MAJORCA - 7 Nights
In Majorca is the largest island in the Balearic Group of islands which are located in the Mediterranean Sea, about 100 miles southeast of the city of Barcelona. It is best known for its lovely sandy beaches which are always a popular destinations for sun and sand worshippers from all over the world. However the Majorca you will see and enjoy is very different. There is a dramatic range of mountains, the Sierra de Tramuntana, which run northeast to southwest along the western side of the island and which provides super hiking at all levels. Outside of the Bay of Palma and parts of the east coast, the island is unspoilt, with few tourists and much of the island’s rustic charm remains.
THE RESORT
You will stay for 7 nights in the charming seaside resort of Puerto de Pollensa, which is located in the north of the island, on the Bay of Alcudia and at the entrance to the wildly beautiful Formentor Peninsula. The old centre is still a fishing port and the resort curves around the bay in both directions. Although a popular resort for those who prefer a more peaceful environment than on the south coast, Puerto de Pollensa is quite a small town but with all the facilities you will need in the way of banks, bars and restaurants and so on. From the centre to the west of the bay there is a boarded walkway known as the Pine Walk which will take you in just a few minutes to your hotel.
THE HOTEL
Your hotel base for this vacation is the delightful Hotel Illa d’Or, a lovely 4 star property located on the beach at the end of the Pine Walk. Built in 1929 and massively renovated in 2000, it has 106 double bedrooms and 11 single rooms. It is air conditioned throughout and has a comfortable lounge, a restaurant, 24 hour reception with room service, bar, TV room, Hairdressing Salon, lifts, a fresh water swimming pool and a laundry service. All the rooms are of course en-suite and have a mini-bar, hairdryer, fridge, safe, direct dial telephone, central heating, air conditioning and a balcony.
THE HIKING PROGRAMME
The programme is designed to offer superb hiking at Grades 2 and 3, as described overleaf but the actual hikes are always tailored to suit each individual group. With two experienced Footloose Leaders, we offer a choice of two hikes on each of the 6 hiking days, thus accommodating most degrees of ability. We will use local coach operators to take you to the hiking areas, for easier mountain hiking or for more strenuous options, for those who prefer something more demanding. You will hike in the Formentor Peninsula (taking a boat on one occasions) and in the Sierra de Tramuntana, around the pretty towns of Soller, connected by a tramcar to the port of Puerto de Soller and Deja as well as the monasteries of Valldemossa and Lluc. Birdwatchers will be in their element in the Boquer Valley just behind the hotel and at the Albufera Natural Park just a few miles around the Bay of Alcudia.
NON-HIKING EXCURSIONS
During the holiday there will be hiking available on every day but for those who occasionally like to take a break from hiking there are a number of excellent sightseeing excursion possibilities, including Palma the capital city, the fabulous Caves of Drac and the famous pearl factories at Manacor. Your leaders will be able to arrange trips for you if you wish at extra cost.
FLIGHTS
Footloose Europe does not arrange flights from the U.S.A. to Palma. We can however assist you by putting you in touch with suitable travel agencies, who will be pleased to book flights and arrange insurance etc. for you. You need to arrange a flight, probably via Barcelona or Madrid to Palma de Majorca, to arrive before 11.00 a. m. on the 29th and depart from Palma on May 6th after say midday.
TRAVEL
Within Majorca will be by deluxe coach from Palma Airport to your hotel and return. Local transport will be by private coach, local service bus or boat, as appropriate.
THE HIKING GRADES
The hiking programme is designed at Footloose Grades 2 & 3. With two Leaders we can offer a choice of two hikes on each of the 6 hiking days. The distances and ascents / descents may be modified to suit the needs and abilities of the group members but will generally be :-
Grade 2 : Up to 3,000 feet of ascent / descent, on way-marked paths. Terrain may be steeply inclined and rough underfoot, with loose rock at times. Snow may be encountered at higher levels. Distances 10-15 miles.
Grade 3 : Up to 1,500 feet of ascent / descent, on way-marked paths. Terrain may be steeply inclined at times and rough underfoot, with possibly some loose rock. Distances 5 - 8 miles.
Note : On some Grade 2 walks, more strenuous extensions may be offered but only at the request of the members of the party.
PRICING
7 Nights, 15th, 22nd, 29th March : £625.00
7 Nights, 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th April : £655.00
7 Nights, 3rd May : £685.00
THE PRICE INCLUDES
* 7 nights accommodation in twin/double rooms, with private bathroom & toilet, in good quality 4 star hotel.
* 7 evening meals with buffet breakfast each morning.
* All the transport costs necessary to fulfil the hiking programme.
* Airport transfers from Palma Airport to the hotel and return by deluxe coach.
* Services of two Footloose Leaders
* All local service charges and taxes.
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Flights to Palma ; Lunches ; insurance (strongly recommended!) ; optional extra sightseeing excursions (details will be advised by the Footloose Leaders) ; single room supplements ; admissions to castles, museums etc. ; local transportation costs not part of the walking programme ; items of a personal nature, e.g. drinks, telephone calls etc.
TRIP EXTENSIONS
If you wish to spend a few days in Barcelona or Madrid we can arrange hotels and other services for you at extra cost. In this case please give us as much notice as possible.
