Mallorca Narrow Gauge

Mallorca Narrow Gauge Overview

From golden beaches in the south to rugged mountains in the north this island is full of surprises as we explore using the rail network. This relaxed rail tour is a great way to see this beautiful island, one that delivers beautiful views and diverts from the usual tourist track to give you a real taste of Mallorca.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – To Palma

Lunchtime flight from London Stansted to Palma. Coach transfer to city centre hotel where we stay for 5 nights with breakfast included. We also include a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 – Soller

A day out on the Soller network which is over one hundred years old and operates using historic rolling stock. First we travel on the 27km long Soller train from Palma through the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains to the north of the island. The train terminates in the town of Soller which, with its warren of narrow streets, is still charming in spite of the tourist influx. After a break to explore we continue by tram to the port of Soller. The tram was originally designed to carry passengers but has also been used to transport goods such as fish. We return to Palma by private coach on the very scenic route via Deia and Valldemossa.

Day 3 – Free Time and Manacor

Spend the morning exploring the capital of what is the largest of the Balearic Islands. The old town is a must with the Gothic cathedral and Moorish palace just two of the sights worth seeing. West of the city, hilltop Bellver Castle is a medieval fortress with a distinctive circular shape. At this time of year the weather should be warm enough to take a stroll along the seafront with its tree lined promenade and marina. In the afternoon there will be the opportunity to take the train across the island to Manacor, the island’s second city and home of the artificial pearl industry. Away from the gift shops, the town has lots of narrow streets with large houses and churches which are worth exploring.

Day 4 – Inca

Leaving Palma after breakfast we take a short train journey to Inca, the third largest town on the island. All of the lines on the island were originally 914 mm narrow gauge lines, but, except for the lines run by Ferrocarril de Sóller S.A., have since been converted to 1,000 mm metre gauge. Inca is well worth exploring and Thursday is market day showcasing the local leather trade. After a break, carry on by train to Sa Pobla which is very rural and well off the tourist trail.

Day 5 – Pollença

We have a private coach for the day and we head right across the island to the north east tip. Firstly we visit Pollença which is delightful. The light coloured stone houses and the main square with its cafes invite us to linger! There are many small galleries and shops in the narrow streets and for the energetic the best view of all can be found by climbing the 365 stone steps to Calvari chapel. From here we continue by coach the short distance to the port itself with a wonderful promenade and stunning views over the Formentor peninsula. Return by coach to Palma. We have a farewell dinner in the hotel.

Day 6 – Home

We have a coach transfer back to the airport late morning for an afternoon flight back to London Stansted.

Price Includes

• Flights Flights in Economy Class by scheduled airline
• Accommodation in a good quality hotel on a bed and breakfast basis
• All rail and tram journeys as stated
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• Services of a tour leader from London and throughout the tour