Wednesday 27 January – Fly to Tenerife
We fly to Tenerife South International Airport. On arrival, we’re met and transferred to the H10 Conquistador in Playa de las Américas. As we travel, the island’s dramatic volcanic landscapes and Atlantic views offer a first glimpse of the scenery that makes Tenerife so distinctive. After check-in, the rest of the day is at leisure to settle in and enjoy our surroundings.
Meals: Dinner
Thursday 28 January – Introduction & Afternoon at Leisure
After breakfast, we gather for an introductory presentation with astronomer Pete Lawrence, who outlines what to expect in the days ahead. From dark-sky locations to astrophotography tips, it’s the perfect way to set the scene for the week. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Playa de las Américas. Perhaps take a stroll along the seafront promenade, relax by the pool, or enjoy the warm sunshine as the rhythm of island life settles in.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Friday 29 January – Teide National Park & Night Sky Observations
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel in Playa de las Américas and journey into the dramatic landscapes of Teide National Park. Volcanic rock formations and vast, open skies accompany us as we travel high into the mountains for a guided visit to the observatory at Izaña, located 2,390 metres above sea level. Here, we take part in an engaging astrophysics workshop and enjoy the opportunity to observe the Sun’s photosphere and chromosphere through professional solar telescopes, with the chance to spot sunspots and flares. Lunch is included at a local venue.
Later this afternoon, we check into the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, set in the heart of the national park beneath Mount Teide itself. After dinner, we step outside once more for a two-hour night sky viewing session with Pete Lawrence, using specialist telescopes to explore Tenerife’s celebrated dark skies.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Saturday 30 January – Solar Photography & Night Sky Observations
We wake to the extraordinary setting of the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, surrounded by the dramatic volcanic landscape of Teide National Park. This morning is at leisure to relax at the hotel or explore nearby walking trails, where the ever-changing light across the caldera creates striking views and photo opportunities.
After a leisurely morning and lunch, we join Pete Lawrence for a two-hour solar viewing and photography experience. Using specialist equipment, we’ll observe the Sun in remarkable detail and receive expert guidance to help capture our own images.
Following dinner at the hotel, the experience continues under what are normally some of the clearest skies in the world. Step outside for an evening of guided night sky observations with Pete Lawrence, as constellations, planets and deep-sky objects reveal themselves in extraordinary clarity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sunday 31 January – Icod de los Vinos, Garachico & Los Gigantes
Today, we enjoy a full-day excursion showcasing some of northern and western Tenerife’s most striking highlights. We begin in Icod de los Vinos, a charming town of whitewashed colonial buildings, wine shops, cafés and home to the famous thousand-year-old Dragon Tree. Next, we continue to the historic coastal town of Garachico, known for its black-sand beach, natural volcanic swimming pools, pretty plaza and cobbled streets lined with traditional architecture. Here, we enjoy lunch at leisure. This afternoon, we travel back towards the south with a stop at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the dramatic 600-metre cliffs of Los Gigantes, one of the island’s most impressive natural landmarks. Later, we continue to Playa de las Américas and return to the H10 Conquistador for the next two nights.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Monday 1 February – Day at Leisure
We enjoy a relaxed day at leisure to unwind and make the most of the facilities at the H10 Conquistador, or explore Playa de las Américas at our own pace. Later, we join Pete Lawrence for a wrap-up presentation reflecting on the week’s solar and night sky experiences, followed by a farewell dinner to round off the tour in style.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Tuesday 2 February – Departure
We check out of our hotel and transfer to Tenerife South International Airport for our flight to the UK.
JG3 rating
Set within the dramatic landscapes of Teide National Park, the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide is a unique mountain hotel at over 2,000 metres above sea level, surrounded by a vast volcanic caldera and panoramic views of Mount Teide.
All rooms are en-suite and include satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, heating and comfortable furnishings. The hotel offers many rooms with views across the lunar-like scenery or towards the volcano itself. Facilities include a restaurant serving Canarian cuisine, a lounge with a log fire, an indoor swimming pool, a gym, sauna and outdoor terraces ideal for taking in the exceptional surroundings. With its high-altitude location and minimal light pollution, it is also an outstanding base for stargazing.
Hotel Rating
Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.
JG4 rating
Located on the seafront in Playa de las Américas, the H10 Conquistador enjoys a prime position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and direct access to the promenade. The hotel sits within easy reach of the resort’s shops, restaurants and entertainment, making it an ideal base for a relaxed coastal stay.
All rooms are en-suite and include air-conditioning, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, a minibar and a safe. Bathrooms are equipped with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
Facilities are extensive and include multiple swimming pools (some of which are heated in winter), an infinity pool (adults-only), sun terraces and a chill-out area with sea views. Guests also benefit from a choice of restaurants and bars, evening entertainment, a spa and wellness centre.
Hotel Rating
Accommodation in our JG4 category is of an even higher standard, typically offering a wide range of facilities and services. Bedrooms are designed to make your stay the most comfortable possible and the staff provide a service that reflects the detail and quality. You can also expect higher standards of food and beverages.