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NEW! Mallorca: Cycling Paradise Found
Dear Traveler,
We're thrilled to debut our new biking trip on Mallorca, Spain's incredible Mediterranean island, a 50-minute flight from Barcelona. Join us and you just might experience the ride of a lifetime! In all respects, Mallorca surpasses expectations. Rocky cliffs plunge into the sea, while the soaring peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range tower above you. Inland you'll find a pristine landscape blanketed with pine forests, citrus groves and thousand-year-old olive trees.
Vestiges of the past are ever-present, from medieval monasteries to rustic stone villages originally settled by the Moors. There's outstanding wine and cuisine to savor, and luxury accommodations that are refreshingly unpretentious. Best of all, it's a cycling destination like no other—and a favorite among European riders—with nearly deserted back roads offering curlicue descents and vigorous climbs seemingly custom-made to test your legs and lungs. You'll appreciate not only the excellent bike-specific signage, but also the wide shoulders that have been added to the roads to ensure a superlative experience.
Wherever you travel, Backroads adventures immerse you deeper in your destination, uncovering unforgettable landscapes, cultural treasures and local personalities that many other travelers simply miss. Read on for a taste of what you'll experience when you explore Mallorca on a bike with us. Then give us a call at 800-462-2848 to make your travel dreams reality. Our Trip Consultants are available 7 days a week from 7 am to 5 pm, PT.
Hasta pronto—we hope to welcome you on a Backroads trip soon!
Mark Selcon
Regional Manager, Spain
P.S. Is a walking trip more your style? Amble with us beneath majestic Pyrénées peaks. Wander in whitewashed fishing villages and charming medieval towns. And bask on Costa Brava beaches just steps from the Mediterranean Sea. Read more about our Catalonia Walking Trip. | |
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| MALLORCA HIGHLIGHTS |
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A Cyclist's Playground
Few island destinations can match the glorious climate and world-class biking routes of Mallorca. The largest in Spain's Balearic archipelago, this idyllic Mediterranean isle has long been a magnet for European cyclists and professional teams seeking a sunny locale for early- and late-season training. And its geographic diversity seems created with Backroads in mind. From long, flat coastal roads, to gentle inland rollers, to quad-busting switchback climbs up the region's highest mountain range, the island offers outstanding terrain for all persuasions. What's more, each epic day in the saddle brings the promise of extraordinary cuisine, superb local Manto Negro wines and splendid accommodations. From the moment you ease your bike onto the road, you'll feel it: Mallorca is your own little slice of cycling heaven!
- Spin through the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana, amid pine forests, emerald-green valleys and rugged cliffs. Then tackle the ultra-curvy ascent from Orient to Bunyola, two ancient and idyllic towns well worth exploring.
- Join the glitterati in Valldemossa—once a Moorish hamlet, the town has more recently seen its share of celebrities, including Bob Geldof, Andrew Lloyd Webber, George Clooney, Michael Douglas and Susan Sarandon.
- Follow sinuous mountain terrain past Charterhouse, the monastery in which Frédéric Chopin stayed with George Sand over the winter of 1838-39.
- Wind along the rocky northern coast with the towering Tramuntana as your backdrop. Passing through the cobbled streets of Fornalutx, look in the eaves of the houses for traditional painted Arabic tiles.
- Climb the average 5.9 percent gradient over nine miles to the Puig Major Tunnel, and brave the road to Sa Calobra (The Snake), a roller-coaster of hairpin turns plunging 3,000 feet to a sea cove with secluded beaches.
- Embark on the stunning route to Cap de Formentor at the island's northernmost point—a ride that may stand as one of your lifetime favorites. Pedal the cape's ridgeline as dramatic sea views unfold all around you and white cliffs tower thousands of feet above the azure water.
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Our Man in Mallorca
Meet our Mallorca trip researcher, Carlos Martinez Abad. Now in his 4th year leading trips for Backroads, Carlos once lived on Mallorca and raves about the island's "stunning coastline, secret beaches and turquoise water." He looks forward to introducing Backroads guests to the magic of Mallorca in 2012! | |
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Your Wheels in Mallorca
As always, our custom titanium bikes are included in your trip price. Or—if you crave pure unbridled lightning-fast speed—choose the 2012 Specialized S-Works Roubaix or Ruby Pro to launch your ride to the next level
($400 rental fee). Read more about the Backroads bike fleet. | |
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Your Gateway to an Epic Week
To reach the trip start, you can fly into Palma de Mallorca airport (PMI) via a number of wonderful European gateway cities, including Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, Vienna, Rome, Athens and more!
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GUEST QUOTE
"Over the last 30+ years, I've taken 96 biking trips all over the world. Anyone can print a brochure or put up a website promising a great active
travel experience. Only Backroads delivers
exceptional performance—not just promises—every time."
Richard Seltzer
Wynnewood, PA
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CALL 800-462-2848 or your travel agent to reserve your trip. Open daily from 7 am to 5 pm, PT.
All contents and photography © 2011 Backroads | 801 Cedar Street, Berkeley, CA, 94710 | 800-462-2848
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