Quality Christian Holidays

Experience the best of Mallorca's world class cycling with expert guidance from ex-Team GB Triathlete, Matthew Brearley.

This September, we are launching our eagerly awaited cycling holiday in Mallorca! Based at the stunning Els Marsals private villa, we’ll be taking in some of the Mallorca’s most stunning cycling routes, from scenic coastal roads, to breathtaking mountain climbs. This trip is an opportunity to hone your fitness while enjoying great food, top coaching and time for spiritual input and fellowship.

Itinerary

Tim and Matthew will lead you through the week’s itinerary, highlighting the adventurous cycling routes around Mallorca. There will be plenty of time to soak up the surrounding scenery (which is gorgeous!) as well as cafe stops and sea swim spots.

To make the most of the week, you’ll need to be confident and competent on a road bike and have a good level of fitness for a full day out on the bike, with around 5 hours of cycling for the longer rides.

If you love cycling but are a bit uncertain about the uphill sections, it’s possible to rent e-bikes on the island too!

We’ve put together an example itinerary below to give you an idea of what the week will be like; however, Tim and Matthew will refine the ride programme once final numbers and abilities are confirmed.

Saturday
Arrival and Bike Collection/Set Up

You’ll be greeted at the airport and taken to the Villa by one of the team members – please check the transfer information in the Getting There section of this page before booking your flights.

If you’re hiring a bike for the week, make sure to get an earlier flight so you have enough time to collect your bike and be ready to hit the ground running in the morning! 

The closest bike hire shop is Quintana Bikes, approximately 10km from the villa, and bikes can be picked up in the morning or from 15:00 until 17:30.

Sunday
The First Ride - Colònia Sant Jordi

Distance: 76km (47 miles)

Ascent/Descent: 318m

This introductory ride will take us from the villa via rural lanes to the beautiful, traditional fishing village of Colònia Sant Jordi, with its gorgeous sandy beach and aqua waters, it’s the perfect place for a dip and a spot of lunch.

Monday
Full Day Bike Ride – Monasteries Circuit

Distance: 77km (48 miles)

Ascent/Descent: 823m

This ride will be a great intro to riding more steep incline sections to gear us up for the mountain circuits towards the end of the week!

Tuesday
Half-Day Bike Ride

Distance: 50km (31 miles)

We’ll spend the morning out on a shorter ride before heading back to the villa after lunch. Take advantage of this time to unwind by the pool in the afternoon, ahead of dinner out together (not included).

Wednesday
Full Day Bike Ride – Tramuntana Mountains North Circuit

Distance: 100km (62 miles)

Ascent/Descent: 1,732m

Thursday
Day Out with a Coastal Hike

A change of pace today to rest from cycling before a big final day! We’ll plan to spend a few hours on a coastal hike, taking in some of the breathtaking views the island has to offer.

Friday
Full Day Bike Ride – Tramuntana Mountains South Circuit

Distance: 100km (62 miles)

Ascent/Descent: 1,500m

Saturday
Bike Pack / Return and Departure

If you have hired a bike, please ensure you have enough time to drop your bike off before your flight.

Your Team

We are delighted to introduce Tim, Matthew and Nicola, who will be leading this holiday! Tim and Matthew have been preparing and planning an exciting itinerary of adventures using their extensive experience of long-distance cycling and exploring around the world. Matthew’s wife Nicola is a fantastic chef who will be taking care of the catering during the holiday. 

Tim Matthews

Tim has previously led ministry for Richmond on our ski holidays and in Samos including the Multisports programmes with Matthew for the last three years. 

Tim leads LOVECHURCH Bournemouth, with his wife Debi. He’s a keen cyclist and triathlete, which helps him enjoy creation, connect to God, and remain sane. He believes that good relationships are crucial to success in life, and that physical training greatly benefits our spiritual lives and wellbeing.

Tim says:

“I love holidays that involve adventure, exercise, sunshine, friendship and of course, great food! But I’ve also found that it’s spiritual renewal that really makes a lasting positive difference to daily life when I return. Mallorca makes an exceptional backdrop for all of that to happen. 

MAtthew Brearley

Matthew has over 20 years of experience competing in multi-sport, adventure & endurance events - from marathons to Ironman & bike tours including representing Team GB in Triathlon & Duathlon.

Matthew has a love of sports, adventures and the great outdoors, and loves to share his experience and passion for these sports with others. Since finishing full time corporate life a few years ago, Matthew is a leadership coach and organisational adviser. He also runs an NGO in the slums of Kampala together with his wife, Nicola.

Matthew says:

“I’m looking forward to welcoming you to Mallorca – the cycling, climate, cafes, road surfaces and varied terrain are all fantastic. I’ve had the pleasure of numerous bike tours on the island. We’ll be enjoying some beautiful sea swims and a bit of hiking in addition to the cycling – think fun & friendly adventures.”

