The Canary Islands

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 sites 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.

The start and finish points for the tour are southern Spain giving you flexibility to make your own arrangements to and from here. For those who would like to travel with the Tour Directors from the UK an optional package covering this is available. Likewise those wishing to return to the UK with the Tour Directors may do so with the return home package. Details for both of these follow the main itinerary.

For anyone wishing to stay on in the Canaries and visit the islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote (both by wild camping) your return Cadiz ferry can be delayed and information on motorhoming in these islands is available upon request.

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.

Day 1 – Monday 18 Jan 2016
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 evening the Tour Directors will host a welcome drinks reception, giving you an opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.

Day 2
This afternoon we board our ferry to the Canary Islands, 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 drinks you’ll pay for. WIFI is also included for you.

Day 3
Today is at sea.

Day 4
This afternoon we arrive in Tenerife and drive 50 miles to our campsite in the very south of the island. Our site boasts good facilities including swimming pool, tennis court, shop & bar and benefits from the good weather that attracts so many people to this part of the island.

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 24 Jan 2016
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 & 9
Free days. Los Cristianos & Playa de Las Americas with full tourist facilities including dolphin and whale watching cruises are just 20 minutes away by local bus.

Day 10
A lesson in bananas today. Widely grown throughout the Canaries this afternoon we take a short walk to a nearby plantation to learn how this fruit is grown and harvested.

Day 11 & 12
Free days. Las Galletas is the nearest resort to our camping and can be reached by foot, bicycle or short taxi ride. More laid back than Los Cristianos & Playa de Las Americas it offers pleasant pedestrian streets, sea front promenades with restaurants and coffee bars plentiful.

Day 13
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.

Day 14 – Sunday 31 Jan 2016
Free day, an opportunity to pack up ready to move on tomorrow.

Day 15
We begin a tour around the West and North of the island, 55 miles takes us 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.

Day 16
Free day to enjoy the many attractions in Puerto; shops, restaurants, promenades and good beaches are all next to our camping.

Day 17
This morning we take the local bus to La Orotava, the colonial town of the island. A truly Canarian place there is time for a wander in the historic centre before enjoying a group lunch in an original mansion house.

Day 18
A Free day.

Day 19
We leave tourism behind today as we move to the very north of Tenerife, 25 miles drive. Geographically this is the oldest part of the island and the land where the mountains meet the sea. Our campsite is on the coast.

Day 20, 21 & 22 – Sunday 7 Feb 2016
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 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. And for those who like to walk you may join the tour directors on one of the very best walks in the Canaries, 10KM’s which really will take you from the mountains to the sea.

Day 23
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 Peurto de la Cruz ready for an evening of celebration at the carnival.

Day 24 & 25
Free days. Puerto’s botanic garden established in 1788 and containing thousands of plants from all over the world is worth a visit.

Day 26
We return to the south of the island today to make use of the facilities at our first campsite in preparation for the next stage of our adventure; 10 days on the smaller islands of La Palma & La Gomera.

Day 27
Free day.

Day 28 – Sunday 14 Feb 2016
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 our drive is just 25 miles to our mountain recreational camp in the north of the island but allow a couple of hours, you’ll be sure to stop at some of the many view points along the way. Our camp has a traditional mountain restaurant attached, ideal for a romantic meal tonight.

Day 29
A free day. You may join the tour directors on a 3 hrs walk through the wonderful rain forest of the Los Tiles biosphere reserve. At the end of the walk is the reserves visitors centre where it is possible to learn about this moist & cool wonderland.

Day 30
A drive of just 40 miles today but expect it to take the majority of the day. The scenery is simply stunning passing almond trees in full blossom and avocado, orange & lemons trees all laden with fruit. Our stop tonight is at Bodegas Noroeste (wine cellar) where we have a Wine & Tapa’s evening. We spend the night around the Bodegas Heli pad, this being one of the few flat spots to be found in this part of the island.

Day 31
In just 15 miles we leave the mountainous north of the island for the more coastal south and the picturesque port of Tazacorte. Our parking for the next 2 nights is in the marina.

