Glorious Gardens of the Canary Islands 715

Glorious Gardens of the Canary Islands 715

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8 Days From

$5460

Glorious Gardens of the Canary Islands 715

8 Days Starting in London, United Kingdom and ending in Lanzarote, Spain

Visiting: Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BGCI

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $5460 including Flights from the UK

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the lush landscapes of the Canary Islands with the "Glorious Gardens of the Canary Islands 715" tour. This enchanting cruise takes you to the heart of Spain's natural beauty, exploring the stunning Mt Teide National Park and the vibrant Botanical Gardens of Puerto De La Cruz in Tenerife. Discover the unique flora of La Palma's Caldera de Taburiente National Park and the island's botanical gardens. Experience the verdant forests of La Gomera and the striking landscapes of Lanzarote, including the Jardin de Cactus and the Green Heart of Haria. With comfortable coach travel and the expertise of a professional tour manager, this tour offers a seamless exploration of the islands' most breathtaking gardens and natural wonders. Enjoy leisure time and optional excursions, all while savoring the local cuisine and culture.

Highlights

  • Visit to Mt Teide National Park, Tenerife, with its unique landscape of craters and volcanoes.

  • Explore the Botanical Gardens of Puerto De La Cruz, featuring exotic and sub-tropical plants.

  • Discover the Orchid Gardens of Sitio Litre, home to the largest collection of orchids in Tenerife.

  • Experience the Caldera de Taburiente National Park in La Palma, a UNESCO Biosphere reserve.

  • Visit the Jardin de Cactus in Lanzarote, a garden transformed from a former quarry.

  • Explore The Green Heart of Haria in Lanzarote, an oasis for wildlife and native plants.

  • Optional excursion to Garajonay National Park in La Gomera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Places You'll See

Glorious Gardens Of The Canary Islands 715

Glorious Gardens Of The Canary Islands 715

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: Tenerife

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

We fly from London to Tenerife and transfer to Puerto De La Cruz. Time this afternoon can be spent at leisure relaxing on board before dinner.

Day 2

Location: Tenerife

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, after breakfast we enjoy a trip the Mt Teide National Park in central Tenerife – a unique landscape of craters, volcanoes and petrified lava. As we journey through the park, we can take advantage of the panoramic vistas and lunar like landscape before heading for lunch in a local restaurant.
This afternoon our first stop is the Botanical Gardens of Puerto De La Cruz, first established as an acclimatisation garden in the late 18th Century when King Carlos III decided he wanted exotic plants from his overseas territories in South and Central America to adorn his palace in Madrid. Due to the drastic change in environment, it meant the flora need time to adjust to their new home, hence the establishment of the gardens as a stop off point in Tenerife. At 20,000 square metres the gardens are extensive and there are plans for further expansion. Here, we get to discover many species of exotic and sub-tropical plants with one of the highlights being the Coussapoa Dealbata exhibit, a tree with intertwining trucks found in South America. Other ‘must see’ species include palm trees, bromeliads, aroids and aloes.
Later, we depart for The Orchid Gardens of Sitio Litre. The manor house of Sitio Litre was built in the 18th Century and the gardens have been nurtured and meticulously tended to for over 300 years. The garden is a delightful combination of English formal gardens and a vast palette of colourful tropical and sub-tropical plants. The garden is home to a collection of nearly 200 orchids that are always fresh and in flower, the largest collection on the island. Apart from the orchid collection, Sitio Litre is also famous for its Dragon Tree which is believed to be nearly 600 years old.

Day 3

Location: La Palma

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We arrive at La Palma this morning and have the chance to join an onboard lecture.
After lunch, we head to Caldera de Taburiente National Park, home to an enormous crater with high peaks and encompassing pine forests and a declared UNESCO Biosphere reserve for fantastic island views. Next, we visit the island’s Botanical Gardens home to over 200 plant species. With influences from the Atlantic and the trade winds, La Palma has a subtropical climate that is the perfect place to cultivate such a vast array of flora that is not only popular with avid gardeners but also botanists from around the world.

Day 4

Location: La Gomera

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We dock at the island of La Gomera, filled with craggy mountains and sprinkled with verdant forests of ferns and moss-covered trees. Enjoy the day at leisure here or join an optional excursion to Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a traditional lunch we enjoy a demonstration of the island’s unique whistled language Silbo Gomero.

Day 5

Location: Gran Canaria

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We continue to Gran Canaria where this morning’s optional excursion is to the Casa de Colon, which chronicles the Canaries’ history, and the 569m-high Bandama Caldera. In the afternoon our optional excursion is to Teror, a place of pilgrimage for the islanders, and the garden of La Marquesa de Arucas.

