Mallorca - Tramuntana Traverse Trek

Day 1: Arrive Palma

Rendezvous with the group at Palma Airport. A single timed group transfer is provided to the group's hotel accommodation in downtown Palma. This transfer is usually in the late afternoon. Evening free for independent sightseeing in the old town, a place with an authentic character and including such highlights as a cathedral built by Gaudi and an ancient Arab fortress known as the Almuleida Palace. KE Land Only package services begin with the overnight at the group hotel. Meals included: (None).

Day 2: First short trek from Valldemossa

After breakfast at the hotel, we make the half-hour transfer to the village of Valldemossa in the Sierra de Tramuntana. Our baggage continues in the minibus to our next-but-one overnight stop at Puerto Soller, whilst we set off walking on a trail overlooking the north coast. Since our accommodation tonight is not easily accessible by vehicle, we will carry with us a minimum of personal gear (toothbrush and small towel, for instance). Our walk takes us on a trail much loved by the explorer, Luis Salvador, an Austrian Archduke who spent much of his time on the island during the last third of the 19th century. This route is in a fine position above the north coast of the island and offers great views of Palma Bay, of some of the Archduke's villas and of the peninsula of Na Foradada. After 4 hours, we reach the small settlement of Deia and check in at our dormitory-style accommodation, which is in the old farm and mill of Can Boi, newly renovated as a museum and refuge. We should have time in the late afternoon to check out this charming village. 4 to 5 hours walking with 500 metres of ascent and descent. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Trek to Puerto Soller

We start the day with a pleasant walk down to the sea and the small, enclosed bay of Cala Deia. Here, we can take a swim, before continuing our walk along the coast for 2 hours to the idyllic hamlet of Lluc Alcari. From here, we hike through a forest of green oaks to the farm at Can Prom, where we begin our redescent to the sea at Puerto Soller. We check in at our hotel accommodation (with pool) in this low-key resort and have plenty of time to have a look road. Puerto Soller has a sandy beach, narow streets and a choice of bars and restaurants. 4 hours of walking, with 300 metres of ascent and 400 metres of descent. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Longer walk to Tossals Verds Refuge

Once again, we need to take minimal personal gear for the overnight with us. We begin by taking the old (1913) rack and pinion tramway up to the town of Soller, which is the centre of orange growing on Mallorca and features lots of pretty houses, framed by bougainvillea and vines. From here, we follow signs to the Biniaraix Gorge, walking through pleasant farmland, with groves of orange, lemon and fig trees. We follow the 'pilgrims trail' a stepped pathway (possibly dating back 2500 years to the time of the Carthaginians) that takes us ever upwards, passing terraced olive plantations, towering limestone cliffs and the odd farmhouse. Finally, we reach the Ofre Pass (1091m), where we have great views (weather permitting) of the Mediterranean and of the mountain lake of Cuber. We reach our overnight stop at the Tossals Verds Refuge after 7 hours of walking, with 1000 metres of ascent at 400 metres of descent. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Traverse the Serra de Teixos to Lluc

Today, we are heading for the famous Lluc Monastery at Escorca and our route will take us on a traverse of the Serra des Teixos (1359m) by way of the Cases de Neu ('snow houses' or 'snow pits') Pass. It will take us 6 hours to cross this rugged limestone mountain and involve an ascent and descent of around 700 metres. There are great views of Puig Massanella and the other high Tramuntana peaks during today's walk. Lluc Monastery sits in a forested bowl in the mountains. There has been a monastery on this site since the 13th century and it remains a haven of peace and tranquility, with access to lots of mountain trails. We spend 2 nights in the sanctuary. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Ascend Puig Tomir

Today, we climb the most northerly summit of the Serra de Tramuntana, Puig Tomir (1102m). We start out on a forest trail which soon opens out onto a steepish slope between rocky ridges on a trail across scree. There are great views from the small concrete pillar at the summit across most of the island. In particular, the view down to Puerto Pollensa, Cap Formentor and the Bay of Alcudia. We return to the monastery for a second night after around 6 hours of walking, with 600 metres of ascent and descent. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Climb Puig de Massanella and return to Palma

Another great day-hike, as we complete a circuit via the top of Puig de Massanella (1382m), with the option to take in Puig d'en Galileu (1159m). We pass the farm buildings at Comafreda and hike through oak woodland on a path that will eventually take us on a way-marked path to the Coll de sa Línia. Massanella is the second highest peak on Mallorca and offers great views across to the biggest, Puig Major. Returning to the monastery after 7 hours, with 800 metres of ascent and descent, we transfer back to Palma and our hotel. The evening is free. (B,L)

Day 8: Depart Palma

KE Land Only package services end after breakfast with a single timed early morning group transfer to Palma Airport. (B)