TENERIFE, CANARY ISLANDS

We will depart from our ship and take a short drive travelling by La Laguna, the second most important town of Tenerife, located in the centre of the Aguerre Valley and just a few kilometres from the capital.

We will depart from our ship and take a short drive travelling by La Laguna, the second most important town of Tenerife, located in the centre of the Aguerre Valley and just a few kilometres from the capital. As we continue westwards, we pass Tacoronte, one of the best wine-growing regions on the island. Puerto de la Cruz is the bustling holiday town that first introduced tourist to the charms of Tenerife. This port on the north-western coast of the island occupies an idyllic location where the Orotava Valley reaches the Atlantic Ocean – an ideal photo opportunity. We will visit the Botanical Gardens of Puerto de la Cruz, founded in 1788 by King Carlos III of Spain as a stop-over for the hundreds of plant species brought over from America, Asia and Africa. Although many plants did not survive, there are still more than 4,000 species, some have grown to incredible proportions. We will see different kinds of vegetation and trees, interesting for their dimensions, antiquity and eccentricity, or for their place or origin. The garden has a Canarian flora herbarium and has an investigation programme running. Our next stop will be at the Garden of Risco Bello, located in the heart of Taoro Park. We will enjoy a walk through these beautiful gardens and discover the lakes, fauna and aquatic flora, which combine with the luxurious Canarian vegetation. We can stroll over a Japanese bridge, through a grotto and past a waterfall. Finally, our last stop before heading back to our ship will be at the Hotel Tigaiga situated in Taoro Park. In the Subtropical gardens we can discover a wide variety of trees, shrubs and plants from all over the world growing alongside a variety of endemic flora. While sitting on the garden terrace, coffee will be served. Please note that this tour involves approximately 2 hours of walking. At the Botanical Gardens and Risco Bello gardens there is a ramp to negotiate, there are also steps at the Risco Bello gardens and the Hotel Tigaiga to encounter.