TENERIFE AND LANZAROTE

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1 T O U R C O D E : G R A D E : 6 N O V E M B E R - D E C E M B E R Nov 10 - Nov 20 Dec 22 - Jan Days Duration TENERIFE AND LANZAROTE Sample some of the best walking on both islands

2 H O L I D A Y I N F O R M A T I O N TOUR DESCRIPTION This information is in addition to our General Information Booklet, which is enclosed. This new holiday explores two of the Canary Islands in ten days, giving you the chance to discover why these islands are so popular for walking. Our first centre is Tenerife, an island of contrasts, with dramatic and beautiful landscapes. We are based in San Cristobal de la Laguna, near Santa Cruz in the north of the island. San Cristobal was the original capital of Tenerife and has a rich and varied history. Small enough to explore on foot, it s packed with interesting architecture including its Cathedral, one of the most important buildings in the city and numerous 17 th and 18 th century buildings. The historical city centre is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a great place to explore and enjoy a coffee in one of traditional cafes. To the east lies dramatic coastal and mountain walking on the Anaga Peninsula. Most of our walking will be here, with the possibility of another walk on the slopes of Mount Teide. We then take a short internal flight across to Lanzarote. It may be a surprise to discover that this island is a UNESCO Biosphere reserve with over 40% protected for its natural richness. There are plants endemic to the island, volcanic tubes, salt-marshes and wild beaches. The walking opportunities here are incredibly varied and make for a very rewarding experience palm groves, vineyards, traditional white villages, sandy beaches and mountain vistas await you. We stay in the island s capital, Arrecife, a good base from which to explore the rest of the island, be it the rugged northern coast, the volcanic wonderland of the Timanfaya National Park or the beaches and hills in the south. ITINERARY Day: Overnight accommodation: Daily itinerary: Meals: 1: San Cristobal de la Laguna Arrive Tenerife Reina Sofia airport and travel by road to San Cristobal de la Laguna and our hotel. D 2-5: San Cristobal de la Laguna Walking and sightseeing on Tenerife. B,D 6: Arrecife Transfer to Tenerife Norte airport and take a flight to Lanzarote. Transfer by road to Arrecife and our hotel. 7-10: Arrecife Walking and sightseeing on Lanzarote. 11: Transfer by road to Arrecife airport for our return flight. B D (Dinner) B (Breakfast)

3 HOLIDAY GRADE & WALKING PROGRAMME This holiday is graded 6. Each day we will walk between 4 and 6 hours with cumulative daily ascents and descents in the range of 300m to 800m. The paths we take can be rough and steep at times, but will be taken at a pace appropriate to the grade of the holiday. A good head for heights will be needed for some of the high walks. An example of some of the walks we may include in our programme (dependant on weather conditions and the ability of the group) are as follows: An example of walks on TENERIFE: ~ Cruz del Carmen, Las Carboneras, Chinamada and Punta del Hidalgo.This walk has varied scenery and wonderful views. 10.8km; 320m / 580m ~ La Caldera and Los Organos. This is a spectacular high walk on a good forest path that has good views across to Mount Teide and Puerto de la Cruz. 13km; 650m / 750m 5-6 hours An example of walks on LANZAROTE: ~ Uga to Puerto del Carmen, including the peaks of Tinasoria (506m) and Guadilama (607m). This walk has spectacular views all around. 19km; 470m / 740m ; 6 hours ~ Along the coast of the Timanfaya National Park We start the day with a fascinating journey through the historic geology of Lanzarote before walking through the most recent lava fields made from the devastating eruptions of 1824 and The beautiful blue and white sea contrasts with the dark sea of lava on land. The trail is remote and without shade; walking can be difficult on uneven volcanic rock and a narrow path. There is an option to avoid the difficult terrain and have an early lunch at a beautiful local rocky beach. 14.5km; some parts undulating and rough underfoot; 3 hours 30 mins PERSONAL EXPENDITURE We do not include local transport costs or entrance fees in conjunction with the programme of walks on this holiday. This is due to walks being weather dependent and also takes into consideration group ability and your personal choices (you may decide not to participate in all walks) - this means you only pay for the activities you take part in. Local transport costs and entrance fees for this holiday should not exceed per person for the duration. Any local excursions taken will be at additional cost. Please note that the estimation of local costs relating to this holiday is based on currency exchange rates in September Fluctuations in exchange rates since the publication of our brochure and this Holiday Information sheet may impact on this estimation of local costs; please check with your bank or currency provider prior to your holiday to enable you to plan your spending. Please note: There will be some free time details will be confirmed locally by your tour leader.

