The Canary Islands

70 nights of winter warmth, exploration & relaxation

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 and evenings of 15 degrees, 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 for70 nights of warmth and exploration

A mix of campsites, camperstops, and private parking are used throughout the tour, some without hook-ups and requiring the use of your motorhome’s own 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 & an open mind to camping.

‘For us it was the first tour with GB Motorhome Tours. From all our heart we say it was the best holiday we have ever been on. All the 68 days, Kevin and Nurcan created a permanent state of safety and protection, for us to fully enjoy the entire programme of the tour. You can go to the Canary Islands on your own but I don’t think you will ever be able to feel, see, taste and enjoy so many things we lived together. We will definitely go on future tours. Very enthusiastic for our next GB Motorhomes Tour.’ Elena and Mircea Costache–Canary Islands–Dec 2020/Feb 2021

‘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

‘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 16 Jan 2023
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
This morning 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 22 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 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 29 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
Days 17 & 18
Free days. You may join with the tour directors on a 3 to 4 hour walk into the wonderful rain forest of the Los Tilos biosphere reserve on one of the days.
Day 19
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 an opportunity to visit the La Zaza visitor centre, a pre-Spanish occupation area of the island’s aboriginal occupants. 25 miles
Days 20 & 21 – Sunday 5 Feb~
Free days. 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 22
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 23
We leave the mountainous north of the island for the more coastal south. Our stop for the next 5 nights is a basic private coastal camping area set up by caravanning enthusiastic islanders for like-minded people. 25 miles
Day 24
A free day. 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 25
Transport is arranged for a group visit to the centre of the island today as we visit some very local places.
Day 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 12 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 island’s 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 North and West coasts.
Day 33
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. 80 miles
Day 34, 35 (Sun 19 Feb) & 36
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 37
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 move 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 38 & 39
Free days to enjoy the many attractions in Puerto; shops, restaurants, promenades and good beaches are all next to our ‘camping’ which 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 40
This morning we take the local bus 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 41, 42 (Sun 26 Feb) & 43
Free days.  Receiving guests since Victorian times Puerto is the elder statesman of Tenerife and retains a superior charm. Its botanic garden, established in 1788 and containing thousands of plants from all over the world is worth a visit. It’s also a continuation of Carnival week with further events taking place in Puerto de la Cruz.
Day 44
We take the ferry (1.5 hours) from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Gran Canaria. Arriving in Gran Canaria we stay at a motorhome parking area near to Agaete for two nights. This evening we have a group dinner overlooking the sea. 25 miles, Ferry, 20 miles
Day 45
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 46
Be prepared for a dramatic drive today as we travel on some stunning coastal and mountain roads to our next stop. 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 a Park Ranger’s mountain camping area with great views.  50 miles
Days 47 & 48
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 49 – Sunday 05 March
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 50
Free day.
Day 51
Today we visit Gran Canaria’s capital, Las Palmas by coach and with a local tour guide. With its mix of architecture and cultures you may well feel like you have left Europe for the day.
Day 52
Trip to Arucas, where we visit the Cathedral and take a tour of the local Rum distillery with tastings. Later we visit the town of Teror.

Day 53
Day trip to Galdar where it should be market day. Included is an afternoon tour of the highly acclaimed excavation site of the original Canarian inhabitants (pre-Spanish occupation).
Day 54
A free 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 12 March
A free day.
Day 57
Move today to the south west corner of Gran Canaria where we stay at a motorhome parking area in the upmarket resort of Puerto Rico. 27 miles
Day 58 & 59
Free Days. Shops, bars and restaurants are all close by to our parking. The beach and sea, with good relaxing and swimming opportunities are also within walking distance (2km).
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 an on-site swimming pool (payable locally) & boules pitch. 11 miles
Day 61 & 62
Free Days. On one of the days we have a group evening BBQ dinner in the campsite’s own restaurant. There is also an opportunity of mixing amongst the locals who make good use of the site over the weekends.
Day 63 – Sunday 19 March
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 64
A Free Day, maybe make use of the campsite swimming pool. You may also decide to wander into the local village (2km) with its one stop shop & bar.
Day 65
Transport is arranged today for time in Arguineguin, where it is local market day.
Day 66
A free day and opportunity to enjoy the Canarian weather relaxing around the campsite.
Day 67
A group trip. Starting with a little time in Arguineguin for a morning coffee, then we take a boat trip along the coast to Puerto Mogan. Affectionately known as the ‘Venice of the Canaries’ Puerto Mogan boasts many excellent restaurants, located all around the waterfront so expect to be spoilt for choice and views.

