Briefing

This travel starts from Part1. Please have a look at Part1 section if you haven't.

[22:01] Lusitania C.Hotel international train departed from Lisbon.

24th April. Cuenca, the Town Built on the Cliff

[07:38] Arrived at Chamartin station in Madrid. The trenhotel from Lisbon was a quite comfortable journey.

I've visited Madrid so many times, but this will be the last time in this trip!

I had to move to Madrid Atocha station to take a train to the south. I've spotted an Airbus factory on the way. Wondering if they are making the brand new A380 aircraft there?

I love Madrid Atocha station because they have a beautiful tropical garden in it.

There was time before the next train, so I met with my friend to look around the city.

[12:23] My next train was the regional train to Valencia.

[13:58] After the 2.5 hours jouney to the south, I've reached Cuenca station.

Cuenca is famous for its old town built beside the deep valley, but the rail station is located in the new town where is a bit far away.

Walking for 30 minutes to the direction of the mountain, I've reached the rocky old town! The town has a very different feeling. Guess what this is!? It's the hotel I've stayed, Posada de San Jose. It really look like it is made in the rock.

Narrow street in the old town. It really makes me feel like I am in the ancient world :)

Catedral de Santa María y San Julián de Cuenca, the Cuenca Cathedral is located in the middle of the old town.

Cuenca is famous for its deep valley along the river Huécar. The view of the town is very famous photo image, but you will also love the view of the valley from the town!

Walking further towards the mountain, there will be several view points where you will surely take a snap shot.

Back to the town, let's look at the buildings closer. They are built on the very edge of the cliff, you can hardly tell from which part is the building.

Beside the hanging bridge, there is the most famous building in the town, the hanging house.

Had a dinner at Restaurante Mangana in the old town. Don't remember the name, but it must be the local dish, yummy :P

25th April. Valencia, the Seaside City famous for Paella and Orange

[06:30] Depart Cuenca. In order to leave more time to look around in Valencia, I took a very early morning train.

Is it the famous orange farm? Don't know...

[09:57] Arrive Valencia. After the 3 hours and half train jouney, I finally came to the Mediterranean city of Valencia.

Valencia looks very highly developed city. Of course, it is said that Valencia is the 3rd largest city in Spain.

Plaza de Toros de Valencia is located just next to the railway station.

El Miguelete, the Valencia Cathedral is located next to Placa Reina.

The other side of the cathedral is Plaza de la Virgen.

Corts Valencianes, the Valencian Parliament, is located in the Palace of Benicarló

Hall of Columns in the Silk Exchange. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Mercado Central is one of the oldest market in Europe which is still running.

[15:14] Depart Valencia. Back to the station, I took a regional train along the Mediterranean coast to the south.

[17:25] Arrive Alicante. 2 hours train jouney took me to another Mediterranean city called Alicante.

The city of Alicante is much modern style compared to Valencia.

Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Castle of Santa Bárbara, stands on a hill where you can enjoy a whole view of the city.

Walking the narrow street to the castle, I passed by the white coloured houses on the way. What a cute houses!!

Walking further, I reached Parque De La Ereta.

From there, you will have an amazing view of the city :D Watching the city from there during the sunset is superb!

The walk path goes round the castle. You might feel scarely at some part, but I like it :)

26th April. Alicante, the Last Day

Yes, they also have market here in Alicante. Let's have a look at what they offer! Well, there are some shops in lower ground floor, had an escalator inside the market!!!

If you wanna go sun bathing, you've got to come here!

There is an monument at Canalejas.

You will have a whole view of the castle from the harbor.

It was almost the time for my return flight, so I picked my luggage and took a bus to Alicante airport. It was an hour journey, had a great view of Spanish country side.

Had a little lunch at Sala VIP Salon Ifach lounge. They had nice tapas with some snacks :)

My flight was this small aircraft, but no worry because bmi is the full service airliner as part of Star Allowance network. (* bmi has merged into British Airways and left Star Alliance on 31st May 2012)