Private tour in Santa cruz de tenerife John R
5.0
(13) reviews
1
1
John R.
5.0
Guide rating
127
Reviews
Tours delivered
6 hrs
Avg. response time
My name is John and I am a qualified Canary Island Guide working on the island of Tenerife. I enjoy meeting people and showing off the delights of my island. I consider myself easy to get on with and always do my best to make your day interesting and relaxing. Although I am British I was brought up here in the islands when the rhythm of life was perhaps a little gentler. In fact, I have a preference for gentle, unhurried excursions with plenty of time for taking photographs and for clients to stretch their legs. My Scottish ancestors settled in the Canary Islands over two hundred years ago so I can tell you quite a lot about the real, native Tenerife with numerous anecdotes and interesting information one doesn't usually find in books or brochures. Tenerife has a fascinating history. Its people are unique and proud of their connections with the original pre-Hispanic Guanche inhabitants. During my excursions I can tell you something about the Spanish conquest, the island's volcanic eruptions, its history of trade with Europe and America, its charming traditional customs, its involvement with piracy from as far back as the 16th century and much, much more. I offer guided tours in my own vehicle or sometimes a hired vehicle if necessary. But they are always private and for you only. I will also hire transport and a driver if your group is larger. We will see the places you choose to visit be they old town centres, historic monuments, volcanic landscapes, vineyards or even beaches. The island is full of fascinating contrasts, the vegetations and colours changing from valley to valley, from the black sand beaches hidden under cliffs to the amazing lunar landscapes inside the Teide National Park, from the coastline banana plantations to the vineyards on the sloping hills. And, of course, it is blessed with folklore and delicious local cuisine. In fact, if we have the time and you request it I will always try to squeeze in a visit to a local inn so you can sample some of the Canary Island recipes and wines. Tenerife is a remarkable island and I very much look forward to meeting you and showing you around. I am a qualified Official Canary Island Tourism Guide, with License Nº 3736, as issued by the Canary Island Government. To prepare myself for the required exam I took a course specifically designed for guides in the Canaries at ESETEC, (Canary Island School of Technical Training). This enabled me to pass the required examination to qualify as a guide. I am not a mountaineer so would not be able to take clients mountain climbing, for example up the slopes of Mount Teide, but I can, of course, take you on the cable car and walking along the many mountain and coastal tracks in Tenerife.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message John R.
A visit to two of the most enchanting and historic towns in the Canary Islands, Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava. In La Orotava we will stroll through the old town centre, with its beautiful churches packed with sacred art and imagery. We will peep inside traditional noble homes which are now the heart of Tenerife's famous craft and drawn linen work and I shall tell you about the famous sand carpets. Puerto is regarded as Spain's original tourist resort although it maintains its old-time charm as a walk through the pretty town will show. It was the destination for many Victorian travellers on their way to other worlds and therefore there are plenty of anecdotes to share about what they said and did on the island. If requested we could also visit the charming Orchid Gardens, where so many famous travellers took time to write their diaries, like the English artist Marianne North, Agatha Christie or the great German explorer, Alexander von Humboldt.
9am - (or other agreed time) - I will collect you from our meeting point, your hotel or in the port if you are on a cruise. 09. 30am Stop at the von Humboldt viewing point for views and explanations. 10am - Visit the old town centre of La Orotava. You might also like to do some shopping at the craft centres. 12am - We then enjoy a stroll through the old fishing port of Puerto de la Cruz, and, if requested, visit the orchid gardens or take a delicious tapas lunch at one of the port's traditional inns. 3pm - Return to your ship or hotel.
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Our mode of transport is a modern, comfortable 5-seater, air conditioned vehicle. Please bear in mind that if you require a vehicle with more space, or if there are more passengers, I usually hire a larger vehicle. NOTE: It is best to ask me before booking a tour if there is availability for a larger vehicle. This may also mean an increased fee because the island is having record numbers of visitors, and rental cars are difficult to come by at a reasonable price just now .
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:
13 reviews
Who is this private tour in Tenerife best suited for?
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Tenerife be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
Is this private tour in Tenerife suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
1
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works