Day 32
A free day to wander in this picturesque village and relax on its beach.

Day 33
Another short drive today, 10 miles to the resort of Puerto Naos. Our stop for the next 3 nights is a private coastal camping area set up by caravanning enthusiastic islanders for like minded people.

Day 34 & 35 Sunday 21 Feb 2016
Free days. Puerto Naos, the largest tourist resort on the island is 2km from our camp and offers full facilities of shops, restaurants and large beach. There are good walks and cycling all along the coast from our camp.

Day 36
Today we travel to the most southerly point of the island, 30 miles, 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.

Day 37
In the morning we visit the museum of the lighthouse and from our parking area there are walks across volcanic lava fields that dominate this area. Later in the day we make our way, 25 miles, 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.

Day 38
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 10 mile drive to our campsite. Motorrhoming overnight on La Gomera is by ‘wild camping’, there are no official campsites. If you would like to stay longer on the island this is possible and you’ll catch up with the group in Tenerife.

Day 39 & 40
A couple of free days to do the chores before we move to Gran Canaria.

Day 41
We take the ferry (2 hours) to Gran Canaria. Upon arrival be ready for the most dramatic drive on all the islands, 25 miles of simply stunning coastal scenery.

Day 42 – Sunday 28 Feb 2016
Free day. Within 10 minutes walk of our camp is the lovely harbour hamlet of Playa de La Aldea with a handful of traditional restaurants overlooking the sea, it’s perfect for Sunday lunch.

Day 43
We continue our journey today with 45 miles of coastal driving to our next campsite. On route take time to visit Cactualdea containing 1,200 different species of cactus.

Day 44 & 45
Free days to relax at the campsite. Set in the base of a valley this campsite has wonderful mountain views and tranquillity in abundance, it also boasts full facilities including on-site swimming pool & restaurant.

Day 46
We take a group trip starting with a wander in Arguineguin, then board a glass bottom boat to Puerto de Mogan the ‘Venice of the Canaries’. Here there will be time for you to dine in a restaurant of your picking, with them all overlooking the port or beach expect to be spoilt for choice.

Day 47
Free day.

Day 48
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 49 & 50 – Sunday 6 March 2016
Free days. As well as relaxing at the campsite you may choose to wander into the local village with its one stop shop & bar

Day 51
A group excursion today to the interior of Gran Canaria, including the islands highest village with views all the way back to Tenerife. We have a group lunch in a traditional village restaurant.

Day 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 & 57 – Sunday 13 March 2016
Free days. During these days for those who would like to spend time in the mountains in their motorhome the tour directors will request permission and accompany you for a few days stay on a forestry commission mountain camping area.

Day 58
We travel today to a coastal campsite on the east of the island, 30 miles; ideally located for exploring this coast line and into the north. Our campsite has its own restaurant with views out to sea.

Day 59
Free day.

Day 60
Today we see Las Palmas, Gran Canaria’s capital. With its mix of architecture and cultures you may well feel like you’ve left Europe for the day.

Day 61
Free day.

Day 62
An 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 late afternoon dinner with wine.

Day 63 & 64 – Sunday 20 March 2016
Free days.

Day 65
Today we have a group trip to Jardin Canario, Spain’s largest Botanic Garden and Arucas rum distillery where, of course we take a tour with tastings.

Day 66, 67 & 68
Free days. An opportunity to enjoy the Canarian weather as our tour nears its end. On the evening of Day 68 we have our Farewell Dinner in the campsites own restaurant, a relaxed place to finish our tour whilst enjoying fine views out to sea.

Day 69
This morning we make our way to Las Palmas port (20 miles) ready for our return ferry to Cadiz, southern Spain.

Day 70
At sea.

Day 71 – Monday 28 March 2016
We arrive in Cadiz at midday where our tour ends. You may take the optional return to Calais package travelling with the Tour Directors or make your way independently from here.

