Teide essential Shore Excursion VIP TOUR

If you’re planning a cruise stop in Tenerife and want to make the most of your limited time on the island, this Teide Essential Shore Excursion VIP Tour might just be what you’re looking for. While we haven’t personally taken it, the reviews and details suggest it offers a well-rounded glimpse of Tenerife’s top sights — with an emphasis on comfort, personalization, and breathtaking scenery.

What we really like about this tour is its small-group format, which tends to mean a more relaxed, personalized experience. Plus, the round-trip transport from the port simplifies logistics, letting you focus on the sights rather than navigation. On the flip side, some travelers mention the long walking distances at the meeting point and the potential for delays — so it’s good to be prepared if you’re not feeling super mobile.

This experience is ideal for those who want an in-depth yet manageable overview of Tenerife’s most iconic spots without the hassle of large bus crowds. It’s suited for curious travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides, stunning landscapes, and the convenience of door-to-door service.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Small group size keeps things intimate and engaging.
• Hassle-Free Transport: Round-trip from the port simplifies your day.
• Diverse Highlights: From historic La Laguna to the lunar-like landscapes of Teide.
• Guided Insight: Your guide shares detailed knowledge about Tenerife’s culture and geography.
• Great Value: For around $85, you get a full day of sightseeing with multiple stops.
• Limited Crowds: Smaller groups mean more time at each stop and better photo ops.

What to Expect from the Tour

Overview of the Itinerary

This tour packs a lot into roughly 6 to 7 hours, making it perfect for cruise passengers with tight schedules. Let’s break down each stop and what you’ll likely experience.

Stop 1: Plaza del Adelantado in La Laguna

Your day begins in La Laguna, the island’s original capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. This is a great way to get a sense of local history and architecture. You’ll have about 45 minutes here, which is enough to stroll around and admire the old buildings and cobbled streets.

Reviewers mention the value of this stop; Anne_C notes the guide’s stories helped them “enjoy our day tour to La Laguna,” emphasizing that local guides make a difference in understanding these historic sites.

Stop 2: Teide National Park

The highlight for many is the visit to Teide National Park, home to Spain’s tallest volcano. The drive through the La Esperanza forest offers a lush contrast to the volcanic landscape — a peaceful green ride before the dramatic scenery of the park. The tour includes stops at viewpoints to snap pictures of the astonishing terrain, which reviewers say really are “fabulous landscapes.”

You can choose to take a cable car (own expense) to the summit for panoramic views — a must-do if you’re keen on height and vistas. Many reviews praise the spectacular scenery; William_T mentions Angel, the guide, was “full of knowledge, fun, and engaging,” making the experience even better.

Stop 3: La Orotava

The last major stop is La Orotava, a charming town filled with stately homes from the 17th and 18th centuries. Here, you’ll get a glimpse of local architecture and possibly some insights into the island’s past. With 45 minutes allocated, it’s enough to see the highlights and soak in the atmosphere. Guests like Pamela_C appreciated the “interesting stops” and “beautiful scenery,” which made the experience feel well-rounded.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your tour package includes a professional guide, pickup from Santa Cruz or La Laguna, and WiFi onboard, which allows you to share your photos or soak in the scenery without missing a beat.

Food and drinks aren’t included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to buy something during stops. Some reviews mention enjoying local meals, which can be a nice way to experience Tenerife’s flavors.

Comfort and Convenience

With a maximum of 18 travelers, the group remains small enough to foster conversations and get personal attention from your guide. Reviewers consistently say guides like Angel are friendly, knowledgeable, and considerate, making the day more engaging and enjoyable.

The Real Experience: What Travelers Say

Most reviews speak highly of the guide’s expertise and friendliness. Angel, in particular, earns praise for sharing lots of facts and making the day fun. Janet_M appreciated the “great guide and superb scenery,” and gosnan01 called Angel “absolutely amazing,” noting he took them to breathtaking areas and fabulous landscapes.

The views at Teide National Park are repeatedly described as “spectacular” and “incredible,” with some travelers feeling like they climbed onto the moon during their walk on the rocky formations. Others highlight how the tour offers photo opportunities galore, which is perfect if you love capturing memories.

Small Hiccups and Considerations

While the majority of reviews are glowing, a couple mention logistics issues. Evelyn_W experienced some delays in pickup and a traffic incident that caused the tour to miss part of the program. The long walk to meet the bus and the potential for delays are points to consider, especially if you have mobility concerns or tight schedules.

Another note is that the car might be smaller than expected, but most found it comfortable enough for the small group size.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Absolutely, if you’re after a well-organized, insightful, and scenic overview of Tenerife with a small-group feel. The price of around $85 per person seems reasonable considering the full day of stops, expert guidance, and hassle-free transport.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who value personalized attention and want to avoid the large bus crowds. The inclusion of interesting stops like La Laguna and La Orotava adds a cultural element that’s often missing from more straightforward tours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a cruise passenger with limited time but want to see the best of Tenerife, this tour hits the right notes. It’s also great for first-time visitors interested in natural wonders, historic towns, and local culture. Just keep in mind that if you’re prone to motion sickness or have difficulty walking, the terrain and travel might require some extra planning.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 6 to 7 hours, covering multiple stops and scenic drives.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, round-trip transport from your cruise port is included, making it very convenient.

What’s the group size?
It’s a small-group experience, with a maximum of 18 travelers, which helps keep things personal and comfortable.

Are food and drinks included?
No, they aren’t included, so bring your own snacks or plan to buy something during stops.

Does the tour include a cable car ride?
The cable car to the summit of Teide is available at your own expense, giving you the option to enjoy the view from above.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the overall relaxed pace and sightseeing stops suggest it’s suitable for most ages, provided they’re comfortable with walking and being in a small group.

How accessible is the meeting point?
The meeting point is centrally located and easy to find with some brief directions, but there may be a walk of about 15 minutes from the cruise ship.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a jacket for higher altitudes, some cash or card for optional extras like the cable car, and your camera for endless photo opportunities.

In Closing

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, comfortable way to see Tenerife’s highlights in a day, this VIP tour offers a balanced mix of culture, nature, and scenic beauty. The knowledgeable guides, especially Angel, make the journey engaging, and the small-group vibe means fewer crowds and more personal touches.

It’s well-suited for curious travelers who want a relaxed yet thorough overview of the island’s top sights without the hassle of large bus groups or complicated logistics. Just remember, some parts of the day involve walking and potential delays, so plan accordingly.

This tour presents a solid value for a full day of Tenerife exploration — especially if stunning landscapes and cultural stops appeal to you.