zephyradventures DETAILED TRIP DESCRIPTION
MALLORCA, SPAIN SKATING ADVENTURE
Palm trees, beaches, shimmering coves, mountains ranges, vineyards, centuries-old villages and plenty of history: this remarkably beautiful Mediterranean island off the coast of Spain has it all…and then some! What we like most, however, about this popular European vacation destination is that it is crisscrossed with paths and roads that are perfect for skating. The western half of the island is rugged and mountainous, which provides a beautiful backdrop for skating on the quiet, traffic-free country roads in the flat central part of the island.
You can spend part of your day skating and the other part basking in the sunshine on the beach, sipping a cava (Spain’s sparkling wine) or sampling local seafood delicacies. In October, when we visit, the hordes of tourists are mostly gone, yet we still get to enjoy the heavenly climate. We spend one day giving our skates a rest and hiking to a secret seaside cove for a picnic. And at night, we join the Spanish at their own games: night markets, tapas and festive dinners. Welcome to your vacation in Mallorca: there’s lots here to love!
DAILY ITINERARY
DAY 1: Zephyr guides will meet you at the Palma de Mallorca Airport in the early afternoon and will shuttle you to the hotel for introductions. Here your skating adventure begins! Today’s route starts and ends at our hotel in Palma de Mallorca, the island’s bustling capital city, and goes along a lovely waterfront trail that skirts the beach. You’ll enjoy beautiful views passing through old Spanish sea towns and be able to see the famous La Seu Cathedral right from our hotel. We’ll enjoy a historical walk through the city on our way to dinner tonight. Accommodation: Hotel Mirador, Palma De Mallorca
DAY 2: Our day begins with a train ride to Santa Maria del Cami, northeast of Palma. From here, you’ll be offered several different routes that take you through the heart of the island and whisk you through small rustic towns like Binissalem (which was historically known for its stone quarries, but is now in the midst of a winemaking revival) along the way. You’ll skate on picturesque paths lined by stone walls and surrounded by fig, pear and olive groves, vineyards, and lush green fields before hopping aboard the train or shuttle back to Palma for the evening. Accommodation: Hotel Mirador, Palma De Mallorca
DAY 3: We’ll begin our day with another train ride northeast to the town of Inca. In addition to offering fabulous coffee and pastries, the island’s third-largest town enjoys a well-earned reputation as the “city of leather.” We’ll offer an optional excursion to the impressive stalactites and stalagmites of the Caves of Campanet. After our underground visit, we’ll continue through the plains until we reach our destination on the coast, and northeasternmost portion of the island. We’ll spend tonight, and the following two, in a four-star oceanfront hotel. Take advantage of the locale by treating yourself to a refreshing and well-
www.zephyradventures.com : : 888-758-8687 : : [email protected] zephyradventures DETAILED TRIP DESCRIPTION
MALLORCA, SPAIN SKATING ADVENTURE
deserved dip in the sea! Temps in Mallorca in October are still warm enough to enjoy this! Accommodation: Hosposa Uyal, Port de Pollença
DAY 4: We’ll have a late start to the morning before taking off on a hike to a remote beach that’s only accessible by foot. You’ll have time to rest and refresh next to pristine water and be treated to a tasty picnic lunch prepared by your guides before returning to the hotel for some free time. Next we’ll hop on a double-decker bus and enjoy a historical guided sunset tour of the town of Alcudia. You’ll also get a glimpse of what you’ll see on the trail tomorrow. After the tour, we’ll be taken to Port d’Alcudia where we’ll chat about the day’s adventures over dinner and explore the “night market.” Accommodation: Hosposa Uyal, Port de Pollença
DAY 5: Today we’ll skate right from our hotel in Port de Pollença to Alcudia. A historic town that boasts Roman and Moorish influences, it’s also skater-friendly. You’ll enjoy skating through the city’s paved roads and even over its very forgiving cobblestone streets as you explore charming shops and take in eye-catching architecture. Plus, in Port d’Alcudia you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking island views as you skate along a “boardwalk” that literally lines the beach. After a full day of skating and exploration, you’ll be ready to recharge with a hearty dinner back at our hotel, with views of the beach. Accommodation: Hosposa Uyal, Port de Pollença.
DAY 6: On our last day we’ll enjoy a skate from our hotel on the beach to the town of Pollença. Nestled between two hills (each adorned with a sacred site), Pollença is known for its most distinctive feature: a 365-step stairway north of the square which leads to a chapel known as Calvary. We’ll get you back to the hotel in time to shower and check out, and then it’s time to see the sights on your own. We’ll provide an airport shuttle for those flying home, but we recommend staying on a few days to devour a bit more Mallorcan culture!
TRIP DETAILS
DATE October 5-10, 2014 COST $2,400 USD per person
OPTIONAL COSTS • Single supplement of $750 (single supplement is always optional; otherwise we will find you a roommate of the same gender)
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE Your guides meet you in the early afternoon in Palma de Mallorca, Spain on the first day of the trip. If you choose to arrive that day, we will meet you at the airport. If you arrive earlier we’ll meet you at our Palma hotel. We’ll return to Palma de Mallorca’s airport the last afternoon of the trip, giving you time to fly out and return home (or extend your stay) that same day.
www.zephyradventures.com : : 888-758-8687 : : [email protected] zephyradventures DETAILED TRIP DESCRIPTION
MALLORCA, SPAIN SKATING ADVENTURE
WHAT’S INCLUDED • Our local guide joins at least one other Zephyr guide, with a third guide added if necessary. • Double occupancy lodging is included. If you are traveling solo, we will match you with another traveler of the same gender. However, you may pay a single supplement to have your own room. • All of your dinners and breakfasts are included. Gratuity for these meals is also included. We leave lunches open so that you have time to explore and enjoy the local flavors en route. • All your transportation is included once you meet your guides on the first day.
NOT INCLUDED Beverages, desserts, lunches, gratuities to your guides, personal expenses and travel to and from the destination.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Nights 1 & 2: Hotel Mirador Located on the harbor of Palma De Mallorca with wonderful views of the cathedral of Palma, this four-star hotel is perfectly situated for walking into the narrow winding streets of the city, or jumping on the seaside skating path. Nights 3, 4 & 5: Hoposa Uyal This modern seaside hotel is also four stars and located in Port de Pollença, just across the road from the nearest beach and within a few minutes’ walk into the town center of Pollença.
BOOKING DETAILS
INTERESTED IN JOINING US? Call us at 888.758.8687 or email us to check availability, or to ask any questions you may have regarding this trip or any other travel ideas you may be considering.
TO BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE You can book online or by calling us at 888.758.8687. Zephyr Adventures requires a $500 deposit (payable by check or credit card) at the time of booking. The remaining balance is payable by check or credit card no later than 60 days prior to the start of the trip.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? We will send you a confirmation email after we receive your booking, as well as a link to detailed printer-friendly pre-departure documents: arrival and departure information, suggestions for making travel arrangements, a packing list, an invoice, information about your trip location and guides. It will also include a link to an information form and liability waiver. We will also provide you with a link to information about travel insurance. We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance because it protects you if you have an unexpected change in travel plans.
www.zephyradventures.com : : 888-758-8687 : : [email protected]