Canary Islands – Tenerife, La Palma and Gran Canaria

27th January - 7th April 2025(70 nights)pdfdownload

 



70 nights of winter warmth, exploration & relaxation

Located 100km off the West African coast, the Canaries are already known by many for their warm winter climate but are usually overlooked for their culture and heritage interests; on this tour you can enjoy both.

Along with all the major sights and plenty of time for relaxation, you will be escorted to places seldom reached by others, whilst enjoying the very best European winter weather. With an eternal spring, expect blue skies and daytime temperatures of low 20’s and evenings of 15 degrees, considerably warmer than Southern Spain.

Whilst being Spanish the Islands retain a strong individual identity with many islanders considering themselves Canarian and only secondly Spanish. Maintaining a duty-free status, the islands are exceptionally good value for shopping & eating out, and with fuel well below European prices you won’t be spending much on Diesel.

Get away from the after Christmas cold, take yourself and your motorhome away for 70 nights of warmth and exploration.

A mix of campsites, camper stops and private parking areas are used throughout the tour; some without hook-ups and/or facilities, requiring the use of your motorhome’s own facilities on occasions. The trip will take you to some wonderful places requiring a confident driving approach at times and will be best enjoyed by those with a sense for adventure & an open mind to camping options.

——-

‘A brilliant adventure’ Linda and Mike Reading – Canary Islands tour Jan to Apr 2023

‘This was our fifth GB Motorhomes tour and second time to the Canaries. As always, the tour was well constructed, taking in mountains, seaside resorts, volcanoes, cities, picturesque villages, historical sites, wineries and much more. Add to this sunshine, good company, good food & drink, friendly experienced guides and you have the perfect way to escape the British winter.’ Jane and Douglas Marsland – Canary Islands tour Jan to Apr 2023

‘The only way to tour, with the best guides giving safety and enjoyment for everyone.’ Ken Starmer – Canary Islands tour Jan to Apr 2023

Day 1 – Monday 27 Jan 2025
We meet at a good quality campsite on Spain’s south coast near the port of Cadiz. The site is ideally located close to the beach, supermarket and town centre and this afternoon the Tour Directors will host a welcome drinks reception and tour briefing, giving you an opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and get prepared for the adventure ahead.
Day 2
This afternoon we board our ferry to the Canary Islands, the port is just 15 miles from our campsite. On board we’ve included en-suite cabins and throughout the voyage breakfast, lunch and dinner menus; it’s only bar drinks you’ll pay for. 15 miles
Day 3
Today is at sea.
Day 4
This afternoon we arrive in Tenerife and drive to our campsite in the very south of the island. Our site boasts good facilities including swimming pool, tennis court, shop & bar/restaurant and benefits from the good weather that attracts so many people to this part of the island. 50 miles
Day 5
A free day. This evening we have a ‘Welcome to Canaries’ group dinner in a traditional restaurant with local food and wine.
Day 6
Free day to relax.
Day 7 – Sunday 2 Feb
Today we have an excursion to Masca and Garachico. Masca clings to the hillside offering spectacular views over the Teno National Park and its terraced coffee bars are perfect for that mid-morning break. In Garachico we take a group lunch before exploring this fascinating town covered by lava following the nearby 1706 volcanic eruption.

