Day 1
D included
After meeting at Tenerife South airport in the early afternoon, we have a road transfer (1.5 hrs) along the coast to the historic town of Garachico, which has some of the best preserved colonial architecture on the island. Our 3-star hotel for three nights is a carefully converted 18th century town house, with a rooftop terrace looking out to the sea.
Day 2
B, L, D included
Setting off from the hotel on foot, we start our exploration at the seafront. Garachico was the main port of the island for produce export to Europe and the New World, until a 1706 lava flow filled the harbour and destroyed the town’s livelihood. Ironically, this misfortune resulted in preservation of its charm. The central Plaza de la Libertad and the surrounding streets are picturesquely lined with colonial mansions and churches.
Day 3
B, L, D included
Today we transfer from Garachico to San Cristobal de La Laguna, the former colonial capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, for 4 nights. En route, we visit La Orotava, a charming and well-preserved colonial town with a museum of handicrafts from Spain and Latin America and several fine 16th and 17th century churches. The nearby Botanical Gardens, originally laid out in 1788 to acclimatise plants brought from the New World, contain an impressive variety of species from around the world, as well as Canary island endemic plants. At the 17th century estate of La Baranda, we learn about the history of viticulture on the island and taste a selection of special island wines.
Day 4
B, L, D included
We drive into the Mt Teide National Park and explore locations in the lunar landscape of subtle orange, black and grey lava fields, enlivened by endemic Teide white broom and Teide bugloss. We pause for lunch in the traditional restaurant of the Mount Teide Parador. In the early evening, we join the Sunset and Stars adventure starting with a sunset ride on the Teide Cable Car to ascend to 3,555 m followed by a short-guided walk (750 m, 30 mins) to the Pico Viejo viewpoint. Once we return to the lower cable car station, we enjoy a Teide-themed cocktail dinner designed by two-Michelin-starred chef, Erlantz Gorostiza, accompanied by Canarian wines. Finally, we will participate in a guided astronomical observation assisted by powerful telescopes, hoping to spot many of the 83 constellations visible from Teide in good conditions.
Day 5
B, L, D included
This morning, we explore La Laguna, arguably the most beautiful town on Tenerife, on foot. There are fine examples of Spanish colonial architecture, including the 16th century mansion now housing the Tenerife History Museum, the cathedral and numerous churches and convents. Later, we take advantage of the new tram system for the scenic ride to Santa Cruz, where we have a short walk to the magnificent Auditorio. There is time to peruse the modern museum devoted to volcanoes, flora and fauna and the culture of the original inhabitants of the island, the Guanche, before we return to our central historic 4-star hotel in La Laguna.
Day 6
B, L, D included
The day is devoted to locations in the Anaga Rural Park in the north-east of the island, characterised by sharp peaks and deep valleys carpeted by native vegetation of laurel forest. We pass through Taganana, one of the first settlements built by the Spanish conquerors, and have lunch overlooking a black sand beach.
Day 7
B included
Following a leisurely start to the morning, we drive to Tenerife South airport for flights home.