January 29th to February 6th 2018
This new itinerary for an escorted small group tour has been planned to take in the geological highlights of two of the islands located close to the Canary Islands hotspot. After arriving in Tenerife and a short transfer to the ferry, we begin with three nights based on La Gomera, one of the most beautiful and scenically spectacular of the islands. Later in the week we transfer to Tenerife, being based close to Los Gigantes, famed for its sheer vertical cliffs. For this tour we have the services of a local geological guide, who will accompany the group on all excursions on both islands, giving detailed explanations of the geology. The tour leader will be Alan Clewlow, an experienced geologist who will also be on hand to offer advice and explanation.
Accommodation is based in two high-quality 4-star hotels: the Jardin Tecina on La Gomera and the Hotel Barcelo Santiago on Tenerife, both based in spectacular scenic locations and offering a full range of facilities.
Because it may be possible to fly direct to Tenerife South from a range of UK regional airports, we are quoting the price excluding flights. Our intention is for the main group to have return flights from Birmingham airport, but for those who wish to choose another route, this should be possible.
For bookings and extra information please call us on
01527 832 578 or info@volcanic-experiences.co.uk
Planned itinerary
Day 1 Monday January 29th
Leave Birmingham on morning flight to Tenerife South, arriving just before mid-day. Transfer to ferry port at Los Cristianos for the Fred Olsen fast ferry to San Sebastian de la Gomera, then coach transfer to hotel Jardin Tecina near Playa de Santiago. Introductory talk before dinner.
Day 2 Tuesday January 30th
Whole-day excursion covering locations in the centre and northern part of the island. We start with a drive to the Laguna Grande National Park in the centre of the island, with time for a walk there. After a stop at the Juego de Bolas visitor centre, the afternoon will include time at Hermigua and Roque Agando (a huge trachyte plug in the central plateau) before eventually returning to the hotel.
Day 3 Wednesday January 31st
After breakfast we head for the Valle Gran Rey in the west of the island, where the journey down the deep valley includes a mirador to take in some breathtaking scenery. On reaching the coast, we have a boat excursion to the north of the island to view “Los Organos” ~ a location where the cliffs consist almost entirely of vertical columnar jointed basalt pillars. After lunch, we head for the area of Valle Hermosa, where there are a range of dome features and a cone-sheet complex.
Day 4 Thursday February 1st
There will be some time to enjoy the many facilities of the hotel or to explore the delightful coastal village of Playa de Santiago. We check out at mid-day for the transfer to the main island town of San Sebastian de La Gomera. Time to take lunch there and then spend time exploring the town, with a possible visit to the local museum. We then take the late-afternoon Arnas ferry back to Tenerife. Transfer on arrival to the hotel Barcelo Santiago, near Los Gigantes, where we check in for five nights.
Day 5 Friday February 2nd
On this day, we will focus on the Anaga volcano in the north-west corner of the island, where some of the oldest rocks of Tenerife are found. Our first stop will be La Laguna, whose centre was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1999. We then continue to the Anaga Mountains visitor centre, with time for a circular walk amid superb scenery. Later we visit Puerto Güimar on the east coast. Our return route to the hotel crosses higher ground in the south-central part of the island passing through Arico, Granadilla and San Miguel.
Day 6 Saturday February 3rd
The day will be spent in the area of the Teide National Park. Our route enters the giant caldera of the La Canadas volcano from the west. The peaks of the Teide and Pico Vieja have grown within the depression formed by the caldera. If weather conditions permit, there should be time to take the cable-car to an altitude of 3500m, just 200m below the summit. From here, there are short walks to viewpoints of the summit and down into the area below, where the rim of the caldera can be clearly seen, along with recent lava flows. After spending time at the El Portillo and a walk there, we leave the area, calling at the Roques del Conde before eventually returning to the hotel.
Day 7 Sunday February 4th
The day will be spent covering the area of the older Teno volcano in the west of the island, closer to where the hotel is situated. One of the first stops will be the delightful village of Masca, accessed only by a steep winding road and set on a ridge above a deep barranco where erosion has revealed a section through the volcanic layers and dyke intrusions. Our circular route through the area will offer a variety of scenic locations, including the mirador at Carrizales, the town of Buena Vista del Norte, Garachico, Icod and Santiago del Teide.
Day 8 Monday February 5th
This is a free day, with the opportunity to take one of the many optional local excursions available. One of these offers the chance to go whale & dolphin watching. This excursion also gives the opportunity to see the spectacular cliffs of Los Gigantes at close-hand, where the rock face displays a large number of classic intrusive dykes. For those who choose not to take part in an organized excursion, it is a chance to walk along the coastal path or into the hills behind, or just spend time relaxing by the pool at the hotel.
Day 9 Tuesday February 6th
Check out of the hotel after a leisurely breakfast, with a late-morning transfer to Tenerife South airport. The flight back to Birmingham leaves around lunchtime, arriving late afternoon. Those taking alternative flights may use this transfer if it coincides with their own check-in requirements.
Cost
The cost of the 8-night visit, based on half-board will be £1175, excluding flight costs.. This includes three nights at the 4-star Hotel Jardin Tecina at La Gomera and five nights at the 4-star Barcelo Santiago Hotel on Tenerife. Accommodation is based on two people sharing twin / double rooms, though alternative arrangements are possible. It should be possible to arrange single rooms for those who require it, but this depends upon availability and will involve a supplement. The price also includes transfers, ferry fares, and all local transport while on the islands. We are happy to book flights in addition and these will be charged at the rate quoted by the airline on the day of booking but are currently around £200. Further details regarding flight arrangements and booking conditions are available in our brochure NB. All those taking part in the tour are expected to arrange their own holiday insurance, which can be obtained from any travel agent or insurance broker.
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