Make your cruise ship stop on Gran Canaria special with this Las Palmas Northern Sightseeing with Wine and Coffee Tasting Excursion. See the impressive Bandama volcano, the charming towns of Arucas, Firgas and Agaete. In the volcanic valley, you'll have the opportunity to sample the local wines and coffee. Finish the day with a stroll through the seaside village of Puerto de las Nieves.
You'll meet your guide a short 5-minute walk from your Las Palmas cruise ship pier. After picking up any guests staying in the city the van will head northeast to Bandama volcano, in the heart of wine country. The large crater, 1 km in diameter, is around 2,000 years old and was formed when a fissure opened on the hill pouring out ash and volcanic slag. You'll make a quick stop of 15-minutes so you can take incredible pictures of the landscape.
Then on to Arucas, at the foot of a volcano and bordering the sea. In the past, it was known for its banana plantations and sugarcane factories that were thought of as "white gold" crops. You'll have a walk through the neoclassical streets lined with shops, crafts and restaurants. Visit the neo-Gothic church of San Juan Bautista, constructed by local artisans using area stones. Admire the beautiful sculptures and cedar woodwork in the church.
You'll pass through the charming village of Agua, Firgas on the way to the port town of Agaete. This sparkling town of whitewashed buildings is located in a volcanic valley that grows more varieties of tropical fruits and flowers than anywhere else in the Canary Islands. Here is Europe's only coffee crop, which you'll be able to taste. You'll also have a chance to sample the wines grown in the vineyards nearby (2 cups of different wines). Choose from locally produced red, rosé and white wines, both dry and semi-dry. Take a bottle or 2 home to relive your day on Gran Canaria.
The last stop is the town of Puerto de las Nieves. This seaside village is far from the hustle and bustle of most tourist towns. You'll have one hour to stroll the Paseo de los Poetas with its seafood restaurants, craft shops and galleries. Be sure to try the local specialty - caldo de pescado, a stocky fish soup. Visit the tiny chapel, Ermita de las Nieves, with its famous painting of the Virgin and Child.
When times come to an end, you'll board again your transportation for your way back to your original meeting point in Las Palmas.
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