Location: Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Summary: I woke early and enjoyed breakfast at one of the Costa Toscana buffet restaurants before disembarking for my guided tour of Palma de Mallorca.
Morning Arrival & Tour Kickoff
Our guide welcomed us aboard the coach and explained the day’s itinerary. We were dropped off along the scenic shoreline, where we’d later be picked up for return to the Costa Toscana. Because of a sore leg, I planned to head back to the ship after the tour rather than explore on my own.
Royal Almudaina Castle & Palma Cathedral
Our walking tour began with a visit to the Royal Almudaina Castle, where we explored its gardens and admired the exterior architecture. We then continued to the iconic Palma Cathedral, a stunning Gothic masterpiece overlooking the sea.
Throughout the tour, our guide shared fascinating historical insights about Palma’s landmarks and neighbourhoods.
Courtyards, Tapas & Local Life
We strolled through Palma’s upscale residential areas, admiring elegant courtyard buildings and narrow alleyways. The tour led us into a pedestrian zone and then a commercial district, where we paused for tapas and sangria.
While the tapas were tasty, the portion size and single-bar stop didn’t quite match the tour’s description. After a brief rest, we resumed our walk through the city.
Art, Architecture & the Bastion
On our way back, we passed a curious piece of modern art resembling an upturned church. We followed the river toward the sea and reached the bastion, a historic fortification that once defended Palma.
We also visited the Merchants Guild, a grand building used for finalising trade deals—though surprisingly, no goods were ever stored inside. Its Gothic-inspired design still impresses today.
Tour Wrap-Up & Return to Ship
After passing more Gothic architecture, our tour concluded near the original drop-off point. Only a Swiss couple and I returned to the ship with the guide. I attempted to tip her, but she dashed off without a word; her loss was my beer fund’s gain.
Dinner & Live Music at Colosseum Bar
Back onboard, I rested in my cabin until evening.
Dinner with my cruise companions, Sue, Brian, Lynda, and Michael, was enjoyable. Later, I headed to the Colosseum Bar to catch a live singer. She was phenomenal, especially her rendition of “Shallow” by Lady Gaga, though the experience was marred by three chatty guests nearby. After the show, I returned to my cabin to pack for disembarkation in Valencia the next morning.
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