Scenic tour by Train, Tram and Boat through the lakes

This tour is interesting because it strings together three ways of getting around Mallorca in one long day, train, tram, and boat, with big scenery at each change of transport. You start near Palma, head into the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, then swing down to Sa Calobra and come back along the coast in the most old-school style.

I especially like the way the boat trip adds perspective. One hour on the water gives you a different read on the same coastal mountains you see from land, and it turns the day from sightseeing into a real change in atmosphere. I also like the El Tren de Sóller, a vintage line that feels like you stepped into a postcard and stayed there.

The one drawback to plan for is pacing. This is an 8 hour 30 minute day with several transitions, so you need to keep moving and be ready for tight time windows at each stop, plus you should dress for a possible swim at Sa Calobra since that stop is built around being outside.

Key things I’d focus on before you go

• Serra de Tramuntana drive with views and the two biggest reservoirs that feed Palma
• MA 2141 road to Sa Calobra that’s famous for its steep, twisty switchbacks
• Sa Calobra time with an easy chance to get in the water near Torrent de Pareis
• Boat from Sa Calobra to Port de Sóller for sea views, with a road alternative if weather cancels boats
• Port de Sóller tram and Sóller time, then a return ride on the centenary Tren de Sóller

Entering the Serra de Tramuntana, with reservoirs and World Heritage views

The morning starts with a road ride toward the Serra de Tramuntana, which is a World Heritage Site. The tour includes about an hour here, and it’s not just driving through tunnels and traffic. You pass two of the island’s biggest reservoirs, the ones that supply water to Palma, so you get a real sense of how the island works beyond beaches.

As you move up into the mountain area, you’ll also notice typical Mediterranean forests and the chance to look toward the highest peaks. This part is great if you like scenery that feels lived in, not just dramatic from a viewpoint. It also helps because it breaks up the day, you’re not doing only coastal stops right away.

Timing is the key word here. You start at 9:30 am, so the morning ride is your chance to settle in, snack, and get your bearings before the more famous set pieces kick in.

The MA 2141 switchbacks to Sa Calobra, the scalextric stretch

Next you head toward the sea on La Carretera de Sa Calobra (MA 2141). The stop related to this section is short, about 30 minutes, but the drive is the point. The road is known for tight turns that many people describe as a giant scalextric, and you’ll feel the elevation changes as you go.

This is where your sense of the Tramuntana really sharpens. Up close, the mountains drop away and the road feels engineered for mountain travel, not comfort. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s smart to take that into account early, because this is a winding route.

On the plus side, you don’t need a long hike to enjoy this moment. You’re getting the payoff through the window and at the road views, then you move on quickly to the next stop.

Sa Calobra by Torrent de Pareis, swimming time if you want it

When you reach Sa Calobra, you get about 2 hours on site. This is one of Mallorca’s most celebrated natural spots, and the big feature is its connection to Torrent de Pareis, a dramatic gorge area nearby. The tour description also makes it clear this stop is set up for a possible bath in the natural area.

Here’s the practical part: plan for it like it’s a swim-friendly stop even if you’re not 100 percent sure. Pack or at least have a swimsuit accessible, and if you can, bring something small for drying after. Also, remember that this is a scenic stop, so you’ll want to leave a little time for moving between viewpoints and water access.

What I like about the structure is that you’re not stuck “just looking.” Two hours is long enough to do the essential photos, then decide if you want to cool off. It’s also a good moment for a short snack because later parts of the day are tied to transport schedules.

Boat to Port de Sóller, and the weather Plan B you’ll appreciate

After Sa Calobra, you switch to a boat trip that takes you to Port de Sóller. This section is about 1 hour, and it’s included. The payoff is the same coastline, seen from the water, with the Tramuntana mountains sitting differently in your view.

That sea perspective matters. From shore, the mountains can look like a background. From the boat, they become a shape you’re moving alongside, and it makes the coast feel less flat and more layered.

Weather is the real-world consideration. The tour notes that if the boat is cancelled due to weather conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative route by road. That’s exactly the kind of backup you want on a day with multiple moving parts, since it keeps the overall schedule from collapsing.

Port de Sóller for a fishermen’s bay, plus a tram ride toward Sóller

You get 20 minutes in Port de Sóller, a fishermen’s village on a picturesque bay surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains. This stop is short by design, so I treat it like a “see it, feel it, move on” moment rather than a long wander.

The big included experience here is the tram ride. The tour includes a tramway segment along the maritime promenade and countryside until you reach Sóller town. In other words, this isn’t just a drop-off and go. You get a transport experience built right into the geography.

If you love the look of old public transport, this is where your day starts to click. You’ll feel the shift from mountain roads to coastal villages, and the tram ride gives you time to watch the coast change without leaving your seat.

Sóller town time, modernist streets with mountain “capital” energy

Once you arrive in Sóller, you get about 15 minutes to enjoy the town. Sóller is often described as the capital of the Tramuntana, and the tour highlights its modernist architecture and a lively atmosphere.