Day 8
A free day.  Las Galletas is the nearest resort to our camping and can be reached by foot or short taxi ride. Here, as well as the beach, you will find pleasant pedestrian streets and sea front promenades with restaurants & coffee bars plentiful.
Day 9
Transport is arranged for a day in Los Cristianos & Playa de Las Americas; with full tourist facilities including dolphin and whale watching cruises available (optional and payable locally) you will not be stuck for things to do.
Day 10
A lesson in bananas today. Widely grown throughout the Canaries we take a walk to a nearby plantation to learn how this fruit is grown and harvested.
Day 11
A free day, maybe make use of the campsite pool.
Day 12
Today we visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Park National del Teide. At 3,718 m (over 12,000 feet) Mount Teide is not only the highest peak in the Canary Archipelago but in the whole of Spain. Today you’ll need warm clothes, at this height expect temperature just like at home. Light lunch included.
Day 13
A free day and an opportunity to pack up ready to move on tomorrow for the next stage of our adventure; 13 days on the smaller island of La Palma.
Day 14 – Sunday 9 Feb
We take the ferry from Tenerife to La Palma (3 hours). La Palma is affectionately known as ‘Isla Bonita’ (The Pretty Island) and you will soon see why.  Arriving in La Palma, during our drive of just 15 miles take a break at some of the many view points on route to our parking area at Rum Destilerías Aldea (no facilities). This evening we have a tour of the rum fabrication followed by dinner in a local restaurant. 10 miles, Ferry, 15 miles
Day 15
A free day. The beach and sea are close by and the pretty village of San Andres is a lovely 2km coastal walk away.
Day 16
Move to a mountain recreational camp in the north of the island. Our campsite is located on the edge of the rain forest. 10 miles
Days 17 & 18
Free days. You may join with the tour directors on a 3 to 4 hour walk into the wonderful rain forest of the Los Tilos biosphere reserve on one of the days.
Day 19
Move today to another recreational camping area, this time near to San Antonio. Whilst the drive is just 25 miles allow time. The scenery is simply stunning passing almond trees in full blossom and avocado, orange & lemon trees all laden with fruit. On route also an opportunity to visit the La Zaza visitor centre, a pre-Spanish occupation area of the island’s aboriginal occupants. 25 miles
Days 20 & 21 – Sunday 16 Feb
Free days. You may wish to take the ‘water springs’ walk that can be done over 4 or 7 km’s. Otherwise relax in the very rural setting of the camping with great views of the islands highest mountains on which is found the islands astronomical centre.
Day 22
A relaxed start for today before we move to our overnight stop at Bodegas Noroeste (Wine Cellar) where we have a Wine & Tapas evening.  We spend the night parked around the Bodegas Heli pad, this being one of the few flat spots to be found on this part of the island. 15 miles
Day 23
We leave the mountainous north of the island for the more coastal south. Our stop for the next 3 nights is a basic private coastal camping area set up by caravanning enthusiastic islanders for like-minded people. 25 miles
Day 24
A free day. Puerto Naos, the largest tourist resort on the island is 2km from our camp and offers full facilities of shops, restaurants and a large beach.
Day 25
Transport is arranged for a group visit around the centre of the island today as we visit some of the island’s attractions.
Day 26
Today we travel to the most southerly point of the island and park under the lighthouse. Here is home to traditional salt pans where salt is still extracted from the sea by hand. In the evening we have a group dinner in the salt farms own restaurant overlooking the Atlantic. 30 miles
Day 27
In the morning take time to walk across some volcanic lava fields that dominate this area. Later in the day we make our way to Santa Cruz de La Palma in preparation for our evening ferry back to Tenerife. Once in Santa Cruz you may take the opportunity to visit this interesting island capital. Arriving in Tenerife we have a short easy drive to our campsite. 25 miles, ferry, 10 miles
Day 28 (Sunday 23 Feb) & Day 29
Some free days to do the chores before we begin our tour around Tenerife’s West and North coasts.
Day 30
Travel today to Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife’s west coast, where we stay at a private motorhome parking area set up by camping enthusiasts. What it lacks in facilities it makes up for in location; being in the heart of the city close to shops, restaurants, beaches and attractions. 55 miles
Day 31 & 32
Free days to enjoy the many attractions in Puerto; all within easy walking from our parking.
Day 33
We leave tourism behind today as we move to the very north of Tenerife. Geographically this is the oldest part of the island and the land where the mountains meet the sea. Our campsite is on the coast. 25 miles
Day 34, 35 (Sun 19 Feb) & 36
Free days to relax with the locals; it’s unlikely you will hear anything other than Spanish around here. You may take a swim in one of the many lido pools dotted close to our camping, have a stroll along the coast, eat in one of the sea front restaurants or had enough relaxing then the university city of La Laguna and the islands capital Santa Cruz are both in easy reach by local bus.
Day 37
Today is the largest fiesta in the Canarian calendar, it’s Carnival Day. Lasting around 4 hrs only Rio de Janeiro does it bigger. This morning we return to Puerto de la Cruz ready for an evening of celebration at the main carnival parade in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (transport by private coach to carnival). 25 miles
Day 38
Free day. Receiving guests since Victorian times Puerto is the elder statesman of Tenerife and retains a superior charm. Its botanic garden, established in 1788 and containing thousands of plants from all over the world is worth a visit. It’s also a continuation of Carnival week with further events taking place in Puerto de la Cruz.
Day 39
This morning we take the local bus to La Orotava, the colonial town of the island. A truly Canarian place there is time to explore the historic centre before enjoying a group lunch in an original mansion house.
Day 40
We take the ferry (1.5 hours) from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Gran Canaria. Arriving in Gran Canaria we stay at a motorhome parking area (no facilities) near to Agaete for two nights. This evening we have a group dinner overlooking the sea. 25 miles, Ferry, 20 miles
Day 41
Today we visit a unique place in Europe. At a nearby finca (farm) a special micro climate exists, where we get to see coffee growing. During our visit we will see and learn the process of growing coffee tree’s, through to the harvesting of the coffee berries to the roasting of the coffee beans. At the end of the tour we have the opportunity to sample some home-grown brewed coffee from Europe’s only coffee plantation.
Day 42 – Sunday 09 Mar
Be prepared for a dramatic drive today as we travel on some stunning coastal and mountain roads to our next stop. En route take time to visit Cactualdea containing 1,200 different species of cactus. We now spend time in the National Park with our motorhome on a Park Ranger’s mountain camping area with great views.  50 miles
Days 43 & 44
Free days so relax and take in the views. It’s also possible to enjoy some good walking, ranging from easy to more long distance.
Day 45
Return to the coast and the attractive resort of Puerto Mogan. Here we stay at a motorhome parking area. There are no facilities so be prepared to use your motorhomes own.

