Lanzarote Grand Tour

Planning a trip to Lanzarote and looking to see the best spots without the hassle of self-driving? The Lanzarote Grand Tour might just be what you need. We’ve gathered insights from travelers and reviews to give you a straightforward breakdown of what this day-long adventure offers. It’s designed for those who want a comprehensive look at the island’s volcanic wonders without spending hours planning and navigating on their own.

What we really like about this tour is its balanced mix of natural sights and cultural experiences, plus the fact that it includes entrance fees and transfers—which makes it less stressful for visitors. On the flip side, some travelers have mentioned issues with timing and the quality of certain stops, so it’s worth weighing those into your decision. This tour is best suited for anyone wanting a full-day overview that’s easy to book and offers good value, especially if you’re pressed for time.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience covering Lanzarote’s top sights with a professional guide.
• Comfortable transportation and hotel pickup make logistics easy.
• Includes entrance fees to major attractions like Timanfaya and Jameos del Agua.
• Wine tasting in La Geria offers a flavorful local touch.
• Timing can be tight; some stops may feel rushed.
• Varied reviews highlight both the knowledgeable guides and occasional organizational hiccups.

What is the Lanzarote Grand Tour?

This guided tour offers a comprehensive day trip across Lanzarote. For around $87, you get to explore the island’s volcanic landscapes, impressive caves, and even taste volcanic wine, all without the stress of self-driving. Running about 8 to 9 hours, it’s a full day filled with picture-perfect stops and interesting insights from a professional guide.

The tour is designed for travelers who want to see the key sights efficiently and comfortably. With pickup included from select hotels and a mobile ticket, booking is straightforward. It’s also clearly popular, with bookings often made 26 days in advance, indicating good demand.

What We Like About This Tour

Two features stand out. First, the professional, certified guide makes all the difference. Their knowledge brings the landscape and history to life, making the experience more meaningful. Several reviews mention guides being both humorous and informative, which helps pass the hours more enjoyably.

Second, the variety of stops keeps the day engaging. From the stunning green lagoon at El Golfo to the volcanic caves, each spot offers something unique. The inclusion of entrance fees for major attractions means you won’t be surprised by extra costs, and the transfers save you from trying to figure out local transport.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: El Lago Verde / Charco de los Clicos

The tour kicks off with a visit to this striking green crater lake. It’s a photographer’s dream, with its vivid hue contrasting sharply against the black volcanic soil. It’s a quick stop—about 20 minutes—but enough to snap some pictures and marvel at nature’s colors. Since it’s free to enter, it’s a great visual start to the day.

Stop 2: Echadero de Los Camellos (Optional Camel Ride)

Next, travelers can choose to hop on a camel for a 30-minute ride. While the ride isn’t included in the ticket price, it’s an iconic Lanzarote experience if you’re into trying something a little different. Several reviews mention this as a fun optional addition, though it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

Stop 3: Timanfaya National Park

This is the highlight for many. The geothermal demonstrations—like feeling the heat from the volcanic earth—are a big draw. The park’s rugged volcanic terrain looks otherworldly, and the tour includes a dedicated hour exploring the slopes of the volcano. Since entry fees are included, you can focus on soaking in the sights rather than budget surprises.

Stop 4: La Geria

Here, you’ll get a volcanic wine tasting in the heart of Lanzarote’s famous wine region. Several reviews highlight this as a pleasant surprise—an opportunity to enjoy local wines grown in volcanic soil. While the tasting is brief, it adds a flavorful touch to the day and gives you a break from sightseeing.

Stop 5: Jameos del Agua

The tour concludes at these lava caves and cultural site designed by artist César Manrique. The caves are stunning, with a unique blend of natural beauty and artistic design. It’s a relatively longer stop—about an hour—allowing plenty of time to explore. The caves tend to be busy, but their surreal atmosphere makes the visit worthwhile.

