EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

You’ll journey to the southern part of the island passing the picturesque villages of Macher and Uga and cross a huge black lava stream to get to the Timanfaya National Park. At the Visitors Center, you’ll learn about the volcanic phenomenon in Lanzarote. There are various exhibition rooms, each equipped with different interpretative resources. Then, it’s off to Timanfaya National Park, a natural museum of unique beauty. Bizarre craters, streams of lava, and fields of ash are mixed here with a nearly unrealistic lunar landscape, all formed during the last eruption in the 18th century. Upon arrival to Islote de Hilario, a crater with the highest surface temperatures in the region, you’ll experience still-existing activity not far underground as you gather around for fun demonstrations.

The geothermal energy is so strong that water gushes up and dry weed catches fire within seconds. At the restaurant El Diablo, food is cooked on a natural grill powered by the heat from the earth below. Board the coach to embark on a tour of the Fire Mountains called "Lunar Route" which goes deep inside the heart of the national park and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Through a recorded narration you’ll learn about the history of the volcanic eruptions and see how slowly life conquers the inhospitable landscape with very few endemic plants. Continue to the valley of La Geria where the famous Malvasia grape is cultivated. Here you’ll be able to taste the wine produced from the grapes that grow in deep holes surrounded by semicircular volcanic stone walls that protect the delicate vines from the strong winds.

Next, stop will at Mancha Blanca Village to enjoy a buffet-style lunch at Los Dolores Restaurant. Then continue to the Mirador del Rio viewpoint, built into the precipice of the Famara Mountains and also designed by Cesar Manrique. From the steep cliffs you’ll appreciate fantastic views (weather permitting) of the small island of La Graciosa, Montaña Clara and Alegranza. Drive to the northern area of the island known for its volcanic tunnels, product of strong eruptions that have carved caves and passages. The largest lava tunnel called Jameos del Agua is probably the most overwhelming, transformed into a small paradise by local artist Cesar Manrique. You’ll return to the harbor driving through the eastern coast of the island and passing the villages of Guatiza and Mala.

Antes de llegar a la costa sudoeste de la isla, disfruta un recorrido por la parte sur de la isla pasando por los pintorescos poblados de Macher y Uga y cruzando por un enorme río de lava negro. Pass by El Golfo, a breath taking green Lake, for a photo stop before reaching the Timanfaya National Park. The park is a natural museum of unique beauty. Bizarre craters, streams of lava and fields of ashes formed by eruptions during the 18th century are mixed here in a nearly unrealistic lunar landscape. Upon arrival to Islote de Hilario, a crater with the highest surface temperatures in the region, you'll experience still-existing activity not far underground as you gather around for the fun demonstrations. The geothermal energy is so strong that water gushes up and dry weed catches fire within seconds. Board a coach to embark on a tour of the Fire Mountains called the "Lunar Route", which goes deep inside the heart of the national park and lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Through a recorded narration, you'll learn about the history of the volcanic eruptions and see how slowly life conquers the inhospitable landscape with very few endemic plants. From here you'll drive to the wine-growing area of La Geria where the locals have modified grape growing through the centuries in order to preserve the vines from the harsh natural elements and provide a special cultivation for the grapes that produce the famous Malvasia wine. These vines are grown inside dimple-like craters and surrounded by volcanic stone semi-circles (called Zocos), built for each individual vine to provide much needed protection from the fierce winds. Visit one of the local wine cellars for a taste of the local wine before the return drive to your ship.

A drive to the southern part of the Lanzarote will take you past the picturesque villages of Macher and Uga and cross black lava streams before arriving at the southwest coast of the island, passing by El Golfo, a breathtaking green lake. After a brief photo stop and a short drive, you’ll reach the Timanfaya National Park, a natural museum of unique beauty. Bizarre craters, streams of lava, and fields of ashes are mixed here with a nearly unrealistic lunar landscape, all formed during the last eruption in the 18th century. Upon arrival to Islote de Hilario, a crater with the highest surface temperatures in the region, you’ll experience still-existing activity not far underground as you gather around for the fun demonstrations. The geothermal energy is so strong that water gushes up and dry weed catches fire within seconds. At the restaurant El Diablo, food is cooked on a natural grill powered by the heat within the earth below.

