It’s day two of our exciting adventure in Palma de Mallorca, and we’re ready to dive into another day of exploration! We’ve got a jam-packed schedule ahead with our van tour kicking off at 10:30 am. I made sure to book the tour in advance on Viator about a week ago to secure our spots. Unfortunately, the tour details didn’t include a meeting point, so I reached out to the tour agency for clarification.

To my delight, they responded promptly. After providing our hotel name, they kindly arranged to pick us up less than a mile away and even sent us the location along with a Google map for easy navigation. Now that we’re all set with the tour logistics, it’s time to fuel up with a delicious breakfast before embarking on our day of adventure!

Breakfast – Melia Palma Bay

We chose the hotel’s breakfast option, despite the additional cost. The convenience of simply hopping down the elevator and finding a delicious spread waiting for us made it totally worth it. 

Upon entering the hotel’s restaurant, we were warmly greeted by the hosts. Surveying the buffet offerings, we were spoiled for choice! From fresh fruits and yogurts to an array of breads and pastries, not to mention cereals, juices, bacon, and freshly cooked eggs, there was something to tantalize every taste bud.

We even spotted an omelet maker and mimosas, adding an extra touch of luxury to the experience. We opted to try a bit of everything, and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality and freshness of the food. Nothing tasted stale or like it had been sitting out for too long – it was all top-notch and delicious.

After indulging in a satisfying breakfast, we headed back up to our room to prepare for our exciting full-day van tour of the island. According to the online forecast, temperatures were expected to reach a delightful 70 degrees – perfect weather for finally breaking out the summer attire! Eager to embrace the sunshine, I slipped into a green tank top paired with a flowing long skirt that I had snagged from Shein. It felt fantastic to finally shed the layers and embrace the summery vibes.

As we stepped outside, we were greeted by the warmth of the sun, a welcome change from the cooler day before. With a skip in our step, we decided to stroll to the pickup point for the tour. It wasn’t far, and the prospect of walking alongside the ocean allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the stunning scenery of the island.  As we walked alongside the ocean, a sense of tranquility encased us. The gentle waves and the fresh sea breeze created a serene atmosphere.

It was heartwarming to see people enjoying the outdoors, whether they were strolling along the promenade or simply soaking in the beauty of the surroundings. Before we knew it, our leisurely walk had flown by in the blink of an eye.

Activity – Full Day Van Tour of the Island

As we eagerly awaited the start of our island tour, the van driver, Niels, sent us his live location to assure us that he was on his way. He arrived promptly, greeting us with a warm smile as we climbed into the spacious blue VW van. With only three other passengers joining us – a woman from Alabama and

two women from Belgium – our group boasted a diverse mix of backgrounds and cultures. With introductions exchanged and excitement bubbling in the air, we set off on our adventure, our first destination being the charming village of Valldemossa.

As we journeyed through the picturesque landscape, flanked by rows of majestic olive trees, Niels regaled us with fascinating tales of the island’s history and pointed out noteworthy landmarks along the way. With his lively commentary, we learned about the island’s diverse wildlife, including the “threatening animals” like the sheep and mountain goats that call it home.

To add to the ambiance, Niels curated a perfect playlist of road-trip tunes, setting the mood for our adventure. As we neared our destination, the tan limestone buildings nestled amidst the mountains came into view, a picturesque sight that signaled our arrival in the quaint town of Valldemossa.

Van Tour – Valldemossa

The moment we stepped foot into the town of Valldemossa, we were enchanted by its magical ambiance. Cobblestone paths meandered through narrow alleyways, each corner revealing a new delight to behold. The verdant greenery that decked every corner added to the town’s undeniable charm, with plants and flowers cascading along the alleyways in a riot of colors.

Guiding us through the labyrinthine streets, Niels graciously pointed out cozy cafes and charming eateries where we could indulge in delicious coffee or delightful bites.

Along the way, he drew our attention to a poignant detail embellishing each building: tiles commemorating Santa Catalina Thomas, Mallorca’s only homegrown saint, who was born right here in Valldemossa.

Each tile depicted a different scene from Santa Catalina Thomas’s life, accompanied by the words “Santa Catalina Thomás pregau per Nosaltres” – Santa Catalina Thomás, pray for us. It was a touching tribute to the town’s cherished heritage. Then, we followed him to the Real Cartuj (the Royal Carthusian Monastery), a majestic sight nestled amidst lush gardens.

As we explored the serene surroundings, Niels delighted us with tales of the monastery’s rich history, tracing its origins back to King James II and its subsequent occupation by the Carthusian Monks. We learned of the monastery’s famed resident, Saint Catherine of Palma, and the illustrious guests like Frederic Chopin and George Sand, who found inspiration within the city.