Scenic tour by Train, Tram and Boat through the lakes

If you’re considering a day in Mallorca that mixes land, sea, and a touch of vintage charm, this sightseeing tour might catch your eye. It promises a journey through coastal roads, mountain vistas, and quaint villages, with plenty of scenic rides along the way. While some travelers rave about the views and guides, others warn about organization issues and limited time at key stops. So, is it worth your time and money? Let’s explore what this tour’s all about.

Two things we genuinely like about this experience: First, the variety of transportation modes—land, boat, vintage train, and tram—means you’ll experience Mallorca from different angles, making the day feel dynamic and engaging. Second, the stunning scenery at highlights like Sa Calobra and the Tramuntana mountains offers some memorable moments that are hard to beat.

However, a potential downside is that this tour is primarily about the ride itself. If you’re looking for more time to explore each spot thoroughly, this might fall short. It’s more of a scenic sampler rather than an immersive exploration. Still, if you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and want to see a broad stretch of Mallorca’s beauty without much hassle, this could suit you.

This tour is best suited for those who appreciate scenic journeys and vintage travel experiences, and travelers who want a broad overview of Mallorca’s highlights in a single day. It’s not necessarily aimed at those who want to spend hours at each stop—more about the ride and the views.

Key Points

• Diverse transportation including boat, vintage train, and tram add variety to the day
• Stunning landscapes like Sa Calobra and the Tramuntana mountains are key highlights
• Limited time at stops means quick visits rather than deep exploration
• Weather-dependent boat trip could be canceled with an alternative route offered
• Guides and drivers generally praised for professionalism and care
• Price point offers reasonable value for scenic rides and guided commentary

What the Tour Covers

Starting Point and First Impressions

The journey kicks off early at around 9:30 am from Palma, with a pick-up option available. You’ll meet at the designated starting point, Camí de l’Escullera, and from there, the adventure begins. We appreciated the ease of the mobile ticket and the overall organization, but some reviews suggest that early communication about pick-up details can be confusing—so it’s worth confirming your arrangements ahead of time.

First Stop: Serra de Tramuntana

The tour starts with a drive through the famous Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This part of the trip is a real highlight if you love mountain scenery. You’ll pass by the two biggest reservoirs on the island, which supply water to Palma, and get views of the highest peaks. The scenery here is lush and dramatic, providing a great introduction to Mallorca’s varied landscape.

Scenic Drive to Sa Calobra

Next up is the La Carretera de Sa Calobra, often called a civil engineering marvel. This winding, narrow road looks like a giant scalextric track, clinging to cliffs and offering breathtaking views. The drive takes about 30 minutes and is considered one of the most scenic routes on the island. The road itself is a highlight but also means tight curves and a slow pace, so be prepared for a bit of a rollercoaster ride.

Exploring Sa Calobra

Once you arrive at Sa Calobra, you get around two hours to enjoy this natural wonder. The main attraction is the Torrent de Pareis, a stunning narrow gorge with crystal clear waters. This stop is the main dive into Mallorca’s wild side, and many visitors say the scenery is truly spectacular. You might want to take a swim or just soak in the views, though the free time is relatively limited.

One traveler mentioned, “Our Tour was Cancelled,” highlighting the importance of weather and logistical issues. The boat trip from Sa Calobra to Port Soller, included in your ticket, is a fantastic way to see the coast from the sea. Many agree that this boat ride offers a unique perspective of the rugged coastline.

Boat to Port Soller

The boat trip along the coast serves as a real highlight, offering views of towering cliffs and secluded coves. The boat ride lasts about an hour and is often praised for its scenic beauty. However, weather can affect this part; a few reviews mention cancellations due to weather conditions, with the tour provider offering alternative routes when this happens.

Port de Soller and Tram Ride

Upon reaching Port de Soller, you’ll hop onto a vintage tram that takes you along the maritime promenade into the town of Soller. This tram ride, about 20 minutes long, is charming, giving you a nostalgic glimpse into Mallorca’s transportation past.

Exploring Soller

The town of Soller is a delightful spot, often called “the capital of the Tramuntana.” It boasts lively streets, modernist architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll have about 15 minutes here, which some find enough to wander around, snap photos, and enjoy a quick coffee.

Vintage Train Journey

The final leg of the day is the century-old train that takes you back to Palma. This hour-long train ride is what most people find the most charming part of the tour. The vintage carriages and scenic route through orange groves and rural landscapes make it a memorable experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes the iconic Soller train and tramway, plus the boat trip to Sa Calobra. These are the core scenic experiences and are generally praised for their historic charm and natural beauty.

Lunch, however, isn’t part of the package, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. Some travelers found the quick stops make it challenging to enjoy local cuisine or relax fully. Be prepared for a busy day and carry snacks if needed.

Real Traveler Feedback: The Ups and Downs

The reviews paint a mixed picture. Many travelers appreciated the guides and drivers, describing them as knowledgeable and attentive. One reviewer happily noted, “Nuestro guía Antonio tenía una voz maravillosa, clara y fluida en varios idiomas,” which highlights the quality of guiding.

But others experienced frustrations. A couple of reviews mention poor organization and timing issues, with one saying, “We felt we got scammed,” due to missed pickup or late arrivals. Weather cancellations, especially of the boat trip, also caused disappointment for some.

Pricing at around $107.66 per person reflects a fair deal for the variety of rides and scenic views, but some might find the limited time at each stop less satisfying if they prefer to linger longer.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who love scenic rides and vintage vehicles—those who enjoy a relaxed pace with a focus on the journey rather than exhaustive exploration. It’s good for people comfortable with a busy schedule and short stops, as well as those interested in Mallorca’s natural beauty from multiple angles.

If you’re a solo traveler, couple, or even a group who appreciates a visually rich day with some history thrown in, you’ll likely find this tour enjoyable. However, if you prefer to spend more time at each destination or have mobility concerns, consider whether the quick visits fit your travel style.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate as long as they can walk at least 3 km during the day. It’s a scenic trip with short walks, but younger children should be comfortable with the schedule.

What happens if the boat trip is canceled?
Weather conditions can cause cancellations. If that happens, an alternative route will be offered by road, so you still get to see the coastline.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or plan to eat at your own expense during the day.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
The tour is typically booked about 24 days in advance, so last-minute bookings might be challenging. Check availability early.

How long does the entire tour last?
It’s approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, making for a full but manageable day out.

Is pickup included?
Pickup is offered from a central meeting point, but confirm your arrangements beforehand. Some reviews mention confusion about pickup times.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 55 travelers, which is a good size for social interaction but still manageable.

Is this tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
While most travelers can participate, walking at least 3 km is recommended. The vintage train and tram are generally accessible, but some walking and standing are involved.

Final Thoughts

This Mallorca scenic tour offers a beautiful combination of land, sea, and vintage train rides that showcase some of the most spectacular spots on the island. Whether you’ll love it depends on your expectations: If you’re after visual splendor and a relaxed, varied journey, it’s likely to satisfy. Keep in mind that the short stops and weather dependency might not suit travelers seeking a more immersive experience.

The experience delivers good value for those who appreciate guides and scenic routes but might fall short if you’re hoping for deep exploration or leisurely visits at each site. It’s ideal for those who want a broad overview of Mallorca’s natural beauty, especially if you’re fascinated by historic trains and coastal views.

Overall, it’s a solid choice if you’re prepared for a busy day packed with scenic highlights and are excited by the idea of seeing Mallorca from different perspectives. Just set your expectations for a scenic journey rather than a full-on sightseeing expedition.

Hopefully, this detailed look helps you decide whether this tour is a good fit for your Mallorca adventure. Safe travels!