Beyond its world-famous beaches, Menorca remains at heart a rural outpost in the middle of the Mediterranean. This exclusive tour gives you a taste of country life, with visits to a stately home, a stud farm and the pretty fishing village of Fornells. Miquel, one of our expert local guides, says "we're very proud of our cheeses – and you'll get to see how they have been made for centuries, finding out why they are square-shaped, before sampling some."
You'll be picked up from your hotel and whisked away into the centre of the island, watching the landscape get hillier and greener the further you go in. You'll stop off at various points during the journey. Perhaps the star of the show is Binissues, a traditional Menorcan manor house dating from the 18th century. The grounds are a joy to wander around, while the insect museum is popular with the kids. But learning how Mahon cheese is made is the highlight for Miquel. There's also a tasting of traditional pastries and ‘pomada' – Menorca's ‘national drink' of gin and lemon. What's more, a stop to a sandal-making factory is included, too, to see how Menorca's iconic avarca sandals are made from scratch.
Plus, you'll have the best seats in the house at Son Martorellet, a renowned horse stables. Watch as horses from the island's endemic Menorquin breed are trained by local trainers or riders. And you'll also climb to the island's highest point at Monte Toro, where you'll enjoy the best panoramic views over the countryside and coastline. You'll also visit Fornells for a guided walk and free time to watch the fishermen come and go from the port.
