TUI Palma Marathon Mallorca Pack 2024

Nat Geo Day Tour: Mallorca's Flor de Sal, Unearthing an Island Treasure

Approximate itinerary and duration of activities:· Walking Tour through the salt fields 30 minutes· Salt harvesting 30 minutes· Birdwatching 15 minutes· Salt Tasting 15 minutesPlease note the order of activities may vary at your guide's discretion Behind the white sand beach of Es Trenc stretches the Protected Area of the Levante Salt Flats. For millennia, precious salt has been harvested here, and today it's a haven for nature enthusiasts and home to over 160 different species of birds. With luck you will be able to spot avocets, stilts, and pink flamingos among many others. Spanning an expansive 150 hectares, the Levante Salt Flats have been designated as a Natural Area of Special Interest. Three conditions are essential for the purest salt to form – hot sun, sea breeze and low humidity. You will witness the ancient process of salt harvesting as you explore the salt pans on a gentle walking tour, your National Geographic-traned guide providing you with local insight and explaining the history of this ancient Balearic occupation. Watch the expert Salineros using age-old techniques to gather the finest, Flor de Sal salt crystals, and then have a go at harvesting some yourself. The tour also spotlights the sustainable nature of the sea salt industry. The production is in total harmony with the ecosystem, in fact many migratory birds rely on the mineral-rich wetlands to restore balance after long flights from overseas. The delicate nature of salt crystals means hand harvesting is the only workable method, so there is no need for mechanised harvesting. Enjoy landscapes and artisan processes that have remained unchanged for centuries as you soak up the peace and nature of this special place, with a tasting to round off the tour.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Marine Treasures of Mallorca, the Posidonia Oceanica

Inspired by National Geographic's Pristine Seas project, which aims to protect the last wild places in our oceans, this National Geographic Day Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful and unspoiled Mediterranean waters by kayak. Accompanied by your experienced guide and a marine biologist, you'll learn about the importance of Posidonia. Let your guide take you on a kayak tour through the marine protected area off Sant Elm, a rich ecosystem home to dolphins, fish, birds, algae, and more. Enjoy the opportunity to snorkel and marvel at the Posidonia meadows up close, while your guide explains the significance of this seagrass for the Mediterranean and the world. Learn how we can help protect the Posidonia meadows by raising awareness of their role in the battle against global warming, as featured in the National Geographic documentary, 'Pristine Seas: The Power of Protection'.

Nat Geo Day Tour: The Valley of the Oranges

Picturesque hills and aromatic citrus orchards best describe Sóller. From Palma de Mallorca, travel into the Serra de Tramontana mountains, where you'll discover this eye-catching town, nicknamed the 'Valley of Oranges'. Historically, Sóller was isolated from the rest of Mallorca due to its mountains, allowing the development of unique cultural and agricultural practices. Sóller's orange groves trace their roots back several centuries, introduced to the region by Arab settlers during the Spanish occupation. On this exclusive tour, you'll uncover the region's conservation initiatives with your National Geographic-trained guide, visiting the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences for an exclusive audio-visual experience including photos illustrating the history of the orange groves and their impact on Sóller's local economy. After this, tour Sóller's citrus-infused Botanical Gardens, where you'll study the botanical properties of different citrus varieties, enjoy an exclusive visit to the seed bank and learn more about the museum's work to conserve the Balearic Islands' plant species, unique ecosystems and natural habitats. Finish with a cooking demo featuring a zesty dessert with a citrus tang. Next, discover Sóller's secrets on a guided walking tour, before stopping by Sa Fàbrica de Gelats, an ice cream Parlor featured in National Geographic España as one of the best spots for orange-flavoured gelato. Finish with some free time to explore at your leisure.

Eastern Majorca Tour with Arta Caves and Aloe Plantation

Mountains, cliffs, and vast fields – the Serra de Llevant range in the east of the island has much to offer. Discover authentic farms, ancient towns, a weekly country market and dramatic caves in one great day.

