Our 4-day tour showed just how much Valencia is, as its title implies, a city of contrasts: everything from the ultra-modern, flamboyant architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences through to bustling neighbours enlivened by quite exceptional street art.

Our tutor, Astrid McGechan, was constantly on hand to ensure we could sample the programme of events of the Fallas festival, witness the delights of Europe’s largest indoor market and, when a brief rest was needed, enjoy the local speciality of hot chocolate and churros. We were supported throughout to try less familiar photographic techniques, find new angles, and pursue individual preferences. Our comfortable city centre hotel was ideally located for us to explore on foot or take advantage of excellent public transport.

A walk on the first afternoon and early evening took in the exterior of the Central Market and the Silk Exchange, and provided an initial experience of the ubiquitous street art. To mention just one highlight: the Room of Columns in the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) inspired awe but, perhaps unsurprisingly, our group of photographers probably gave most time to the play of light from a stained-glass window on stone and wood.

Two full days started with exploration of the wonderful interior of the Market with stalls that overflowed with attractively displayed, manifestly healthy produce. It continued with two extensive sessions at the City of Arts and Sciences (in daytime and at night), a tour of the interior of the Opera House that forms part of the City site, a visit to the festival’s Cant del’Estoreta contest, and further extraordinary street art. I hope this assemblage of images gives some sense of the range of opportunities:

A final word about the City of Arts and Sciences: the site is unique and, in its size and complexity, initially almost overwhelming. Astrid rightly encouraged us to focus on particular facades and details. Having seen images shared by other participants and undertaken my own preliminary editing, another of Astrid’s recommendations is proving helpful: monochromatic conversions. In this and other senses, the Valencian tour is still giving.

Rob Whatmough