Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Have a devouring passion for good food and fascinating history? Then this epicurean excursion is for you. Mallorca is a food lover's paradise. Influenced by its many conquerors including the Romans, the Moors, as well as the Spanish, Mallorcan cuisine embraces the use of garlic, olive oil, tomatoes and cheese. During this approximately four-hour excursion you'll not only taste one of the region's most popular snacks but you'll also be able to prepare it while surrounded by the beauty of Els Calderers, a country manor house in the village of Sant Joan.

Before you begin your journey be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothing and a hat. And don't forget the camera-you'll want to capture each memorable moment of your experience.

Your culinary adventure begins as you board your coach in Palma and travel into the heart of the island to Sant Joan. Once inhabited by Moorish troops, many of the homesteads here still reflect their Arabic names.

Located nearby sits Els Calderers. After you arrive you'll be taken on a tour of the house and grounds that include barns, a wine cellar, granary, bakery, chapel, horse stables, and a petting farm. The manor house's main building was built in 1705, although the history of the grounds that belonged to the Calderers family can be traced back to 1285.

As you meander past the many buildings you'll feel as if you've been transported back in time to a Mallorca that existed 200 years ago. The house and grounds are arranged and decorated with antique furniture, books, letters and manuscripts as well as farming machinery, tools, toys and weapons.

Then, you'll make your way to the villa's kitchen where you'll learn to prepare "pa amb oli," which means "bread with olive oil" in Mallorcan. This tasty snack is typical of the rustic fare that the island is famous for. Watch your host demonstrate how toasted bread is rubbed with raw garlic and a tomato then drizzled with a hearty dose of olive oil. Serrano ham and cheese complete the snack that's often eaten for breakfast. Accompanying your dish is glass of wine, water or a soft drink.

After you say goodbye to your host, you'll rejoin your coach for a photo stop at Bellver Castle, which lies just west of Palma. Built 700 years ago for King James of Mallorca, it stands as one of the few circular castles in Europe. Bellver, which means "beautiful view" dominates Palma's bay from its location 367 feet above sea level and is truly a beautiful spot for photos.

As you reboard your coach for the drive back to your ship, you'll not only bring with you the memories of your day, but a recipe that you can share with friends and family upon your return home.