The Zaitz Take A Mediterranean Cruise

Did you know? - Majorca ("Mallorca" in Spanish and Catalan, interchangeable in English) is an island located in the Mediterranean Sea, one of the Balearic Islands. It is largest by area and second most populated island of Spain (after Tenerife in the Canary Islands).

The capital of the island, Palma, is also the capital of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands. The Cabrera archipelago is administratively grouped with Majorca (in the municipality of Palma). The anthem of Majorca is La Balanguera.

Like the other Balearic Islands of Ibiza, Formentera and Minorca, the island is a highly popular holiday destination, particularly for tourists from Germany, the United Kingdom and to a lesser extent, Ireland. The name derives from Latin insula maior, "larger island"; later Maiorica.

Did you know? - Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, is the largest city in Mallorca; the population of the Palma municipality was approximately 400,000 at the beginning of 2007. Half the population of Mallorca lives in the city of Palma.

Did you know? - The city occupies the north western end of a bay in the south west of the island of Mallorca. The city council also has jurisdiction over the sub-archipelago of Cabrera including the islands of Cabrera, Conejera, Estells, Imperial, Rodon, Foradada, Plana, and Pobra.

The name Palma dates back to the Roman settlement on the site of the present city, although the area was originally settled during the Bronze Age. In the early middle ages it was conquered by Arabs, who named it Madina Mayurqa. In 1229 it was conquered by King Jaime I, ruler of Valencia and Aragon, and became an important trade city. Attacks by Turkish pirates in the 17th century led to a century long decline, finishing when Charles III opened trading with the Indies.

Did you know? - Valldemossa (in Catalan) or Valdemosa (in Spanish) is a village and municipality on the island of Majorca, part of the Spanish autonomous community of the Balearic Islands.

Valldemossa is famous for one landmark: the Royal Charterhouse of Valldemossa, built at the beginning of the 14th century, when the mystic and philosopher Ramon Llull lived in this area of Majorca.

In the 1830s the Spanish government confiscated monasteries, and the historic estate was sold to private owners, who have since hosted some prominent guests. These have included the Polish composer Frédéric Chopin and the French writer and pioneering feminist George Sand (who wrote a notable account of A Winter in Majorca, describing their 1838–39 visit and praising the island's natural beauty but criticizing what she perceived as the prejudice and vices of the natives).

Did you know? - The Valldemossa monastery has attracted throughout its history illustrious people from all over the world –amongst these excel Chopin and his companion, George Sand– and is one of the principal attractions of the municipality and one of the preferred visits by tourists who come to the island.

The origin of the buildings dates from the times of King James II of Mallorca, who chose this exceptional place in the Tramuntana mountain range, situated over 400 metres high, to build a palace for his son Sanç, known as the Palau del rei Sanç. In 1399 King Martín el Humano ceded all the royal possessions in Valldemossa to the Carthusian monks. These founded the monastery and lived there until 1835, when it passed into private hands, divided between nine owners, except the church.

Did you know? - Andratx municipality is located in the southwestern corner of the Sierra de Tramontana, the most important mountains of the island of Majorca.

Did you know? - The Santa Catarina winery is located in one of the most beautiful valleys of the Sierra de Tramuntana. Even centuries ago wines were cultivated in this valley. In 1985 the Santa Catarina winery was founded and wine production was brought back to the valley. Since then, award winning wines have been produced from local and international grape varieties like Prensal Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc for the white wines and Manto Negro, Callet, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz for the red wines.Mild Mediterranean breezes, intense sun, cool nights and snow in winter make excellent quality conditions for the grapes.

Did you know? - Every wine tasting is being started with a tour through the production area, followed by a visit to the wine cellar. In an entertaining fashion we explain how wine is produced starting with the grape growing, up until the wine is resting in its bottle. The tour is followed by a wine‐tasting, where a short sensory analysis of the wine is undertaken