Mallorca and Menorca Epic

Trip	Ports of Call	Dates	Days	Trip Type
88	Palma de Mallorca	Sep 29 - Oct 8, 2011	10	Adventure

"Spain may be a modern European country, but its never lost its whiff of exotic. The stereotypes by which it’s known- bailaors (flamenco dancers), stamping and swirling in flounces of colour; toreros (bull fighters) flaunting their courage in the bullrings; and beach-lovers soaking up pitchers of sangria over steaming paella – just happen to be true. But Spain is so much more…"-- Lonely Planet

I decided to slide the last two trips of the expedition into the Balearics as September and October are perfect months to enjoy these outer Spanish islands. Perfect temperatures, a lot less crowds, good winds; and all the things that make these islands so enchanting. Music, clubs, hikes, tapas, wine, cathedrals, sunset parties…there’s a lot going on and a lot to do. From the pulsing music and shops in Mallorca, to the scented strolls through ancient villages, to kiting over crystal clear water, to a lazy sail around Menorca, a biosphere reserve, this Epic, the very last trip of the expedition, is sure to leave you in smiles."

We’ll begin in Mallorca's only city Palma De Mallorca, where "central Palma's old quarter is an enchanting blend of tree-lined boulevards and cobbled laneways, Gothic churches and baroque palaces, designer bars, and slick boutiques." - Lonely Planet. We'll then escape the crowds rather quickly, which will have already thinned considerably near the end of September and head north to Menorca, enjoying the many serene and beautiful stops on the way. In Menorca we we will find "a haven of tranquility - splendid isolated beaches and coves, and prehistoric monuments standing as taciturn reminders of how small we are in the grand scheme of things." - Lonely Planet. The limpid and clear waters surrounding Menorca are world-renowned. We'll dive into the island' famous lobster stew as well as her famous wines, beaches, monuments and history- all at the pace and the privacy we have come to expect from the magical decks of Discovery.

I can't imagine a more blissful and relaxing itinerary to wrap up our amazing 5 years at sea. Join us.

RESOURCES: If you are already in Spain, DO NOT FLY to the Balearics- the domestic flights are outrageous. Take a ferry from Barcelona or Valencia: Trasmediterranea.es, or Balearia.com, or Iscomar.com otherwise fly direct to the islands and take inter-island ferries. General: Turespana (official Spain Tourism website), and for Mallorca: illesbalears.es, and balears.com

Summary: + Club scene + History and architecture + Great food, great beaches + Sea breeze + Good kiting + Great wine + Nice temps - Tourists - Tourism infrastructure

Balearics Photo Holger Leue, Lonely Planet

GUEST RIDER: Unannounced Air: 74.7F Water: 75º F Mean Wind Avg.: 7.7 Miles: 40

Reservations

Cabin 1 - Cory Wadsworth - Guests: Guest

Cabin 3 - Rob Bass - Guests: Guest

Cabin 3 - Cory Wadsworth - Guests: Guest