Spain's Mallorca
October 10–18, 2008

Rarely visited by Americans, European cyclists have made Mallorca their favorite destination. Growing more popular each year, this region now hosts more serious cyclists than Tuscany, the Loire Valley and Ireland combined. A semi-autonomous region of Spain, Mallorca is a safe, sunny and friendly island where hospitality towards foreign visitors is a centuries-old tradition. Whether or not you've already cycled in Italy, France or Ireland, tandem riders can be among the first Americans to learn why Europeans would rather ride in Mallorca.

Halfway between Monte Carlo and Morocco (and a nine-hour boat ride from Barcelona), Mallorca is a gorgeous natural paradise with rugged coasts, unspoiled beaches, and bountiful orchards. It's easy to understand why a dozen ancient civilizations from Europe, Africa and Asia Minor took turns conquering the Mediterranean’s most beautiful island. As a result, today’s Mallorca is a veritable showcase where the antiquities, architecture, art and cuisine reveal ancient links with Africa and the Orient.

Why do cyclists love Mallorca? Breathtaking scenery, great roads, fabulous food, courteous drivers and twice as many sunny days as the French Riviera. Because it combines warm weather, untrafficked routes and a full range of terrain, ALL of Europe’s Pro Teams now start their season here. Each spring, after the pros leave, over 150,000 amateurs attend weeklong training camps. And in the fall, when the weather is absolutely perfect, 50,000 connoisseurs of the cycling lifestyle celebrate their hard-earned fitness with a glorious pre-winter vacation.

How come you’ve not heard about Mallorca? Because the island is already blessed with savvy travelers and Spain’s highest per-capita income, the Spanish Tourist Bureau works overtime to send Americans elsewhere. Seemingly reserved for Europeans, less than 1% of Mallorca’s tourists arrive from North American.

Dare to be different!

Instead of following your friends to the over-exposed areas of France and Italy, where Americans, even cyclists, have worn-out their welcome, why not be among the first Americans to discover Spain's “secret” island with friendly natives and Europe’s most coveted cycling? Santana’s unique 8-day offering includes 7 memorable rides (with a daily choice of mileage), 7 restful nights in a trio of resort hotels, hot daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners (Santana’s consulting chef, Robert Baur, will personally oversee our menus to make sure we enjoy a superb selection of Spanish and European cuisine), guided tours and admissions, airport transfers, and much, much more. Scheduled in October, when peak fitness aligns with perfect Mallorca weather and off-season airfares, our remarkably low price is just $3195 per person. If you haven’t yet visited Madrid, our optional 48-hour pre-tour (price TBD) eases you through jetlag and includes your flight to the island.