Mallorca Self-Guided Coast to Coast Ride

• 7 nights in boutique, family-run properties, 6 nights with pools
• 6 days cycling with luggage transfers
• 98% tarmac, 2% dirt track
• Gentle undulating cycling, perfect for first timers
• Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs

7 breakfasts are included and consist of a continental-style buffet.Suggestions of what to do for lunch and dinner are given in the cycling route notes.Mallorcan cuisine is typically a hearty affair, with meats and stews showing up on most menus as well as the popular suckling pig. Fish is also a staple, and you will find monkfish and sea bream in a whole manner of sauces. Tapas (a selection of small dishes) is also widely consumed, either served as starters or as a lighter meal. Specialities include Sobrasada (soft, spreadable chorizo-like sausage), Sopas Mallorquinas (Mallorcan stew made from liver or seafood), Pa amb oli (bread with oil, often eaten with island cheese, jamon (ham) or chorizo), Parrillada de pescado (mixed grilled fish and seafood). Desserts include Ensaimada (a spiral shaped cake dusted with icing sugar) and Coca de patata (a sweet, bread like bun made from potato flour). Local wine is readily available and usually of good quality, and the local liqueur herbes de Mallorca is often given as an aperitivo after your meal.

Mallorca generally enjoys fine weather conditions although there is always the possibility of some rain. The month of April is normally pleasantly mild, with a daily average of five hours or more of sunshine. Average maximum daytime temperatures vary between 14 and 19ºC. It is generally quite hot in May, June and September with approximately 10 hours of sunshine per day. Average maximum daytime temperatures are 23 - 26ºC. October can be a cooler month with more increased rainfall and average maximum daytime temperatures range between 15 and 23ºC but even at this time of year it is often perfectly pleasant.

Cycling conditionsThis is a self-guided cycling trip for those who like to cycle independently, but with back up to take out the hard work and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) Please see the introductory pages of the cycling holidays brochure or our website for more important information on classification and grading.Av. daily ride: 39km (24 miles).No. of days cycling: 6.Terrain & route: The suggested cycling is along quiet, tarmac roads (mainly traffic-free). The terrain is mainly flat and there are no major climbsVehicle Support: A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you need.It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. FamiliesSelf-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. As a guide we have suggested that 12 years is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities.