DAY FIVE

What a night! Lurching up and down, with loud shuddering BANGS, then side to side. I lay in bed thinking I should get up and put my clothes on for a speedy evacuation to the lifeboats. And talking to others today, it was a common thought…

A leisurely breakfast as we had a departure at a sensible hour, 9.45. We caught up with the two Aussie ladies over a coffee.

And so we set off for an hour’s drive inland. The charming guide told us all interesting facts about the region, and the history, but I do think absolutely everyone had dozed off.

First of all we stopped at a wee village which was incredibly ramshackle, but with two big old fantastically ornate churches. Well, we just saw the doorways, as the churches were closed.

But the attraction of this village was the underground labyrinth of caves, used for storing wine (and other contraband, apparently). Very interesting, but the floors were so uneven (hand carved, of course) that one had to proceed with great caution. It felt almost as bad as trying to get to our cabin last night.

From there we went to a bodega where they specialised in cava, but also other reds and white wines. A wine tasting followed, along with nibbles. Funny how by the end of the session everyone had bonded. The group around us were American, Mexican, an Australian and a German.

Back by about 3pm, but the day was cold and drizzly, so we weren’t tempted to take the shuttle bus in to the city. We - unlike the Americans - can pop back to Valencia for a city break in better weather.

Straight to our favourite ‘Arts Cafe’ for a coffee, warmed scone, jam and cream. Bliss!

This evening we dined in ‘The Grill’, where you cook your own meal on ‘hot rocks’ - fabulous. Another steak!

We left Valencia at 22.00. The captain is expected another fairly rough night…