National Geographic Day Tour: The Valley of Oranges
-
Port
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
-
Activity Level
Easy
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$199
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 5 Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals not included
Embark on a journey through the seaside city of Palma de Mallorca and ascend into the majestic Serra de Tramontana mountains, where you'll discover the charming town of Sóller, renowned for its flourishing orange groves. A National Geographic-trained guide will provide insights into the city's history and its designation as the Valley of Oranges.
Your first stop is the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences, where a certified educator will guide you through an impressive collection that features the largest assortment of floral specimens in the Spanish archipelago. Make sure to visit the museum's private audiovisual room, where you will review photos that depict the history of the orange groves and their significance to Sóller's local businesses. You'll also learn about the museum's initiatives to conserve the Balearic Islands' plant species, unique ecosystems, and natural habitats.
Next, head outside to the lush grounds of the Sóller Botanical Gardens, enjoying exclusive access to the vegetable garden and a sprawling orangery. Surrounded by fragrant orange trees, you'll explore the botanical properties of various citrus varieties, and, depending on the season, you may even have the opportunity to harvest ripe fruit directly from the grove. Stroll back through the vibrant gardens to the museum, where you will observe a cooking demonstration, culminating in a tasting of a simple citrus dessert.
Afterward, take a scenic drive through the verdant countryside to Sa Fàbrica de Gelats, an ice cream parlor in Sóller recognized by National Geographic España as one of the best spots for orange-flavored gelato. Relish a sweet scoop of tangy ice cream amidst the picturesque streets of Sóller, all framed by distant mountain views, before making your way back to the port.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Tour requires approximately two hours of walking. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, inclines, gravel and steps. Tour does not operate on Sundays.