Destination: Tenerife,
The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are the Eden of Spain, a gemlike cluster of volcanic islands located southwest of mainland Spain and about 150 miles from the southern coast of Morocco, famous for their wonderful  year-round climate and, these days, for being one of the world's most beautiful vacation spots. Tenerife is the largest of the group and most populous, with gorgeous resorts, beaches, towns, and soaring surf-sculpted cliffs around its edges, and the heights of Mount Teide and its sister volcanoes rising slowly in the center. The consistently balmy climate, the volcanic soil that nurtures field and flower 12 months of the year, the varieties of landform and sea-view –- from ruggedly grand mountain aridity to waving palms and lovely coves and beaches, make the place irresistible -- "The land of eternal Spring" the Canaries are called, and justly so.

Two modern airports serve Tenerife, bringing visitors from around the world. We'll be staying at an absolutely stunning hotel, the Gran Hotel Bahia Del Duque, overlooking a westward-facing bay and surrounded by verdant gardens that fulfill the magical vision of the hotel itself. Our rooms will all have views of the Atlantic looking across the bay. The facilities include a splendid spa featuring every sort of relaxing, therapeutic treatment, and the resort is practically surrounded by emerald golf courses.

Our stay will feature an absorbing combination of touring -- including a visit after our arrival to the Pyramids of Guimar Ethnographic Park followed by lunch, as well as an exciting nature excursion to the Mount Teide National Park in open roof jeeps, to experience its wild volcanic scenery, flora and fauna. On your third day, you will have the choice of either an optional motor trip to Puerto de la Cruz for shopping and exploring, or free time to enjoy the hotel’s almost endless amenities or to take a stroll along the beach. There will be evenings featuring mild salt breezes and a variety of international cuisines offered by resort restaurants, plus the art of a renowned Spanish dance troupe on our final evening -- a fitting windup to a truly memorable trip.