We are arriving in Valencia via a cruise ship, and allowing for the need to get back on board by 7 p.m. for a 8.m departure, have about 11 hours to spend. Is it worth using half of that time to drive to Cuenca, spend a couple hours and drive back? We do want to have a few hours in Valencia itself. It seems it will take about 2 1/2 hours each way by private car. Any tips for making the most of our time?

I'd tell you to take the train, less than 1 hour, but you want to see Cuenca, you would't be able to get back in time to make your delparture. The high speed AVE departs Cuenca at 3:05 pm. The next AVE isn't until 8:36 pm.

I have an idea! Try enjoying Valencia, especially the local cuisine!

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One more vote for Valencia, which is one of my favourite cities in Spain. Can't get enough of it.

Only been there twice - Valencia but was awed at how the medieval town center was and especially the cathedral.

We were in Valencia a couple of weeks ago and took a day trip to Cuenca. The AVE is much faster than driving, but you still need to get from the ship to Sorolla station and allow time for security. Additionally, the AVE station at Cuenca is about 5 km from the old city, so you will need to take a bus or taxi to and from. We had to take an early 8 am train in order to have sufficient time in Cuenca before the 3:05 return.

We did enjoy Cuenca very much - however, that was one day out of five days in Valencia. I agree with the others about staying in Valencia rather than spending hours in transit. Valencia is wonderful, and there is more than enough there to fill the time.