby, plenty of tapas, close to the beach and somewhere to shop.’

Spanish escape

This Big Deal offer to Valencia is a great way to enjoy a Mediterranean break with a difference. This vibrant and welcoming city has some spectacular sights, great food, and that balmy climate.

With direct flights from Glasgow and stylish accommodation, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy this memorable destination, relax on the beach and engage in some evening tapas crawls.