TENERIFE, CANARY ISLANDS

Departing the quayside, we drive by La Laguna, the second most important town of Tenerife, located in the centre of the Agurre Valley and just a few kilometres from the capital. As we continue westwards, we pass Tacoronte, one of the best growing areas on the island.

Puerto De La Cruz is the bustling holiday town that first introduced tourists 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 Charles 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 of which have grown to incredible proportions. We will see the different kinds of vegetation and trees, interesting for their dimensions, antiquity and eccentricity, or for their place of origin. The garden has a Canarian flora herbarium and also has an investigation programme running.

Our next stop will be at the Risco Bello Garden, located in the heart of Taoro Park. Here we can enjoy a walk through the 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 Tigaiga Hotel, 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.

TOUR NOTES: This tour involves approximately two hours of walking, some of which is over uneven terrain. 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. Passengers are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes. What flora may be seen is obviously subject to seasonal change.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PUBLISHING.