The mini break kicks off in the vibrant city of Valencia, known as the city of 100 bell towers. Richard Ayoade, accompanied by comedian Sara Pascoe, dives headfirst into the bewildering mix of sights and experiences that Valencia has to offer. From exploring the Valencian Gothic architecture of the Torres de Serranos to indulging in the city's citrus capital status with over a million tonnes of oranges produced annually, there is no shortage of unique and quirky adventures in this ancient Spanish city. And let's not forget that Valencia is also the birthplace of paella, a dish so iconic that it even won a competition to get its own emoji! With a plethora of activities to choose from, it's no wonder that Valencia is a hotspot for mini breaks.

Our intrepid travelers find themselves staying at the Caro Hotel, located in a former 19th-century palace. This luxurious hotel boasts a history that is as intriguing as it is opulent, with the restoration revealing hidden treasures such as Moorish lanterns and a 12th-century Arabic wall. Richard Ayoade's quarters are none other than the grand ballroom, library, and tea room, while Sara Pascoe finds herself in an integrated 12th-century watchtower, making it the oldest room in the hotel. With a touch of celebrity endorsement from Bono himself (and his unreturnable free album), the Caro Hotel offers a unique and unforgettable stay in the heart of Valencia.

The Turia Gardens, a sprawling urban park that stretches for nine kilometers along the old Turia River, provides the perfect setting for our travelers to immerse themselves in the great outdoors. Originally a riverbed, the Turia River was diverted after a catastrophic flood in 1957, creating this lush green oasis in the heart of the city. Richard and Sara take advantage of the well-arranged bicycles available for rent and explore the park, cycling under the third oldest bridge in Valencia and soaking in the beauty of the river path. With stunning views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, the Turia Gardens are a must-visit spot for any visitor to Valencia.

Halfway along the Turia Riverbed, Richard and Sara stumble upon Park Gulliver, a whimsical playground where landlubbers can feel like Lilliputians. Inaugurated in 1990, this park has no comprehensible connection to Valencia's history but offers a delightful escape into a world of oversized play structures. Richard and Sara let their inner children loose as they climb, slide, and explore this fantastical playground. From giant slides to towering sculptures, Park Gulliver is a place where imagination knows no bounds and where laughter and fun are guaranteed.

No trip to Valencia would be complete without a visit to Mercado Central, Europe's largest market. Richard and Sara find themselves immersed in a vibrant and bustling paradise of sights and smells as they peruse the multitude of stalls offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and seafood. While Sara, being a vegan, finds the market a bit like a house of horrors, Richard can't help but marvel at the abundance of snails and other culinary delights on display. With its stunning architecture and endless options for food lovers, Mercado Central is a feast for the senses and a must-visit destination for anyone in Valencia.

The City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic cultural complex, stands as a testament to Valencia's commitment to innovation and creativity. With its striking architecture designed by Santiago Calatrava, this complex houses a science museum, an opera house, a planetarium, a sculpture park, an IMAX cinema, and Europe's largest aquarium. Richard and Sara explore this architectural wonder, reveling in its unique and otherworldly atmosphere. From marveling at the vast aquarium to contemplating the mysteries of the universe in the planetarium, the City of Arts and Sciences offers a truly immersive and imaginative experience.

Valencia Cathedral, dating back to the 13th century, is a historic gem that cannot be missed. Richard and Sara embark on a quest to uncover the Holy Grail, which is purportedly housed within the cathedral. With its intricate architecture and stunning interior, the cathedral is a sight to behold. Though their search for the Holy Grail may not have been successful, Richard and Sara find themselves captivated by the beauty and grandeur of the cathedral. Whether you're on a spiritual journey or simply appreciate impressive architecture, Valencia Cathedral is a must-visit destination in the city.

After a day full of adventures, Richard and Sara unwind at La Bella de Cadiz, a quirky and eclectic bar that offers a unique drinking experience. From vintage tour posters to bizarre trinkets, this bar is a treasure trove of curiosities. Richard and Sara indulge in the local specialty, Agua de Valencia, a refreshing cocktail made with fresh Valencian orange juice, vodka, gin, and cava. As they sip their drinks and soak in the atmosphere, they reflect on their eventful mini break in Valencia, appreciating the charm and idiosyncrasies of this vibrant city.

Richard and Sara make their way to Mercado Central, Europe's largest market. This bustling hub of activity is a vibrant and sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Richard, always the adventurous eater, finds himself fascinated by the abundance of snails on display, while Sara, as a vegan, views the market as a house of horrors. But amidst the chaos, they both appreciate the unique and diverse offerings found here. From fresh produce to local specialties, Mercado Central is a food lover's paradise and an essential stop on any trip to Valencia.

The City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex designed by Santiago Calatrava, is a true architectural marvel. Richard and Sara delve into this imaginative world, exploring the science museum, opera house, planetarium, sculpture park, IMAX cinema, and Europe's largest aquarium. They are captivated by the unique blend of art, science, and technology that the City of Arts and Sciences offers. Whether marveling at the aquarium's marine life or contemplating the wonders of the universe in the planetarium, this cultural complex provides a truly immersive experience that is unlike anything else in the world.

Valencia Cathedral, a stunning architectural masterpiece dating back to the 13th century, is a must-visit for history buffs and art enthusiasts. Richard and Sara embark on a quest to find the Holy Grail, which is said to be housed within the cathedral. Although their search may not have been successful, they are awestruck by the beauty and grandeur of the cathedral itself. From its intricate details to its towering spires, Valencia Cathedral is a testament to the city's rich history and offers a glimpse into the past that is truly awe-inspiring.

Richard and Sara unwind at La Bella de Cadiz, a quirky bar filled with eclectic décor and an unmistakable charm. As they sip on Agua de Valencia, a local cocktail made with fresh orange juice and a mix of spirits, they reflect on their time in Valencia. The bar's unique atmosphere, filled with vintage tour posters and unusual trinkets, adds to the overall experience. Richard and Sara appreciate the moments of relaxation and camaraderie that the bar provides, capping off their mini break in Valencia with a touch of whimsy and fun.