PRICE

6m Motorhome with 2 people – £0000 per person
6m Motorhome with 1 person – £0000
Supplement for motorhomes above 6m – £50 per metre or part metre per booking

1st Deposit £000
2nd Deposit (24/07/2015) £0000 to secure ferry places
Balance 8 weeks before start of tour

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Cadiz to Canaries return ferry with inside on-suite cabin and ships full board menu
• All inter island ferries throughout the itinerary
• 51 campsite nights with hook-up
• 10 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 fee’s on excursions unless otherwise specified
• Services of two experienced Tour Directors in their own motorhome
• Tour Information Pack including map & guide book

EXCURSIONS & EVENTS INCLUDED

• Masca and Garachico villages
• Visit to banana plantation
• Mount Tiede National Park
• Tenerife carnival
• Visit to Salt Pans La Palma
• Arguineguin & Puerto de Mogan including glass bottom boat trip
• Maspalamos Dunes
• Gran Canaria’s interior
• Las Palmas
• Arguimes and Barranco de Guayadeque
• Botanic Gardens and Arugas rum distillery

MEALS INCLUDED

• 1 Drinks Reception
• Full board ships menu on Spain to Canaries ferry both ways
• 1 Wine & Tapas evening
• 3 Lunches
• 4 Dinners with wine

Optional package for travel with Tour Directors from the UK

11 January to 18 January 2016

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.

7 Nights
Day 1 – Monday 11 Jan 2016
We take a morning ferry from Dover to Calais followed by a drive of 170 miles to our first overnight campsite near Rouen in France.

Day 2
Today we continue south through France covering 220 miles to our overnight campsite near Poitiers.

Day 3
With a drive of 260 miles we arrive at St. Jean de Luz in the south of France, just a few miles from of the Spanish border. We overnight in a coastal campsite.

Day 4
Today we enter Spain and travel to the world heritage city of Burgos. Our journey of 130 miles is scenic as we skirt the Pyrenees, and gets us to 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.

Day 5
Another reasonably short drive today, 160 miles 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.

Day 6
Our drive of 290 miles 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.

Day 7 – Sunday 17 January 2016
We arrive on the Spanish south coast today with a drive of just 75 miles. 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.

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
Balance 8 weeks before start of Canaries tour

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Dover to Calais flexible return ferry with club lounge going out
• 6 campsite nights with hook-up
• 1 camper stop night with hook-up
• 1 Dinner
• Services of two experienced Tour Directors in their own motorhome
• Tour Information Pack

Optional package for travel with Tour Directors back to the UK

28 March to 06 April 2016

An opportunity to travel with the Tour Directors as they make their way back to the UK whilst enjoying some on-route time in Southern Spain’s picturesque Andalucía region and its capital Madrid.

10 Nights
Day 1 – Monday 28 March
After disembarking our ferry we drive 100 miles to Ronda, one of the best Pueblo Blanco (White Villages) in Andalucía.

Day 2
A free day. Our campsite is within walking distance of Ronda where you are sure to want to spend the day.

Day 3
We drive 130 miles to Granada, if you only ever see one Spanish city make it Granada.

Day 4
A free day. Granada centre is 45 minutes walk from our campsite or buses run from outside the campsite entrance. Do not miss visiting the Alhambra Palace today.

Day 5
270 miles today to Spain’s capital Madrid.

Day 6
An opportunity to visit the city including the Prado museum. Public transport runs from nearby our campsite to the city.

Day 7
With a drive of 250 miles we camp overnight in northern Spain.

Day 8
We leave Spain today with a short drive of 140 miles to a campsite near Biarritz, Southern France.

Day 9
Continuing north through France 230 miles brings us to Poitiers.

Day 10
We cover 300 miles today which puts us just 100 miles from Calais.

Day 11 – Thursday 7 April 2016
A couple of hours drive brings us to Calais for a midday crossing back to the UK. This is where our tour ends. If you chose the optional outward journey with the Tour Directors from the UK your return crossing is included in this, if not you will use your own ferry arrangements.

PRICE
Motorhome with 2 people – £000 per person
Motorhome with 1 person – £000
Balance 8 weeks before start of Canaries tour

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 10 campsite nights with hook-up
• Services of two experienced Tour Directors in their own motorhome
• Tour Information Pack