Thanks for the warning. At least the boat didn’t sink. Group tours are kind of a gamble, but you never know until you try - unless someone gives an honest review. I admire how you kept this one objective, and without a hint of bitterness.
"nstead, we boarded a bus (which arrived 30 minutes after the time printed on our ticket) and traveled for just under 1 hour. We then queued up with at least 250 others and descended 171 steps on narrow walkways. Often the person in front of us stopped without signalling to capture the moment for their Instagram account. I often felt like a human domino."
Oh, yikes, no bueno. This would definitely be a 'no go' for my claustrophobic self. And I say this as someone who hiked down 871 steps to see an old coal mine near Krakow. They at least didn't try to take everyone down at once.
Port de Pollenca always make me think of Agatha Christie! I have vague memories of a trip to Mallorca from 2001 but I do remember that the beach and scenery in Pollenca were stunning! Overall you did well with these organised tours: you survived (the human domino could have gone SO wrong)! 😁
My sister-in-law got married over there and we stayed on the other side of the island. it was all agriculture and the residents spoke a variant of Catalan which was really interesting to hear. We toured an olive farm where the trees were said to be 800 to 1000 years old. Great trip but to go back I'd have to leave my zip code so I'll likely never see it again 🤣
Thanks! Great information for all travelers-guided tours can be disappointing—keeping your mind open to meeting the other people on the tour can be rewarding.
We worked Mallorca into our last trip to Spain. Madrid to Granada to Malaga and then Mallorca. I guess I didn't do my homework. Somehow, I was expecting a quaint, rustic Spanish island experience. All narrow winding streets and fresh seafood and tiny shops filled with local treasure. Yeah - no. It was nothing like that. Granada was the highlight of our trip. A place I will never forget. And although it was a cattle call, Alhambra was worth the long lines. And we stayed on the opposite side of the valley, in the Albaicin. That was (it is) my dream place. The Albaicin. I would live there if I were 20 years younger and didn't have three big dogs, big children that we love. (Thank you for sharing your experience Nancy. Good or bad, thank you for bringing us along for the ride.)
Oh yes, getting the train from Palma itself to Soller is much better. There are some really nice dining spots in the town (rather than taking the tram down to the port which is always full of tourists. The cathedral in Palma is also lovely. (I'd been warned about the Caves of Drach so avoided all that - especially the steps down). If there is time for a trip around the island, Porto Colon is a pretty area.
Oh, I'm grateful for your cave adventure review! We went to Mallorca in December, fleeing the dark of Scandinavia in winter. I had been eyeing that tour, but we decided instead to be as lazy as possible.
We found we had the island almost to ourselves that time of year--but, caveat--since it's their slow time, that meant a large proportion of the restaurants were closed, island-wide. Also, folks who may be used to the heated U.S. pools...pools in Europe are typically NOT heated (as our 9-year-old found out when he tried to brave one). The ocean was actually warmer than the pools.
If you didn't go this trip though, their aquarium is top notch!
You sharing your misadventures is generous--and hopefully you'll be looking back and smiling at them.
I'm curious, what would you have done over? I was in Mallorca in 1997 and did the cave/classical music thing and it was lovely. I'm sure a lot has changed since then. Traveling means different things to different people. Some need to see all that they can in a short time and others just like to savor the atmosphere. So what would you have done differently knowing what you know now? I'd like to return to Mallorca and take hubby with me this time.
Thanks for the warning. At least the boat didn’t sink. Group tours are kind of a gamble, but you never know until you try - unless someone gives an honest review. I admire how you kept this one objective, and without a hint of bitterness.
Another great travel adventure! Hiccups just add to the overall experience/storytelling….i look forward to next week!
(I like the name Nano!)😎
Despite the travel challenges it’s great to receive adventures and misadventures early Monday morning. It adds sparkle to the day ✨
"nstead, we boarded a bus (which arrived 30 minutes after the time printed on our ticket) and traveled for just under 1 hour. We then queued up with at least 250 others and descended 171 steps on narrow walkways. Often the person in front of us stopped without signalling to capture the moment for their Instagram account. I often felt like a human domino."
Oh, yikes, no bueno. This would definitely be a 'no go' for my claustrophobic self. And I say this as someone who hiked down 871 steps to see an old coal mine near Krakow. They at least didn't try to take everyone down at once.
Whenever something turns out much worse than expected during my vacation, I try to think that at least I will have a fun story to tell afterwards :)
Port de Pollenca always make me think of Agatha Christie! I have vague memories of a trip to Mallorca from 2001 but I do remember that the beach and scenery in Pollenca were stunning! Overall you did well with these organised tours: you survived (the human domino could have gone SO wrong)! 😁
An awesome read. Isn't it so interesting how we discover places as we travel? I love a surprise! Thanks for the read.
My sister-in-law got married over there and we stayed on the other side of the island. it was all agriculture and the residents spoke a variant of Catalan which was really interesting to hear. We toured an olive farm where the trees were said to be 800 to 1000 years old. Great trip but to go back I'd have to leave my zip code so I'll likely never see it again 🤣
Somedays are just like that...
Thanks for the post Nancy. I like your true and honest opinion, and you could be a travel writer. Can't wait to hear more about this part of Spain.
That line about Nessun Dorma cracked me up. You may not be a travel or food writer, but you are a writer with a sense of humor.
Thanks! Great information for all travelers-guided tours can be disappointing—keeping your mind open to meeting the other people on the tour can be rewarding.
We worked Mallorca into our last trip to Spain. Madrid to Granada to Malaga and then Mallorca. I guess I didn't do my homework. Somehow, I was expecting a quaint, rustic Spanish island experience. All narrow winding streets and fresh seafood and tiny shops filled with local treasure. Yeah - no. It was nothing like that. Granada was the highlight of our trip. A place I will never forget. And although it was a cattle call, Alhambra was worth the long lines. And we stayed on the opposite side of the valley, in the Albaicin. That was (it is) my dream place. The Albaicin. I would live there if I were 20 years younger and didn't have three big dogs, big children that we love. (Thank you for sharing your experience Nancy. Good or bad, thank you for bringing us along for the ride.)
Oh yes, getting the train from Palma itself to Soller is much better. There are some really nice dining spots in the town (rather than taking the tram down to the port which is always full of tourists. The cathedral in Palma is also lovely. (I'd been warned about the Caves of Drach so avoided all that - especially the steps down). If there is time for a trip around the island, Porto Colon is a pretty area.
Oh, I'm grateful for your cave adventure review! We went to Mallorca in December, fleeing the dark of Scandinavia in winter. I had been eyeing that tour, but we decided instead to be as lazy as possible.
We found we had the island almost to ourselves that time of year--but, caveat--since it's their slow time, that meant a large proportion of the restaurants were closed, island-wide. Also, folks who may be used to the heated U.S. pools...pools in Europe are typically NOT heated (as our 9-year-old found out when he tried to brave one). The ocean was actually warmer than the pools.
If you didn't go this trip though, their aquarium is top notch!
You sharing your misadventures is generous--and hopefully you'll be looking back and smiling at them.
I'm curious, what would you have done over? I was in Mallorca in 1997 and did the cave/classical music thing and it was lovely. I'm sure a lot has changed since then. Traveling means different things to different people. Some need to see all that they can in a short time and others just like to savor the atmosphere. So what would you have done differently knowing what you know now? I'd like to return to Mallorca and take hubby with me this time.