Majorca Winery Visit with Wine & Local Food Tasting

This tour takes you to the heart of Majorca's wine country to sample the fruits of a small family-run winery. We'll head to the village of Santa Maria del Camí to visit Bodega Ramanyà for a guided tour, rounding off the experience with a typical Majorcan snack. Xisco, one of our local guides, says, ‘The family stands for rural Mallorca. They are very entertaining and will tell you all about the history of the island through their collection of farming artefacts.'During your journey to the grape-growing region of Binissalem, which is a Denomination of Origin, your expert guide will give you the lowdown on the island's wines. This terroir is situated near the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains and, says Xisco, ‘the fertile earth and the sunny weather give the local wines a special taste'. By visiting a local family-run bodega, you'll be contributing to a fairer distribution of revenues – some of the biggest producers of Majorcan wine have vineyards nearby.As you tour the vineyards and winery, you'll learn about the grape varieties, their harvesting, ageing and bottling. You'll also be able to observe the family's collection of artefacts from yesteryear. These were used for the cultivation of the grapes and tilling of the land. Then, comes the best part – you'll sample three wines of your choice alongside a tapas-style snack made from locally sourced ingredients. Try breads, olive oils, cheeses, and more, all washed down with the cellar's own wines.

Palma Tours with Cathedral and Valldemossa Options

Take your pick from a variety of ways to visit Majorca's atmospheric capital, Palma. Explore the city at your own pace with our simple, hassle-free transport only option. Or, perhaps you would like to add a guided visit to the waterfront cathedral, or lunch at the Hard Rock Café. To make the most of your day, you can pair your cathedral experience with a trip to the hilltop town of Valldemossa, too. Hugo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Palma Cathedral is astonishing. The apse's rose window alone contains more than 1,100 pieces of stained-glass – and was designed to align with the façade's rose window twice a year, on 2/2 and 11/11, to create the figure of 8.'How the day unfolds depends on the option you've selected. With our Palma Free Time ticket, you'll have a few hours to use as you choose. Shop in the city's chic boutiques and high street fashion stores, check out plazas lined with terrace cafés, or enjoy the plentiful supply of art galleries and museums. You can add a lunch option at the Hard Rock Café, tooIf you've opted for the Palma and Cathedral ticket, you'll get a guided tour of this vast Gothic masterpiece. And with the third option, you'll get entry to the cathedral, plus a visit to Valldemossa – an achingly pretty village strewn on a hill less than 30-minutes' drive from Palma. Hugo says, ‘Valldemossa is the essence of rural Majorca. Honey-hued stone houses with green shutters cluster around the belfry. Make sure to try the local potato cake, ‘coca', dipped in hot chocolate.'

Farmers' Market and Formentor Tour from South and East of Majorca

This excursion captures the magic of Majorca by combining two special attractions. You'll visit a farmers' market and the rugged coastline of Cape Formentor – getting a taste of the atmosphere in a country town and for the island's beautiful landscapes.

Formentor by Boat and Market from North Coast of Majorca

Tucked into the very north of Majorca, the Pollença area is one of the pettiest parts of the island. You'll enjoy a boat trip over to the elegant seaside town of Port de Pollença on this exclusive excursion, visit a market and enjoy time on Formentor beach. There's are also a stop Es Colomer viewpoint.

Full day Majorca Tour with Port de Soller and Lluc Monastery

There's something really special about this trip to northern Majorca – the way in which you go sightseeing is part of the adventure. That's because you'll travel by coach, train, tram and boat during our exclusive excursion through Soller, Port de Soller and Sa Calobra.

Drach Caves, Pearl shop with digital museum & Local Market Tour

Three Majorca musts share top billing on this tour. You'll stroll the stalls of a farmer's market, delve into the depths of the famous Drach Caves and visit the renowned Majorica pearl factory. Xisca, one of our local guides, says, ‘Before you even set foot inside, you call feel something truly spectacular lies ahead. The cave system is a world of secretive caverns and subterranean lakes brought to life by music and light shows.'Your first stop will be the Majorica shop and museum, where possibly the finest imitation pearls in the world are made. See digital displays explaining the manufacturing process before browsing pearl jewellery in the shop. Xisca says, ‘The designs are creative and exquisitely crafted, which is why Majorica jewellery is such a popular birthday or Christmas gift on the island.'It's then on to the weekly market in a country town. Poke around stalls stocked with everything from fragrant fruit and vegetables to aromatic herbs and pungent cheeses. The chance to try products such as Majorca's famous black pig pork is part of the experience. Spicy sobrassada, a spreadable paprika-cured sausage, makes for a great take-home souvenir – and helps local producers. Then, round off the day at Drach Caves. Get the lowdown from your guide on the formation of the system millions of years ago. There are four caves and a large lake, made all the more magical by the special lighting and a classical music concert from a quartet right in the very depths of the caves.