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. En-suite cabins and all meals on board are again included for you. 50 miles, Ferry
Day 70 – Sunday 26 March
At sea.
Day 71 – Monday 27 March 2023
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

1^st Deposit £500
2^nd Deposit of £2,000 to secure ferry places payable 31/07/2022
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. Option to upgrade to outside cabins.
• All inter island ferries throughout the itinerary
• 41 campsite nights with hook-up
• 15 campsite nights without hook-up and/or with limited facilities
• 10 nights motorhome parking without hook-up/facilities
• 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
• Las Palmas city excursion
• Excursion to Arucus and Teror
• Excursion to Galder
• Excursion to Arguimes and Barranco de Guayadeque
• Day at Maspalomas Dunes
• Transport for day visit to Arguineguin market
• Boat trip to Puerto Mogan

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 out from the UK and return to the UK with the Tour Directors, two optional packages covering this are available.

Optional package for travel with Tour Directors from the UK
9^th January to 16^th January 2023

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 take the Brittany Ferries ship direct from Portsmouth to northern Spain. Once in Spain, on route south, we visit three of Spain’s classic cities; Burgos in the north, Salamanca and its universities in the centre and Seville for some oranges and Moorish culture in the south.

7 Nights

Day 1 – Monday 09 Jan 2023
We board the evening ferry from Portsmouth to northern Spain. Inside en-suite cabins are included.

Day 2
Day at sea. Continental breakfast is included for you this morning along with 3-course dinner this evening.

Day 3
Arriving this morning in Northern Spain, we have an easy drive to our campsite in Burgos. For the afternoon, our campsite is a pleasant 45-minute riverside walk from the historical city centre. 100 miles

Day 4
A 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 5
A longer drive today 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. 290 miles

Day 6
We arrive on the Spanish south coast today with a short drive. Our campsite (we stay 3 nights) is ideally located close to the beach, supermarket and town centre. 75 miles

Day 7 – Sunday 15 Jan 2023
A free day. Our campsite boasts full facilities for catching up on any chores.

Day 8
A free day. This is day 1 of the main itinerary and an opportunity for those on the optional package to take a boat trip from close to the campsite direct to the old centre of Cadiz for a visit.

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 the start of Canaries tour

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Portsmouth to northern Spain ferry with inside en-suite cabin. Option to upgrade to outside cabins.
• 1 x continental breakfast and 1 x 3-course dinner on board ferry
• 2 nights on ferry
• 4 campsite nights with hook-up
• 1 camper stop night with hook-up
• 1 group 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
27^th March to 30^th March 2023

Join with the Tour Directors travelling from Cadiz in southern Spain, to return to the UK using Brittany Ferries direct from northern Spain 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.

3 Nights

Day 1 – Monday 27 March 2023
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, ready for our afternoon ferry back to the UK. We board Brittany Ferries ship where we have inside en-suite cabins included, plus dinner this evening and breakfast tomorrow morning. 170 miles

Day 4 – Thursday 30 March 2023
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 the start of Canaries tour

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 2 campsite nights with hook-up
• Northern Spain to Portsmouth ferry with inside en-suite cabin. Option to upgrade to outside cabin.
• 1 x 3-course dinner and 1 x continental breakfast on board ferry
• 1 night on ferry
• Services of two experienced Tour Directors in their own motorhome.
• Tour Information Pack with GPS co-ordinates
• Option of Tour Directors booking Portsmouth campsite for you (payable locally)