Mallorca Island Tour with Boat, Train, Tram and Bus

Exploring Mallorca’s stunning landscapes and charming towns on a single day can seem daunting—unless you’re on this thoughtfully organized tour. Run by Nofrills Excursions, which boasts over 20 years of experience, this trip offers a seamless journey through some of the island’s most iconic spots without feeling rushed or overly commercialized. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to see Mallorca’s mountain scenery, quaint villages, and coastlines all in one go.

What we particularly appreciate is the curated itinerary designed to avoid the busiest days, ensuring a more relaxed experience. The combination of transportation modes—bus, train, tram, and boat—gives you a genuine taste of local life and authentic scenery. Plus, the guided commentary from knowledgeable locals means you won’t just be sightseeing; you’ll be learning along the way.

A possible consideration is the length of the day—at 8.5 hours, it’s packed with activities and travel. If you prefer a more leisurely pace or want more time at each stop, this might feel a bit full-on. That said, for travelers eager to make the most of Mallorca’s highlights in one go, this tour hits the sweet spot.

This experience suits those with a sense of adventure, curiosity about local culture, and a desire to see Mallorca beyond the typical tourist spots. Perfect for first-timers or anyone who loves scenic journeys and diverse landscapes in one memorable day.

Key Points

• Authentic transportation experience with bus, train, tram, and boat modes included.
• Expert local guides provide insightful commentary throughout the day.
• Carefully curated itinerary avoids crowded times and commercial stops.
• Highlights include Lluc Monastery, Sa Calobra beach, and the Soller train journey.
• Free time at key stops allows personal exploration and photo opportunities.
• Value for money is notable considering the multiple activities, transport, and guided expertise.

An In-Depth Look at the Mallorca Island Tour

Starting Point and Early Departure

The tour kicks off at Varadero Palma around 9:30 am with an air-conditioned coach, setting a comfortable tone for the day. The guide, often praised for their knowledgeable commentary—with some guests mentioning specific guides like Antonia—provides a full briefing about the day’s plan. The initial drive through the Tramuntana Mountains promises stunning views right from the start, building excitement for what’s ahead.

Lluc Monastery: A Peaceful Mountain Retreat

Around 10:40 am, the first stop at Lluc Monastery offers about 40 minutes to explore and soak in the serenity of one of Mallorca’s most revered sites. Unlike other tours that might make this a brief photo stop, this tour’s timing allows for a proper look at the monastery’s beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Guests frequently mention how this stop is a highlight, with one reviewer noting it as “one of the highlights of the Tramuntana Mountain Range.” The absence of a commercial stop here—replacing typical leather factory visits—shows the company’s focus on genuine experiences. Visitors often remark on the calm atmosphere and the chance to take photos without the usual tourist crowds.

The Snake Road and Sa Calobra

After a scenic drive down the famous snake road—which offers some of the most breathtaking mountain views—you arrive at Sa Calobra. This small but dramatically located beach is one of the most photographed along Mallorca’s coast. You’ll have about 1.5 hours here, plenty of time to walk through the rock corridor to the beach and, if you’re feeling adventurous, take the short walk to the Torrent de Pareis Gorge.

Guests have appreciated the time allotted here, although some wished for slightly longer, as one reviewer mentioned that the stay could have been shorter and better timed. Still, the experience of walking through the canyon and standing at the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis offers a sense of solitude and awe that’s hard to find elsewhere.

The Boat Ride from Sa Calobra to Puerto de Soller

One of the tour’s standout moments is the 45-minute boat trip along the coast to Puerto de Soller. This part is often praised for its breathtaking mountain views from the sea and the refreshing breeze on your face. Everyone gets to enjoy the fresh air and stunning vistas, making it a real highlight in terms of scenery.

Guests comment that the boat ride is a “great way to see Mallorca from a different perspective,” and many appreciate the opportunity to relax and take photos during the trip. It’s a perfect break from road travel and adds a sense of adventure to the day.

Puerto de Soller and the Tram Ride

Once docked in Puerto de Soller, you’ll hop aboard the local tram that still functions as a key mode of transport for locals. Standing shoulder to shoulder with residents, you’ll enjoy the walk along the harborfront and through lush orange and lemon groves. The tram ride, about 25 minutes long, offers a glimpse into everyday life in Mallorca’s coast towns.

In Soller, you’re given about 40 minutes to explore the charming main square, dominated by a stunning baroque-gothic church. The art lovers will appreciate the artworks by Picasso and Miró at the train station, as one reviewer highlighted. The overall experience here combines local charm with cultural touches, making it more than just a quick photo stop.

