Cycling the switchbacking roads up and down the colls (passes) of the Sierra Tramuntana will be an unforgettable experience and is a "must-do" in the lifetime of any passionate cyclist. We have developed an itinerary that is suitable both to very experienced riders who are looking for a serious challenge, as well as to intermediate cyclists who want to smell the roses and take it easy. Two options are offered every day and our support van is also available. Over the last couple of years, the island of Majorca, situated off the Spanish coast in the Mediterranean Sea, has developed into Europe's road-biking heaven. The perfect climate, an abundance of quiet little back roads, spectacular mountain vistas and secluded beaches make it easy to understand why many of the world's professional road-biking teams choose this island as their training ground. You will be treated to awesome Mediterranean cuisine, fantastic architecture and a place rich in history. Come on this exciting bike journey and find out why the Spanish Kings still spend their holiday's here.
Learn more about our TourzPlus™ partner tours and how they differ from regular ExperiencePlus! bicycle tours.
Day 1: Palma de Majorca
Highlights: Welcome dinner, your first ride
Take a short taxi ride and meet us in a country hotel (Finca) near the village of Esporlas in the foothills of the Sierra Tramuntana. We'll fit bikes and have a chance to get used to the climate on a short trip to the countryside. The ride begins with a gradual ascent into the Sierra Tramuntana mountain range toward the village of Valdemossa. Take time to marvel at the historic architecture of the most beautiful village on Majorca. Many artists have made Valdemossa their home, among them Frederic Chopin. 27k (17 miles), 1000ft of climbing.Day 2: Esporlas to Deià
Highlights: Climb 5 passes, the coast
An epic ride takes us through the Southern Tramuntana mountains. Five passes with seemingly endless switchback climbs on moderate grades and exciting downhills. You will experience Majorca's truly spectacular coastline for the first time. On your way to Deià, you will enjoy amazing views of the Mediterranean from high. If you've chosen the 4 and 5 star accommodation option you will stay overnight in an exquisite Mallorquin mansion, the famous La Residencia (selected in "100 places to go", others will be at a very nice hotel nearby. Distance 50-100 km (30-60 miles) up to 7000ft climbing. Shorter options are available.Day 3: Deià to Monnaber
Highlights: More climbing, olive groves and orchards, dinner
Start the day with a long, winding and exhilarating downhill ride into Soller, before we begin the climb over famous Coll de Soller. Then we tackle the Coll de Horno in the shadow of Mallorca's highest mountain, Puig Mayor, standing at 1445m (4,800'). After a well deserved rest in the mountain village of Orient we continue with a fast descent to Alaro and then through olive fields and orchards on to our luxurious finca at Monnaber. Here they produce their own olive oil from trees 500-1000 years old. Dinner will be an amazing experience. Distance 60-90 km (40+ miles) up to 5000' climbing, shorter options are available.Day 4: Monnaber to Pollensa
Highlights: Market day in Sineu
Today we ride on very quiet country roads through orchards, fields and small villages toward the agricultural center of the island. Wednesday is market day in Sineu and with a little imagination you are taken back to a medieval setting. You can buy anything from donkeys to silverware in the narrow walkways and plazas around the church on the islands?s largest market. After the visit to the market we tackle the famous climbs to Santuari De Cura and Santuari de Sant Salvador. The first climb is optional, the second takes us to our mountain top retreat in the monastery of Sant Salvador, built in 1342. The monastery sits an an elevation of 500m/1650ft and offers sweeping views across the island and to the Mediterranean sea. Distance: 62 or 93 km / 40 or 57 miles, 3000 or 5000ftDay 5: Pollenca
Highlights: Options abound.
Today your cycling muscles get a little bit of a break (or not!). You can choose the shortest distance possible across the island to the medieval town of Pollenca. Or you choose a detour and turn this day into another big one. There is another mountain top monastery worth visiting! For the remaining 3 nights we will be staying at a small family run hotel right in the old town of Pollenca for a really authentic experience. Our hotel is located close to the town square with its 13th century church built by the Knights Templar and the 365 steps up Calvary hill. Distance: 70-100km / 37-60 miles, climbing varies.Day 6: Cap Formentor
Highlights: This is the ride you've been waiting your entire life for.
Cap Formentor, the very northern tip of the island, is our destination today. A winding road along steep cliffs offers an entertaining ride with breathtaking views of the deep blue sea. On our way we will rest at a secluded beach and have a look at the world famous Hotel Formentor, a hide out for political refugees during WW II. The road to Formentor easily ranks among the world's most scenic rides. Our return journey will allow us to explore the beach resort of Porto Pollenca. Distance 70 km (42 miles) with more available.Day 7: Pollenca
Highlights: Coll de Sa Bataia
On our last day of cycling we will cross the northern Sierra. After some fast warm up cycling into the foothills we will tackle the extremely scenic climb of Coll de Sa Bataia. Here you have the option of continuing for a truly epic ride, or you can have lunch at the monastery at Lluc followed by a an exciting downhill back to Pollenca. Have a coffee on the plaza at the base of the 365 stairs leading up to the church at Calvary Hill. Those who prefer the long route will descend down to Sa Calobra. This switchbacking and twisting road clings to the mountainside while descending into a steep canyon. It is the Mallorquin road builder's masterpiece and for many cycling greats, including Lance Armstrong, the climb back up was a favorite spring training ride. It is a great measuring stick for cyclists from all around the world. After you top out you will be rewarded with another fast descent to Pollenca. Distance 70-120 km (40-72 miles) Up to 6600 ft of climbing.Day 8: Transfer back to Palma de Mallorca
Highlights: Palma de Mallorca
It is time to say goodbye. In the morning you will be shuttled to the airport or your hotel in Palma for an extended stay. If you are staying in Palma make sure you visit the cathedral of Palma de Majorca, also known as the Cathedral of Light. It is the second largest cathedral in Spain and it took over 300 years to build. A walk through the narrow passages and pathways of Palma's old city is also a must.-
HighlightsPalma de Mallorca, climb numerous famous passes, Sa Calobra, market day, Cap Formentor, 4 nights at one accommodation
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IncludesQuality 27-speed bicycle with Shimano Ultegra components; 7 nights accommodation; 7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunches, 6 Dinners; professional guide services; support vehicle and luggage transport; all admission fees
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CountriesSpain
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Begin/EndPalma de Mallorca
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Arrive/DepartPalma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)
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Total Distance203 miles (329 km)
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Daily Distance24 - 45 miles (39 - 73 km)
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What to ExpectChallenging rides, secluded beaches, Mediterranean cuisine
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Rating301-401
Options available for intermediate and advanced cyclists. -
Notes
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Terms
| Dates | Price | Single Supplement* |
Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 06 - 13, 2013 | CAD$3135 | CAD$700 | Book It |
| *We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the single supplement rate. This fee will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available this fee will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour. | |||
Click on the "pins" for details about each day's highlights.
Map Key
Start
City (on route)
End
City (not part of route, provided for reference)I loved the ride out to Cap Formentor to see the lighthouse! The route and the scenery made for the best day of biking I've ever experienced!
Overall, it was a wonderful trip! I loved the location and the scenery! The biking was difficult, but rewarding! Lastly, Peter was a great leader and helped to make the trip a huge success!
Allison R., Wauwatosa, WI