Board a coach to embark on a tour of the Fire Mountains called "Lunar Route" which goes deep inside the heart of the National Park and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Through a recorded narration, you’ll learn about the history of the volcanic eruptions and see how slowly life conquers the inhospitable landscape with very few endemic plants. From here you’ll drive to the wine-growing area of La Geria where the locals have modified grape-growing through the centuries in order to preserve the vines from the harsh natural elements and provide a special cultivation for the grapes that produce the famous Malvasia wine. These vines are grown inside dimple-like craters and surrounded by volcanic stone semi-circles (called Zocos), built for each individual vine to provide much needed protection from the fierce winds. After this photo stop you’ll return to your ship.

Visit several attractions associated with Lanzarote’s most celebrated artist, who believed that architecture and art must be created in harmony with the natural environment. Although Arrecife-born artist César Manrique died in 1992, his influence is still prevalent as you will discover at the Cactus Garden. He transformed this former landfill into a landscape of fantastical art and thousands of exotic cacti. As a special treat, you will watch how cochineal insects are cultivated there to make a red dye for textiles, cosmetics and food. Manrique was also the visionary behind Jameos de Agua, a cultural center that he created in the lava tubes left after the eruption of La Corona volcano. Within this natural space, Manrique designed an auditorium, an aquatic habitat and a restaurant with a hardened black lava floor. You will see some of his artwork in the Castle of San Jose, an 18th-century fortress that has been converted into a museum of contemporary art.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Meander through a cactus garden that legendary local artist César Manrique created.
• Tour a cultural center that Manrique designed within a series of volcanic lava tubes.
• Behold Manrique’s art in an 18th-century castle that is now a contemporary art museum.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

During this very informative excursion you’ll be able to discover the amazing world of volcanoes, walk across solidified lava flows, ascend to volcanic cones, see spectacular craters, lava tunnels, canals and tubes. Los Volcanes Nature Park, together with Timanfaya National Park, are protected areas which represent the recent and historical volcanism of Lanzarote because they are covered by the spectacular eruptions that took place from 1730 to 1736 and in 1824. All the volcanic structures in the area are well preserved due to Lanzarote’s arid climate; the landscape is like a huge open-air museum of volcanology. You’ll learn about the very slow but constant rebirth of life upon the lava. Certainly, an ‘out of this world’ experience for any trekker!

Capture the moment by taking the perfect selfie photo in Lanzarote ! Instantly share your experience with family & friends on your favorite social media site as some of the stops might include wi-fi in real time. Your accompanying guide will help you choose the spot to take the best selfie photo including composition, posing, lighting etc. Capture the spirit of this incredible destination.

Your tour begins with a scenic drive along the southwest coastline towards El Golfito. You will have designated selfie stops at:
• El Golfito & Green Lake
• Las Salinas
• La Geria
• Puerto Del Carmen

End your picture-perfect day with a relaxing transfer back to the ship.

OVERVIEW

Walk along the ocean floor wearing no equipment other than a Sea Trek diving helmet for an up-close view of the marine life darting about the coral reefs. After a brief introduction to helmet diving, you will be ready to explore the crystal-clear waters off Lanzarote. Helmet diving is easy to learn. Just slip the helmet comfortably over your head so it rests on your shoulders. Air is supplied to the helmet through a tube connected to an air tank on the water’s surface that follows wherever you walk. There isn’t an air regulator or mouthpiece, so you can breathe just like you normally do. You can even wear prescription glasses or contact lenses because your head will not get wet while helmet diving. You can expect to observe an ever-changing parade of brightly colored fish, large groupers, teeny seahorses and perhaps a loggerhead turtle or two.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk along the ocean floor, breathing through a helmet with its own air supply.
• Never even get your head wet the entire time that you are underwater.
• See a huge variety of colorful fish and maybe a sea turtle

