SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Valencia

Start your holiday flying from the UK to Valencia. We include flights with British Airways from London Heathrow to Valencia, but can offer regional options if preferred. It is a short taxi journey from the airport to your luxury hotel in the city. Settle in to your room this evening and perhaps enjoy a meal at the restaurant, followed by drinks at the hotel’s bar.

Days 2 & 3: In Valencia

You have two whole days to enjoy the city. Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain and capital of the semi-independent region which takes its name. This is one of Europe’s capitals for culture and is renowned as an iconic City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias). Designed by local architect Santiago Calatrava, you will find the aquarium, opera house, science museum and 3D cinema amongst the ultra-modern buildings.

Head into the Old Town to discover more of Valencia’s past, and historical buildings such as the UNESCO-recognised Silk Exchange. The neighbourhood of El Carmen is one of the most important parts of the city and it is here that visitors will find Saint Mary’s Cathedral, which houses a Holy Chalice (claimed to be the Grail).

Take time off from the busy city centre with a walk along the long, sandy beaches of Malvarrosa and Las Arenas, or perhaps venture outside the city to the nearby Albufera Natural Park for incredible sunsets over the wetlands. Return to Valencia in the evening to make the most of the local cuisine - this is the traditional birthplace of paella - and the vibrant nightlife.

Day 4: Valencia to Mallorca by ferry

You can enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel as you have most of the day free, before heading to the port in the evening for your ferry. We recommend leaving your luggage with the hotel’s concierge for the day. If the sun is shining, head to the sandy beach for the afternoon or alternatively fit in a visit to one of the city’s museums. Return to your hotel to collect your bags and then travel to the port to meet your ferry. There is a lobby bar on board where you can purchase drinks and refreshments, before settling in to your cabin for the overnight crossing to Mallorca.

Days 5 & 6: In Palma

The ferry arrives in Palma at around 07.00 hrs and we recommend taking a local taxi to your hotel. We can request an early check-in for you, which can be guaranteed at a supplement, otherwise leave your bags with reception and head out to explore the small city of Palma, where you spend the next couple of days.

This is the cultural centre of Mallorca and offers plenty of interest with relics and buildings from the Roman, Byzantine, Moorish and Spanish occupations. The conflicting past of the island is typified in the history of La Seu. This beautiful Gothic cathedral by the port is an impressive building, built on the remains of a mosque, which in turn was built on the site of a Christian church.

In the Old Town you can visit Palma Cathedral (also known as La Seu), which is one of the finest Gothic churches in Spain, with a modern altar canopy designed by Gaudi. The adjacent Cathedral Museum has some interesting medieval paintings and holy relics, and you can see sections of the original Roman city through a glass floor. The imposing Royal Palace of La Almudaina was originally a fortified Moorish Palace (alcázar) and you can see the 10th century Arab Baths. The Es Balaurd Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art is housed in an 18th century building, whilst the Casal Solleric palace and courtyard hosts interesting exhibitions, which change regularly. Palau March Museum has a small but good collection of contemporary sculptures, including works by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Rodin. West of the city, hilltop Bellver Castle is a medieval fortress with a distinctive circular shape.

You can stroll along the seafront with its tree-lined promenade and marina, shop for leather goods and pearls, or browse in San Juan local produce market. Palma has a vibrant culture with festivals, concerts, literary competitions, exhibitions, recitals and theatre performances held throughout the year.

Mallorca is famously popular with cyclists and you will regularly find clusters of riders on the island’s roads. For an easy introduction, you might like to hire cycles in Palma and take the flat cycle route along the seafront to S’Arenal. This is mostly along cycle lanes, with one section in the middle on roads, and is about a 30km round trip.

Palma has a vast array of restaurants to choose from, with traditional gastronomy based around local pork, freshly caught fish and vegetables. Restaurants in Palma offer innovative spins on hearty dishes, adding delicious local ingredients like lemons, olives and natural salt from the island’s southern plains.

Day 7: Palma to Deia

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to collect your hire car (private transfers can be arranged as an alternative to the hire car if preferred). We recommend picking this up from the airport and then driving about 35km to Deia.

The commercial and residential buildings of the city soon give way to open fields, white-washed fincas and olive groves to either side of you, as you drive north. The majestic Tramuntana mountain range can clearly be seen ahead, rising abruptly from the flat plains to trace a jagged horizon. Skirting the inevitable groups of cyclists in the spring, the road leads you up and through this beautiful UNESCO site to Valldemossa. This beautiful village sits in an idyllic valley and is a lovely space to stop off for lunch, on your way through the mountains.

There is a 13th century monastery, the Real Cartuja, where Frederic Chopin stayed over the winter of 1838-9 and you’ll find the book about his stay, “A Winter in Majorca”, in many of the village shops. Tickets for the Real Cartuja allow you to visit the church, cloisters and old pharmacy as well as including a short Chopin piano recital.

Continuing your journey, the road will bring you to the village of Deia where you stay next. This charming small town sits amidst terraced orchards, perched between the craggy mountains and sparkling sea, and is the perfect place to experience rural Mallorca.

Days 8 & 9: In Deia

You have two full days in Deia, although this can be extended if you wish. The simplicity of the pleasures of Deia really takes visitors back to traditional life in old Mallorca and perhaps it is this tranquil atmosphere that has inspired the work of the many artists, musicians and poets who have flocked here over the years. Possibly the most famous of these names is that of Robert Graves, writer of “I, Claudius”. Guests in Deia can visit his house-museum and admire the stunning views which inspired him.

In a converted mill in the centre of the town is the Archaeological Museum and Research Centre. This museum was founded by the American painter Dr William H Waldren and is a valuable insight into the history of the area. The Monestir de Miramar near Son Marroig once trained monks in Arabic, but now houses another interesting museum. Its old stone walls and gardens overlook a rocky peninsula that forms a natural cove on the northern shore.

The Manor House of Son Marroig is the former home of the Archduke. Despite its formidable façade, the main highlight of this building is the small circular Neo-classical temple in the garden, which has magnificent views across the sea.

For a taste of traditional Mallorcan fishing, head down to the Cala de Deia which can be reached on a short downhill walk of about 20 minutes. This small shingle beach has crystal clear water and is perfectly tranquil, shared only by the locals. The single restaurant and bar serves fish straight from the sea, caught by the fishermen you can see on the beach.

Those feeling more active can make the most of the walking trails along the coast, which takes you to either Soller or Port de Soller - both of which can be easily reached with a sturdy pair of shoes. Your hire car also gives you flexibility to explore the nearby surroundings, such as the fishing village of Port Soller and Jardins de Alfabia.

Back in Deia, we recommend spending the balmy evenings enjoying dinner and a drink on the terrace and watching the sun disappear behind the mountains. Despite being a fairly small town, there is ample choice for dining, aside from your hotel, with several local restaurants and other hotels to choose from.

Day 10: Palma and fly home

Today make your way back to Palma airport to drop off your hire car, before taking your flight back to the UK.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis. Local car hire and flights from London are included, with regional departures on request.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including recommended routes and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your holiday.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance, vehicle breakdown cover and an appropriate driving licence. The AA and the FCO should also be consulted.