Roman Wine of Valencia/ Castle-Amphitheatre + El Puig Monastery

About this tour

Trace the military campaigns of Hannibal and Scipio through Valencia's Roman ruins, starting at the fortress of Saguntum and its amphitheatre. This 5–7 hour excursion pairs archaeological exploration with tastings of indigenous Mourvedre, Garnacha and Moscatel—grape varieties that once made this region famous across the Roman empire. Depending on your chosen package, enjoy wine paired with cheese and bread, or a full Mediterranean lunch prepared with matching wines. An optional extension visits a small artisan winery and cheesemaker in cork-forested hills, plus the active Mercedarian monastery at El Puig.

Highlights

• Roman fortress and amphitheatre where Hannibal's army battled
• Five autochthonous wines tasted, including 25-year-old Fondillon
• Medieval monastery at El Puig still home to resident monks
• Gourmet four-course lunch option with wine pairings
• Artisan winery and cheesemaker visit in cork forests
• Guided walk across historic cobbled streets of Valencia
• Local indigenous grapes from Campo de Mourvedre region

What to expect

You'll walk roughly 30–40 minutes over cobblestones to reach Saguntum's fortress and amphitheatre, where a guide explains the 212 BC siege. The views across the region set the stage for tasting five wines at the amphitheatre site itself—a dramatic setting for understanding how viticulture flourished here under Roman rule. The wines range from dry expressions to aged Fondillon. If you've opted for lunch, four Mediterranean dishes arrive, each matched to specific wines. Those choosing the winery extension will drive into cork-forested mountains to visit a small producer and adjacent cheesemaker, sampling robust local wines and cheeses. The monastery at El Puig rounds out the historical picture.

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