Scenic tour by Train, Tram and Boat through the lakes

Scenic Tour by Train, Tram and Boat through Mallorca’s Lakes and Coastlines

This full-day scenic tour in Mallorca costs $107.66 per person and lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes. It combines land and sea journeys, taking you through coastal roads, rural landscapes, and charming villages like Port of Sóller and Soller. The tour is especially appealing for those who enjoy preferably short visits to each destination, as it emphasizes the journey and scenery over deep exploration. It includes a boat trip to Sa Calobra, a vintage tramway ride in Soller, and a historic train back to Palma.

While the tour offers beautiful vistas and multiple transport modes, it has mixed reviews related to organization and timing. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy rides with scenic views and vintage transportation, but those wanting more time at each stop may prefer a different option. The tour features pickup service and a mobile ticket for convenience.

Key Points

• Price: $107.66 per person for an 8.5-hour combination tour.
• Main attractions include Sa Calobra, Port Soller, Soller village, and scenic rides on train, tram, and boat.
• Itinerary emphasizes the journey itself, especially the tram and train rides, rather than long stays at each location.
• Stops are short—typically 15 to 20 minutes—so the tour is better for sightseeing than deep exploration.
• Weather-dependent boat trips might be canceled, but alternative routes are available.
• The tour is best for those who enjoy scenic rides and wish to experience a variety of transportation modes.

From the Land of Mountains to the Coastal Cliffs

The journey begins with a scenic drive through Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana, a World Heritage Site known for its dramatic peaks and reservoir views. Passengers enjoy vistas of Palma’s reservoirs and typical Mediterranean forests as the guide explains the significance of these landmarks. This part of the tour lasts about an hour and offers a slow introduction to the island’s natural beauty.

Next, the route takes travelers along La Carretera de Sa Calobra, a winding, scenic road often compared to a giant scalextric track. This civil engineering marvel offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and looks like a roller coaster over the sea. The drive through this spectacular road lasts about 30 minutes, setting the scene for the next stop.

Visiting Sa Calobra and its Majestic Cliffs

Sa Calobra is a key highlight in the tour, renowned for its majestic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. This natural wonder draws attention for its Torrent de Pareis, a stunning gorge that visitors can admire from the shore. The stop here lasts two hours, providing time for a swim in the unique natural setting.

The tour notes that Sa Calobra is a laureated natural site, easily the most striking landscape on the trip. However, the time at this stop is relatively short for those wanting a full exploration or a longer swim. The scenery makes it well worth the visit.

Boat Trip Along the Coast to Port Soller

After enjoying Sa Calobra, travelers board a boat that takes them along the coast towards Port Soller. This one-hour cruise offers a sea view of the coastal mountains and rugged cliffs. The boat ride, included in the tour, emphasizes Mallorca’s impressive coastline and provides a different perspective of the landscape.

The Port de Soller is a picturesque fishing village set in a bay surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains. It features a maritime promenade and a charming countryside that are perfect for a quick stroll. The tour allows 20 minutes at Port Soller to take in the views, enjoy the fresh air, or snap photos.

Exploring Soller Village and Its Architectural Charm

The next stop is Soller, known as “the capital of the Tramuntana” mountain range. This village is famous for its modernist architecture and lively atmosphere. The brief 15-minute visit lets travelers observe the town’s vibrant streets and historic buildings.

Soller is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, with a sympathetic historic center and plenty of photo opportunities. The tour provides just enough time to appreciate its architectural charm before heading to the centenarian train.

Vintage Train Ride Back to Palma

The last major part of the tour is the historic train, a century-old railway that connects Soller to Palma. The ride lasts about one hour and offers passengers a chance to experience a vintage mode of transportation that has remained unchanged for over 100 years. It’s a nostalgic journey, ideal for those interested in traditional railway travel.

The train is included in the tour price, and its vintage appearance is a highlight for many travelers. It provides a relaxing, scenic way to conclude the day before returning to Palma.

Logistics and Practical Considerations

The tour departs from Camí de l’Escullera in Palma at 9:30 am, with pickup offered as an option. The entire experience concludes back at the starting point, making it convenient for those arriving or staying in Palma.

A mobile ticket simplifies entry, and the tour is suitable for most ages, provided participants can walk at least 3 km during the day. The boat trip is weather-dependent; in case of bad weather, an alternative route by road is offered. The group size is limited to 55 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Strengths and Possible Drawbacks

The main strengths of this tour are its scenic variety and vintage transportation rides, which appeal to those interested in visual impressions of Mallorca. The guides are praised for their professionalism and multilingual abilities, with comments highlighting expertise and engaging storytelling.

However, some common limitations include short stop durations, which may not satisfy travelers wanting in-depth exploration. Plus, the organization has received mixed reviews, especially about timing and communication, with some reports of cancellations or delays due to weather or miscommunication.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you enjoy scenic drives, mountain views, and vintage train and tram rides, this tour offers a genuine taste of Mallorca’s landscapes. It’s particularly suitable for photo enthusiasts and those preferring short visits rather than long stays in each destination.

However, travelers looking for more time at each site or a comprehensive exploration of Mallorca’s villages and beaches** may find this tour too rushed. It’s also worth noting that the boat trip can be canceled if weather conditions are unfavorable, so flexibility is advisable.

Final Thoughts on the Mallorca Scenic Land and Sea Excursion

This tour provides an impressive overview of Mallorca’s natural beauty and vintage transportation experiences for a fair price. It’s ideal for viewpoint seekers and those eager to see diverse landscapes from mountains to the sea.

While the short stops and potential for weather-related cancellations are limitations, the scenic rides and highlighted locations like Sa Calobra and Soller make it a worthwhile option for those who prioritize visual impressions over in-depth sightseeing. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy relaxed travel with plenty of photo opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in this tour?
The tour includes Soller train and tramway rides and a boat trip to Sa Calobra.

How long does the entire tour last?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Camí de l’Escullera in Palma at 9:30 am.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included in the tour price.

What should I bring for this tour?
Participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for short walks at each stop. It’s also wise to bring swimwear for Sa Calobra if you wish to swim.

Can the boat trip be canceled?
Yes, the boat trip is weather-dependent and may be canceled; an alternative route by road will be arranged if necessary.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is recommended for all ages, as long as travelers can walk at least 3 km during the day.

What if I want more time at each location?
This tour emphasizes the journey and scenery rather than extended visits, so for longer stays, consider other options like the Mallorca Grand Tour.

Are there any reviews about the guide’s quality?
Some reviews praise the guides for their professionalism and multilingual skills, with one mentioning a very clear, fluent voice.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The scenic rides on the vintage train and tram and the visit to Sa Calobra are the key features that define this experience.