January 19th to 26th 2019
This new itinerary for an escorted small group tour has been planned to take in the geological highlights of the largest and one of the most geologically active of the Canary Islands. After arrival at Tenerife South airport and a short transfer, we begin with two nights based in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital city located in the north-east of the island. Later in the week we transfer to Los Gigantes, famed for its sheer vertical cliffs which are the highest in the Canaries. For this tour we have the services of Isabel Mora, an expert local guide, who will accompany the group on all excursions, giving some explanations of the geology and a lot of background to the culture and natural history of the island. The tour leader will be Alan Clewlow, an experienced geologist who will also be on hand to offer advice on general matters and further explanations of the geology.
Accommodation is based in two high-quality hotels: the Hotel Occidental Contemporeano at Santa Cruz and the Hotel Barcelo Santiago at Puerto Santiago, both offering a full range of facilities. The price quoted includes return flights with the group between Birmingham and Tenerife South.
For bookings and extra information please call us on
01527 832 578 or volcanicexperiences@aol.com
Planned itinerary
Day 1 Saturday January 19th
Leave Birmingham on morning flight to Tenerife South, arriving in the afternoon. Transfer to Hotel Occidental Contemporaneo at Santa Cruz with some time to explore the city. Introductory talk before dinner.
Day 2 Sunday January 20th
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. The day starts with a short drive to the historic town of La Laguna, whose centre was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1999. We then continue to the Anaga Mountains visitor centre at Cruz del Carmen, then other sites on the north coast. Later we visit El Baladero and a viewpoint above San Andres before returning to Santa Cruz.
Day 3 Monday January 21st
After checking out of the hotel, the early part of the day will be spent looking at sites on the “Dorsal de Esperanza”, the north-east running ridge connecting Teide with the Anaga mountains. It has been the source of many eruptions and two giant landslips in the past. Later, we visit Puerto Güimar on the east coast, and take a coastal path over a more recent lava flow. If time permts, we will also include stop at El Medano in the south. In late afternoon, we transfer to the hotel Barcelo Santiago, near Los Gigantes, where we check in for five nights.
Day 4 Tuesday January 22nd
The day will be spent in the area of the Teide National Park. After leaving the hotel, we take the route via Chio, entering 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 visitor centre in the north and a walk there, our return will pass through the area of the recent Chinyero eruption.
Day 5 Wednesday January 23rd
The day starts with a walk to the port of Los Gigantes, where we have the opportunity (weather permitting) to board a boat for a whale and dolphin watching excursion. On the return journey, the boat passes close by the cliffs of Los Gigantes, where the rock face displays a large number of classic intrusive dykes. In the afternoon, we have a scenic walk planned in the local area.
Day 6 Thursday January 24th
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 (much of which was destroyed by a lava flow in 1706), Icod and Santiago del Teide.
Day 7 Friday January 25th
This is a free day, with the opportunity to take one of the many optional local excursions available, to various sites on the island. 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 8 Saturday January 26th
Check out of the hotel after a leisurely breakfast, with a late-morning transfer to Tenerife South airport. The flight back to Birmingham leaves in the afternoon, arriving back in the evening.
Cost
The cost of the one-week visit, based on half-board will be £1025. This includes two nights at the Hotel Occidental Contemporaneo in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and five nights at the 4-star Barcelo Santiago Hotel at Puerto Santiago. 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 (estimated at £140). The price also includes flights, all excursions (excluding any stated as optional), transfers, and all local transport while on the islands. 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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