Art Nouveau in Mallorca Tour

Art Nouveau style came to the shores of Mallorca from the hands of Catalan architects Gaudi, Rubio, Domenech I Montaner and Raspall. The architectural curves, asymmetrical lines, bright stained glass windows and ceramics gave the city of Palma an organic aesthetic. The cities of Palma and Soller were the most important modernist centres in Mallorca. Through this tour, in the company of expert Prof. Anne Anderson, explore the emergence of Modernism in Mallorca and its development and see some of the island’s architecture gems.

ITINERARY 

Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Palma
Fly from London Gatwick to Palma and transfer by coach to the Palladium Hotel. On arrival enjoy a cold plate dinner.

Day 2: Palma
This morning set out to explore the architectural delights of Palma. The day will start with a walking tour of the historic quarter of the modernist architecture with tour lecturer Prof. Anne Anderson. The walking tour will take in many building exteriors as well as hearing about the history of the city and its architectural development in the Art Nouveau period. See the Antiguo Circulo Mallorquin, the Parliament of the Balearic Islands, where the Art Nouveau motifs can be seen in the windows, columns and capitals. There will also be an interior visit to the Gran Hotel, one of the city’s most significant modernist buildings. It has many striking decorative elements with sculptures, plant motifs, ceramics and wrought iron. There will also be time to explore La Seu, the cathedral of Palma, whose interior was remodelled by Gaudi. After a break for a leisurely lunch (not included) visit the Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. In the evening there will be a welcome reception and talk by Prof. Anne Anderson ‘Catalonian Modernisme: Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenach’, followed by dinner with wine.

Day 3: Palma
Today explore the Museu Fundacion Juan March, a museum located in an old manor house. Although the house dates back to the 17^th century, it was enlarged in the 18^th century and then modernised in the 19^th century. It was purchased by Juan March in 1926 and architect Guillem Reynes Font was entrusted with the building’s renovation. Reynes was inspired by the Modernist architecture and architects such as Rubio and Gaudi. As you explore the museum take in the wonderful decorative details. Next, we visit the Fundacion Barcelo which houses works by modernist painters Santiago Rusinol and Anglada Camarasa. After lunch (not included), visit the Miro Mallorca Museum, a cultural centre based on the art studios of artist Joan Miro. The museum offers insight into his artwork and creative process. This evening there will be a lecture by Prof. Anne Anderson, ‘Modern Art Comes to Spain: from Mariano Fotuny to Salvador Dali’ followed by dinner with wine. 

Day 4: Soller
Today travel to the town of Soller on the Soller Train. Journey through the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana Mountain range on a vintage train. The train winds its way through orange and olive groves and mountains offering spectacular views of the island. The train arrives into Soller at the Sala Picasso y Sala Miro station, which has a collection of ceramics by Picasso and engravings by Miro, whose grandmother lived in Soller. From here visit the Can Prunera Museum, which was a house built by Rubio. It has lavishly decorated facades, stained glass, and decorated floors. The original furniture of the house including tables, chairs, beds, cabinets and cases are housed inside the museum. Lunch will be enjoyed at the Gran Hotel Soller, where there will also be time to explore the common areas of the hotel. Continue to the Church of Sant Bartolomeu, whose façade was designed by Rubio and is a wonderful example of Modernist Art Nouveau architecture mixed with the Gothic. There will also be an external visit to the Banc de Soller also designed by Rubio. Return to Palma on the Soller Train in the late afternoon.

Day 5: Depart Palma for London Gatwick
Morning transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Tour Grading: Please note this tour has been graded as demanding as day 2 is spent all on foot, the morning of day 3 is on foot, and all of day 4 is on foot with no coach transport. 

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Return flights from London Gatwick to Palma
• Four nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Palladium Hotel, Palma, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome drink and two dinners with wine
• One lunch
• Two lectures at the hotel
• Transfers, tours and entrance fees
• Anne Anderson and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Palladium Hotel, Palma

This centrally located hotel is well placed for exploring the city of Palma. The hotel features a modern bar and gym. Bedrooms are modern and comfortable, with large windows allowing plenty of natural light, along with amenities such as wifi, mini bar, air conditioning, hairdryer and television. 

Hotel Website