Ultimate Mallorca Luxury Cycle 6D5N (World-Class Cycling on Spain's Mediterranean Isle)

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 40 km (25 miles), Elevation gain: 244 m (400 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 51 km (32 miles), Elevation gain: 579 m (1900 ft)

We meet in front of the Intermodal train and bus station located at Placa d’Espanya in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, at 11 am on the first day. As is standard, ensure not to leave your luggage unattended. Make sure to arrive dressed in biking clothes, and come along with a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may need for the day’s ride. Bring your luggage (it will be transported to our first night’s accommodations).

After our meeting in the port city and regional capital of Palma de Mallorca (aka Palma), we go on a ride to a traditional farmhouse, a perfect location for a tasty picnic lunch. Following that, your trip leaders fit your bike and educate you briefly on biking techniques and safety. Your cycling begins along narrow, well-structured roads dedicated to biking and into the countryside past scenic farmlands, windmills and stone walls. No rush, pedal to Llucmajor for a rejuvenating coffee break in the town square.

If you’re up for it, you could hike up part of Puig de Randa, the highest mountain of the Algaida municipality. Arriving at the top, you’ll see the historic church of Santuario Nuestra Señora de Cura. Enjoy the scenic views and serenity before going down to the town of Llucmajor, seated at the foot of Puig de Randa. Pedal the final miles to Mallorca’s shoreline, accentuated by charming harbours and rugged bays.

You’ll stay at the exceptional Cap Rocat; a 19th-century military fortress renovated into a luxury hotel and a Small Luxury Hotels of the World Member. Nestled on 88 acres of land and lying within a Protected Natural Area, feel the tranquility as you are embraced by a rocky coastline and forest amid Cala Blava. Bask into its opulent space, take a stroll along the cliff or down to its private beach or take a refreshing dip in the pool. In the evening, we all meet up for a warm welcome reception, followed by a sumptuous seafood dinner.

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 43 km (27 miles), Elevation gain: 396 m (1300 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 56 km (35 miles), Elevation gain: 792 m (2600 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 79 km (49 miles), Elevation gain: 1189 m (3900 ft)
Level 5, Approx. 89 km (55 miles), Elevation gain: 1311 m (4300 ft)

After a filling breakfast, get your bike and head north. As you go down serene roads, you are greeted by decked hillsides decorated with picturesque villages and windmills amid olives and fruit groves.

As you navigate the foothills of the charming Serra de Tramuntana, you’ll come across pine forests, flourishing valleys, exceptional cliff topographies and some great climbs, including a curvaceous path from Orient to Bunyola, two beautiful ancient towns worth visiting. Another stunning town that cuts through towns you should be visiting in Alaró, which has a castle.

We enjoy a tasty lunch and go through to the captivating Valldemossa set in an exceptional valley engulfed in olive groves. Once a Moorish Hamlet, is now popular with a select group of celebrities, including Bob Geldof, Andrew Lloyd Weber, Robert Graves, among other notable people. You’ll stay in the chic boutique Valldemossa Hotel located in the heart of Serra de Tramuntana, a hidden haven of calm and tranquility. A walker’s paradise, this historic property boasts spectacular panoramic mountain views and yet is a mere 10-minute walk from the picturesque town of Valldemossa. As one of only two Relais & Chateaux properties on the island, indulge in its deluxe facilities from a lovely dip in its picturesque garden pool or relax in the wellness centre with heated whirlpool and sauna.

Tonight, we are treated to stunning panoramas of Palma Bay and a private performance by a local guitarrista (Spanish guitar player) on the terrace, after which we will enjoy a tasty dinner with a wide array of choices ranging from mouth-watering Angus Hamburger to homemade Tiramisù.

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 31 km (19 miles), Elevation gain: 640 m (2100 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 50 km (31 miles), Elevation gain: 1006 m (3300 ft)
Level 5, Approx. 82 km (51 miles), Elevation gain: 1859 m (6100 ft)
Level 5, Approx. 92 km (57 miles), Elevation gain: 2012 m (6600 ft)

Most of the day's hilly ride will follow the spine of the Serra de Tramuntana on the secluded western side of Mallorca. The ride begins by cycling down the coast, tracing the sea-green Mediterranean, decked mountainsides, steep cliffs and exceptional viewpoints. We take a break to eat lunch at Castell Son Claret; a castle turned luxury hotel. You may want to traverse the stunning towns along the route on foot, including 10th-century Banyalbufar, whose verdant marjades (stepped slopes) lead elegantly to the sea.

