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Fervor of the Balearic Islands
Be whisked away into the Balearic Islands - soul of the Mediterranean where we discover Mallorca's ancient villages untouched by time to Menorca's incredible beaches and hedonistic lifestyle. Embark on this stunning heritage, wine and gastronomic adventure to probably Spain's most revered destination of epic proportions.
HIGHLIGHTS
Experience the stunning landscapes and heritage of the Balearics
Savour exquisite wine and gastronomy
Experience the allure of the Mallorcan & Menorcan countryside
Stay in charming and intimate boutique hotels
ITINERARY
DAY 1: BARCELONA / PALMA
Depart Barcelona for a short and pleasant flight to Palma de Mallorca where on arrival, we head into the heart of Palma's magnificent Old Town where we explore the monumental buildings such as the incredible 14th Century La Seu Cathedral, one of Europe's tallest and most stunning Gothic cathedrals that was built on the site of an old Arabian mosque. Then, head inside to admire its circular, stained-glass windows and Gaudi-designed features. The colorful, and often controversial, Modernist artist left his mark on the site, and his eye-catching altarpiece is thought to be the cathedral’s highlight. We will also visit the Almudaina Palace, originally built as an Arabian fortress but later converted into Gothic style under Jaume II. Take a walk to the vibrant Placa Major, with some of the liveliest atmospheres in Spain surrounded by impressive old arcade buildings adorned with cafes, restaurants and galleries.
Finally, we retreat to the stunning environments of Cap Rocat - a Small Luxury Hotel of the World and one of the most romantic retreats in Europe.
Overnight: Cap Rocat, Palma
Meals: NIL
DAY 2: PALMA
We start the day with a visit to the stunning Castell de Bellver with its unique circular shape. Built in the 14th Century by King Jaume II, the castle was the residence of the kings of Mallorca but later served as a military prison and mint and now houses the City History Museum. On an insightful tour, learn about the castle's Gothic style with key features such as its dungeon, which dominates a gigantic arms' courtyard on two floors, as well as its interior courtyard, built around a well, which hosts many cultural events. The arcades on the ground floor conceal Roman statues gifted by Cardinal Antonio Despuig y Dameto (1745-1813), a native of the island. The royal apartments are also worth a visit, but the most beautiful jewel of the castle is undoubtedly the panoramic view of the city, port and bay from its high walls.
Later, we continue to visit the Fundacion Pilar i Joan Miro Museum where gain insights into the artsy world of Joan Miro and underlying creative process in the place where the artist lived and worked for almost 30 years. Then, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to soak in the Mallorcan sun, cafe hopping, retail.
Overnight: Cap Rocat, Palma
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: PALMA / BANYALBUFAR / VALLDEMOSSA
Today, we leave Cap Rocat for a beautiful drive into the spectacular landscapes of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountain range characterized by terraces, water mills and charming villages dotted with agricultural plantations. We make our first stop at the Museu La Granja d'Esporles, showcasing Mallorca's deep-rooted traditions and history in a charming 17th Century mansion surrounded by lush gardens, natural springs and farms.
Later, we continue to the awe-inspiring coastal village of Banyalbufar, one of the last remaining authentic coastal villages in Mallorca with its signature ancient terraces descending down to the sea with impeccable views of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. We take a walk through the village learning about its Moorish legacy and farmlands renowned for its Malvasia wines and tomatoes that grow on these terraces. Consider a visit to the beautiful Celler Son Vives where we can learn about the Malvasia grape varietal and enjoy a tasting overlooking the spectacular surroundings.
From here, a beautiful drive arrives us into probably Mallorca's most iconic village, Valldemossa. Perched on a hilltop, surrounded by terraced terrain, Valldemossa was named after the area’s original Moorish landowner, Muza. With its car-free cobbled alleys and rich cultural heritage, the town is a treat to visit, so much so Hollywood actor Michael Douglas claims a piece of its land here. Enjoy a walking tour of the village where we pay homage to the Royal Carthusian Monastery, Valldemossa's iconic building where part of the monastery is King Sancho's palace - later gifted to Carthusian monks, who converted it and other buildings into the monastery. The other part of the monastery is home to the Chopin museum, the exact spot George Sand and the famous composer stayed during the winter from 1838 to 1839, and containing his original piano and other artifacts. Finally, we will arrive at the Hotel Valldemossa - a Relais & Chateaux property where we enjoy a soulful 2 nights stay.
Overnight: Hotel Valldemossa, Valldemossa
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: VALLDEMOSSA (GEMS OF THE SERRA DE TRAMUNTARA)
Our first stop of the day will be the attractive town of Soller, set in a lush valley of orange groves between the mountains and the sea where we immediately admire the charming narrow streets lined with traditional style residential townhouses with the famous green Mallorcan shutters. On a walking tour, we explore the river-cut town crisscrossed by a maze of old world streets that surround the main Placa de Constitucio, where you’ll find cafes, City Hall and San Bartomeu Church, whose original construction dates back to the 13th Century. Worth consideration and a visit is the Can Prunera Modernist Museum where we learn about the close collaboration between Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro who spent time here working on some of their most prized and revered works.
