Gran Canaria - Nat Geo Day Tour: Guanches Mysteries Unearthed with an Archaeologist
Unveil the secrets of the Guanches, Gran Canaria's extinct aboriginal population, with an archaeologist on this National Geographic Day Tour. Begin your tour at La Fortaleza Museum, where you can learn about ancestral diets, uncovering the nourishment that fuelled generations past. You will also have access to the archive room, exclusive to National Geographic travellers. Inside, a pair of rare mummies will reveal stories about the lives and deaths of the island's original inhabitants. After, you'll enjoy some local delicacies such as olive oil, bread, Tenefé salt, and pastries made with gofio flour, almonds or figs. Next, explore La Fortaleza archeological site, the most complete in all Gran Canaria. Protected by law, it is important both in terms of its historical significance and location. See habitation caves adorned with paintings, granaries, stone houses, funerary monuments, engravings, and the island's oldest sanctuary. Learn why the Guanches' referred to it as the ‘Axis of the World', the place where heaven and earth converged. Witness the ancient way of life in La Fortaleza as you discover the tunnel that traverses the rock, offering panoramas of La Fortaleza de Abajo. This sprawling settlement of excavated houses is just a stone's throw away. Round off this experience with a scenic drive along winding roads to the foot of the caldera. You'll head to Mirador Santa Lucia, where you'll indulge in a typical Canarian lunch of regional cuisine with a side order of impressive views. As you relish the rich flavors, soak up the surrounding landscape and reflect on the history you've uncovered during this journey.
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Majorca - Nat Geo Day Tour: The Valley of the Oranges
Picturesque hills and aromatic citrus orchards best describe Sóller. From Palma de Mallorca, travel into the Serra de Tramontana mountains, where you'll discover this eye-catching town, nicknamed the 'Valley of Oranges'. Historically, Sóller was isolated from the rest of Mallorca due to its mountains, allowing the development of unique cultural and agricultural practices. Sóller's orange groves trace their roots back several centuries, introduced to the region by Arab settlers during the Spanish occupation. On this exclusive tour, you'll uncover the region's conservation initiatives with your National Geographic-trained guide, visiting the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences for an exclusive audio-visual experience including photos illustrating the history of the orange groves and their impact on Sóller's local economy. After this, tour Sóller's citrus-infused Botanical Gardens, where you'll study the botanical properties of different citrus varieties, enjoy an exclusive visit to the seed bank and learn more about the museum's work to conserve the Balearic Islands' plant species, unique ecosystems and natural habitats. Finish with a cooking demo featuring a zesty dessert with a citrus tang. Next, discover Sóller's secrets on a guided walking tour, before making the most of the surroundings with some free time to explore at your leisure.
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Tenerife - Nat Geo Day Tour: History of Wine in the Canary Islands
Exclusively crafted for National Geographic, this tour offers a deep dive into Canarian wine and its historical significance as a cornerstone of European society from the 15th to the 18th century. Begin by exploring Garachico, one of Tenerife's most impeccably preserved historic towns. As you wander its cobbled streets, your National Geographic-trained guide will unveil the tale of its port—a vital hub for exporting wine to Europe and America, tragically altered by a volcanic eruption. Next, venture to Viñátigo Winery, a family-run estate celebrated for rescuing Tenerife's native grape varieties from near extinction. Meet the bodega wine specialist amid sprawling vineyards, where you'll learn about diverse grape species and their eco-friendly and organic agricultural methods. Experience their meticulous wine-making process before sampling a selection of their finest wines. Wrap up your day with a delightful spread of authentic Canarian snacks surrounded by the stunning vineyard scenery, immersing yourself in the eye-catching vistas of the landscape and the Atlantic Ocean serving as your backdrop.
