2022 Canary Islands – Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and Gran Canaria

17th January - 28th March 2022(70 nights)pdfdownload


Enjoy 70 nights of warmth and exploration

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, evenings of 15, 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 is used throughout the tour requiring the use of your motorhomes 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 & open mind to camping.

‘A fantastic tour with a great group of people. The organisation, support and professionalism provided by Kevin and Nurcan throughout the entire tour was exceptional. It is difficult to highlight one particular trip as they were all excellent in their own way, but for us the drive over the mountains in Gran Canaria will stay with us for ever.’ Graham & Margaret Smithies – Canary Islands – Jan/Mar 2020

‘We wondered whether 3 months in The Canaries would be too long to be away from home, but the time flew past. It was good to be in the company of others with an adventurous spirit. The climate was perfect for outdoor living and the gentle pace gave plenty of time for walking, cycling or just chilling in a reclining patio chair. Every move to a new island or camping location afforded the most incredible views. These included dramatic coastline, banana plantations, volcanoes and colourful Canarian villages. For us the highlight was camping far off the tourist trail, often with minimal facilities but always fully supported. The sense of freedom and connection with Nature was magical.’ Anna Billings and Steve Hardy – Canary Islands – Jan/Mar 2020

‘What can we say it really was a fantastic tour – the group meals superb, all our fellow travellers very kind, Kevin and Nurcan went above all to help us. Thanks to all.’ Brian and Barbara Fletcher – Canary Islands – Jan/Mar 2020

Day 1 – Monday 17 Jan 2022
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
Today 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 23 Jan
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 overlooking the sea 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; 17 days on the smaller islands of La Palma & La Gomera.
Day 14 – Sunday 30 Jan
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 and has a traditional mountain restaurant attached. 10 miles
Day 17
A free day. You may join the tour directors on a 3 to 4 hour walk into the wonderful rain forest of the Los Tilos biosphere reserve.
Day 18
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 opportunity to visit the La Zaza visitor centre, a pre-Spanish occupation area of the islands aboriginal occupants. 25 miles
Day 19
A free day. 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 20
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 21 – Sunday 06 Feb
We leave the mountainous north of the island for the more coastal south. Our stop for the next 7 nights is a basic private coastal camping area set up by caravanning enthusiastic islanders for like-minded people. 25 miles
Day 22 & 23
Free days. 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 24
Transport is arranged for a group visit to the centre of the island today as we visit some very local places.
Day 25,26 & 27
Free days. There are walks along the coast from our camp which is also a comfortable place to relax at. Over the weekend mix with the locals who make good use of this camping facility.
Day 28 – Sunday 13 Feb
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 29
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 early ferry tomorrow morning. Once in Santa Cruz you may take the opportunity to visit this interesting island capital. Overnight is spent in the ferry port. 25 miles
Day 30
Our ferry this morning takes us from La Palma to the smaller island of La Gomera, a 2 hour crossing. We arrive at the islands capital San Sebastian from where Christopher Columbus set sail in 1492 to discover America. From here starts La Gomera’s 55 mile circular road passing through the islands World Heritage Rain Forest and containing stunning Miradors (view points) around every corner. We have all day on the island to make the journey before taking the evening ferry to Tenerife, 1 hour. Arriving in Tenerife we have an easy drive to our campsite. 10 miles
Day 31 & 32
Some free days to do the chores before we begin our tour around Tenerife’s West and North coasts.
Day 33
Our drive today takes us along the west coast to Puerto de la Cruz. Receiving guests since Victorian times Puerto is the elder statesman of Tenerife and retains a superior charm. Our camping is a dedicated motorhome parking area right in the heart of the resort, anything it lacks in facilities it makes up for with location. 55 miles
Day 34, 35 (Sun 20 Feb) & 36
Free days to enjoy the many attractions in Puerto; shops, restaurants, promenades and good beaches are all next to our camping.
Day 37
This morning we take the local bus (payable locally) 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 38 & 39
Free days.  Puerto’s botanic garden established in 1788 and containing thousands of plants from all over the world is worth a visit.
Day 40
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 41, 42 (Sun 27 Feb) & 43
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 44
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 45
A Free day. It’s also a continuation of Carnival week with further events taking place this evening in Puerto de la Cruz.
Day 46
We take the ferry (1.5 hours) from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Gran Canaria. Arriving at Ageate in Gran Canaria we stay here for the next two nights. This evening we have a group dinner overlooking the sea. 25 miles, Ferry, 1 mile
Day 47
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 48
Be prepared for a dramatic drive today as we travel on a stunning coastal road to our next campsite. 25 miles
Day 49 – Sunday 6 March
Free day. Within 10 minutes walk of our camp is the coast with a handful of traditional restaurants overlooking the sea and its beach.
Day 50
We continue our journey today with another very scenic drive. 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 the Park Rangers mountain camping area with great views. 25 miles
Day 51 & 52
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 53
We travel today to a coastal 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 54
Today we visit Las Palmas, Gran Canaria’s capital.  With its mix of architecture and cultures you may well feel like you have left Europe for the day.
Day 55
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 56 – Sunday 13 March
A day trip to Arucas and Galdar. In Arucas we visit the cathedral and in Galdar we include a tour of the highly acclaimed excavation site of the original (pre-Spanish occupation) Canarian inhabitants.
Day 57
Move today to the south west corner of Gran Canaria where we stay on a motorhome aire at the upmarket resort of Puerto Mogan. 40 miles
Day 58 & 59
Free Days. Affectionately known as the ‘Venice of the Canaries’ Puerto Mogan marina and beach are within walking distance of our motorhome parking. Puerto Mogan boasts excellent restaurants, located all around the waterfront so expect to be spoilt for choice and views.
Day 60
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 on-site swimming pool (payable locally) & boules pitch. This evening we have a group dinner in the campsite’s own restaurant. 12 miles
Day 61
A Free Day.
Day 62
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 63 – Sunday 20 March
A Free Day and a chance to spend time at the campsite, with an opportunity of mixing amongst the locals who make good use of the site over the weekends.
Day 63
A Free Day, maybe make use of the campsite swimming pool.
Day 64
A group trip. Starting with time in Arguineguin where today its local market day, followed by a boat trip along the coast.
Days 65 & 66
Free days and opportunity to enjoy the Canarian weather. In addition, you may choose to wander into the local village with its one stop shop & bar.
Day 68
A free day with our Farewell Dinner in the evening.
Day 69
This morning we make our way to Las Palmas port ready for our return ferry to Cadiz, southern Spain. 50 miles, Ferry
Day 70
At sea.
Day 71 – Monday 28 March 2022
We arrive in Cadiz this morning where our tour ends.