With only 15 minutes, you’re not going to do everything. That’s okay. Use that window to orient yourself, grab a quick photo of architecture details, and decide if you want to return later on your own. I like treating this kind of stop as a preview. It helps you avoid spending your next hours guessing where you’d want more time.

This is also a useful mental break before the final transport segment. After the tram and town stop, you’ll be ready to settle in for the return ride.

El Tren de Sóller back to Palma, a centenary ride that feels real

The final big included moment is the El Tren de Sóller ride, about 1 hour. This is a centenary train, and the key point is that it has a vintage look that has not changed for more than 100 years. That matters because you’re not just riding between points. You’re riding through a preserved experience.

The train connects Palma and Sóller, and since the tour ends back at the meeting point, it’s the segment that brings your day full circle. If you’ve been enjoying the transport variety all day, this is the payoff moment, because it’s the classic version of moving through the Tramuntana corridor.

I also like that this part is included. When tours include a signature transport, it’s usually better value than squeezing it into your own schedule with separate tickets and timing stress.

Price and value at about $111.62 per person

At $111.62 per person for an 8 hour 30 minute day, you’re paying for a packed route plus included transport. The tour includes the Soller train and tramway, and it includes the boat to Port de Sóller. Lunch is not included, and that is one of the few clear cost gaps you should plan for.

So the value question becomes this: are you the kind of traveler who wants a ready-made route, with the big transport moments handled for you? If yes, this price starts to make sense fast. You get mountain scenery, a famous road viewpoint experience, a natural water spot, and then two signature transport experiences that would cost time and planning if you did them independently.

If you’re the type who prefers to control every minute, you might feel the schedule. But even then, this tour is one of the easier ways to stack the day’s highlights without organizing buses, boats, and train times yourself.

Timing, pacing, and what to pack for a long day outside

This is a full-day format starting at 9:30 am and ending back at the meeting point. It runs with a group size capped at 55 travelers, which helps keep it from becoming a chaotic mob, but you should still expect waiting as vehicles shuffle between stops.

The tour recommends that you can walk at least 3 km for the day. That doesn’t mean a hard hike, but it does mean you’ll want comfortable shoes. Also, since Sa Calobra is set up for a possible bath, you’ll want to think about a swimsuit and a way to keep things from staying wet.

One more practical note: the day depends on transport schedules. If you’re doing pickup, the tour says pickup is complimentary between Calvià and Arenal, and you’ll get a pickup time and point that is closest to your accommodation, with up to a 10 minute walk from where you stay. If you’re not using pickup, show up early at the meeting point so you don’t feel rushed when the group leaves.

For reference, the meeting point is Camí de l’Escullera, Centre, Palma, Illes Balears, Spain.

Who this tour really suits best

I think this tour is a strong fit for people who want Mallorca variety in one day. You’re combining mountain views, a famous road stop, a natural swimming moment, and then the coastal return via boat and vintage rail.

It’s also a good choice for families and mixed-age groups, since the tour states it’s recommended for all ages as long as you can handle the 3 km walking requirement. If you like history, the centenary train ride gives you that old-meets-modern feel without turning it into a museum day.

Where it might be less ideal is if you hate tight schedules. The time at each stop is limited, so you’ll get the highlights, not a slow “linger everywhere” day.

Should you book this train, tram, and boat day?

Yes, I’d book it if you want an easy way to experience Mallorca’s Tramuntana area plus Sa Calobra and Port de Sóller without building the itinerary yourself. The included boat, tramway, and El Tren de Sóller ride are the kind of combo that saves time and makes the day feel like more than just a bus tour.

I’d pause and think twice if you know you need lots of free time at stops, or if a tight schedule will stress you out. In that case, you might still enjoy Mallorca more by splitting the day into smaller chunks on your own schedule.

If you do book, pack for being outside and plan to move efficiently between stops. Get to the meeting point on time, and treat Sa Calobra like your possible swim payoff, not just a photo stop.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour is approximately 8 hours 30 minutes long.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is $111.62 per person.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Is pickup included, and where does it run?

A complimentary pickup is offered between Calvià and Arenal. You’ll choose your accommodation, and the pickup time and point are provided, with a maximum 10 minute walk from where you stay.

What is the meeting point in Palma?

The meeting point is Camí de l’Escullera, Centre, Palma, Illes Balears, Spain.

Does the tour include the boat trip?

Yes. The boat trip from Sa Calobra to Port de Sóller is included. If the boat is cancelled due to weather, an alternative road route is offered.

Are lunch and meals included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What transport is included?

The tour includes the Soller train and tramway, plus the boat to Sa Calobra and back as described in the route.

What languages are offered?

The tour is offered in English.

Do I need to be able to walk?

The tour recommends that participants can walk at least 3 km for the day.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.