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Tenerife - Nat Geo Day Tour: Teno Alto, Tenerife's Last Shepherd Stronghold
Set off on an immersive tour through Teno Alto, a bastion of rural traditions within Teno Rural Park. Your local guide will unveil the settlement's evolution during a scenic 75-minute hike. Encounter ethnological elements from prehistoric to present times, and experience the profound connection of Teno Alto's inhabitants to their land, sustained by agriculture and goat herding – the region's hallmark.At the trail's end, delve into the heart of local culture and meet one of Teno's last shepherds. Discover the artistry behind traditional cheeses and the tireless efforts of generations to preserve this ancient craft. Witness a "salto del pastor" exhibition – an esteemed folk sport showcasing remarkable agility and skill.End your adventure at Mirador de Garachico, a traditional restaurant, where the third-generation owners elevate Canarian cuisine with modern flair. Indulge in a tasting menu crafted to reflect the flavours and landscapes of Teno Alto, using locally-sourced produce that highlights the region's culinary richness. To complete the experience, complement your meal with carefully selected wines from the region.By joining this tour, you'll not only support sustainable tourism in a protected area but also contribute to the preservation of its cultural heritage. Interact with locals, gain insights into their way of life, and savour the essence of Teno Alto through its flavours and traditions.
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Uncover Madrid's rich history with a guided tour of the Royal Palace and Madrid de los Austrias, the city's historic hub. End at Casa Botin, the world's oldest restaurant, for a tour and meal.
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Take a closer look at the art of winemaking at Bodegas Campestral. The vineyard, located in Arcos de la Frontera, is known for its blend of tradition and sustainability. As you explore the estate, you'll learn about the heritage of winemaking at the bodega, Spain's largest ancestral wine cellar. Here, the family's commitment to sustainability is mirrored in every aspect of the winemaking process. On arrival, you'll be greeted with a warm welcome, and your guide will offer an insightful perspective on the vineyard business in the context of Jerez winemaking. Starting with an exploration of the grape selection process, your experience will then take you through harvesting techniques before leading you into the cellar where the wine is stored. See the integration of renewable energy with panels on the roof, powering the facility and making it autonomous in electricity. Next, head out into the vineyard for an activity reserved only for National Geographic travelers - the disgorgement of a wine bottle. This technique represents the artistry and craftsmanship of winemaking. Finally, satisfy your senses with a tasting experience, savor a selection of the bodega's wines, paired with tapas. This tour offers an opportunity to delve into winemaking techniques while discovering the owners' commitment to sustainability. From grape selection to bottling, each step is a testament to their dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices within the industry.
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Gran Canaria - Nat Geo Day Tour: Gran Canaria's Southern Charms, a Photography Tour
Uncover the most photogenic corners of southern Gran Canaria on this National Geographic Day Tour. Your adventure begins in the village of Temisas, famed for its olive oil. Wander the narrow lanes lined with white houses with Arabic tiles, then discover the town square and capture traditional architecture. Next up is the hilltop village and authentic Canarian town of Tunte. Explore the charming streets, from the old washing places to the 19th-century fountain of El Rosal. Observe the details of a tile oven, original cobblestone paths, traditional houses, and the Casa Canaria de Tunte – a tribute to the ancient Canaries. As you will soon discover, Canarian villages are characterized by white-washed houses which can be dazzling in the bright sunshine. The photographer will give you valuable tips for making the most of the abundant light for great photos even in these conditions. Explore the villages at your own pace, taking snaps of the unique corners that appeal to you. There's plenty of potential subjects in these photogenic and typical Canarian villages. Climb to El Polvo viewpoint with its striking rock formation. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the village and capture versatile images that tell its captivating story. The final stop is the sleepy hamlet of Fataga. Traverse the winding streets before gazing upon the striking stone massifs that flank the village. Finally, enjoy a spectacular drive down the mountain looking out to Meloneras and Maspalomas. View the imposing humpbacked sand dunes in the distance as you make your way to a local restaurant. Here, you'll review the photos and recap the experience over a well-earned lunch, after which the winning photograph will be revealed.
