Internationale groepsreis Walking in Mallorca

Walking in Mallorca

This was our first experience of an Exodus holiday and we enjoyed it hugely. We did not know what to expect or if we were up to the walking. Now we know, we'll maybe look at a higher grade next time, as it is our intention to go again. The Exodus organisation was very good and the quality of the guide excellent. If he could be faulted at all, it would be his desire to explain anything and everything Mallorcan to us. He took great pride in providing typical local picnic lunches and went out of his way to arrange authentic evening meals.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting to the top of our first major peak on the second day. Having a swim in the Med on the fourth day after a coastal walk with excellent views, especially as this was October 30th.

What did you think of your group leader?

Eduard was a very good leader. We always felt safe with him and he kept us all together when it was necessary. His enthusiasm for his local island was endless.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Pack your swimming costume. When at the Lluc monastery take a good book to read during the free time in late afternoon. Also at Lluc, try to eat your evening meal at Ernesto's restaurant at the top of the car-park - the one with the blue and white awning. If the group is of sufficient number, he can be persuaded to put on a gourmet meal at a very reasonable price.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We benefited from a hotel change and ended up on the promenade at Puerto Soller in Hotel Eden. Exodus should try to use this hotel in future.

Walking in Mallorca

A very enjoyable walking holiday with a variety of walks highlighting how attractive Mallorca is and based in 2 different locations.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Coastal walk on transfer day to Lluc.

What did you think of your group leader?

Unique. Very knowledgeable and informative. Very good organisational skills.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Majorca mountain walks

A scenic, interesting, and authentic walking adventure in the Northern mountainous region of Majorca

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Our group of sixteen hikers soon bonded, under the skilled supervision of our local tour leader Eduard. We were made to feel like locals at each Travellers Rest, cafe,hotel and Monastery because of the rapport and friendship he had established with the local people.

What did you think of your group leader?

Eduard has bags of energy, enthusiasm for his homeland, and a passion for conservation and sustainable tourism. His humour and engaging personality was central to the enjoyment of this trip. His frequent stops enroute to take in points of interest covered stunning vistas, knowledge of flora, fauna,ecology, history,customs etc....and all with the authority of a man who has lived on the island. A proud and very well travelled Majorcan. Eduard is everything a tour guide should be.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Travel light, immerse yourself into the local mindset. Share your bread, a smile and a complement.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The tourist season is short and intense in Majorca. Please be as generous as you can.

Walking in Mallorca

Superb trip. The island is stunning and the walks were excellent. Would thoroughly recommend it. We have done several Exodus trips and this one certainly did not disappoint. The split between the two bases was a great contrast from the pretty bay resort to the mountain monastery.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sitting on mountain tops with a 360 degree view of beautiful landscapes enjoying picnics with wonderful , fresh, local food.

What did you think of your group leader?

Eduard was just brilliant. His passion for his island shines through and he took the opportunities of water and rest breaks to pass on fascinating information about local customs, the history of the island, flora and fauna. He cares about the group he is leading and ensures that everyone gets as much from the trip as they want. Top chap and a delight to spend time with.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go! if you haven't been to Mallorca you are missing a real treat and if Eduard is leading the group you will have a great time.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We would recommend it to anyone, the walking is great, the landscape beautiful, the local cuisine is delicious and Eduard's picnics are sublime.

A first timer with Exodus

I joined a local walking group last Autumn, not very long after my wife died, and found that it got me out of the house, gave me some execise and I met a new group of people. I also saw some stunning areas fairly close to home that were new to me. Signing up a week's walking in Mallorca was my first solo trip and I was understandably a little nervous but it proved to be one of my most enjoyable, not to say challenging, holidays. Some of the walking/climbing was tougher than I was used to, partly because the weather for most of the week was a lot hotter (34c on one day) than expected in May. However I completed all but one days, including the most exacting climb and missed one day later in the week as I wasn't too well (as did several others in the group) I intend to go on similar holidays in the future. There were 16 in the group, all more experienced than me, and they were a very nice bunch.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting to the top of Mirador den Quesada at 957m on day 3. I was quite proud of myself, not bad for a 70 year old, and the views and picnic at the top made up for the exhaustion.

What did you think of your group leader?

I can't praise Eduard too highly. He was helpful, informative and passionate about Mallorca. I hope that any future group leader I meet will come up to his high standards.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Not much. I didn't have all the kit that some of the rest of the group did, but then I have only recently started walking/trecking and will get it sorted for next time.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I spoke to various other members of the group who had been on several similar holidays before, some with Exodus, some not, and they considered that this week was harder than some similar 'moderate trips'. It was also suggested that it could be beneficial to have a rest day mid week.

