Lanzarote and Fuerteventura may only be 30 minutes apart, but scenery wise, they're light years apart. We'll take you to the island to the north to discover its moon-like landscapes, palm-clad valleys, volcanic vineyards and whitewashed villages. Teresa, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Lanzarote's wines are the fruit of our ingenuity in harnessing the destruction wrought by Mother Nature into an art – a common thread that weaves together islander and landscape.'
After an early pick-up, go to the port for the ferry to Playa Blanca. The action starts straight away at Timanfaya National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that's home to more than 100 volcanoes. You'll feel like you've landed on the moon. Feel the heat beneath your feet as you watch brushwood burst into flames and a steaming geyser shoot from the ground. Teresa says, ‘The drive through lava-scarred landscapes of the Lunar Route is straight out of a sci-fi movie.'
There's also a stop in a family-owned winery in La Geria. Enjoy a tasting of its wines, which are made from grapes grown in moist circular cavities, known as ‘socos'. A drive through the Valley of the Thousand Palm Trees will whet your appetite. A buffet lunch is served in a family-owned restaurant, which uses locally sourced ingredients. With this stop, you contribute to the local community. Rounding off the day is a visit to the Jameos del Agua. These volcanic tubes were converted into a nightclub by legendary local architect Cesar Manrique in the 60s.
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