Menorca

Wednesday 7^th October

We’ll arrive into Menorca and transfer to our hotel, based inland. The hotel is situated within an 18-century stone building, surrounded by verdant gardens boasting a variety of fauna and flora. This adults-only hotel is the perfect location for a week of rest and relaxation, all the while enjoying the warmth from the Mediterranean sun.

Overnight in Sant Lluis.

Thursday 8^th October

This morning we set out to experience the flavours of Menorca as we travel to the municipality of Es Mercadal, where we’ll visit a cheese farm known for some of the island’s most revered cheese. Nestled within 865 acres of green pastures lies the family run establishment that has been passed down through 3 generations. Here we’ll meet with the family that run the farm; they’ll take us on a tour of their land, where we’ll see the farm, the stables, the cheese making facilities, and even meet an animal or two. After our tour, we’ll have some time to sample some of the fresh delicacies that are made on the farm, including 3 types of Mahón-Menorca cheese, sobrasada and carn i xulla (Menorquin sausages), carquinyols (almond cookies), bread, water and wine to drink! we’ll travel to the island’s capital, Mahon. Here we’ll meet with our local guide who will take us on a walking tour around the city, which is known globally for creating Mahonesa sauce (mayonnaise)! We’ll wander to the fish markets, where we’ll experience the hustle and bustle of daily life for those who live here before strolling through the streets filled with architectural styles of Anglo-Spanish origin. As we meander, we’ll discover that life on Menorca runs at a different pace than we are used to, and with it comes the calm, tranquil atmosphere that makes Menorca so special.

Later in the day, we’ll travel to the island’s capital, Mahon. Here we’ll meet with our local guide who will take us on a walking tour around the city, which is known globally for creating Mahonesa sauce (mayonnaise)! We’ll wander to the fish markets, where we’ll experience the hustle and bustle of daily life for those who live here before strolling through the streets filled with architectural styles of Anglo-Spanish origin. As we meander, we’ll discover that life on Menorca runs at a different pace than we are used to, and with it comes the calm, tranquil atmosphere that makes Menorca so special.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Sant Lluis.

Friday 9^th October

We’ll return to Mahon this morning to enjoy a boat cruise along around Port Mahon. On our 1 hour cruise, we’ll pass some of the city’s most notable historical sites, such as the Spanish Naval Base, the Anglo-American cemetery and the former quarantine hospital called ‘Isla del Lazareto’. We’ll then travel out of the mouth of the port to loop around along the south coast, passing local towns, such as Es Castell and its fisherman’s cove. As we arrive back into the port, we’ll be greeted by phenomenal panoramas of the area; crumbling cliffs juxtaposed by picturesque and delicate houses.

The remainder of the day is at leisure, you may wish to travel back to the hotel to relax by one of the pools and bask in the October sun. Alternatively, you may wish to explore more of Mahon’s charismatic streets.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Sant Lluis.

Saturday 10^th October

This morning after breakfast you’ll have the option to visit a nearby town, Es Castell. Full of history and charm, this harbour side town is the perfect place to sit back with a cool drink and watch the world go by. With its eclectic Georgian-era architecture, heavily influenced by its military history, the town is a unique contrast to many of the island’s beach resorts.

Later in the day, we’ll set off by foot to a local vineyard, mere moments from our hotel. Here we’ll take a stroll through the vineyards, where our guide will talk us through the process behind making Menorcan wine. As we wander through the grounds we’ll be surrounded by the aromas of the vines, and the environment in which the grapes are cultivated. As our tour continues, we’ll be taken to the winery where we’ll see every stage of wine production, from harvesting through the last step of bottling. Finally, we’ll have the chance to sample some of the wines – this will be a delightfully sensory experience, connecting sight, smell and palate.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Sant Lluis.

Sunday 11^th October

Enjoy a day at leisure today. You may wish to explore some of the natural beauty on offer, visiting of the island’s coves where you’ll be greeted by sandy beaches and pearlescent waters – the perfect place to soak up the Mediterranean sun. Menorca is also home to a number of quaint villages and towns bustling with their own unique identity, each showcasing the Menorcan way of life.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Sant Lluis.

Monday 12^th October

We’ll head out this morning to travel to the old capital of Menorca, Ciutadella, located on the west coast. Over the years, the city has been ruled over by a variety of cultures, from Greeks to the French, the British and even the Romans, resulting in a melting pot of different cultures and styles that have combined to make this city a veritable treasure-trove of architecture. Here we’ll meet with our local guide who will tell us Ciutadella’s story. We’ll walk through Plaça des Born square and hear stories of the 16^th century invasion by the Turkish, before continuing to the port. As we wander the ancient, narrow streets we’ll take in the atmosphere of this vibrant city and begin to understand its history as our guide takes us through both its present and its past as well. Finally, we’ll end in the Cathedral, an important landmark in the city.

Following our tour, we’ll have plenty of free time to explore the parts of the ancient capital we haven’t yet covered. We’ll later return to the hotel for the evening.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Sant Lluis.

Tuesday 13^th October

Sadly, today is our last full day on this wonderous island. Be sure to venture out with your day partner to visit anywhere you haven’t had chance to yet. To lap up the cool crystal waters of the ocean, head to San Bou beach situated a short 20 drive from our hotel, where you’ll be greeted by soft white sands.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Sant Lluis.

Wednesday 14^th October

After our final breakfast, we’ll head to the airport to begin our journey home.

Breakfast included.

Single supplement – £240