 |
|
|
 Tours > Road Cycling > Tour de Majorca
Tour de Majorca, Spain
The ultimate
Road Cycling experience
Majorca, Europe's best bike tour experience
Trip Description
When we decided to run trips in Europe it was clear to us, a trip to Majorca was a must. In traveling all over Europe, we, among many others, came to the conclusion that this is Europe's finest biking destination. Since it is our goal to offer the best cycling experiences world wide, Majorca was an easy decision.
Tour de Majorca Itinerary
Arrival day (Saturday): Plan to arrive in Palma de Majorca on Saturday, the day before the tour. This allows you to acclimatize and spend some time in the old city of Palma. We can book you a hotel in Palma.
Day One
Take a short taxi ride from Palma and meet us in a country hotel (Finca) near the village of Esporlas in the foothills of the Sierra Tramuntana. Here you will be fitted with your bike and will have a chance to get used to the climate on a short trip to the countryside. Blue skies and Mediterranean landscapes are awaiting you. We begin with a gradual ascent into the Sierra Tramuntana mountain range toward the village of Valdemossa. Here you have a chance to marvel at the historic architecture of the most beautiful village on Majorca. Many artists have made Valdemossa their home, among them Frederic Chopin! You will stay overnight in a beautifully restored country-style lodge (finca) and get to know each other during a tasteful welcome dinner. 27k / 17 mile, 1000ft of climbing.
Day Two
An epic ride takes us through the Southern Tramuntana mountains. 5 passes with seemingly endless switchback climbs on moderate grades and exciting downhills await. You will experience Majorca’s truly spectacular coastline for the first time. On your way to Deia, you will enjoy amazing views of the Mediterranean from high. We stay overnight in an exquisite Mallorquin mansion, the famous La Residencia. (selected in “100 places to go”). Distance 50-100 km / 30-60 miles, up to 5500ft climbing. Shorter options available.
Day Three
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 / 4,800ft. 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 60-84 km / 40+ miles, up to 4500ft climbing, shorter options available.
Day Four
Today we ride on very quiet country roads through orchards, fields and small villages toward the agricultural center of the island. Wednesdays 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. Today’s only and optional climb takes you up to the monastery of Bonany were we enjoy quietness and an awesome view across the interior of Majorca. We will be staying in the luxurious, beautiful Club Pollensa resort, our base for the next four nights. The club is perfectly situated on the gorgeous north coast of Mallorca and is strictly managed as an environmentally conscious resort. Distance 60-90 km / 40+ miles.
Day Five
Today your cycling muscles get a well-deserved break and you may enjoy the luxury of the resort. However, the bikes are available to you in case you want to explore the nearby markets and beaches. For the adventurous minded our guides will arrange an optional shuttle to the Torrente de Pareis, the Mallorquin Grand Canyon. The drive alone, with its seemingly endless switchbacks, is an adventure in itself! You have the chance for a fascinating hike along the bottom of the canyon, which in some places is only a few feet wide with sheer walls towering more than a 1,000 feet above. 2 hour hike optional. Alternatively sea kayaking can be arranged or you can join one of our guides for a ride to the monastery at Betlem. Optional 100k/60miles
Day Six
Cap Formentor, the very northern tip of the island, is our destination for 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. On today's trip we are certain you will agree with us that road biking could not possibly be any better! 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 or take an additional ride to the fishing village of Cala Sant Vincenc. Distance 70-90 km / 42-50 miles
Day Seven
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 keeping on going for a truly epic ride or to 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 are opting for the long version will descend down to Sa Calobra. This switchbacking and twisting road clings to the mountainside while descending into a steep canyon. You will feel like on a bicycle Disney ride. It is the Majorquin road builder’s masterpiece and for many cycling greats, including Lance Armstrong, the climb back up was a favourite 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 Eight
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.
|
|
For more info, email us a res@rockymountaincycle.com
or call us at
1800 661-BIKE(2453) |
|