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath..
• Bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a leisurely cruise to the island of La Graciosa, where you can relax however you please on a remote, wonderfully pristine beach. A public motor boat will bring you to the island and on the way there you will get a genuine feel for local life. You will then board a private boat and sail along the island’s southern coast to Francesa Beach. La Graciosa is one of the volcanically formed islands within the Chinijo Archipelago, an environmentally protected area that contains Europe’s largest marine reserve. Francesa Beach couldn’t be a more natural setting as it is isolated and completely undeveloped. During free time there, you might stretch out and bask in the sun, stroll the wide beach and take a refreshing swim in the sea. Snorkeling equipment is available if you wish to view the wonders underwater. A classic paella will be cooked onboard and served on the cruise back to Lanzarote.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise across the spectacularly scenic strait that divides Lanzarote from La Graciosa island.
• Spend free time as you please on a remote, remarkably pristine beach on La Graciosa.
• Enjoy freshly cooked paella for lunch on the return cruise.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Browse a cactus garden and an unusual cultural center built in a collection of lava tubes where you will also dine. The late Arrecife-born artist César Manrique created the cactus garden with thousands of specimens from around the world. The influential Manrique transformed this former landfill into a landscape of fantastical art, inventive windbreaks and highly unusual cacti. It was his final project before dying in a car accident in 1992. Decades before, he designed the Jameos de Agua, a cultural space that reflects Manrique’s ideology that art must be in harmony with the environment and nature. The eruption of the La Corona volcano created the lava tubes, which then collapsed, forming jameos or opening in their roofs. Within this natural space, Manrique designed a auditorium, an aquatic habitat and a restaurant with a hardened black lava floor. Your lunch there will surely be as memorable as the volcanic setting.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Meander through a cactus garden that legendary local artist César Manrique created.
• Tour a cultural center that Manrique designed within a series of volcanic lava tubes.
• Dine in an extraordinarily atmospheric restaurant within the volcanic setting.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Watch sea lions perform at a wildlife park and then ease into the water and interact with these gregarious marine mammals. The venue for this adventure will be the Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park, an American Western-themed ranch setting with an array of animals. As an introduction to the wildlife, you will watch birds of prey perform spectacular aerial maneuvers, sometimes flying right over your head. A sea lion performance follows, during which their intelligence, playfulness and agility in the water will be apparent. Sea lions can also walk on all fours, the characteristic that most distinguishes them from seals. To help maximize your experience with the sea lions, an instructor will be in the water with you. Being social animals, the sea lions are sure to approach and encourage you to interact with them. Afterwards, feel free to meander through the park and observe the other animals, which include bison, Komodo dragons and white tigers.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Interact with playful sea lions while swimming with them in a wildlife park.
• Watch a sea lion performance and watch birds of prey demonstrate their abilities.
• Observe the park’s other animals, which range from white tigers to Nile crocodiles.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath..
• Bring a towel and Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Browse an avant-garde home built atop an old lava field and sample wines whose terroir reflects the island’s volcanic soil. Now a museum, the breathtaking Volcano House was once the residence of the late Arrecife-born artist César Manrique. It was built within a series of natural volcanic bubbles interconnected by tunnels excavated in the hardened lava. Chances are, you haven’t seen anything like this unusual home, which exemplifies Manrique’s vision of architecture being in harmony with the natural environment. His paintings and pieces by other Spanish masters such as Picasso and Miró on displayed throughout the property. Manrique also left his mark on the winery El Grifo, as he designed the distinct griffin logo on the wine labels. The sommelier will guide you through the winery – the oldest on the island – and describe the characteristics of the wines for your tasting. They will likely include a white produced from the Malvasía volcanic grape, the most cultivated grape on Lanzarote.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the aptly named Volcano House, an extraordinary home built within an old lava field.
• Gain insight into the artist that built the home in harmony with the harsh, natural setting.
• Enjoy a sampling of wines at the oldest winery on Lanzarote.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Watch artisans create traditional crafts at the Casa Museo del Campesino and see how salt is extracted from the seawater at the Salt Flats of Janubio. The island’s natural resources take center stage at the museum as you will see local craftspeople creating a variety of Canarian arts and crafts. You may observe potters, leather workers, artisans creating unique dyes from insects found in cacti and milliners making hats with sustainable materials such as palm heart. Don’t miss the Monument to the Peasant, founder César Manrique’s avant-garde outdoor sculpture that celebrates local farmers. Nearby, you will find the salt flats, which have been operating since the late 19th century. The white sea salt juxtaposed against the volcanic black sand on the beach makes a striking contrast. After walking through the salt flats and seeing how the salt is produced, you will taste some sprinkled on a tomato with a glass of wine as an accompaniment.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit a museum and watch local artisans create traditional works with natural materials.
• View potters, leather workers, dyers and milliners in their studio workshops.
• See how salt is extracted from the sea at the oldest salt pans in the Canary Islands.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.