Tenerife Dark Sky and Astrophotography

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Wednesday 27th January 2027 - Fly to Tenerife
  We fly to Tenerife South International Airport. On arrival, we’re met and transferred to the H10 Conquistador in Playa de las Américas. As we travel, the island’s dramatic volcanic landscapes and Atlantic views offer a first glimpse of the scenery that makes Tenerife so distinctive. After check-in, the rest of the day is at leisure to settle in and enjoy our surroundings. Meals: Dinner
• Day 2 - Thursday 28th January 2027 - Introduction & Afternoon at Leisure
  After breakfast, we gather for an introductory presentation with astronomer Pete Lawrence, who outlines what to expect in the days ahead. From dark-sky locations to astrophotography tips, it’s the perfect way to set the scene for the week. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Playa de las Américas. Perhaps take a stroll along the seafront promenade, relax by the pool, or enjoy the warm sunshine as the rhythm of island life settles in. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Day 3 - Friday 29th January 2027 - Teide National Park & Night Sky Observations
  After breakfast, we check out of our hotel in Playa de las Américas and journey into the dramatic landscapes of Teide National Park. Volcanic rock formations and vast, open skies accompany us as we travel high into the mountains for a guided visit to the observatory at Izaña, located 2,390 metres above sea level. Here, we take part in an engaging astrophysics workshop and enjoy the opportunity to observe the Sun’s photosphere and chromosphere through professional solar telescopes, with the chance to spot sunspots and flares. Lunch is included at a local venue. Later this afternoon, we check into the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, set in the heart of the national park beneath Mount Teide itself. After dinner, we step outside once more for a two-hour night sky viewing session with Pete Lawrence, using specialist telescopes to explore Tenerife’s celebrated dark skies. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Day 4 - Saturday 30th January 2027 - Solar Photography & Night Sky Observations
  We wake to the extraordinary setting of the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, surrounded by the dramatic volcanic landscape of Teide National Park. This morning is at leisure to relax at the hotel or explore nearby walking trails, where the ever-changing light across the caldera creates striking views and photo opportunities. After a leisurely morning and lunch, we join Pete Lawrence for a two-hour solar viewing and photography experience. Using specialist equipment, we’ll observe the Sun in remarkable detail and receive expert guidance to help capture our own images. Following dinner at the hotel, the experience continues under what are normally some of the clearest skies in the world. Step outside for an evening of guided night sky observations with Pete Lawrence, as constellations, planets and deep-sky objects reveal themselves in extraordinary clarity. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Day 5 - Sunday 31st January 2027 - Icod de los Vinos, Garachico
  Today, we enjoy a full-day excursion showcasing some of northern and western Tenerife’s most striking highlights. We begin in Icod de los Vinos, a charming town of whitewashed colonial buildings, wine shops, cafés and home to the famous thousand-year-old Dragon Tree. Next, we continue to the historic coastal town of Garachico, known for its black-sand beach, natural volcanic swimming pools, pretty plaza and cobbled streets lined with traditional architecture. Here, we enjoy lunch at leisure. This afternoon, we travel back towards the south with a stop at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the dramatic 600-metre cliffs of Los Gigantes, one of the island’s most impressive natural landmarks. Later, we continue to Playa de las Américas and return to the H10 Conquistador for the next two nights.
• Day 6 - Monday 1st February 2027 - Day at Leisure
  We enjoy a relaxed day at leisure to unwind and make the most of the facilities at the H10 Conquistador, or explore Playa de las Américas at our own pace. Later, we join Pete Lawrence for a wrap-up presentation reflecting on the week’s solar and night sky experiences, followed by a farewell dinner to round off the tour in style. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Day 7 - Tuesday 2nd February 2027 - Departure
  We check out of our hotel and transfer to Tenerife South International Airport for our flight to the UK.