Discover the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Gran Canaria and its colorful towns. Discover the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Gran Canaria and its colorful towns. Drive to one of the most important agricultural centers, Arucas, known as the banana capital of the island. Here you’ll visit a Banana Plantation and learn everything about this important and typical crop of Canary Island. You will also have the chance to taste one together with some local specialities! Next you will visit Jardin de la Marquesa. It originated as a small garden surrounding the summer residence of the marquis of Arucas and expanded to the lush gardens you’ll find today. This botanical garden has hundreds of species of tropical and subtropical flora. Flower lined lanes and ponds enhance the beauty of this place, where you may also encounter wandering peacocks. Taste a banana liquor at the Gardens, before rejoining the bus and head to the picturesque village of Teror, where colonial buildings grace the town's boulevard. Enjoy a walking tour and some free time before the drive back to pier.

less

Discover the archaeological heritage and history of the first inhabitants of the island and learn about this beautiful land. You’ll visit a lush botanical garden, the Painted Cave Museum and Archaeological Park plus enjoy a typical drink. Discover the archaeological heritage and history of the first inhabitants of the island and learn about this beautiful land. Drive to Arucas for a short photo stop to view its majestic lava-stone church. You’ll visit the Jardin de la Marquesa, which started as a small garden surrounding the summer residence of the marquis of Arucas. Today, this lush botanical garden has hundreds of species of tropical and subtropical flora. Flower lined lanes and ponds enhance the beauty of this place, where you may encounter free wandering peacocks. Relax and taste a banana liquor. Continue to Galdar to visit the Painted Cave Museum and Archaeological Park; taking its name from the remarkable rock paintings found in the cave. The museum was built around the remains of the aborigine settlement and preserves the great cultural heritage of the island, offering a journey into pre-Hispanic Gran Canaria.

Las Palmas is the largest city in the Canary Islands and the capital of Gran Canaria. Enjoy the ride to the enchanting Doramas Park, landscaped with native flora and dragon trees. Visit the model of a traditional village, located in the park. Continue to the historical section of the city called Vegueta, a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets and tiny squares. Stop for photos at Plaza Santa Ana with its bronze statues in honor of the dogs which probably gave the Canary Islands their name - canum in Latin. Facing the plaza is the Cathedral of Santa Ana with its impressive 19th century neoclassical Roman columns. Enjoy a visit to the lush botanical gardens with an impressive collection of native plants. Stop at the Altavista lookout point for stunning views of Las Palmas, Las Canteras Beach and the harbor with your ship in the background. Stop for pictures at beautiful Las Canteras beach, for outstanding views over the ocean and the modern auditorium as a background before returning to your ship

Discover the quaint village of Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves, with their pretty houses, lovely narrow streets and the seashore. Sample some local wines in the beautiful surroundings of a plantation.

Drive to the north coast of Gran Canaria en route to Agaete, a quaint village with narrow streets and whitewashed houses surrounded by lush vegetation. Here you’ll have the opportunity to explore the village at leisure.

Discover the Barranco de Agaete – a lush haven where bananas, mangos, papayas, oranges, and lemons grow surrounded by the arid landscape of the island. You’ll see one of the greenest valleys on the island, Valle de Agaete and visit a plantation here. You’ll taste a selection of local award winning wines here accompanied by some tasty treats. On the way of back to pier, stop at viewpoint Auditorium for breathtaking views of the city.

Take advantage of this opportunity to experience two of the most popular resorts of Gran Canaria and enjoy some free time to do as you wish. Stop to admire the views at Maspalomas Beach, stretching 8891 feet/2710 meters along the southernmost point of the island. The amazing sand dunes here resemble those found in the Sahara and provide a habitat for a number of rare plants.

Continue to Puerto de Mogan, one of the smallest and loveliest resorts on the island, home to charming boutiques and cafes. The apartment’s roof top terraces are bursting with colorful and exotic plants - bougainvillea, banana, papaya to name a few. Enjoy approximately two hours of free time in this charming place. Browse the boutiques, take a swim or just sit back and relax. Optional activities including jet-ski rentals, pedal boat rentals and a submarine tour are available for an additional fee.

