Majorca: Sierras and Monasteries
8 Days Starting in Santuari de Lluc, Spain and ending in Valldemossa, Spain
Visiting: Majorca, Puig Roig, Massanella Peak, Soller, Valldemossa
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JMJ
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Majorca's stunning landscapes with the "Majorca: Sierras and Monasteries" tour. This self-guided walking holiday offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Begin your adventure at the historic Santuari de Lluc monastery, nestled among high mountains and olive groves. Enjoy serene walks along the rugged coastline, ascend the majestic Massanella Peak, and explore the ancient Pilgrims Trail. Stay in charming accommodations, including a monastery and small hotels, with some meals provided. Discover the picturesque villages of Soller and Valldemossa, and experience the breathtaking Camino de Archduke high above the Mediterranean Sea. This tour promises a harmonious mix of scenic trails, historical sites, and tranquil retreats.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Santuari De Lluc Monastery
Location: Majorca
Accommodation Name: Santuari de Lluc Monastery
Meals Included: Dinner
The Santuari de Lluc monastery and pilgrimage site is located in north-west Majorca. It is situated in a basin at 525m and is surrounded by a number of high mountains including Puig de Massanella and Puig Tomir. The sanctuary was founded in the 13th century after a Moorish shepherd found a statue of the Virgin Mary on the site where the monastery was later erected. Lluc is considered to be the most important pilgrimage site on Majorca. There is choral singing in the monastery church at 19:30 on most evenings, which guests can attend.
Accommodation: Your first three nights of this walking holiday are spent in well-furnished rooms with ensuite facilities. Clean sheets are provided but the monastic custom is that you make up your own beds. Rooms look either inwards over a peaceful courtyard or outwards to the surrounding thickly forested mountains. The Monastery clock is silent after 10pm. Meals are taken at an adjacent restaurant. The cuisine will be distinctively Mallorcan although with international overtones.
Day 2 : Circular Walk Around Puig Roig 21 Km/13 Miles, 6 H
Location: Puig Roig
Accommodation Name: Santuari de Lluc Monastery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The walks can be switched around over days 2 and 3 depending on when you arrive. The circular walk around Puig Roig is only open on Sunday when the local farmer allows access onto his land. This is a longish day but not too strenuous and the way is a popular Mallorcan classic. It offers fine views of the rugged coastline and of the island’s highest peak, Puig Mayor.
Day 3 : Ascent Of Massanella Peak 14.9Km/9.2Miles, 5 Hours
Location: Massanella Peak
Accommodation Name: Santuari de Lluc Monastery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depending on the weather, there are a choice of walks to choose from today.
Option 1: The Ascent of Massanella (1352m / 4,435ft)
This is an attractive and rewarding walk, but it does require good weather and the absence of low cloud. The second highest peak and one of the finest viewpoints can be readily accomplished in about 5 hours. The lower slopes are thickly forested with holm oak, while above the Font de s'Avenc spring there is open heath land and bare rock up to the summit. Steep in places. There is a local entrance fee of 7 Euros.
Option 2: Explore Es Bosc Gran (The Big Wood) 9.4km /5.8miles
Option 3: Take a bus down to the village of Caimari (20 minutes) and return by foot on the ancient pilgrim's trail to Lluc 8.10km / 5 miles, 3 hours.
Option 4: For those not daunted by a little scrambling Puig Tomir offers a challenging alternative, which the very fit and experienced hiker could attempt in less than a full day in clear weather. The ascent and circuit of the mountain, is 17.5km /11 miles and takes 7 hours, but offers some terrific views not seen from elsewhere on the walk.
Day 4 : Transfer To Cuala Tuent, Walk To Ses Barques, To Soller 14 Km/8.7Miles, 4-5H
Location: Soller
Accommodation Name: Small 19th century hotel in Soller
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning you and your baggage are transferred by taxi (included in tour price) from Lluc to the small coastal inlet of Cuala Tuent. While your luggage is taken on to Soller by taxi, you walk on the magnificently scenic coastal footpath to a viewpoint at Sa Costera and beyond, where it turns inland through olive groves to Mirador de ses Barques. From here there is an afternoon bus to Soller. Note the cathedral, which is designed in part by Antonio Gaudi, in the main square of Soller.
Accommodation: Two nights are in a small 19th century hotel, only a few steps away from the main square. It has been recently renovated, while keeping its original Majorcan style. The hotel is now 4 star, and has a small spa with sauna and jacuzzi (free of charge).
Day 5 : Pilgrims Trail 17 Km/10.5 Miles, 6 Hrs
Location: Soller
Accommodation Name: Small 19th century hotel in Soller
Meals Included: Breakfast
A full day's walk, following a section of the old 16th century Pilgrims Trail which originally went all the way to Lluc Monastery. Starting from Soller walk to the small village of Biniaraix, from where the Pilgrims' Trail climbs steadily to the Mirador del Ofre and Es Cornadors (1009m), a magnificent viewpoint. From here you have a panoramic view over the great natural amphitheater of mountains, which makes up the valley of Soller. Looking up and down the range identify the various peaks of the range. As the direct return footpath from Mirador del Ofre down to Soller has now been closed by the landowners it is necessary to retrace our steps down the Pilgrims' Way, over Soller and it's port.