PRICE

6m Motorhome with 2 people – £0000 per person
6m Motorhome with 1 person – £0000
Supplement for motorhomes above 6m – £000 per metre or part metre per booking

1st Deposit £000
2nd Deposit £0000 to secure ferry places payable 31/07/2021
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
  • All inter island ferries throughout the itinerary
  • 37 campsite nights with hook-up
  • 24 camper stop nights without hook-up
  • 5 overnight private parking stops without hook-up
  • 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
  • Tenerife carnival with transport
  • La Palma island excursion
  • Visit to Salt Pans, La Palma
  • Tour of Coffee Plantation
  • Excursion to Arucus and Galder
  • Excursion to Arguimes and Barranco de Guayadeque
  • Las Palmas city excursion
  • Day at Maspalomas Dunes
  • Visit to Arguineguin market followed by boat trip

MEALS INCLUDED

  • 1 Drinks Reception
  • Full board ships menu on Spain to Canaries ferry both ways
  • 1 Wine & Tapas evening
  • 1 Light Lunch
  • 2 Lunches
  • 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 from the UK an optional package covering this is available.

Optional package for travel with Tour Directors from the UK

10th January to 17th January 2022

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 visit on the way three of Spain’s classic cities; Burgos in the north, Salamanca and its universities in the centre and Seville for some oranges in the south. Driving times throughout have been kept to daylight hours and the route offers a choice of taking toll motorways or national toll-free roads through France and Spain with all campsites conveniently located close to both.

Day 1 – Monday 10 Jan 2022
We take a morning ferry from Dover to Calais followed by a drive to our first overnight campsite just beyond Rouen in France. 190 miles
Day 2
Today we continue south through France to our overnight campsite near Poitiers. 190 miles
Day 3
Our drive today takes us to St. Jean de Luz in the south of France, just a few miles from the Spanish border. 295 miles
Day 4
Today we enter Spain and travel to the world heritage city of Burgos. Our journey is not too far and scenic as we skirt the Pyrenees and should see us arrive in Burgos by lunchtime. Our campsite is a pleasant 45-minute riverside walk from the historical centre, alternatively buses leave from the campsite to the centre. 150 miles
Day 5
Another reasonably short drive today to the classic university city of Salamanca. From our campsite buses run direct to the city centre. This evening we have a group dinner in the campsites’ hotel restaurant. 160 miles
Day 6
A longer drive today to bring 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 7 – Sunday 16 January 2022
We arrive on the Spanish south coast today with a short drive. Our campsite (we stay 2 nights) is ideally located close to the beach, supermarket and town centre. It boasts full facilities for catching up on any chores. 75 miles
Day 8
A free day, this is day 1 of the main itinerary.

PRICE

Motorhome with 2 people – £000 per person
Motorhome with 1 person – £000

Payable 10 weeks before start of Canaries tour

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

  • Dover/Calais flexible return ferry ticket with club class lounge included
  • 6 campsite nights with hook-up
  • 1 camper stop night with hook-up
  • 1 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

 28th March to 31st March 2022

Join with the Tour Directors travelling from Cadiz in southern Spain, to return to the UK using Brittany Ferries new ship Galicia from Santander 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.

Day 1 – Monday 28 March 2022
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. 240 miles
Day 2
Today we continue north through central Spain to our overnight campsite at Tordesillas. Our campsite is located on the river Duero and an easy walk along the river into this interesting old town. 185 miles
Day 3
Our drive today takes us to Spain’s north coast and Santander, ready for our afternoon ferry back to the UK. We board Brittany Ferries new ship Galicia, where inside en-suite cabins are included, plus dinner this evening and breakfast tomorrow morning. 170 miles
Day 4 – Thursday 31 March 2022
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 – £000 per person

6m motorhome with 1 person – £000

Supplement for motorhomes above 6m – £00 per metre or part metre

Payable 10 weeks before start of Canaries tour

If booking both the outward and return optional travel from/to UK with Tour Directors packages, then the outward package is reduced by £100 as no return Calais/Dover ferry will be required.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

  • 2 campsite nights with hook-up
  • Santander to Portsmouth ferry with inside en-suite cabin
  • 1 dinner and 1 continental breakfast on board Brittany ferries new ship Galicia
  • Services of two experienced Tour Directors in their own motorhome. Including assistance with any Covid-19 return to UK requirements
  • Tour Information Pack with GPS co-ordinates
  • Option of Tour Directors booking Portsmouth campsite for you (payable locally)