Day 6

Location: Fuerteventura

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We cruise to Fuerteventura, where our optional excursion offers the opportunity to discover an award-winning goat’s cheese, a cosmetics producer who takes advantage of the abundant aloe vera crop, and historic Betancuria, the island’s first colony.

Day 7

Location: Lanzarote

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we find ourselves on the last stop of the cruise, Lanzarote – the most north easterly of the Canary Islands, synonymous with volcanoes as are much of the Canaries, where lava fields and rugged rocky landscapes sit in contrast to the delicate whitewashed houses. This morning we visit the Jardin de Cactus, a former quarry that has been transformed into a wonderful garden, home to a variety of cacti flowers from around the world. Later, we head to The Green Heart of Haria, an oasis for wildlife and a vast collection of native plants that is a refuge for local flora and fauna. We enjoy a guided tour of the gardens before returning to the ship for lunch and an afternoon to spend at leisure

Day 8

Location: Lanzarote

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we transfer to Lanzarote airport for our return flight to London.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is included in the tour package.

  • Meals as per the itinerary

    Meals are provided as per the itinerary during the tour.

  • Comfortable coach travel throughout

    Comfortable coach travel is included throughout the tour.

  • All visits as outlined in the itinerary

    All visits as outlined in the itinerary are included in the tour package.

  • Services of a professional tour manager

    The services of a professional tour manager are included in the tour package.

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses are not included in the tour package.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

  • Optional excursions

    Optional excursions are not included in the tour package.

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the destination are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably throughout the tour with coach transportation included.

Accommodation

Accommodation details are not provided for this tour.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes comfortable coach transportation throughout the journey.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, meals are included as per the itinerary.

  • Is there a tour manager available during the trip?

    Yes, the services of a professional tour manager are included in the tour.

  • What is unique about the Botanical Gardens of Puerto De La Cruz?

    The Botanical Gardens of Puerto De La Cruz were established as an acclimatisation garden in the late 18th Century to help exotic plants from South and Central America adjust to a new environment. The gardens cover 20,000 square metres and feature a variety of exotic and sub-tropical plants, including the Coussapoa Dealbata exhibit.

  • What can visitors expect to see at the Orchid Gardens of Sitio Litre?

    Visitors to the Orchid Gardens of Sitio Litre can expect to see a delightful combination of English formal gardens and tropical plants, including nearly 200 orchids, the largest collection on the island, and a Dragon Tree believed to be nearly 600 years old.

  • What is special about the Caldera de Taburiente National Park?

    The Caldera de Taburiente National Park is home to an enormous crater with high peaks and encompassing pine forests. It is a UNESCO Biosphere reserve known for its fantastic island views.

  • What is the significance of the Jardin de Cactus in Lanzarote?

    The Jardin de Cactus in Lanzarote is a former quarry transformed into a garden that houses a variety of cacti flowers from around the world.

  • What is the Green Heart of Haria known for?

    The Green Heart of Haria is known as an oasis for wildlife and a vast collection of native plants, serving as a refuge for local flora and fauna.

  • Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?

    You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.

  • What facilities do your coaches have?

    Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.

  • Do I have to go on the included excursions?

    Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.

  • Is there time to relax?

    Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.

  • Do I need to be an expert?

    Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.

  • How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?

    You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding

  • Do you have self-drive holidays?

    Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!

  • What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?

    There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.

  • Where are your departure points?

    UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .

  • What about the company that will be kept?

    For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.

  • What is a Brightwater Holiday?

    Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.

  • Why is there a single supplement?

    Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.

  • How much are your optional excursions?

    Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.

  • Can I pre-book my coach seats?

    Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.

  • How to get there? Easy!

    With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Brightwater Holidays offers great value

28-Nov-2019

I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Brightwater Holidays Customer  

My experience with Brightwater Holidays

08-Aug-2019

The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Alan Hawkes (Google Reviewer)  

We were on the Tour...

28-Aug-2022

We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.

Brightwater Holidays Custome  

Wonderful experience with brilliant information

31-Jul-2019

The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Eric Webb (Google Reviewer)  

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...

07-Oct-2023

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.

John G R (Google Reviewer)  

Now, this is a wee...

08-Nov-2024

Now, this is a wee family run holiday that is run from a bedroom. Outrageous prices for a holiday in scotland.👍

Kevin Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

The recent tour in Northumberland...

30-Sep-2023

The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.

ALEXANDRA MCQUEEN (Google Reviewer)  

Been trying to get a...

17-Oct-2023

Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!

Dp Green (Google Reviewer)  

I had heard this company...

20-Feb-2024

I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.

Kieran Thompson (Google Reviewer)  

Two of your tour busses...

26-Jul-2021

Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.

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1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 08, 2025
$5735

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 08, 2025
$5460

Including UK Flights

Prices last published on 21-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.

    At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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