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Lanzarote - Nat Geo Day Tour: La Geria, Vineyards that Sprouted from Fire
When Timanfaya's six long years of eruptions ceased in 1736, the farmers of La Geria believed their fertile lands were lost forever under a thick layer of ash. But the local families needed to make the land productive again, and through sheer hard work and determination, they succeeded in creating the vineyards of La Geria. You'll start off with a scenic walk, following trails through private vineyards belonging to the family-owned bodega of Nacho Romero, opened exclusively for National Geographic travellers. As you soak up the unique character of these landscapes where vineyards are surrounded by volcanoes, the owner will explain how the layer of volcanic ash, known locally as ‘picón,' has shaped their cultivation methods, which are unique in the world. If you are lucky enough to find them ripe, you might even get to pick grapes straight from the vine as you hear Nacho or his wife Luisa, both winemakers, talk about the characteristics of volcanic wine. Back at the bodega after the walk, you'll be able to sample one of the artisanal wines that Nacho and Luisa make in their home winery. Next, you'll head to Bodega La Geria – another important component of the ecological wine making movement. The winemaker himself will show you around the bodega. Find out the secrets of the hollows, called ‘zocos' which shelter the vines from the wind, and discover the different varieties of grapes that thrive in Lanzarote's volcanic terroir. To finish, savour a tasting of one of the estate's renowned wines with local cheese and crackers.
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Barcelona - Nat Geo Day Tour: From Market to Table, Barcelona's Paella
Treat your tastebuds to a trip through Barcelona's colorful cuisine on this full-day tour. Visit a produce market, before learning how to cook paella.
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Majorca - Nat Geo Day Tour: In the Wake of a Nat Geo Explorer, Kayak the Pristine Seas of Mallorca
Inspired by National Geographic's Pristine Seas project, which aims to protect the last wild places in our oceans, this National Geographic Day Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful and unspoiled Mediterranean waters by kayak. Accompanied by your experienced guide and a marine biologist, you'll learn about the importance of Posidonia. Let your guide take you on a kayak tour through the marine protected area of the Dragonera Islands, offshore from Sant Elm. It's a rich ecosystem home to dolphins, fish, birds, algae, and more. Enjoy the opportunity to snorkel and marvel at the Posidonia meadows up close, while your guide explains the significance of this seagrass for the Mediterranean and the world. Learn how we can help protect the Posidonia meadows by raising awareness of their role in the battle against global warming, as featured in the National Geographic documentary, 'Pristine Seas: The Power of Protection'.
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Lanzarote - Nat Geo Day Tour: Volcanic Beauty of Lanzarote, Photography Tour
Become a visual storyteller under the guidance of your National Geographic-trained photography guide. You'll pick up invaluable insights on capturing the perfect shot, be it in terms of composition, lighting, or narrative. After introducing the competitive element of the day, your guide will accompany you on the drive through Timanfaya National Park. During the tour, you'll get great views of Timanfaya's lunar landscapes, formed hundreds of years ago when a series of volcanic eruptions covered a quarter of the island in lava. Think rugged lava fields, brooding volcanic cones, and swathes of charcoal-grey ash. Stop at Islote de Hilario viewpoint to see the power of geothermal energy and enjoy the panorama. Travelling on to the fishing village of El Golfo, you will find a jumble of traditional buildings and bright boats which contrast with the black sand beach and the unusual green lake. It's a perfect location for capturing contrasting colour. Then, it's time to discover the ancient salt flats of Salinas de Janubio, another landscape saturated with drama and stark appeal. This area is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and an important bird sanctuary – cameras at the ready. With a specialist photographer at your side, you'll gain new skills and fresh inspiration, plus a collection of striking images. As the day concludes on the terrace at Salinas de Janubio, unwind over a glass of wine or beer and a snack, while your photography guide reviews the day's photos and picks the winning shot.
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Madrid - Nat Geo Day Tour: Private Early-Access Guided Tour of Madrid's Thyssen Museum
Experience the Thyssen Museum like never before with private early access, before it opens to the general public. Explore the galleries with an art-historian guide, followed by a Madrilenian breakfast.
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