Private tour in Santa cruz de tenerife John R

Wine and Bananas - Tenerife Full Day

5.0

(9) reviews

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

John R.

5.0

Guide rating

127

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 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.

Overview of your Santa Cruz De Tenerife tour

This private excursion takes us deep into the scenic north of Tenerife where we will visit the Malmsey wine museum, if it is open, to sample an excellent choice of wines in the town of Icod de los Vinos. Shakespeare often mentioned Canary wines in his plays, and early European merchants came to purchase Tenerife's wines in the 16th and 17th centuries. As an alternative, depending if you are staying in a hotel on the north or south side of the island, is to visit a vineyard instead. We also visit a banana plantation on the tongue of a volcanic lava flow which nestles by the sea under steep cliffs. We will have a chance to learn about banana growing and enjoy scenery which is simply beautiful. The original mansion on the estate is a delight. It is one of the hidden aristocratic treasures of old Tenerife and, if it is open, we can enjoy strolling through its vast, palmed patio and garden. If we have time you might like a tapas lunch nearby.

Recent Reviews

Madeline K.
November 2024

We had the pleasure of meeting John for his "Wine and Bananas" tour. John was friendly, knowledgeable and an outstanding guide. The tour took us to places we would not have ordinarily visited. His knowledge of Tenerife was exceptional; he made the day fun and enjoyable. We highly recommend him!

Helmut C.Switzerland
May 2024

Perfect organised and customized by a very well experienced guide. John created a wondeful day and we highly appreciated his knowledge about Tenerife and the Canary Islands. The wineries were well selected and we enjoyed the whole trip with bananas, good wines and finally some cigars

Steve W.United States
March 2024

John is an excellent tour guide He is very knowledgeable and efficiently gave us a complete wonderful experience in Tenerife. We would recommend him without any reservations

Carl C.United Kingdom
December 2023

Great tour with John , The Banana Plantation was huge and a great tour as Johns knowledge of the growing and workings of the plantation is very extensive , the wine tasting is very generous with unique tastes and make sure you try the ham and cheese , great view spots on the way to view Mount Teide and we finished of in a small town which again was very interesting , highly recommended tour with John who's knowledge of the history and fauna on the island is 5 Star

William W.United States
October 2023

John was a supremely knowledgeable local. We really enjoyed being with him; he really mized well with everyone in our group. He solved problems with our van before our day every got started. He answered all of our questions, even the silly ones. We loved listening to John share stories and history about the island. Thank you John!

Robin L.United States
December 2022

Our tour of the banana farm was so interesting. And the wine tasting and lunch in town were also memorable. John is an excellent guide and has lots to offer. We truly had a trip of a lifetime.

Your Santa Cruz De Tenerife tour itinerary

9.30am - Meet at the cruise ship port or at your hotel. Drive towards the scenic northwest of the island. 10am - Visit a banana plantation and wine merchant's mansion, if open for visits. (Sometimes closed in July and August). 12am - Arrive at Icod de los Vinos to visit the famous dragon tree and to sample wines at the Malmsey Wine museum. If it is closed, we shall head to a vineyard in the northern valleys. You might also like to enjoy some delicious Canary cuisine before returning you to the port or hotel. 3pm - Return to your hotel or to the cruise ship port.

Want to customize this tour?

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.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Sedan

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 .

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: You may wish to purchase one or two of the surprisingly crisp Tenerife wines. I'm sure you will also like to enjoy a stop to sample some delicious, traditional Canary Island cuisine on our way.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Food And Drink
Layover
Tour reference number
146249
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity level
Minimal

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Tenerife best suited for?

This private tour in Tenerife is perfect for wine enthusiasts and those interested in local agriculture. You'll explore a banana plantation and sample exquisite wines, making it ideal for travellers who want to connect with a local for deeper insights into the island's history and culture.

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?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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