Butterflies and Gardens (half day)
Visit the tropical Butterfly Garden, with almost 100 species of butterflies from every continent. There is also a larva reproduction facility where each stage of development can be seen.
Continue to the ancient town of Orotava, where you visit two botanical gardens. El Jardín de Aclimatación de la Orotava is the oldest botanical garden on the island, established in 1788 by order of King Carlos III. Plants from the Spanish colonies were tried out here first to assess their value before sending elsewhere. Among the economic species acclimatised in the garden are tropical fruit trees. The Little Botanic Garden is a small informal mature green oasis.
Countryside Tour (half day)
Enjoy a drive along the scenic Orotava Valley to the famous Humboldt viewing point. This takes its name from Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859), a hugely influential German naturalist who visited the Canary Islands in 1799. His writings were a great influence on Charles Darwin and other later travellers.
From the Humboldt point you drive down to the village of Villa Orotava, famous for its ‘sand tapestries’. Similar to the ‘well-dressing’ practised in Derbyshire, these amazing artworks, usually depicting Biblical scenes, are crafted entirely from the distinctive volcanic sands that surround Mount Teide. They are normally produced specifically for religious festivals such as Corpus Christi and Christmas.
You enjoy a tour of the village, and afterwards have free time for exploring on your own.
Dolphin Watching (half day)
Take an exciting ocean cruise to see dolphins in their natural habitat.
Loro Parque (half day)
Situated in the village of Punta Brava, Loro Parque claims to house the world’s largest collection of parrots, with over 300 species. Through the Loro Parque Fundación, it is actively engaged in parrot research and conservation work. There is a sea-lion show, dolphin show, parrot show, aquarium with shark tunnel, gorillas, chimpanzees, tigers, jaguars, flamingos, alligators, tortoises, an orchid house, Gambian market and the world’s largest Penguinarium, where 12 tons of snow fall each day to replicate the Antarctic climate.
Mount Teide and Masca (full day)
Visit Mount Teide, at 3,718 metres the highest mountain in Spain. It rises from the centre of the Las Cañadas crater, the second-largest volcanic crater in the world. The name for Mount Teide comes from a Guanche word meaning ‘snow-capped mountain’.
This tour travels to heights of at least 2,400 metres, therefore you should be in good health and are advised to consult your GP if you have any concerns.
Continue to the delightful little village of Masca, in the mountainous north-western Teno region of Tenerife. You reach the village by a highly scenic road with narrow hairpin bends.
Until recently Masca was one of Tenerife's best kept secrets. The village's pretty white houses perch precariously on the narrow ridges of dramatic rock formations. In the past, Masca is believed to have been a hideout for pirates and smugglers.
Taganana (full day)
The village of Taganana is normally reached by means of a vertiginous descent from the mountainous Anaga headland, and as you descend, there are magnificent views of the village’s picturesque setting. The quaint church in the village also boasts an unusual Hispano-Flemish altarpiece.
Lunch is available on this excursion for an extra €12. This price was correct at the time of writing but is approximate only and subject to change.