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Madeira - Nat Geo Day Tour: Local Farm Experience on Madeira’s Terraced Hills

Drive through Funchal's bustling town and Madeira's magnificent rolling hills towards Quinta Pedagogica da Camacha, a small farm committed to sustainable agriculture. Here, your National Geographic-trained guide will offer insights into the region and introduce you to the farm's owner, Bruno Santos. Having left accounting for agriculture, Bruno now dedicates his life to helping his neighborhood through sustainable farming, a lowered environmental footprint, and community outreach. Follow Bruno through flowering groves as you explore the grounds. You'll learn about the many uses for their freshly grown herbs and visit their strawberry plantation. Observe the fields and poios—what Madeirans call the terraced areas where they grow their crops—as you learn about the farm's produce and animal husbandry. The farm is home to various animals including chickens, goats, sheep, and more. There's even a small market Bruno created, to help other local vendors reach their greater community, inspired by the ‘buy local' mantra. You'll also experience a host of seasonal activities, offered exclusively to National Geographic travelers. Harvest ripe fruits and learn the proper techniques for sowing seeds in a planting workshop. This hands-on learning environment brings Bruno's sustainability and bio-friendly philosophy to life. Afterwards, you'll relax and enjoy refreshing tea brewed from the farm's own herbs, as well as homemade cakes, toast, and jams preserved from local fruits.

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.

Tenerife - Nat Geo Day Tour: Wine in the Canary Islands - a Sensory Experience

Sipping wine with views of the sun-drenched slopes where it was produced, you'll be immersed in the culture and cultivation of Canarian wines on this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour. You'll hear about the island's wine-making heritage and embrace the sights, smells, tastes, textures and sounds at a family-run winery as you try four vintages, paired with food at every stop along the senses.First, at La Casa del Vino, a 17th-century estate-turned-museum, your knowledgable guide will share the backstory of how savvy 16th-century Spanish growers planted European vines in the fertile, volcanic soil – catapulting Tenerife onto the global wine scene.Then, it's onto Bodegas El Lomo in the Valley of Tegueste. See the garden, where rare grapes – almost extinct in Europe – continue to thrive, and sip your first wine here, paired with a signature tapa from visionary chef, Jorge Bosch. The in-house wine specialist will take you through the key scents and stages to reveal a wine's origin in an aroma workshop with another signature tapa. Then, it's out to the patio for harvest snacks with textures of toasted gofio grains and a creamy local goat cheese, served with a fruity carbonic macerated wine. Your grand finale awakens your hearing. In a darkened room, try your final vintage and tapa and tune into how music affects your perception of wine.This is much more than a simple wine-tasting tour – it's a personal insight into how wine can stir the senses.

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.

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.

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.

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.