Universal Hotel Romantica

This morning we’ll pay a visit to the provincial capital of Manacor, famed for its furniture manufacturing and busy street market.

We’ll head to the north of Majorca today as we visit the historic town of Pollença. It’s the perfect place to make the most of the island’s traditional café culture as we stroll around the peaceful plazas surrounded by rugged hillsides. Afterwards we’ll head to Formentor – a village on an untouched peninsula surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery.

Today’s excursion takes us to the vibrant city of Palma, the cosmopolitan capital of Majorca. Following our guide, we’ll visit the city cathedral and the Almudaina Palace. This former Arabian fortress is now one of the King of Spain’s official residences when he visits the island. We’ll also have plenty of time to explore independently and shop for souvenirs at the traditional markets.

Majorca’s Sierra de Tramuntana Mountain range stretches for 96 kilometres (60 miles) along the island’s north coast. We’ll head here today to spend some time walking across the pine-covered slopes and admire the barren rocky peaks that soar to over 1,371 metres (4,500 feet). Don’t forget your sunhat and sensible footwear.

It’s market day in the inland town of Inca. This is where we’ll enjoy a morning of shopping and browsing among the numerous stalls and stores that stretch around the pedestrianised plazas and side streets. Keep a look out for numerous traditional leather products as well as hand-woven baskets, pottery, and gigantic paella pans.

Enjoy a trip to the vibrant capital of Palma, home to more than half of Majorca’s 600,000 inhabitants. This cosmopolitan city is made up of winding cobbled alleyways, sunny squares, and tree-lined avenues. You’ll set off on the waterfront promenade, Passeig Maritim, to see La Llotja, the medieval trading centre and Porta Vella de Moll, the old gateway to the city. The circular Bellver Castle, built by King Jaime II as a royal palace, and later used as a prison, is perched on a hill high above. And the nearby Almudaina Palace, originally an Arab fortress, is the official Majorcan residence of the King of Spain. Along with plenty of photo opportunities, you’ll have free time to duck in and out of the city’s boutiques and cocktail bars.

Today we’ll travel from the capital, Palma, to the picture-postcard town of Sóller situated just inland from the untouched north coast. We’ll be riding onboard an iconic 100-year-old wooden train that provides a breathtaking journey through the mountainous Majorcan countryside. It’s a great chance to see the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana as you ride the rails through the mountains. On arrival in Sóller, we’ll catch a tram to Puerto de Sóller on the coast. It’s here we’ll enjoy a one-hour boat cruise to Sa Calobra and the wonderful Torrent de Pareis canyons. Make the most of the sunshine and glorious Balearic blue hues, and don’t forget your towel and bathers if you fancy a swim. Following the boat trip, we’ll drive around the winding mountain roads and enjoy some scenic stops to take more snaps of the surrounding Serra scenery before heading back to the hotel.

Today we’ll visit the Mallorca capital, Palma, for a guided sightseeing tour. Starting from the Parque del Mar, we’ll visit L'Hort del Rei (the King’s orchard) gardens, housed within the walls of the Almudaina Palace. It’s a lovely, shaded space with sculptures, pergolas, and fountains to be found off cypress tree lined footpaths. We’ll also pop into the palace museum and cathedral to find out more about this 14th century royal residence and the lifestyles of inhabitants past and present. Once the tour has completed, you’re free to roam in your own time. The Mercado del Olivar is a must for foodies with lots of local delicacies to try and buy. If you’re after some retail therapy, head to the high-end boutiques on Calle Jaime III or walk the pedestrianised La Rambla for flower stands, tapas bars, and alfresco café culture.

Today’s excursion combines a classical music recital with one of the largest subterranean lakes on the planet. It’s the perfect excuse to see more of Mallorca as we head inland and enjoy an hour’s drive to Porto Cristo on the central east coast. On arrival at the Cuevas del Drach, we’ll journey underground and experience the stunning array of natural rock formations including some stunning stalactites and stalagmites. All of the strange-looking features are flood-lit which not only shows them in more detail but also creates elongated shadows against the echoing chambers of the cave. After a guided tour, we’ll take our places as the small orchestra begins to play. It’s an unforgettable experience and made all the more enjoyable thanks to the underground acoustics and sci-fi-like surroundings.

Our excursion starts with a panoramic bus ride through Palma. It’s a chance to see the seafront promenade and yacht-filled marinas along the Paseo Maritimo as well as the elegant tree-lined Avenida del Borne with its high-end stores and gourmet restaurants. From here, we’ll head into the foothills of the Sierra de Tramontana mountains. We’ll be taking in the rugged pine covered slopes in between stopping at some of the island’s prettiest villages, including Sóller, Deià and Valldemossa. It’s an opportunity to soak up the surrounding views and enjoy a coffee and cake (not included) at one of the local cafés. Once we’ve stretched our legs and paused for photo opportunities we’ll continue to the medieval walled city of Alcudia. It’s the perfect place to learn more about the island’s history as we walk around the narrow Old Town streets and visit the atmospheric open-air market.