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Gardens and Architecture of Mallorca
Gardens and Architecture of Mallorca
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6 Days
From
$2358
Route Map
Gardens and Architecture of Mallorca
6 Days Starting and ending in London, UK
Visiting: London, Palma, Raixa, Son Marroig, Jardins d'Alfàbia, Carthusian Monastery Valldemossa, Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Castell de Bellver, Son Real, Alcúdia, Museu sa Bassa Blanca
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BMCA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Physical rating:
Low, Light
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2358 (USD) including Flights from the UKThis tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry
Tour Overview
Away from the busy beach resorts, the Balearic island of Mallorca offers a timeless, verdant landscape of wooded hills and orange groves, sweeping bays and rocky mountains. Dotted around the island are a host of historic gardens whose origins date back hundreds of years, as well as more modern creations, providing a rich range of horticultural delights to be enjoyed in the warm spring sunshine.
These include the gardens at Raixa and Alfaiba, both with Moorish origins and later Christian influences, and Son Marroig, a former residence of Archduke Luis Salvador with dramatic views.
Elsewhere we visit the monastery of Real Cartuja de Valldemosa, with its peerless location high in the mountains; tour the island’s principal city of Palma with its Gothic cathedral and Arab baths; observe the flora and fauna of the Albufera Nature Reserve and take an exhilarating ride on the Tren de Soller, a heritage train that runs through spectacular mountain scenery.
Highlights
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Enjoy Moorish gardens in Raixa and Alfaiba
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Visit the monastery of Real Cartuja de Valldemosa
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Observe the flora and fauna of the Albufera Nature Reserve
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Spectacular mountain scenery
Places You'll See
Itinerary
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Gardens & Nature tours in Majorca Gardens & Nature tours Tours in Majorca Europe Coach Tours (departing UK) tours Cultural tours Art Galleries & Museums tours Rail Excursion tours Sightseeing toursDay 1
Location: London, Palma
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: THB María Isabel, Palma, Mallorca
Meals Included: Dinner
We fly from London to Palma and transfer to our hotel.
Day 2
Location: Raixa, Son Marroig, Palma
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: THB María Isabel, Palma, Mallorca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we depart for a visit to the gardens of Raixa, at Bunyola, near Soller. These were once part of a Moorish estate, but after the re-conquest of Mallorca by the Spanish and the redistribution of land it came into the hands of the church. In the 18th century it was owned by a cardinal, who was responsible for its Italianate characteristics, bringing statuary from Italy and exotic plants from the New World. The garden is divided into seven terraces with parterres, pergolas, fountains and loggias, and the cardinal had the water reservoir built over with a semi-circular belvedere, which offers a fine view over the valley towards Palma.
After lunch at a local restaurant in Port Soller (included), we drive through the olive groves of the spectacular west coast and visit the garden of Son Marroig, the former residence of Archduke Luis Salvador. The garden is arranged in a series of attractive terraces but it is the dramatic views of the rocky coastline that make this garden memorable. The famous weathered rock formation known as ‘Na Foradada’, pierced by wind and waves, can be seen rising out of the water.
From here we transfer to Soller and take the train back to Palma. The railway is narrow gauge, the track width being 914 mm (an English yard), which is infrequent nowadays; moreover its rolling stock is extremely varied and meticulously finished, and maintained using traditional methods. The Sóller railway also stands out for the special, attractive route it runs along, overcoming the natural barrier of the Sierra de Alfàbia mountain range which is 2.8 km wide and 496 metres high. To do so, in just seven kilometres, the railway rises up 199 metres with an inclination of 23 millimetres, runs through thirteen longitudinal tunnels ranging in length from 33 to 2,876 metres, crosses over several bridges, the “cinc-ponts” viaduct which has five arches with spans 8 metres high and a great many bends, some with radii below 190 metres.
We return to our hotel where dinner is served in the evening.