Day 46
With our parking being located on the edge of the resort, it is easy to reach the waterfront by foot. Affectionately known as the ‘Venice of the Canaries’, Puerto Mogan is a lovely place to explore and boasts many excellent restaurants, located all around the waterfront.
Days 47
This morning is market day in Puerto Mogan. Take the opportunity to see this colorful event before moving to our next campsite on the east of the island; ideally located for exploring this coastline and into the north. Our campsite has its own restaurant with views out to sea where this evening we have a group dinner. 30 miles
Day 48 & 49 (Sunday 16 Mar)
Free days. A chance to catch up on things, using the campsites full facilities and an opportunity to explore the coastal areas close by.
Day 50
Today we visit Gran Canaria’s capital, Las Palmas by coach and with a local tour guide. With its mix of architecture and cultures you may well feel like you have left Europe for the day.
Day 51
An afternoon/evening excursion to Aguimes and Barranco de Guayadeque.  In Aguimes we take a stroll and time for a coffee in the square, before arriving in Barranco de Guayadeque for its cave houses and restaurant where we take a leisurely dinner with wine.
Day 52
Move on today to a campsite on the north coast. 30 miles
Day 53
Day trip to Galdar. Included is an afternoon tour of the highly acclaimed excavation site of the original Canarian inhabitants (pre-Spanish occupation).
Day 54
Trip to the Botanic Gardens (the largest in the Canary Islands), the balcony houses town of Teror and to Arucas; where we visit the Cathedral and take a tour of the local Rum distillery with tastings.