Thereafter, we have the option of visiting the attractive village of Fornalutx, one of the most beautiful Mallorcan village in the Serra de Tramuntara that provides a most medieval atmosphere or continue to the well-admired coastal village of Deia, perched in a ravine at the foot of the Teix mountain, with views out to the Mediterranean below. So inspiring is the setting of Deia that it attracted the likes of authors Robert Graves, Helen Walsh and many other artists to take inspiration of Deia's land and townscape. We have the opportunity to dine in 2 Michelin star Es Raco d'es Teix - one of the finest in Mallorca by German Chef Josef Sauerschell who blends Mallorcan traditions with German finesse into his culinary offerings.
On our a return back to Valldemossa, we will visit the Son Moragues Olive Estate - spanning over 100 hectares with more than 10,000 olive trees producing the most remarkable olives in Mallorca. Established by the Moragues family in the 14th Century, the noble finca and olive groves became one of the most important centres of agriculture in the Serra de Tramuntana, its name synonymous with traditional Valldemossa farming.
Overnight: Hotel Valldemossa, Valldemossa
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: VALLDEMOSSA / BINISSALEM / SELVA / POLLENCA
After 2 amazing nights in Hotel Valldemossa, we continue our adventure of Mallorca heading east beginning our drive through the stunning vineyards of the Binissalem DO region where wine grapes have been grown since the Roman occupation in 121 BC. On a flexible visit, we have the opportunity to visit the Bodegas Ribas winery, part of the old Ca’n Ribas listed stately home from the 18th century that has been preserved intact to date, with its original historic barrel cellar and wine-making warehouse. Spanning over 40 hectares on terroir 150m above sea level farmed with certified organic methods, the Ribas family continues to promote the indigenous grape, "Mantonegro" blending into their signature elegant wines that is not only revered in Mallorca but elsewhere in Spain. We may also visit the award-winning family-run Bodegas Jose Luis Ferrer, also renowned for their local Mantonegro and one of the market leaders in the Mallorcan wine business.
From here, our journey takes us to the picturesque town of Selva, with its stunning Arab architecture and influence that is seemingly set in time to the 13th Century. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through its cobbled alleys to appreciate the rustic charm of its impeccable houses and buildings set against the Tramuntara mountains before our journey ends for the day in the attractive town of Pollenca where we retreat to the inviting environments of the Son Brull Hotel & Spa, a Relais & Chateaux property where we shall spend the next 2 nights.
Overnight: Son Brull Hotel & Spa, Pollenca
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: POLLENCA
A relaxing day taking in the coastal fervor of Pollenca and the Formentor Peninsula. A hearty breakfast allows us to make a scenic drive to rocky inlet of Cala Boquer where we take a walk through the stunning but peaceful Boquer Valley admiring its dramatic and incredible mountains, valley, rock formations. Thereafter, a short drive takes us next to the iconic lookout point of Mirador Es Colomer, presenting to you one of Mallorca's most signature image of stunning rocky outcrops of the Formentor Peninsula. The scenic drive then continues to the Cap de Formentor where we come face to the face with its lighthouse, marking the northern-most tip of Mallorca with mesmerizing views of the Balearic Sea.
On our return, we enjoy time in the Port de Pollenca, bustling with a hive of activities adorned with many restaurants, cafes and an upmarket retail scene. Spend time relaxing in the delightful fishing town and retreat that is the choice of honeymoon for many renowned celebrities before we return to the Son Brull Hotel & Spa.
Overnight: Son Brull Hotel & Spa, Pollenca
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: POLLENCA / CAPDEPERA / DRACH CAVES / PALMA / MENORCA
A day of epic proportions as we leave the Son Brull Hotel & Spa for a drive south to the castle town of Capdepera, strongly fortified by decree from King Jaume II to protect its strategic importance against invaders and pirates. Offering some of the most intoxicating scenes of Mallorca, enjoy a walk through its old center with various panoramic viewpoints leading up to its castle, ravishingly well-preserved snaking up to the top of the hill at the most easterly point of the island.
Our journey then continues to the other-worldly and surreal Drach Caves, offering some of the most jaw-dropping and mind-boggling limestone formations that even the most jaded cave visitor will be left in awe. We enjoy a tour of the caves on a boat ride with stoking classical music and mesmerizing lighting offering a visual sense of wonderment with its clear as crystal lake and stalactites and stalagmites.
Finally, our final leg of Mallorca ends with a drive to Palma de Mallorca Airport where we board our short flight to the neighboring Balearic island of Menorca. On arrival, we transfer to the pretty Fontenille Menorca Torre Vella where we will be based for the next 3 nights.
