Scenic tour by Train, Tram and Boat through the lakes

Reviewed · TRAIN EXPERIENCES

Scenic tour by Train, Tram and Boat through the lakes

4.0 · 58 reviews 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) From $111 Operated by Lemon Tours · Bookable on Viator
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One of Mallorca’s best mix-and-match travel days. You get historic rail, a boat ride, and big Tramuntana views without needing to rent a car. I like that it combines modern convenience with the classic Tren de Sóller feel, and I also like the Sa Calobra time—especially the chance to swim right by Torrent the Pareis.

Still, it is a tight schedule. If you need lots of bathroom breaks or you prefer slow, long stops, this may feel rushed, and communication matters—especially around pickup timing and knowing what to bring for water time.

Key things to know before you go

Scenic tour by Train, Tram and Boat through the lakes - Key things to know before you go

  • Five transport modes in one day: road transfers, tram segments, a boat, and the centenary train
  • World Heritage scenery, plus reservoir views before you hit the coast
  • Sa Calobra is where the day peaks with a real 2-hour block and possible swim time
  • Boat weather is real: if the boat can’t run, you’ll shift to a road alternative
  • Small-ish group cap (55) helps keep the day moving without feeling like a cattle truck

A packed but satisfying 8.5-hour Mallorca combo

This is an 8 hours 30 minutes day trip from Palma area, starting at 9:30am. You’ll be in motion most of the day: first by road into the Serra de Tramuntana, then down the MA 2141 coast road to Sa Calobra, followed by the included boat to Port de Sóller, and finally the tram and El Tren de Sóller back into town.

It’s priced at $111.62 per person, and for that money you’re not just buying views. You’re paying for transport that would take a lot more effort to stitch together on your own—especially the boat + the historic train day. The boat and Tram/Soller train are doing real work here.

The rhythm is intentional: scenic drive, iconic stop, sea transfer, then the classic rail finale. If you’re the type who wants one day that covers a lot of Mallorca’s personality, this hits.

Serra de Tramuntana: reservoirs, forests, and high-peak views

Scenic tour by Train, Tram and Boat through the lakes - Serra de Tramuntana: reservoirs, forests, and high-peak views
Your day begins with a road segment toward the Serra de Tramuntana, a World Heritage Site. The timing here is about 1 hour, and admission is free.

What I like about this first phase is that it sets the tone. You’re not only getting mountain drama. You’re also seeing the island’s practical side: you pass through the two biggest reservoirs on Mallorca that supply Palma with water. That means you get views with context, not just scenery for scenery’s sake.

You also get a chance to look out over typical Mediterranean forest areas and the highest peaks. This is the part of the day that often feels like the warm-up—until you realize the views will keep getting better.

Potential drawback: since this is early and scenic, it’s easy to forget you’ll be walking later. If you’re prone to “I’ll rest later” thinking, keep in mind the day suggests you can walk at least 3 km total.

Sa Calobra’s MA 2141: the scalextric road you actually have time to notice

Scenic tour by Train, Tram and Boat through the lakes - Sa Calobra’s MA 2141: the scalextric road you actually have time to notice
Next comes La Carretera de Sa Calobra (MA 2141), with about 30 minutes for this segment. Admission is free.

This road is famous because it looks engineered for drama: tight curves, steep drops, and constant sightlines to the sea. The tour description even frames it like a gigantic scalextric, which is a fun way to picture it—but the real point is the pace. You’re not just staring out a window while the bus flies by. You get a defined block for the route segment so you can take photos and soak in the feel of getting down to the coast.

Sa Calobra: 2 hours by Torrent the Pareis (yes, possible swim time)

Scenic tour by Train, Tram and Boat through the lakes - Sa Calobra: 2 hours by Torrent the Pareis (yes, possible swim time)
Then you reach Sa Calobra, one of Mallorca’s most noted natural spots. You have about 2 hours here, and admission is free.

This is a key stop. It’s not just a look-from-the-side viewpoint. The description specifically notes the chance to have a bath/swim in this unique natural area next to Torrent the Pareis. That’s why this tour works well if you like doing something more than sightseeing.

What to do with that 2-hour window:

  • Go early in your time block to scout a comfortable spot before it fills in.
  • If you plan to swim, treat it like a real swim plan. Pack the basics you’d normally bring—this is the stop where water time is meant to happen.

A fair consideration: the same “packed schedule” people sometimes complain about elsewhere tends to show up as tighter-than-you’d-like time flexibility. Two hours is decent, but you still need to work inside the tour’s flow.

The boat ride: Sa Calobra to Port de Sóller from the waterline

Scenic tour by Train, Tram and Boat through the lakes - The boat ride: Sa Calobra to Port de Sóller from the waterline
After Sa Calobra, you get the included boat trip from Sa Calobra to Port Sóller. It’s about 1 hour, and admission is included.

This is one of the most practical parts of the itinerary. You get coastal mountains from the sea, which you simply won’t get the same way from roads. It’s also a relief from road time—your eyes can reset on the horizon.

Important note: the tour data says that if the boat is cancelled due to weather conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative route by road. So you’re not left totally stuck. Still, it’s smart to plan with the understanding that sea conditions can change the exact feel of the ride.

