VIP Grand Tour Isla de Tenerife from South Tenerife

Exploring Tenerife in a Day: An Honest Look at the VIP Grand Tour

Traveling around Tenerife can be a bit overwhelming with so many stunning spots to see and limited time to soak it all in. That’s where a full-day, guided VIP tour like this one from Playa de las Américas can really come in handy. While we haven’t been on this exact trip ourselves, the reviews and itinerary paint a pretty clear picture of what to expect—and whether it’s worth your time and money.

Two things we love about this experience are the convenience of round-trip transportation and the chance to see multiple major landmarks in one day—it’s a solid way to get a broad taste of the island. Plus, the inclusion of a traditional Canarian lunch offers a nice local touch that makes the day feel more authentic. That said, one possible consideration is that the entire day involves quite a lot of driving with brief stops, which might get tiring if you prefer more relaxed or in-depth exploration.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a rundown of Tenerife’s highlights without the hassle of planning, especially if you’re short on time. It’s also a good choice if you appreciate having knowledgeable guides and comfortable transport to help make your day as smooth as possible.

Key Points

• Visit Tenerife’s top landmarks in one day including Teide, Masca, Garachico, La Orotava, and Icod de los Vinos.
• Comfortable, round-trip transportation from Playa de las Américas makes logistics simple.
• A traditional Canarian lunch is included, offering a taste of local cuisine.
• The tour is well organized, with a knowledgeable guide, as reflected in rave reviews.
• The total duration is about 8 to 9 hours, with a chance to see the island’s diverse scenery.
• Pricing at around $110.79 per person provides good value considering the number of stops and inclusions.

What You Can Expect from This Full-Day Tour

This VIP tour promises to cover a lot of ground, giving you an efficient way to tick off some of Tenerife’s most iconic sights. Starting early at around 8:00 am, you’ll be picked up from a central location in Playa de las Américas. The tour runs for roughly 8 to 9 hours, so you’ll need to be ready for a full day of sightseeing and driving, but that’s part of the appeal for many travelers wanting to maximize their island experience.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Teide National Park
Your journey begins with a visit to Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its volcanic landscapes and the towering Mount Teide. We loved the way this stop showcases nature’s grandeur—picturesque vistas and otherworldly volcanic formations. With free admission, you get to enjoy the scenery without added costs, and you’ll likely spend about an hour here. The highlight is seeing the volcano up close, with many visitors remarking on the breathtaking views and unique geological features.

Stop 2: Masca Valley
Next, the tour takes you to Masca, a tiny village perched high in the mountains. This spot is a favorite for its native Canary Islands architecture and stunning scenery. Many reviews mention how charming and quintessentially local Masca feels, with narrow streets and traditional houses. You’ll spend about an hour here, giving you enough time to enjoy the atmosphere and snap some photos. Travelers often note that Masca’s beauty makes it one of the most memorable parts of the trip.

Stop 3: Garachico
The next stop is Garachico, a small town that rose from natural disaster destruction to regain its charm. The streets here are filled with historic charm and resilience, and visitors often appreciate the relaxed pace and the chance to walk along the coast. Most report that Garachico’s ambiance is “the image of resurrection,” making it a meaningful stop for those interested in local history and scenery.

Stop 4: La Orotava
A beautiful village packed with stately homes, La Orotava is a highlight for architecture lovers. The tour includes a chance to try local Canarian food at an authentic mansion, which many reviewers say adds a special touch to the experience. The town’s elegant streets and historic buildings give a glimpse into Tenerife’s past wealth and culture.

Stop 5: Icod de los Vinos
Ending the sightseeing, you visit Icod to see the ancient Drago tree, a symbol of the Canary Islands and a real natural wonder—claimed to be the oldest and tallest of its species. Most travelers find this stop fascinating, especially those interested in natural history or unique flora.

The Experience and Guide Quality

One of the consistent themes in reviews is the quality of the guide. Many travelers highlight guides like Colin, who keep the day engaging while sharing insightful information. A good guide can make a big difference, turning a standard sightseeing trip into a memorable experience.

The transportation is described as comfortable and air-conditioned, which helps manage the long hours on the road. Group sizes are limited to 100, but many reviews mention that the number of participants felt just right—large enough to be lively but small enough for personal attention.

The Lunch and Logistics

The included traditional Canarian lunch is a nice bonus, giving you a taste of local cuisine without the need to hunt for a restaurant during your busy day. As for timings, the tour kicks off at 8:20 am from a designated meeting point and ends back at the same spot, so plan your day accordingly.

Price and Value

At just under $111 per person, this tour offers good value considering the number of stops, the transportation, the guide, and the included lunch. For travelers who want a structured, guided day with minimal planning, this is a convenient option. However, keep in mind that the day involves quite a bit of sightseeing with brief stops, so if you prefer more relaxed, deeper explorations of fewer sites, this might feel rushed.

Real Traveler Feedback

The reviews mostly praise the expertise of the guides and the stunning scenery. Liam_S raved, “What a day! One of the very best excursions/trips we have ever been on,” emphasizing how well-organized and fun the day was, especially thanks to Colin. On the other hand, Carmen_E mentioned that the experience was a mix of feelings, highlighting the good guide but also noting that the short stops and the overall pace might not suit everyone.

Some reviews pointed out that the radio communication during the transportation could be clearer, especially with multiple languages involved, but this doesn’t seem to detract much from the overall positive experience.

Who Will This Tour Suit?

If you’re someone who loves seeing many sights efficiently, and you don’t mind a full day on the move, this trip is a solid pick. It’s especially ideal if you value guided commentary and a hassle-free experience. It’s less suited for travelers who prefer a slow pace or want to spend more time in fewer places, as the itinerary is packed.

While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the stops are mostly outdoor and accessible, though the long hours might be less appealing for very young children. It’s best for those who are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and some vehicle travel.

The Sum Up

This VIP Grand Tour of Tenerife offers a way to see some of the island’s most iconic sights in one day, combining natural wonders, historical towns, and local culture. The included transportation, guided commentary, and traditional lunch make it a convenient choice for travelers who want a structured, informative day without the fuss of planning every detail themselves.

The tour’s highlights—Teide National Park, Masca, Garachico, La Orotava, and Icod de los Vinos—are all standout locations that cater to a variety of interests, from geology to architecture to natural history. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable vehicles, and a steady itinerary, most participants find the experience worthwhile, especially those eager to maximize their time on the island.

But, keep in mind, the day is quite full, with only brief stops at each location, so if you prefer a more relaxed approach, you might want to choose fewer sites or extend your stay to explore some places more thoroughly.

Overall, if you’re after a well-organized, rundown of Tenerife’s best, this tour could be just the ticket. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors or those wanting a hassle-free way to tick off major sights with a local touch.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides round-trip transportation from Playa de las Américas in an air-conditioned vehicle, making logistics simple and comfortable.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full-day tour lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, starting around 8:00 am and returning to the meeting point in the late afternoon.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes a traditional Canarian lunch, allowing you to enjoy local flavors as part of your day.

Can I cancel the tour for a full refund?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours beforehand are not eligible for a refund.

What should I bring?
It’s recommended to bring a coat, comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen, as you’ll be outdoors most of the day.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the stops are outdoor and accessible, but the long hours on the road might be less suitable for very young children.

What’s the price point like?
At around $111 per person, the tour offers good value considering the sights, guide, lunch, and transportation included. It’s a convenient way to see a lot without extra planning.