Day 55
A free day.
Day 56 (Sunday 23 Mar) & Day 57
An opportunity over the next two days to explore the central mountain areas of Gran Canaria, as we travel from north to south through the centre of the island, staying at a mountain motorhome parking. 55 miles
Day 58
Continue through the mountains to arrive on the south coast, where we stay at a motorhome parking area in the upmarket resort of Puerto Rico. 27 miles
Day 59 & 60
Free Days. Shops, bars and restaurants are all close to our parking. The beach and sea, with good relaxing and swimming opportunities is also within walking distance (2km).
Day 61
Travel to our final campsite. Set in the base of a valley our campsite has wonderful mountain views and tranquility in abundance, it also boasts full facilities including an on-site swimming pool (payable locally) & boules pitch. This evening we have a group BBQ dinner in the campsite’s own restaurant. 11 miles
Day 62
Free Day. An opportunity to mix amongst the locals who make good use of the site over the weekends.
Day 63 – Sunday 30 March
Today we visit the Maspalomas Dunes National Park, more Sahara than Canarian they are a fabulous natural sight. You will have all day to spend on the dunes and around the Maspalomas resort.
Day 64
A Free Day, maybe make use of the campsite swimming pool. You may also decide to wander into the local village (2km) with its one stop shop & bar.
Day 65
Transport is arranged today for time in Arguineguin, where it is local market day.
Day 66 & 67
Free days and opportunity to enjoy the Canarian weather relaxing around the campsite. On the evening of day 67 we have our Farewell Dinner.
Day 68
Our last day in the islands and we begin with a group brunch breakfast in the campsite restaurant. The remainder of the day is free and an opportunity to pack up ready for the start of our return journey to Spain tomorrow.
Day 69
This morning we make our way to Las Palmas port ready for our return ferry to Cadiz, southern Spain. En-suite cabins and all meals on board are again included. 50 miles, Ferry
Day 70 – Sunday 6 April
At sea.
Day 71 – Monday 7 April 2025
We arrive in Cadiz, Spain where our tour ends.

PRICE

6m Motorhome with 2 people – £3,749 per person
6m Motorhome with 1 person – £5,999
Supplement for motorhomes above 6m – £250 per metre or part metre

1st Deposit £500
2nd Deposit of £2,000 to secure ferry places payable 31/07/2024
Balance 10 weeks before start of tour

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

  • Cadiz to Canaries return ferry with inside en-suite cabin and ships full board menu. Option to upgrade to outside cabins (subject to availability and supplement)
  • All inter island ferries throughout the itinerary
  • 37 campsite nights with hook-up and full facilities
  • 18 campsite nights without hook-up and/or with limited facilities
  • 11 nights motorhome parking without hook-up and facilities
  • 4 nights on ferry
  • All transfers required for excursions unless stated otherwise
  • Entrance fees on excursions unless otherwise specified
  • Services of two experienced Tour Directors in their own motorhome
  • Tour Information Pack including GPS co-ordinates
  • Michelin Canary Islands Map
  • DK Canary Islands Guidebook

EXCURSIONS & EVENTS INCLUDED

  • Excursion to Masca and Garachico villages
  • Transport for day visit to Los Cristianos and Playa Las Americas
  • Visit to banana plantation
  • Excursion of Mount Teide National Park
  • La Palma central island excursion
  • Visit to Salt Pans, La Palma
  • Tenerife carnival with transport
  • Visit to La Orotava by local bus
  • Tour of Coffee Plantation
  • Las Palmas city excursion
  • Excursion to Arguimes and Barranco de Guayadeque
  • Excursion to Galder
  • Excursion to Botanic Gardens, Teror and Arucus
  • Day at Maspalomas Dunes
  • Transport for day visit to Arguineguin market

MEALS INCLUDED

  • 1 Drinks Reception
  • Full board ships menu on Spain to Canaries ferry both ways
  • 1 brunch breakfast
  • 1 Light Lunch
  • 2 Lunches with wine
  • 1 Wine & Tapas evening
  • 8 Dinners with wine

The start and finish points for this tour are southern Spain.  For those who would like to travel with the Tour Directors out from the UK and return to the UK with the Tour Directors, two optional packages covering this are available.