Walking in Mallorca

A fantastic week of walking on the beautiful island of Mallorca. Every walk was different and spectacular in its own right. The hotel in Soller was very comfortable, centrally located with a great buffet breakfast. The nights at Lluc made a good contrast. Good company, great food and a fine dry week. Usual Exodus efficiency.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Cannot pick one. Every day I thought that the walks couldn't get better - but they did.

What did you think of your group leader?

Eduard was a delight. Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about all thing Mallorcan.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I found poles invaluable. We were lucky with weather but imagine some paths could be slippery in the wet. Layer up if you go early or late season, the wind can be quite cold higher up.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

One of the best weeks walking I have experienced.

Another amazing Exodus trip

Another great trip with Exodus and superb guide, Edward. Beautiful scenery, good walks and the food on the trip was excellent.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

So many amazing moments throughout the trip.

What did you think of your group leader?

Edward was very patient, knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and a good sense of humour, even if he did laugh at his own jokes.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take walking boots, even although Sketchers were fine!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Great trip with short flight times from the UK.

This is a great trip with short flight times from the UK. There are lots of quite rough rocky paths and for most people boots would be a good option. Some quite long descents on loose stony paths.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Coastal walk is spectacular and ends at a great place for swimming!

What did you think of your group leader?

Great local leader with extensive knowledge.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Local flora seems friendly to wearing shorts. Lucc is a very quite place with very basic rooms, maybe take a book or some music! Its pretty easy to self navigate to Soller from Palma (or there airport) as the local bus service is good although it doesn't run late in the evening.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Palma, the capital, is a great place to stay for a few extra days but you won't get to see it on the standard trip.

A great week away walking

This was my first walking holiday with Exodus and the itinerary for the week was fantastic. The walks were varied with diverse scenery from mountain peaks to coastal walks. I particularly enjoyed the Mallorcan picnics during our walks. Eduard, our local tour leader, had a lot of knowledge which he shared with us enthusiastically. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the summit of Puig d'en Galileu on day 7. It was a steep but rapid ascent and I thought it was a suitable and rewarding way of ending the trip on a high peak. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Eduard is a highly experienced, genuine and caring tour leader. He was dedicated to providing the best experience he can whilst we were on the trip. His light-hearted humour made the trip very enjoyable!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bring loose change with you for freshly squeezed orange/lemon juice served at farmhouses. Sa Fonda restaurant, 5 minutes from Lluc monastery serves excellent food. The restaurant provides free wi-fi (wi-fi access is payable at the monastery).Buy 5L of water from nearby shops around Puerto Soller. It is much cheaper (approximately 1 euro) then buying small bottles and more environmentally friendly.  

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Walking in Mallorca = code TST

An excellent holiday. Great guide, lovely walks and a good group. Walking 6 continuous days was enough but you are free to have a rest day or two if you want. Weather was perfect for walking - mainly sunny but not hot. Walks were very varied and the scenery was beautiful. Very well organised.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

My favourite walks were from the Puerto Soller base. The walk to Cala Tuent on the transfer day was my favourite capped off with a very refreshing swim in the sea. The mountain walks were well worth the ascent with stunning views.

What did you think of your group leader?

Edward was great, good fun, very informative and well organised. His good contacts everywhere ensured we were well looked after. There is very little he doesn't know about olives.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't be put off by the second walk. It is the hardest on paper but the ascent was made easier by very good gradual paths

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Our hotel in Puerto Soller was changed from Eden Nord to Eden. This was not a problem as the Eden is a very nice hotel and situated right on the sea front. At Lluc, Ernesto at the farthest café/bar, the other side of the car park was very hospitable and provided 2 wonderful very good value meals during our stay.

Walking in Mallorca

We chose the week designated as Challenging, and thoroughly enjoyed 6 full days of walking through beautiful coastal and mountainous scenery. The weather was dry and mostly warm, and our group was able to complete all of the anticipated itinerary. Highly recommended!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were many highlights for me, including the route and marvellous views on days 3 and 4, walking high above the sea on the route to Cala Tuent on day 5, and scrambling up the steeper rocky slopes on days 6 and 7.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our friendly leader Eduard was excellent. He is passionate and knowledgeable about all things Mallorcan - history, culture, flora and fauna, and the Tramuntana mountain area. We were able to learn so many things. Sometimes we would stop for a few minutes rest (chocolate provided!), and he would tell us all about something in more depth. He looked after the safety and well-being of everyone in the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do consider the distances, duration, ascent/descent given in the trip notes for each day, and compare with the walking that you are used to. This will help you to decide whether you can expect to fully enjoy the trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We stayed an extra night in Palma after the trip ended, so we had a free day. Eduard suggested a walk from Lluc going around Puig Roig that is only possible on Sundays. We enjoyed that walk, and then caught the 17:45 bus from Lluc to Palma.

