In the wake of a Nat Geo Explorer, Kayak the pristine seas of Mallorca

In the wake of a Nat Geo Explorer, Kayak the pristine seas of Mallorca

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 of the Dragonera Islands, offshore from Sant Elm. It's 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.

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.

Valldemossa, Son Marroig and Soller Tour with Historic Train

History meets scenery on this Tramuntana Mountains tour. You'll visit the honey-stone village of Valldemossa, explore handsome Soller town and enjoy the views on a vintage train ride through mountains and valleys. Xisco, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The train is the pride of the people of Soller. Because their town was so hard to reach behind the mountains, they built the railway with their own money a century ago so they could be connected to Palma and export their famous oranges.'Kick off in Valldemossa, a cluster of stone houses tumbling from a ridge in the heart of the Tramuntana Mountains. You can either explore the village under your own steam or join a guided tour to learn more about its history and culture. Xisco adds, ‘My favourite street in Valldemossa is Carrer Rectoria, a narrow alley is lined with potted plants. Saint Catalina Thomas was born here, and her house is now a chapel.' Then it's on to Son Marroig for a guide tour of the ravishing Renaissance-style estate overlooking the sea.Next, we'll head to Soller, a busy town built by wealthy citrus fruit merchants. You'll have free time to explore, potter around the shops, pop into a church or two, or soak up the sun in an outdoor café. The day rolls to a close with a journey back in time on a wooden train inaugurated in 1912 and still in full working order today. This scenic ride weaves through the Sierra de Tramontanta to Son Reus, where you'll join the transfer back to base.

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. 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. If 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.'

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.

Palma by Land and Sea with Free Time, Boat Cruise and Bus Tour

See the best of Palma in two ways – by land and sea. You'll hit the streets with free time in the bustling capital, grab iconic coastal views from the vantage point of a boat, and discover more about the city on a guided bus tour. Xisco, one of our local guides, says, 'La Seu, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Palma. This majestic Gothic cathedral sits on the site of a former mosque and is situated on the shores of the Med, overlooking the bay. It's well worth a visit during your time in the city'.We'll drop you into the heart of Palma early for around two hours of free time. Grab a coffee at one of the many dinky cafés and bars, browse the shops for souvenirs to take home, or wander through the charming streets lined with historic buildings. After, you'll hop aboard a boat for a cruise along Palma Bay. Soak in the stunning coastal views and feel the gentle sea breeze as you drift along the sparkling waters – you'll need your camera for this one.Back on dry land, your journey continues with a guided city tour from the comfort of a bus, heading towards the magnificent Bellver Castle. En route, enjoy insightful commentary about Palma's rich history and cultural heritage. Upon arrival at Bellver Castle, there'll be a quick photostop to capture the panoramic views of the city and the bay. The castle's unique circular design and elevated position offer a spectacular vantage point.

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.

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

This excursion captures the magic of Majorca by combining some of the north's best attractions. You'll visit a farmers' market and get to know the craggy coastline of Cape Formentor, a narrow, pine-studded peninsula populated by wild herb-munching wild goats. Lluc, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘One Spanish phrase worth remembering for your market trip is “Un poco para probar, por favor”, which means “A little to try, please”. Usually, vendors are happy to give you a small taste of cheeses, olives, breads and so on, before you buy.'Majorca's markets are famed for their variety and freshness of the produce on display. Spend a morning browsing one of the most popular weekly farmers' markets, waking up your senses with colourful displays of fruit, the aroma of freshly baked local pastries and local vendors calling out their best deals. These markets are usually set up on the church square in the villages. Lluc adds, ‘The stallholders selling just a few different types of seasonal fruit or vegetables are the ones who grow their own produce – and usually the best value.'We'll then journey by road to Es Colomer viewpoint for a brief photo stop en route to Formentor beach. The curved, pine-fringed sandy bay boasts clear water and makes a great place to enjoy some free time. Refreshments are available at a beach café, and you can secure your table for lunch by choosing the ‘lunch included' option. On the return journey, you'll travel by boat back to Port de Pollença.

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.