Optional package for travel with Tour Directors from the UK
21st January to 27th January 2025

Join with the Tour Directors from the UK on a route to Cadiz in southern Spain, designed to make your journey south part of the tour. We take the Brittany Ferries ship direct from Portsmouth to northern Spain. Once in Spain, on route south, we stay at Salamanca in the centre and Seville in the south.

6 Nights

Day 1 – Tuesday 21 Jan 2025
We board the evening ferry from Portsmouth to northern Spain. Inside en-suite cabins are included.
Day 2
Day at sea.
Day 3
Arriving this morning in Northern Spain, it’s a motorway drive to our campsite in Salamanca. This evening we have a group dinner in the campsites’ hotel restaurant. 225 miles
Day 4
A longer drive today brings us to the southern city of Seville. We park overnight in a city centre Camper Stop perfectly located for seeing the cities beautiful Moorish architecture and try not to leave without taking with you some Seville oranges. 290 miles
Day 5
We arrive on the Spanish south coast today with a short drive. Our campsite (we stay 3 nights) is ideally located close to the beach, supermarket and town centre. 75 miles
Day 6 – Sunday 26 Jan 2025
A free day. Our campsite boasts full facilities for catching up on any chores.
Day 7
A free day. This is day 1 of the main itinerary and an opportunity for those on the optional package to take a boat trip from close to the campsite direct to the old centre of Cadiz for a visit.

PRICE

6m motorhome with 2 people – £579 per person
6m motorhome with 1 person – £1,045
Supplement for motorhomes above 6m – £80 per metre or part metre

Deposit £300
Balance payable 10 weeks before the start of Canaries tour

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

  • Portsmouth to northern Spain ferry with inside en-suite cabin. Option at time of booking to upgrade to outside cabin at additional cost of £30
  • 2 nights on ferry
  • 3 campsite nights with hook-up
  • 1 camper stop night with hook-up
  • 1 group dinner with wine
  • Services of two experienced Tour Directors in their own motorhome
  • Tour Information Pack with GPS co-ordinates

Optional package travelling with Tour Directors for return to the UK
7th April to 10th April 2025

Join with the Tour Directors travelling from Cadiz in southern Spain, to return to the UK using Brittany Ferries direct route of northern Spain to Portsmouth. Taking a toll-free route through central Spain on good quality dual carriageway roads the 595 mile journey is split comfortably over 3 days. Driving times have been kept relatively short and the package includes campsites conveniently located close to the route.

3 Nights

Day 1 – Monday 7 April 2025
Disembark from the Canary Islands ferry this morning and travel north on toll free motorways/dual carriageways to our overnight campsite at the old town of Caceres. 220 miles
Day 2
Today we continue north through central Spain to our overnight campsite at Burgos. Our campsite is located on the river and a flat walk into this interesting old city. 275 miles
Day 3
Our drive today takes us to Spain’s north coast, ready for our return ferry back to the UK. We board Brittany Ferries ship where we have inside en-suite cabins included. 100 miles
Day 4 – Thursday 10 April 2025
Arrive back to Portsmouth this evening, where the optional return to UK package finishes. If you wish to stay at a local campsite near Portsmouth for the night, the Tour Directors will arrange this for you (payable locally).

PRICE

6m motorhome with 2 people – £449 per person
6m motorhome with 1 person – £879
Supplement for motorhomes above 6m – £80 per metre or part metre

Deposit £300
Balance payable 10 weeks before the start of Canaries tour

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

  • 2 campsite nights with hook-up
  • Northern Spain to Portsmouth ferry with inside en-suite cabin. Option at time of booking to upgrade to outside cabin at additional cost of £30
  • 1 night on ferry
  • Services of two experienced Tour Directors in their own motorhome.
  • Tour Information Pack with GPS co-ordinates
  • Option of Tour Directors booking Portsmouth campsite for you (payable locally)