Practical Aspects of the Tour

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses air-conditioned buses, which are generally comfortable, and the group sizes are capped at around 99 travelers. This means you’re part of a manageable crowd, but some reviews mention the buses being pretty full, so don’t expect total solitude.

Timing and Pacing

Some travelers have found the schedule a bit rushed. For example, the Green Lagoon stop is only about 20 minutes—less if you want to take photos or explore. Lunch isn’t included, and one review mentions that 40 minutes for lunch could feel tight, especially if you want to sit down and relax.

Cost and Value

At $87, the tour offers decent value—especially considering the entrance fees are covered and transfers are included. However, some reviews note that certain stops, like the wine tasting, might feel underwhelming or rushed, and the optional camel ride costs extra. It’s a good deal if you want the convenience and a guided experience, but if you prefer more time at each stop, you might find it a bit cramped.

Reviews and Insights

The overall rating is a solid 4.4 out of 5 from over 100 reviews. Many highlight knowledgeable guides and well-planned routes, with some travelers raving about how breathtaking the volcano park and lava caves are. Conversely, a few reviews mention timing issues—like long waits at pick-up or being late to certain attractions—and one even describes the experience as a “shambles,” mostly due to organizational slip-ups.

Notable Highlights

• The lava caves of Jameos del Agua are commonly praised for their surreal beauty.
• The volcanic landscapes at Timanfaya are often called breathtaking and unique.
• Multiple reviewers mention their guides being humorous, informative, and engaging, which helps pass the long day.

Potential Downsides

A few reviews point out organization issues, such as pick-up delays and rushed stops. Some visitors also felt that certain stops could be longer—like the wine tasting or Green Lagoon—to truly appreciate the sites. The camel ride is optional and might be a bit of a distraction if you’re not interested or if you prefer more sightseeing time.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a hassle-free, rundown of Lanzarote’s main attractions. If you’re short on time but want to see volcanoes, caves, and vineyards, it’s a practical choice. It’s also great for those who prefer guided excursions that include entrance fees and transfers, removing the stress of planning.

However, if you’re someone who loves to spend more time at specific sites or prefers a more relaxed pace, you might find this tour a little rushed. It’s also ideal for first-time visitors who want a quick but thorough overall experience. If you’re traveling with mobility issues or young children, be aware that some stops involve walking or standing for a while; check with the operator for specific accessibility questions.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Lanzarote Grand Tour offers a compelling way to see the island’s highlights without the self-drive stress. You’ll enjoy the guided commentary, the convenience of included transfers and entrance fees, and the chance to see some truly striking volcanic scenery. The experience isn’t perfect—timing can be tight, and some stops might feel rushed—but most travelers seem to agree that it’s a good value for the money.

If you’re eager to tick off Lanzarote’s key sights in one day and don’t mind a packed schedule, this tour is likely to meet your expectations. Just be prepared for a long day and plan accordingly, especially if you’re hungry or want more time at each stop.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from select hotels, making it easy to start your day without worrying about transportation.

How long does the tour last?
Expect around 8 to 9 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and stops.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the tour covers entrance fees for Timanfaya, Jameos del Agua, and the volcanic crater lake.

Can I do the camel ride?
The camel ride is optional and is not included in the ticket price. It lasts about 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is at your own expense. Some reviews mention the time allocated for lunch is short, so plan accordingly.

What should I bring?
Bring water, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and perhaps a camera. A bottle of water is recommended based on reviews.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, it can be suitable for older children and teenagers who enjoy scenery and caves. Consider the pace and walking involved.

What’s the main highlight?
Many travelers rave about the volcanic landscapes at Timanfaya and the surreal caves at Jameos del Agua. The combination of natural beauty and cultural sites makes it a well-rounded experience.

In summary, the Lanzarote Grand Tour is a solid choice for travelers wanting to experience the island’s top sights with minimal fuss. It offers a good balance of natural wonders, cultural stops, and expert guidance. Just keep in mind the schedule can be tight, and some stops might feel rushed, so plan according to your pace and interests.