Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

After departing the pier you'll travel to the northern village of Arucas. From the window of your air-conditioned motorcoach you'll see the vast Atlantic Ocean, miles of beach, ocean front villages and the Montaña de Arucas, the mountain of the Arucas volcano.

Overflowing with history, Arucas was originally one of the 10 "kingdoms" of Gran Canaria. The ancient inhabitants farmed the land and lived in caves in the surrounding hills. To this day, many of these caves still exist and several are still inhabited, though modernized a little to include all the comforts expected from a modern-day house.

Your first stop is the Jardin de la Marquesa de Arucas (the botanical gardens of the Duchess of Arucas). Established in 1880 by the island's first Marquis and his wife, the gardens are a romantic and serene setting for the 2,500 tropical plants that live in the five-acre park-like setting. You'll have a full hour to walk through the grounds and see the beautiful cacti, poinsettia plants that appear to be as tall as a building, huge dragon trees and peacocks roaming about.

In case of private events scheduled at the Duchess of Arucas tropical gardens, you will visit the historical district of Arucas instead. Arucas is district that offers important architectural and urban assets. The city centre, declared a site of historic-artistic interest, is a "must see" for all tourists. The Parish Church of San Juan Bautista is a great grey-stoned gothic church, which looks wildly out of place among the small white houses. It was built entirely in Arucas stone by local master masons back in 1909.


Next, you'll have a photo stop at the Church of Arucas. Looking at the church's imposing neo-Gothic style, stark white walls and vibrant stained glass windows, you may think that it was built centuries ago during the medieval age. You may be surprised to learn that the church was made completely out of volcanic stone beginning in 1909 and was completed in 1977.

Your final destination is the Basilica de la Virgin del Pino (Madonna of the Pine) in the town of Teror. Located on the main plaza, the neoclassic church you see today is the third to be built on the same spot since the 15th century. Outside, ten gargoyles stand guard on the sides of the church; inside, the main features are the vast Baroque altar and the richly clothed, wooden carved figure of the Virgin Mary. According to legend, in 1481, a vision of the Virgin appeared in a pine tree to local shepherds. Since that time, the Basilica has played a very important role to the community. In 1914, Pope Pius XII proclaimed her patron saint of the island, and the small town of Teror became the religious capital of the island.

After your tour, return to your ship along the same scenic route.