Explore the historical district of Vegueta, visit the Canarian Museum to learn about the first inhabitants of the island and enjoy one of the largest botanical gardens in Spain. Join your guide for a walk through the historic quarter of Vegueta, one of the most beautiful sections of the city. Your walk starts at the Perez Galdos Theater, reaching Santa Ana’s Square, where you can admire the facades of the Town Hall, the bishop’s house and the cathedral. Visit the Canarian Museum, the permanent exhibition is almost entirely devoted to the first inhabitants of the island. The exhibition is designed to explain the way these people lived over a period of time from about 500 B.C. to the 15th century, when the Spaniards conquered and colonized Gran Canaria. You’ll walk towards Pilar Nuevo Square to admire the beautiful façade of the Columbus House, which represents numerous aspects of the island’s architecture. You’ll drive through the university town of Tafira and visit Jardin Canario, one of the largest botanical gardens in Spain, to admire a vast variety of native plants.

OVERVIEW

Sample an array of locally sourced fruits and vegetables at a popular market. Then, sit down to a hearty lunch of Canarian dishes at a landmark traditional Canarian Palace House -16th century. This house had access to the first church in Gran Canaria and where Christopher Columbus prayed (hermitage of San Antonio Abad - the first cathedral on the island). Established in 1863, Vegueta Market offers every imaginable type of food, but concentrates on fresh produce, meats and cheeses. As you wander about from stall to stall, you will see plenty of familiar items and some lesser-known ones such as medlars – which are related to apples and quinces – and morcilla, a sweet blood sausage traditionally used in black pudding. Some of the vendors will likely offer tastings of items that are common ingredients in the local cuisine. Your multi-course lunch at the "Casa Montesdeoca Restaurant", will feature some of the most beloved Canarian appetizers and dishes. The entrée choices may include a succulent. Atlantic Sea Bass at Low temperature with vegetables and Canarian Pork ingot accompanied with Lanzarote Sweet Potatoes Purée.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse the Vegueta Market, one of Las Palmas’ most popular and historical markets.
• Sample some of the fresh produce and cheeses that the various vendors offer.
• Enjoy a lunch of traditional Canarian cuisine at an iconic and traditional Canarian Palace House,16th century .

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore two inland towns founded in the 15th century and enjoy a traditional brunch between visits. The town of Teror became a pilgrimage site after the image of the Virgin Mary supposedly appeared there in a pine tree in 1481. Today, the Our Lady of the Pines Church stands as a reminder of the event and the Virgin of the Pine, who was declared the patron saint of Gran Canaria. Other noteworthy attractions in Old Town include blocks of historical houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and a beautiful plaza named for Simón Bolívar’s wife, whose great-grandfather was born in Teror. Following a sumptuous brunch at La Hacienda, the first hotel built in nearby Arucas, you wander about its Old Town. The centerpiece is also a church – towering Saint John’s – built entirely with locally quarried stone. More extraordinary architecture overlooks Plaza de la Constitución, a great place for people-watching.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See a pilgrimage site church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the town of Teror.
• Walk through the atmospheric Old Towns of Teror and nearby Arucas.
• Enjoy brunch at the most historical hotel in Arucas before exploring Old Town.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Gaze out over an ancient volcanic crater before dining at an exquisite restaurant surrounded by vineyards that blanket the surrounding hills. A violent volcanic eruption about 2,000 years ago created the Caldera de Bandama, a deep crater that is now within a protected natural park. It is named for a Dutch merchant that planted vineyards there in the 17th century. You can expect to see hikers along the crater trails and perhaps the remains of stone houses and a grape press. Not far away, you will dine at Bodegón Vandama, a restaurant that offers panoramic views of the volcanic landscape, traditional Canarian cuisine and wines made from indigenous grapes that flourish in the island’s volcanic soil. The dishes will be thoughtfully paired with a selection of red and white wines. The menu will likely include grilled sausages, Iberian pork tenderloin and mushroom risotto.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stop at a viewpoint overlooking a deep volcanic crater where a vineyard once flourished.
• Learn about the volcanic nature of the island and how it has positively affected the wines.
• Dine on traditional dishes and complementary wines at a traditional local restaurant.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.