March 2016

Just returned from a wonderful week of walking in Mallorca. The views on many of the walks were worth the climbs. Very good food and a great walk leader in Edwardo who has a great passion for the Island of Mallorca.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The stay in the Monastery was a wonderful experience. The walks from there provided great views.

What did you think of your group leader?

Edwardo is a very good walk leader with a very good knowledge of the island, its history and customs.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Fabulous walking, scenery and food

A great week of varied walks with a fantastic group, based in two very different but superb locations (Porte de Soller and Lluc Monastery). Very good food at the local restaurants in Puerto de Soller and the restaurant outside the monastery. Eduardo (tour leader) made us such lovely picnics on the walks too!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The views along the coastal path of Sa Costera and the stunning mountain pass scenery on the transfer to the monastery.

What did you think of your group leader?

Eduardo is an excellent guide - highly experienced and with a great love and knowledge of his native Mallorca.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Walking boots are a good choice for the rocky paths. Pack lots of layers... it was very cold on the top of mountains, and cool at night too (traveled March 2016). We booked the moderate week and found it was very manageable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A good selection of walks with some free time to explore the local towns.

Walking in Majorca

Thoroughly enjoyable, good being based in two centres, each day a different and lovely walk, top quality picnics, very well organised and excellently guided by Eduardo.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

shedloads of lycra !

What did you think of your group leader?

A local guide, very experienced and knowledgeable about the area. Charming and considerate. He looked after us very well.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Would recommend.

Walking in Mallorca - May 2016

My brother and I booked the "Walking in Mallorca" holiday and we went in mid-May as we knew the weather would be nice but not too hot for walking. The flight from Gatwick was hassle-free and we were met by our guide at Palma Airport and transferred to the hotel in Port de Soller. The hotel was nice but the room could have been cleaned a little better (our bathroom bin hadn't been emptied and the floor not swept) and the beds were a bit too hard. We also had a problem with the air con, which was fixed the day after we reported it. The breakfast was good with a wide variety of options to choose from. On the Thursday we transferred to the Lluc Monastery, which was simple yet peaceful and comfortable, although an extra pillow would have been welcome. On our last day we were helpfully taken back to the airport by our guide. As the monastery is quite remote and ideally you need a car to explore the area, I feel we could have gone back to Palma earlier than our check-in time requirement rather than waited at the monastery for several hours with little to do so that we could have explored some of the city instead (e.g. the cathedral) before our flight home. Unfortunately the check-in process at Palma took much longer than at Gatwick and our flight was also delayed by just over an hour, which was frustrating after a nice holiday. The walking aspect of the holiday was described as moderate difficulty and the distances/ascents given in advance, which was very useful. Although I consider myself reasonably fit, I did struggle a little bit with some of the walks due to the humidity and where the climbing was quite steep and slippery under foot. However, the guide was very helpful and supportive on these occasions and adjusted the pace of the walk accordingly. In future I would probably choose to do an "easy" level holiday so that we have more free time to explore the surroundings (e.g. it would have been nice to have spent more time in Valldemossa). Overall we had a very pleasant and memorable holiday and would definitely return to Mallorca. I would also consider booking with Exodus again.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the summit of Puig d'en Galileu (1181m), one of the island's highest peaks. The coastal walk along a mule trail to Cala Tuent was also very impressive.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our guide was Eduard, who was very knowledgeable about the island's social and political history, flora, fauna and bird life as well as local information (e.g. restaurants). He expertly led us on a range of walks that encompassed the best aspects of the island - the coast, mountains, forests and olive/citrus groves. His humour kept our spirits up during the difficult moments and he was very thoughtful when it came to preparing the picnics each day, making sure that the spread included a range of Mallorcan fayre.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I would particularly recommend the Sa Font Coberta restaurant at Lluc Monastery: the traditional, home-cooked food was great and the owner was incredibly friendly and accommodating. Walking poles are advisable to help with the tougher ascents and descents.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Walking in Mallorca

Another wonderful Exodus holiday. The walking was superb and the accommodation characterful, with the contrast of the hotel near the seafront of the beautiful coastal town of Puerto Soller and then the stunning converted monastery at Lluc. Highly recommended.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were many during the week however the summiting of the two high peaks(957m & 1,181 m) and the stunning coastal walk to Cala Tuent were the highlights.

