Best of Gran Canaria
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Port
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$124.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Travel by coach the short distance to Doramas Park, located in the city center of Las Palmas. Its gardens are home to many species of endemic Canarian plants. Within the park, the Pueblo Canario, Néstor Museum, and the Hotel Santa Catalina showcase Canary architecture.
The Duchess of Arucas Botanical Gardens, planted in 1880 by the island's first Marquis and his wife, are a romantic and serene five-acre setting with 2,500 tropical plants.
Travel to the charming town of Teror to visit the Basilica de la Virgen del Piño (Madonna of the Pine). Located on the main plaza, the neo-Classical church you see today is the third to be built on the same spot since the 15th century. Outside, ten gargoyles stand guard; inside, the main features are the vast Baroque altar and the richly clothed, wooden-carved figure of the Virgin Mary.
Reboard your motorcoach for the drive to Tejeda for lunch. At 3,280 feet above sea level, Tejeda is surrounded by beautiful orchards and farms. At lunch, you're treated to a traditional Canarian meal. Vegetarian meals are available upon request.
Visit one of the largest extinct volcanoes on the island. Travel up to the peak of Bandama National Monument for amazing views out over the crater and its surroundings. The crater, at 1,866 feet above sea level, measures about 3,280 feet wide and 656 feet deep and its volcanic ash in different hues is punctuated with flourishing cacti and palm trees.
Visit the Casa Museo de Colón Museum dedicated to the life of Christopher Columbus and his role in making the Canaries a gateway to the New World. This gorgeous 15th-century mansion in the heart of Las Palmas features a grand, Gothic-style exterior. Local lore says that Columbus stayed here before continuing his great voyage of discovery. The museum's collection includes maps and navigational instruments, a recreation of the interior of La Niña, and a room full of priceless pre-Columbian artifacts.
Notes:
The route is winding. Guests who are prone to motion sickness or vertigo should consider this before booking and/or take appropriate medication. Tour requires considerable walking and standing. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Bring a light jacket. Wear comfortable walking shoes. The church in Teror is closed on Mondays; an outside visit will be substituted.
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