4 Each evening, the leader will discuss the programme for the following day with you. Should you not wish to join the party, please let the leader know. INSURANCE Please make sure that your insurance for this holiday covers you for guided walking below 2000m. TRAVEL INFORMATION Flights: London Gatwick to Tenerife South (Reina Sofia) and return from Arrecife, Lanzarote with British Airways. Flights: Tenerife Norte Airport to Lanzarote Arrecife airport with Binter Canarias. Baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent approximately 10 days prior to departure. Travel in the Canaries will be by air, road and on foot. Approximate journey times are as follows: Sur Reina Sofia Airport to San Cristobal de la Laguna 1 hour (by road) Arrecife to Arrecife Airport 20 minutes (by road) If you intend joining and leaving the party in the Canaries, it is assumed, unless you have advised us otherwise, that you will join the group at the hotel in San Cristobal de la Laguna and leave the group at the hotel in Lanzarote. If this is not your plan, please let us know in writing at least 5 weeks prior to departure. PASSPORTS & VISAS Please refer to Section 2 of the enclosed General Information Booklet. It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to the UK. Please also take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you - it will help in the event of an emergency. See our General Information Booklet for further details. Please note the EHIC has an expiry date. Please check your card is valid for the duration of your holiday. Please note that passport, visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP, or can be obtained from the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA). In addition, general travel advice is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at

5 LOCAL CURRENCY Local currency is the euro. Please refer to Section 2 of our General Information Booklet for details. There are banks in San Cristobal de la Laguna and Arrecife with ATM facilities. Major credit cards are widely accepted on both islands. ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS We stay in twin and single bedded rooms with shower and wc at the three star Hotel Laguna Nivaria, Tenerife and the three-star Hotel Lancelot, Lanzarote. Hotel Laguna Nivaria Plaza del Adelantado San Cristobal de la Laguna Tenerife Spain Tel: Fax: Web: Hotel Lancelot Avenida Mancomunidad Arrecife Lanzarote Spain Tel: Fax: Web: Breakfast at the hotels and ten dinners are included in the holiday charge. Dinners will be taken at the hotels and in local restaurants. Lunches are not included in the holiday charge. RESORT INFORMATION Resort facilities in San Cristobal de la Laguna and Arrecife include: Local shops Supermarkets Banks (with ATM facilities) Restaurants & Bars Post Office Medical Centre CLIMATE, CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT Tenerife and Lanzarote enjoy a mild, dry climate, but you should be prepared for rain and cool spells. There are many websites that you can look at to get an idea of the climate of the area you are visiting including: We recommend you take a windproof jacket, waterproofs, gloves, fleece and hat, as well as lighter summer clothes. You may also wish to take walking poles, swimwear and a towel. We also

6 suggest you take a small rucksack, lightweight bottle for drinking water, picnic knife, small first aid kit including blister plasters, insect repellent, toilet soap and some polythene bags. Walking boots with moulded rubber soles and ankle support are essential on this holiday as the countryside is rough, stony and sometimes steep. It is essential to wear the correct footwear, as any injury caused by insufficient ankle support can spoil the enjoyment of your holiday. We recommend that you wear your walking boots or pack them and some waterproofs in your hand luggage as in the unlikely event that your hold luggage is delayed, you will still be able to participate in the walking programme. TRAVELLING LIGHT As this holiday involves a reasonable amount of travelling and you may have to handle your own luggage, please try to travel reasonably light. You should be able to lift and carry your own luggage with ease. PERSONAL SAFETY Please take sensible precautions with your credit cards and passport and avoid displays of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Do not carry more cash on you than you will need for each day, and we recommend that a money belt is used. MAPS & SUGGESTED READING Many local libraries stock a selection of travel guides/books which may offer you more information regarding Tenerife and Lanzarote. If you are in London, you may find a visit to the Spanish Tourist Office useful. The office is currently open from hrs Monday to Friday. Please note that visits are strictly by appointment only. Spanish National Tourist Office, 64 North Row, London W1K 7DE Tel: Web: Maps and books of the Canary Islands may be obtained before departure from specialist mapsellers such as: The Map Shop 15 High Street Upton upon Severn, Worcs. WR8 0HJ Tel : Fax : Website: Further information can be found on the last page of our General Information Booklet.

7 REVISIONS TO THIS HOLIDAY INFORMATION SHEET Please note that this Holiday Information sheet may be periodically updated and reissued. In most cases any revisions will be minor and the overall nature of the holiday will be unchanged. Should we make a major change to the holiday arrangements between you booking your holiday and your date of travel we will notify you to specifically draw your attention to any significant change. You may wish to review the latest version of the Holiday Information sheet online prior to travel. PLEASE QUOTE YOUR HOLIDAY CODE AND BOOKING REFERENCE NUMBER IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE. WE WISH YOU AN INTERESTING AND ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY AND WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS UPON YOUR RETURN.