Transport
There was some confusion at early stage of the tour concerning which nationalities were in each vehicle. At first the guide spoke across the radio in English at which point a couple of our fellow travellers requested the guide also speak German, but this was for a while understood to mean only in German. Eventually everything was resolved with the guide translating in both languages. Otherwise the tour was interesting and very scenic.
It's one pretty village after another on this exclusive tour in the rugged northwest of Tenerife. We'll drop in at a roll call of the island's must-visits. Christian, one of our local experts, says, ‘A guide shows you around the park in Icod de los Vinos and gives you the lowdown on its fascinating dragon tree, which is 20 metres tall.' Santiago del Teide, local speciality tasting and a trip to Teno Rural Park are also part of the line-up.
You'll journey through Santiago del Teide, a highland village of whitewashed homes. In Icod de Los Vinos, you'll admire the centuries-old dragon tree, with some free time to wander around the town. Garachico – often called the ‘prettiest and unluckiest' – awaits with some interesting history. Devastated by a volcanic eruption in 1706 and rebuilt on its lava, it's now famous for natural lava pools, guarded by a volcanic rock castle, where locals and visitors alike come to bathe.
When it's time to take a break, there's a tasty local lunch, served in a family-run restaurant in a traditional finca. Teno Rural Park showcases the island's rich biodiversity and is known as the source of Tenerife's top-quality natural produce. You'll even get to try some locally made marmalades and jams, all produced with a minimum carbon footprint. The ‘lost hamlet' of Masca is also on the cards, one of Tenerife's most eye-catching spots, dramatically perched on a ridge overlooking a valley.