What did you think of your group leader?

Eduard was absolutely superb. His leadership of the walks was first class. His knowledge of the local environment and history of so many aspects of the island was also excellent. Above all else he was an extremely sociable person and simply great fun to be with. He also supplied delicious packed lunches! Keep doing what you're doing Eduard!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Mainly if you're thinking of booking this holiday then definitely go for it. With regard to the weather it was 33 degrees on one of the days, even in September, therefore make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen with you.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Already can't wait for my next Exodus holiday!

Walking in Majorca

Walking in the western and northern mountains of Majorca was beautiful. My first visit to the island and I was not disappointed. A good group of sixteen like-minded people, two very different bases, secluded coves, rugged mountains and excellent tapas - what was not to like.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Eduardo! A superb guide. Eager to share his knowledge and obvious love of his home country and the pa amb oli lunches were wonderful.

What did you think of your group leader?

See above

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The trip is rated moderate in the brochure but at times sections were fairly challenging. Proper footwear and a stick a must!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MALLORCA: SIERRA TRAMUNTANA

Mallorca was a complete revelation. I had not expected anywhere that peaceful or green.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

When I arrived in Puerto Soller, I sat on my hotel room balcony, to the right was the beautiful bay, and in front was the mountains. We spent the whole week with views like that. The picnics during the walks were another real highlight. I don't eat bread so picnic lunches are usually a trial. Not here. Eduardo would supply the traditional mediterranean food, so there was plenty of fruit, vegetables, local cheeses, chorizo, sobrassada, nuts, olives, pate..

What did you think of your group leader?

Eduardo really loved the mountains and had a passion for the walking that was infectious. My only small criticism would be that his english was sometimes difficult for me to understand. He was very helpful when I wanted to miss one of the walks and explore the town of Soller.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't be put off by Majorca's reputation.  Make sure you take the time to explore both Soller and Puerto Soller, they are both worth the time to explore. If going in the autumn/winter take extra rain protection like over capes. Even heavy duty rainjackets were difficult to dry out. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to have reordered the trip and stayed at Lluc monastery during the week not the weekend. At the weekend it was very crowded and touristy, with motorcycles on the roads. Luckily we were in the mountains much of the time, but Lluc during the week and Balitx at the weekend would have worked better for me.

WALKING IN MALLORCA

A varied, well organised walking trip which provided some much needed outdoor relief before the onset of winter. It was great having walks provided every day, and care and attention was put in to ensuring that every day was very different. A really good taster to these beautiful mountains!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Every walk was memorable for different reasons and provided some spectacular views of Mallorca and beyond. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Eduard was great - organised, passionate and meticulous. He made sure everyone was ok, making time to speak to everyone every day and ensuring that everyone felt confident and supported. He has a real passion for the mountains and the local area, and endeavours to share this with his group. His English is very good (apart from a unfortunate confusion between hurricane and hooligan), and he ensured that the group are constantly kept fully informed. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It can be cold in October/November! Take layers - and make sure you are both windproofed and waterproofed. It was also impossible to get a warm drink in the hotel - I would have taken a kettle and a hot water bottle!  For me, the walks could have been more challenging - but they suited the group, and it was probably accurately classified as a moderate. Eduard did an excellent job of keeping 16 disparate walkers together.  

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It was a bit disheartening having the hotel in Soller being closed and dismantled literally around us. It meant the hotel had a very depressing air, and there was no bar. Surely they could have waited until their guests had left before packing up?  Please can Exodus offer some more challenging walks in Spain during the school holidays... 

WALKING IN MALLORCA

The walks were varied and interesting, the guide was brilliant, and the views were spectacular: we felt we experienced a taste of the real Mallorca.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

3 particularly inspirational moments: firstly the beautiful coastal views whilst walking along the Painters' Path on day 2, secondly the spectacular coastal views from up high whilst walking along the Archduke's Bridleway on day 4, and last but not least the content and settings of the wonderful Mallorcan picnics we had most days.

What did you think of your group leader?

Eduardo was very friendly and helpful and good fun. We didn't need a guide book, maps, or phrase book, as he was really knowledgeable about the area and enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge with us. His English was very good. Most days we walked for several hours, but Eduardo set a pace that we could all manage. His Mallorcan picnics are legendary.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This was our first organised walking holiday. We appreciated that pretty well everything was planned for us: the most we had to decide was where to eat on a couple of nights. We were lucky that we met a lovely bunch of fellow walkers who were great company both during the walks and afterwards. We would thoroughly recommend this trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?