Port de Sóller: fishermen’s bay views plus a tram hop toward Soller

Scenic tour by Train, Tram and Boat through the lakes - Port de Sóller: fishermen’s bay views plus a tram hop toward Soller
Next is Port de Sóller, described as a fishermen’s village on a picturesque bay surrounded by the Tramuntana mountains. You have about 20 minutes here, admission free.

This stop is short on purpose. The highlight is what comes next: you’ll have a tram ride along its maritime promenade and countryside to reach Soller town. The idea is to keep you moving through different scenery types—sea front, then inland—without spending half the day just repositioning.

Even in 20 minutes, you’ll likely feel the difference between the port’s laid-back harbor energy and the broader mountain context around it. It’s a nice visual contrast.

Soller: the Golden valley feel and modernist streets

Once you’re in Soller, you get around 15 minutes. The tour notes Soller as the “capital of the Tramuntana,” and mentions modernist architecture plus a lively atmosphere.

That matters for how you use your time. This isn’t meant to be your deep-dive architecture hour. Instead, it’s a quick taste—enough to orient you to the town’s character before the big finale: the historic rail ride.

If you’re the type who likes a quick photo loop, this is where you’ll do it. If you want shopping or a long sit-down meal, you may find this too brief. Remember: lunch isn’t included, so plan your meal strategy around that.

El Tren de Sóller: the centenary train finale

The last major transport experience is El Tren de Sóller—a 1-hour train ride included in the price.

This is described as a centenary train with a vintage look that has remained for more than 100 years, connecting Palma and Sóller. That’s the kind of detail that matters because you’re not just riding rail. You’re riding rail with a story and a look you can feel.

I like this finale because the day’s earlier travel (mountain road, sea boat, tram) prepares you to enjoy the “time travel” part. You’ll look back at earlier views and think, yep—this is what Mallorca feels like when different parts of the island are connected by classic routes.

Group size also helps. This tour caps at 55 travelers, which typically keeps the train experience from feeling chaotic compared with giant bus tours.

Price check: what $111.62 buys you on the ground

Let’s be practical about value.

At $111.62 per person, you’re paying for:

  • Road transfer time to the Tramuntana area and Sa Calobra
  • The boat trip (included)
  • The Soller train and tramway (included)

Lunch is not included, so that’s your main extra cost. But compared to piecing together separate tickets, a boat transfer, and the historic train day on your own, this package is basically buying you a guided transport plan.

The biggest reason the price makes sense: the included elements are the hardest parts to replicate easily—especially the boat connection plus the historic train and tram sequence in one day.

What you should realistically expect: bathrooms, time pressure, and water prep

One of the main cautions from real-world experience is simple: it’s a day full of moving pieces. A few people have flagged limited bathroom access and time that can feel short at each stop.

That’s not shocking. In a day designed around scenic routes and multiple transport modes, rest breaks get squeezed.

Here’s what I’d do to make it smoother:

  • Use bathroom stops early and often where you can.
  • Bring a small essentials pouch. When water time is possible at Sa Calobra, pack so you can switch plans fast.
  • Don’t assume you’ll have unlimited free time to change clothing or wander far off-route. The tour plan is built to keep the schedule working.

Weather and pickup issues: how to protect your day

Two risk points show up in the experience data: weather and pickup communication.

Weather: the tour states that if the boat is cancelled due to weather, you’ll get an alternative route by road. That helps you avoid losing the day entirely.

Pickup and meeting timing: the tour offers complimentary pickup between Calvià and Arenal, with pickup time and point sent when you reserve. It also says you get a mobile ticket.

I’d take these seriously. If you are relying on pickup, you want to confirm you requested it correctly. If you’re going to meet at the Camí de l’Escullera, Centre, Palma, plan to arrive early so you’re not caught in the classic vacation mistake: thinking you have plenty of time when the day’s transport connections have strict schedules.

Also, I’ve seen mixed experiences around this. Some comments highlight smooth guiding and careful driving (including mentions of guides such as Antonio and Vivianne). Other comments complain about late or missing pickup and last-minute cancellations. That doesn’t mean the tour is always unreliable, but it does mean you should protect yourself by showing up early and double-checking your pickup details.

Who this tour is best for

This tour is a great match if you:

  • Want a high-activity day without driving yourself
  • Like classic transport experiences, especially the El Tren de Sóller rail ride
  • Want to see multiple Mallorca zones: Tramuntana mountains, Sa Calobra, and Port Sóller
  • Would actually use the chance for a swim/bath at Sa Calobra

It’s less ideal if you:

  • Need long free time at stops
  • Get anxious about tight schedules and changing transport modes
  • Want a full lunch included or a slow pace

As for age: it’s described as suitable for all ages as long as you can walk at least 3 km during the day. So bring comfortable shoes, and treat it like a real walking tour even if much of it is riding.

Should you book this Train, Tram and Boat day trip?

If your goal is one memorable day that strings together Mallorca’s signature places—Tramuntana, Sa Calobra, and Sóller—with real included transport, I think this is worth considering.

My honest “book it if” checklist:

  • You’re okay with a packed schedule.
  • You can walk about 3 km across the day.
  • You’ll use the Sa Calobra time (ideally with water-ready gear).
  • You’ll confirm pickup or plan to arrive early at the meeting point.

If that sounds like you, go for it. This is the kind of tour where the transport is the entertainment, and the scenery does the rest.