The Vintage Soller Train Journey

The 50-minute vintage train ride from Soller to the outskirts of Palma is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Built in 1912, the wooden carriage chugs through the Valley of Soller, tunnels through the mountains, and emerges onto lush, green countryside. Guests frequently mention the nostalgic charm and great photo opportunities.

This train journey is a favorite among travelers, especially those who love historic railways or want a unique way to see Mallorca’s landscape. It’s a leisurely, scenic ride that offers a genuine taste of local transport history.

Return to Palma

Once the train journey ends, your coach awaits for a short drive back to Palma, concluding an action-packed day. Reviewers note the organization is smooth, despite some minor hiccups like a coach change near the end, and the entire experience is considered excellent value given the multiple modes of transport, guided commentary, and stops.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This tour excels in authenticity and variety. From the serene mountain monastery to the lively Soller market square, and the chance to see Mallorca from mountain roads, sea, and vintage train, it covers a lot in one day. The expert guides are often praised for their ability to balance informative commentary with a friendly, relaxed attitude.

The careful planning to visit on less crowded days adds to the appeal, ensuring you see Mallorca’s highlights without the overwhelming crowds seen on peak days. Plus, the focus on experiences rather than shopping or commercial stops** means you’re truly seeing the real Mallorca.

Transport and Timing

Every mode of transportation is chosen with purpose—air-conditioned coach for comfort, the historic train for charm, the tram for local flavor, and the boat for scenic views. Timing is tight but well-managed, allowing ample time at most stops, though some reviewers felt the Soller time was a little brief. The full day’s length means you’ll get a lot without feeling like you’re rushing.

Cost versus Value

At $112 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. You’re covering several major sights, multiple transport modes, and guided commentary—all in one organized package. When compared with the cost of individual tickets and transportation in Mallorca, it’s a practical option for travelers wanting a rundown without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors eager to grasp the essence of Mallorca quickly. It suits travelers who appreciate scenic drives, cultural stops, and historic transport experiences. If you’re not keen on long, slow-paced days or lots of shopping stops, this curated route is designed to keep you engaged and immersed in Mallorca’s natural beauty and local life.

It’s also perfect for those who want to see Mallorca’s mountain landscapes, coastal beauty, and charming towns without renting a car or dealing with logistics. The guided aspect and included transport make it accessible and straightforward.

The Sum Up

This Mallorca Island Tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural stops, and local transport experiences, all guided by knowledgeable locals. It’s a day packed with variety, from monastery visits and mountain roads to boat rides and vintage train journeys, making it an ideal choice for travelers wanting an authentic, immersive Mallorca adventure.

While the full schedule might be intense for some, the value for money and quality of experiences—without commercial stops—make it a standout option. It’s especially suited for curious travelers, first-timers, or anyone who loves a good scenic journey blended with cultural insights.

If you’re after a comprehensive, engaging, and genuine way to see Mallorca’s highlights with ease, this tour delivers on all fronts. Just remember to bring your camera, comfortable shoes, and a sense of adventure.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers return transport on an air-conditioned coach, a local guide, the Soller train journey, the tram ride, the boat trip from Sa Calobra to Puerto de Soller, and the stop at Lluc Monastery. Travel insurance is also included.

Are there any commercial stops?
No, the tour focuses on experiences rather than shopping. There are no visits to leather factories or other commercial stops, ensuring genuine sightseeing.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8.5 hours, starting at 9:30 am and ending with the coach returning to Palma.

Can I leave things on the coach during the day?
Yes, since the same coach is used throughout the day, you can leave belongings onboard, which adds convenience.

Is there free time at each stop?
Yes, there is around 40 minutes at Lluc Monastery, 1.5 hours at Sa Calobra, 40 minutes in Soller, and 25 minutes on the tram, allowing for exploration and photos.

What language options are available?
Guides speak German, English, Spanish, Italian, and French, catering to a wide range of travelers.

How crowded does the tour get?
This tour is scheduled on less crowded days, aiming to avoid the peak tourist rush and provide a more relaxed experience.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch and drinks are not included, but there will be time for you to buy food at Sa Calobra.

What should I bring?
A camera, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a hat are recommended. Don’t forget your enthusiasm for scenic views and culture.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the varied transport modes and scenic stops make it suitable for families, provided children are comfortable with a full day of activity.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect from Mallorca’s popular island tour. With thoughtfully planned stops, expert guides, and a focus on authentic experiences, it offers an excellent way to see Mallorca beyond the usual.