Els Marsals Villa

Located in Sa Marina De Llucmajor on Mallorca’s south coast, “Els Marsals” is the perfect villa for an exciting island getaway. This spacious property offers an ideal place to relax after a full day. Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the busy tourist areas, you’ll enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you wander through the private garden, relax by the pool; unwinding from the day’s adventures. 

  • The Villa will be our base for the week, used exclusively by our group!
  • With seven bedrooms, a large dining room and comfy lounges, private outdoor pool and terraces, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind at the end of a day’s adventuring.
  • There is a secure, covered garage area providing ideal storage for bikes.

Rooms

The bedrooms are spacious, light and airy, with traditional decor, ceiling fan, and include full ensuite with a shower over bath. 

Most rooms have a set occupancy of 2 adults, so you can share one of these rooms with another person you’re booking with, or you can book one of the two spaces and share with another Richmond guest.

Two rooms are available for solo occupancy for an extra charge.  

Towels and bed linens are provided.

The Food

Food on this holiday is all about relaxed, generous hospitality. Meals will be freshly prepared by Nicola, and served family-style, creating a warm, sociable atmosphere around the table at the end of each day.

Think hearty, home-cooked dishes full of flavour, and designed to properly refuel you after time on the bike. You can expect a mix of Mediterranean-inspired sharing starters, satisfying main courses, and comforting desserts, all made with care.

We’re also able to cater for a range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy the experience together. Please notify us at the point of booking if you have any dietary requirements to help Nicola prepare well.

Mornings start with a relaxed, European-style breakfast designed to set you up for the day ahead. Expect a generous spread including fresh fruit, Greek yoghurt with homemade granola, alongside pastries and simple cooked options.

We’re certain there will be something for everyone, no matter how you like to set yourself up for a long day in the saddle.

Mallorca is host to a huge range of exceptional cafes, restaurants and lunch stops, we’ll discover a new venue each day as we adventure the Island.

Lunch isn’t included in the holiday price, but we’ll be looking forward to a hearty homecooked evening meal, so will plan lighter lunch stops.

Evenings are a chance to unwind together over good food and even better company.

Dinners begin with simple starters before moving into hearty, satisfying main courses. Desserts follow the same philosophy: homemade, indulgent, and the perfect way to round off the day. 

Dinner drinks are included, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

On Tuesday evening, we’ll head out for dinner at a nearby taverna, which will have an additional cost, but we’re sure will be a key moment of community.

Mallorca is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea. Join us this autumn as we take you to some of the island’s best cycling routes, impressive mountains, and stunning coastal scenery.

Getting There

FLIGHTS

You’ll fly into Palma De Mallorca Airport (PMI), a short flight of around 2.5 hours from the UK, depending on where you fly from.

Direct flights are available from a variety of UK airports, including London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Bristol.

We can book direct flights for you, providing an ATOL-protected package holiday, just let us know when booking your preferred airports and we’ll be happy to provide a quote. We can book direct flights with several airlines, however, if your preferred flight is not available with Richmond, you’re welcome to book these independently.

CARBON BALANCING

For all flights booked through Richmond, we balance the carbon emissions through our partnership with Temwa. Temwa’s community-led approach to carbon balancing goes beyond planting trees; they also train local families in sustainable farming and help local governing bodies to protect their forests.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Transfers from Palma De Mallorca Airport are included in the price of the holiday, whether booked as a flight package or with flights booked independently. The villa is only a 20-minute drive from the airport and if the Richmond transfer timetable doesn’t work for you, it is possible to take a taxi from the airport at your own cost.

We will operate these transfers in-house, so you’ll be greeted by a member of the Richmond team at the airport. We will be running shuttles back and forth and will group flights within an hour of each other, so there may be a wait of up to an hour at the airport. Please check the timings below before booking any flights.

ARRIVALS Please book flights due to land no later than 17:00.

Please note the first transfer will depart the airport no earlier than 13:00, so morning flights will have a longer wait at the airport.

DEPARTURES Please book flights scheduled to depart no earlier than 10:15 (08:15 check-in).

Please note the final drop off at the airport will be around 14:00 so if you book an evening flight, please be prepared for a slightly longer wait at the airport.

 

Dates & Prices

Twin Room £1,399 £1,249

Twin Room

£1,399 £1,249

Solo-Occupancy Room £1,999 £1,783

Solo-Occupancy Room

£1,999 £1,783

  • 7 nights half-board accommodation*
  • Coaching on 5 guided cycling routes
  • Airport Transfers and Local Transport
  • Teaching and daily devotions led by Rev Tim Matthews
  • Incredible views and scenery
  • Local Tourist Tax