Marvellous Majorca with Sunway Tours and Travelbiz

Travelbiz Reporter, Marian Benton, had the pleasure of joining Sunway’s Majorca Marvels Discovery Tour with members of the Sunway guided tours team. Following a civilised departure time of 12.50 hrs and a short flight we arrived in Palma Airport where we were met by our guide Pere (promptly rechristened Peter by the group). A quick 20 minute transfer took us to our comfortable 4 star Las Arenas hotel overlooking the sea in Ca’n Pastilla.

Following a welcome drink and a quick run through our programme for the next five days we were free to check in, unpack and get settled in. Our tour includes dinner with wine in the hotel each night. There is a wide selection of freshly prepared food on offer and something to suit every taste.

The following morning we boarded our bus for our visit to Valldemossa. One of the oldest and most picturesque villages in Majorca, Valldemossa is in the Tramontana Mountain range. A UNESCO World Heritage Site it and one of the most visited towns in Majorca it is a noted artists retreat. Amongst its most famous inhabitants were the writer George Sand and the composer Frederick Chopin who spent the winter of 1838 there during which time Chopin, despite being in poor health, composed some of his best-known works. We enjoyed a short concert in the Palace del Ray Don Sancho followed by a tour of the palace and the monastery. We then had some free time to explore the pretty village and sample the traditional local speciality, Coca de Patata – a sweet bun made with potatoes- yes, really. It was delicious. We returned to our hotel with time to relax, have a ramble around the resort and some even braved the sea for a swim before our excellent dinner in the hotel.

After a delicious buffet breakfast in our hotel we took the short 15 minute drive to Palma for our guided walking tour of the city. One of the oldest cities in Europe, Palma has had a colourful history. Founded by the Romans in 123 BC it was then occupied by the Arabs for three centuries before returning to Christianity in 1229. During this time the Cathedral was built. A short walk through the Palace Gardens led us to the Cathedral. On the way we passed Jean Miró’s sculpture, Monument to the Women, known locally and irreverently as The Egg.

Confession time – I have visited Palma Cathedral many times over the years but learnt so much more about it today from our wonderful guide, Peter. Apart from being hugely knowledgeable he has the great gift of being able to impart his knowledge with the lightest touch and always with a sense of humour. He gave us the history of the Cathedral and drew our attention to the major points of interest – the portico door, the magnificent rose window (the largest in the world and known as the Eye of the Gothic) the Gaudi altar and the modernistic Barcelo altar, so popular for weddings that there is a seven year waiting list!

After our most informative visit we ambled through the Old Town, visiting the Church of Santa Clara en route to the Plaza Eulalia (named after the Gothic church overlooking the square) and seeing the Town Hall. We enjoyed a coffee in glorious sunshine before returning to our hotel for some relaxing down time. Those who wished could remain in Palma and return at their leisure using the very convenient bus service back to the hotel.