As you go further down the road, consider taking a break in stunning Estellencs known for its spectacular stone streets, layered plots of farmland, scenic port and remnants of towers built to keep pirates out and dating back to the Middle Ages. Get back on your bike, and turn inland, winding through the rocky Serra de Tramuntana to Andratx.

Follow the winding mountain lanes across the rolling landscape through pine forests and by Charterhouse; the monastery Chopin stayed with George Sand during the winter of 1838. You could stop for a visit (it is not included in the trip fee).

Retire back at the hotel for a relaxing afternoon indulging in its luxury facilities. Come evening, venture out and explore the town filled with magnificent restaurants that offer anything you dare to crave, including local Spanish, Italian, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisine.

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 37 km (23 miles), Elevation gain: 518 m (1700 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 48 km (30 miles), Elevation gain: 1280 m (4200 ft)
Level 5, Approx. 79 km (49 miles), Elevation gain: 1494 m (4900 ft)
Level 5, Approx. 85 km (53 miles), Elevation gain: 1707 m (5600 ft)

Make sure not to skip breakfast today because you'll need the energy for the day's routes. The routes we have planned for today are stunning but demanding, with long ascents, tapered ridgeline roads and a chance to pedal through a section of the famed Sa Calobra, today's longest option. Descend from Valldemossa and bike northeast along the coast to the chic idiosyncratic Hamlet of Deià, a Mediterranean gem.

Behold its stone decks overflowing with wild lavender and citrus groves before getting back in the saddle and navigating along the rugged northern coast and through tunnels with a silhouette of the towering Serra de Tramuntana. Cycling across rocky streets of Fornalutx, keep an eye out for traditional painted Arabic tiles tucked between the rims of tidy houses.

After tackling the climb or riding the shuttle up to Puig Major Tunnel, you could bike the famous road to Sa Calobra, a rollercoaster of turns plunging over 900 m (3000 ft) to a sea cove with sequestered beaches. (Apparently, one of the turns is rightly called the "tie knot.") We still have a lot of biking and sightseeing to do today, so you may want to skip Sa Calobra. Regardless, you are sure to work up an appetite for lunch at a rustic mountain restaurant.

Today's destination is Son Brull, a five-star Relais & Chateaux member hotel on the hillside towering the Bay of Pollença. This former monastery provides total privacy and an ethereal panorama and will be your home for the next two nights. Unwind with a soothing dip in the pool or pamper yourself to a therapeutic massage at the spa. Celebrate in a convivial affair of your adventures over an unforgettable and festive Mallorcan barbecue at the hotel's restaurant.

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 31 km (19 miles), Elevation gain: 366 m (1200 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 42 km (26 miles), Elevation gain: 488 m (1600 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 56 km (35 miles), Elevation gain: 762 m (2500 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 74 km (46 miles), Elevation gain: 1067 m (3500 ft)

Get ready for some strenuous climbs and exciting descents. It's almost impossible not to marvel at how the road works with the rocky landscape. Awe-inspiring panoramas greet you, so make sure your camera is with you in all of this. The finale is an exciting climb over Cap de Formentor to the lighthouse, built-in 1892.

Your afternoon will stand in contrast to the adventurous morning; it is time to relax. Stop at the private Mediterranean beach and cove of Cala Barques for a leisurely lunch at your own expense. Soak in the sunshine at the beach, enjoy the beautiful scenery and maybe dip your toes in the immaculate blue water. If you want to ride back to Son Brull on a smooth route, you'll have a chance to spend some more time in Pollença. A former Roman settlement was rebuilt inland during the 13th century to ward off pirate attacks.

Don't be all about adventure. Balancing it with relaxation is more appealing. You may indulge in an orange blossom body treatment at the Son Brull spa. Or have a refreshing siesta curled up in the shade; the choice is yours.

For dinner, we reconvene to savour piquant Mallorcan specialties tonight during our farewell dinner.

Level 2, Approx. 31 km (19 miles), Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft)

The final ride takes place on flatter landscapes. We will have a coffee break in the captivating village of Campanet, after which we set off along the southern side of the Serra de Tramuntana into a fertile agricultural region. The area is characterised by orange, olive and walnut orchards protected from the cold northerly wind by the mountains.

After the ride, we freshen up and enjoy lunch at the hotel before exchanging goodbyes with your tour leaders and taking a shuttle back to Palma, where our trip ends.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.