Day 6 : Explore Soller, Day Walks, Travel To Valldemossa
Location: Soller
Accommodation Name: 3 star hotel in Valldemossa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today there are a number of options you may choose before your transfer by bus in the afternoon to Valldemossa.You can enjoy a boat trip along the coast from Puerto Soller to the fine, if busy, beach of Sa Calobra, take a scenic train ride on the narrow gauge railway from Soller to Palma and back, visit the fossil museum and botanic gardens at Soller, or walk to the beautiful village of Deia (11.2 km / 7.1 miles) which was for many years the home of the poet Robert Graves. You can then catch the bus on to Valldemossa from Puerto Soller, Soller or Deia.
Accommodation: Two evenings are spent in a 3 star hotel in the flower-bedecked hill village of Valldemossa. It is a superb renovation of an old house and has a spacious terrace with good views over the village and surrounding hills. Close by is the former monastery (now a museum) where Chopin and his mistress George Sand stayed.
Day 7 : Circular Walk On Path Of The Archduke 12 Km/ 7.45 Miles, 6 H
Location: Valldemossa
Accommodation Name: 3 star hotel in Valldemossa
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends with one of Mallorca's most celebrated walks incorporating both splendid views and historical interest. Much of the Camí de s'Arxiduc path was constructed in the 19th century for the Archduke Ludwig of Austria who owned an estate at Valldemossa. Start off on a path, which zigzags up the Cairats Vaslley, before winding around the fantastic coastline, high above Deia. It rollercoasts along to reach a wooded gully to descend to Valldemossa. This is a very popular hiking route, and a quarter of the old route is now a nature reserve that has restricted access. There is a chance that some sort of payment system will come into play on this walk in the future.
Day 8 : Arrangements End After Breakfast
Location: Valldemossa
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast transfer by bus or taxi for your onward journey.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 nights in a monastery in Lluc -
7 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Enjoy 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners included in your stay.
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3 nights accommodation in a monastery in Lluc, 4 nights in small hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Stay for 3 nights in a monastery in Lluc and 4 nights in small hotels with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis.
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Transfer from Lluc to Cuala Tuent
A transfer from Lluc to Cuala Tuent is included.
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Luggage transfer
Luggage transfer services are provided.
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Information pack including route notes & maps
Receive an information pack that includes route notes and maps.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline is available.
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GPX Files
GPX files are provided for navigation.
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4 dinners, lunch & beverages
Enjoy 4 dinners, lunch, and beverages included in the package.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to various sites are included.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Travel to the start and from the end point of the walking trip
Travel to the starting point and from the end point of the walking trip is not included.
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Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Personal expenses like laundry and phone calls are not covered.
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Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Any unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
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Transfers by public service bus/taxi from Mirador de ses Barques to Puerto Soller (day 4) and from Soller/Deia to Valldemosa (day 6)
Transfers by public service bus or taxi on specific days are not included.
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Tram or bus rides between Soller and Puerto Soller or other excursions
Tram or bus rides between Soller and Puerto Soller or other excursions are not included.
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Tourist Tax
Tourist tax is not included and must be paid separately.
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
A supplement fee will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Guide - this is a self guided holiday
A guide is not included as this is a self-guided holiday.
Accommodation
3 nights in a monastery in Lluc. Accommodation on a half board basis (evening meal and breakfast) on 3 nights, the last 4 nights are bed & breakfast only. The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests.
Grading
This walking holiday should present no difficulties to anyone in reasonable condition, and accustomed to moderate hill walking. Most of the walking in Majorca is on well-defined footpaths, although there are a few stretches over rough ground. The ascent of peaks such as Masanella and Tomir are graded as challenging and can be awkward for people who cannot cope with rocky terrain with a bit of scrambling. Day stages: 5 to 7 hours walking per day on 4 days; shorter or optional walks on other days.
Mode of Transport
Transfers by public service bus/taxi from Mirador de ses Barques to Puerto Soller (day 4) and from Soller/Deia to Valldemosa (day 6). Tram or bus rides between Soller and Puerto Soller or other excursions.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 3 nights in a monastery in Lluc and 4 nights in small hotels. The accommodation is on a half board basis (evening meal and breakfast) for the first 3 nights, and bed & breakfast only for the last 4 nights. The hotels described are the usual choice of accommodation, but alternatives may be used if these are not available.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners. The first three nights include evening meals and breakfast, while the last four nights are bed & breakfast only.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is included in the tour package. Your luggage will be transferred by taxi from Lluc to Soller while you walk on the coastal footpath.
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What kind of support is available in case of emergencies?
An emergency hotline is available as part of the tour package for any urgent issues that may arise during the trip.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided holiday. You will receive an information pack including route notes and maps to help you navigate the tour.
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What are the options for activities on Day 6?
On Day 6, you can choose from several activities before your transfer to Valldemossa. Options include a boat trip along the coast from Puerto Soller to Sa Calobra, a scenic train ride from Soller to Palma and back, visiting the fossil museum and botanic gardens at Soller, or walking to the village of Deia.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks included in the tour?
The walking holiday should present no difficulties to anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to moderate hill walking. Most of the walking is on well-defined footpaths, although there are a few stretches over rough ground. The ascent of peaks such as Masanella and Tomir are graded as challenging and can be awkward for people who cannot cope with rocky terrain with a bit of scrambling.
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Are there any entrance fees or additional costs during the tour?
Yes, there are some additional costs such as a local entrance fee of 7 Euros for the ascent of Massanella. There may also be a payment system for the Path of the Archduke walk in the future.
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What happens if the usual hotels are not available?
If the usual hotels are not available, alternatives will be used. If these alternatives are of a different standard, you will be informed at the time of booking.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.