Day 3
Location: Jardins d'Alfàbia, Carthusian Monastery Valldemossa, Palma
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: THB María Isabel, Palma, Mallorca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast this morning we visit the Jardínes de Alfabia, set in the Tramuntana Mountains towards Mallorca’s northwestern coast. Alfaiba’s origins date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Shortly after the Christian re-conquest, King Jaume I rewarded his ally Benhabet with a large estate. In typically Moorish fashion, Benhabet channeled water from the surrounding hills to irrigate his gardens, which he designed as a series of shaded ‘rooms’, again typical of the Moorish style, and created in such a way as to merge seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. There are contrasts throughout the lush, terraced gardens, with clipped avenues of low hedging in places and elsewhere a veritable jungle of palms, bamboos and bulrushes. Young chusan plams (Trachycarpus fortune) contrast with more substantial mature date palms; there are also bougainvillea-covered pergolas, flowers cascading over stone terraces and vistas of olive trees. A remarkable garden where the spirit of its founder Benhabet lives on.
After lunch at a local restaurant in Bunyola (included) we visit the monastery of Real Cartuja de Valldemossa, the composer Frédéric Chopin and his mistress George Sand spent a rather unhappy winter here in 1838-9, despite its peerless location high in the mountains. The monastery sports a distinctive, ornate green bell tower and the gardens still have a monastic air, with quiet cloisters around tall cypresses and long pathways through bushes of clipped yew and laurel. There is the odd splash of colour, such as the bright red climbing nasturtium (Trapaeolum speciosum), but the gardens are predominately dark green and grey, creating a tranquil and timeless atmosphere.
Dinner is served at our hotel in the evening.
Day 4
Location: Palma, Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Castell de Bellver
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: THB María Isabel, Palma, Mallorca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we tour Palma, with visits to the Cathedral (La Seu), the second tallest Gothic cathedral in Europe, which contains many fine works of art; the former royal residence Palacio de la Almudaina and the adjacent Hort del Rei (the king’s garden), the 10th century Arab Baths, virtually all that remains of the Arab city of Medina Mayurqua, and the Castell de Belver, a heavily fortified Gothic castle that is now the city’s museum. Lunch is included in a local restaurant.
Dinner is served at the hotel in the evening.
Day 5
Location: Son Real, Alcúdia, Museu sa Bassa Blanca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: THB María Isabel, Palma, Mallorca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we transfer to the unique necropolis of Son Real, the largest prehistoric cemetery on the Balearic Islands, which dates back over 2,500 years.
This afternoon we have lunch in the former capital of the island, Alcudia (included), before transferring to visit Museo Sa Bassa Blanca. The Sa Bassa Blanca Museum showcases a collection of modern art exhibitions with surrounding beautiful gardens linking art, nature and architecture, to promote cultural development and respect for the natural environment. The gardens boast a sculpture park and medieval walled garden with more than 100 varieties of old English roses.
Dinner is served in the evening.
Day 6
Location: Palma, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we transfer to Palma airport for our return flight to London.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Services of a professional tour manager
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
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Meals - as per the itinerary
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Drinks with Meals
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Entrance Fees
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Reviews of this Operator
Brightwater Holidays offers great value
I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.
Feefo Trusted ReviewsMy experience with Brightwater Holidays
The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again
Feefo Trusted ReviewsWe were on the Tour...
We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.
Wonderful experience with brilliant information
The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised
Feefo Trusted ReviewsNoted a comment on taking...
Noted a comment on taking coaches on A814 by a local person who didn't know the facts: When the A82 was blocked and the POLICE divert you onto that road you do as instructed not what a you know are tight roads but they only way to your destination as intructed by officials. We know this route is not suitable for large vehicles but the driver does as instructed by someone in authority.
Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...
Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.
The recent tour in Northumberland...
The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.
Been trying to get a...
Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!
I had heard this company...
I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.
Two of your tour busses...
Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.
Dates & Availability
Tuesday - Sunday
Apr 23, 2024 - Apr 28, 2024Including UK Flights
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% 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 brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Not what you're looking for?
People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:
Gardens & Nature tours in Majorca Gardens & Nature tours Tours in Majorca Europe Coach Tours (departing UK) tours Cultural tours Art Galleries & Museums tours Rail Excursion tours Sightseeing tours