Overnight: Fontenille Menorca Torre Vella, Menorca
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: MENORCA
A brand new day in Menorca as we begin uncovering the most easterly Balearic island that is blessed with some of the most spectacular beaches, coastlines and landscapes. Our day begins with a visit to the whitewashed town of Alaior reminiscent of the "pueblos blancos" Andalusian towns dominated by its imposing Church of Santa Eulalia. Take a walk around the beautiful town where you will be introduced to its origins that dates back to the late 13th Century during the Christian Reconquest that King Jaume II of Aragon led on the Balearic Islands.
Later, continue to Ciutadella, on the west coast and Menorca's largest town. On a walking tour, we explore the town, protected as a Cultural Interest Asset admiring and understand its historical monuments such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Menorca, built in Catalan Gothic style in the 14th Century over an old Muslim mosque by order of Alfonso III of Aragon. At the center of town is the Plaza Des Born dominated by a 22m high obelisk in commemoration of the heroic defence of the Citadel during the Turkish attack in 1558. Then be wowed by the Port of Ciutadella with its interesting array of restaurants, cafes and shops lined against its harbor presenting it as one of the most beautiful port towns in the Balearic islands if not Spain.
On returning back to the Fontenille Menorca Torre Vella, we make a visit to the Torre des Castellar, one of the defense towers built by the British between 1799 and 1802 with the intention of defending the coves of the island in support of the Sant Nicolau Castle, against a possible enemy landing. Enjoy an informative visit of the tower built with a circular plant and a conical body surrounded by a moat about 6m wide and by an embankment built on unbound stones.
Overnight: Fontenille Menorca Torre Vella, Menorca
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: MENORCA
We spend another day in Menorca where we explore the eastern part of the island today. First stop of visitation is Mahon - capital of Menorca and blessed with a 5km coastline, making it one of the largest natural harbors in the world and the fishing distribution centre in Menorca. Start the experience with a visit to the Mercado del Claustro del Carmen and Mercat del Peix - bustling with locals shopping for the freshest local produce and seafood. We then enjoy a walk in the historic old town admiring its exquisite buildings and charm before stopping by at the Xoriguer Gin Distillery, established in the 18th Century where gin was first made for British sailors who were stationed on the island. Enjoy an informative and interesting insight into the aromatics used in creating the signature Menorca gin.
We then head on shortly to Cales Font where we hop onboard our private boat to the impressive Fortaleza de la Mola or Fortress of Isabel II, a remarkable example of a 19th Century military fortification built over a span of more than two decades (1848 – 1875), during a time when France and Great Britain were at arms over control of the Mediterranean and the port of Mahon. In response to this dispute, the Spanish government constructed the fortress. We enjoy an in-depth exploration of the fortress beings at Queen’s Gate and continues throughout the inside walls. Be sure to pay a visit to the underground galleries where guns were housed, the barracks, Princess Tower, prison and Queen’s Water Cistern.
Thereafter, return back to Cales Font on our private boat back on the mainland as we make a short drive to the beautiful grounds of the Bodegas Binifadet that first open in 1979 and then reopened again in 2014 with a project to recover the wine-growing tradition and the production of wines that embodies Menorca's character. We take a look behind the scenes of the wine-making process before relaxing over wine tasting. Next, our final stop of the day will be the pretty fishing village of Binibeca Vell for a fitting finale of an incredible Balearic sojourn soaking in scenes of photogenic white-washed dwellings and houses that sits alongside the picturesque old harbor.
Overnight: Fontenille Menorca Torre Vella, Menorca
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10: DEPARTURE MENORCA
Our journey comes to an end as we make our way to Menorca Airport for our flight return to Barcelona where you may continue your journey home or continue your adventures in Spain.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
A superb refurbishment of an impressive 19th-century fortress has resulted in a captivating and singular, adults-only boutique hotel overlooking the Bay of Palma. Set in 88 acres and stretching along the coastline for two kilometres, Cap Rocat Mallorca is a spectacular hotel providing a collection of stunning rooms and suites, a selection of magical dining venues, private rock cliff beach with direct access to the sea, jetty and salt water pool.
The small, romantic and picturesque town of Valldemossa, in western Mallorca, is home to a spectacular and charming boutique hotel on a hill: the Hotel Valldemossa & Restaurant. Its stone walls encompass exclusive and welcoming rooms with fabulous views of the Royal Carthusian Monastery and Palma Bay, in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana Mountains.
Nestled in the foothills of Northern Mallorca’s Tramuntana mountains, near the charming town of Pollensa, Son Brull Rural Sanctuary is one of the island’s most luxurious 5-star boutique hotels. In keeping with its past life as an 18th century Jesuit monastery, this unique family-owned property continues to welcome guests in search of peace and solace in beautiful natural surroundings.
Torre Vella gets its name from an old fortified tour and one of the finest examples of a classic Menorca finca. The big building with white walls is arranged around a courtyard. Its farm building stretches out over 200ha, right up to the sea. Nestled at the bottom of the valley, surrounded by olive trees, Torre Vella is a chic bohemian retreat that teases all the senses of a Menorcan sojourn.
