With easy pickup and drop-off in central Valencia, you'll leave the city behind for the Albufera, the peaceful freshwater lagoon where paella was born, just 20 minutes away. Instead of the busy commercial ports where the other tours crowd in, we set off from a charming little port, quiet, authentic and full of character. You'll sail on a traditional boat, often the only sailboat on the lake, with a small, almost private group. Your captain Mike makes everyone feel “like old friends”, shares stories about the lagoon and its people, and if you'd like, lets you take the helm and help raise the sail. As the sun drops behind the sail, the water turns gold and pink: the moment guests say “blew us away”. Keep an eye out for herons, flamingos, and jumping fish as the lagoon comes alive at dusk. “Intimate, hands-on, and full of character”, not a typical commercial tour.