WHY IT RATES: The company has partnered with Tenerife Tourism on an advisor educational campaign. --Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Managing Editor

Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, just 186 miles west of the North African coast, is the newest addition to wholesale tour operator Avanti Destinations’ lineup of European vacation spots for independent travelers.

The company has also just announced a joint campaign with Tenerife Tourist Corporation to educate travel advisors on the island’s many cultural and natural attractions, including idyllic beaches, turquoise waters, Spain’s tallest mountain, volcanic landscapes, Michelin-starred restaurants, Europe’s largest lava tube, whale- and dolphin-watching, Europe’s first Marine Heritage Site, and colorful festivals throughout the year, including the world’s second-largest Carnival celebration.

Avanti sells custom-crafted vacations for independent travelers exclusively through travel advisors, not directly to consumers.

The advisor educational campaign includes a new 28-page downloadable e-brochure, “Tenerife: Crown Jewel of the Canary Islands”, which includes two new customizable vacations, at https://www.flipsnack.com/779977E569B/tenerife-the-crown-jewel-of-the-canary-islands on Avanti’s travel advisor portal; a $25 gift card for advisors for each Tenerife stay having a minimum land value of $2,500 booked between February 14, 2023, and April 30, 2023, with travel completed by December 31, 2023; and a webinar jointly led by Tenerife’s tourism organization and Avanti (recording at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/3694020849213470042 ).

In addition to the two vacations, Avanti offers six four- and five-star hotels, four private sightseeing tours, and six shared tours on Tenerife. All transfers on the two vacations and tours are private.

The e-brochure includes information on transportation to and on Tenerife, as well as island hopping within the Canaries, best times to go, a map, as well as descriptions of attractions, and Avanti’s new vacations, sightseeing tours, and hotels.

Much More Than a Beach Vacation

“Tenerife has long been a favorite getaway for Brits and Europeans because of its subtropical climate and location off the coast of Africa, but it definitely has much more to offer independent travelers than beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, and nightlife,” said Paul Barry, Avanti’s CEO. “A part of Spain since before Columbus stopped there on his way to the Americas, this intriguing island blends influences from several European countries and the Americas, as well as boasting two UNESCO World Heritage sites – one natural, one cultural. There is something there for clients seeking active travel, wildlife spotting, gourmet restaurants, picturesque towns, stargazing, traditional local festivals, and striking landscapes.

“Advisors can easily combine a stay in Tenerife with an Avanti vacation in Spain, Portugal, or Morocco, which are all a two- to three-hour flight away. In fact, one of our new suggested itineraries pairs Tenerife with Madrid and Barcelona. We are very pleased to partner with Tenerife Tourist Corporation in introducing this unique destination to advisors,” said Barry.

To avoid the more crowded peak tourist times, Barry advises visiting April through July or September through November.

“Tenerife is thrilled to join forces with Avanti to open doors to even more travelers and invite them to discover the beauty, culture, and adventure our island has to offer,” said David Perez, CEO of Tenerife Tourist Corporation. “Tenerife is a prime destination throughout the year, conveniently connected with more than 150 European airports and a nonstop seasonal flight on United from Newark airport. We continue to soar to the top-of-mind for adventurers, luxury seekers, and independent travelers alike.”

Natural and Cultural Attractions

Avanti’s 10 new private and shared Tenerife sightseeing tours highlight the island’s natural and cultural attractions:

Garachico – One of the Canaries’ oldest towns dating to the late 15th century, this was an important wine trading port until it was nearly destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1706. Many surviving 16th and 17th century buildings fill the picturesque Old Town. Visitors can soak in volcanic pools formed by solidified lava from the eruption.

Teide National Park – Cable cars lead to the 12,000-ft high summit of the Mt. Tiede stratovolcano (UNESCO World Heritage site) in the middle of the park, offering mountain biking, trail running, hiking, hang-gliding and exceptional stargazing in a moonlike landscape of lava fields and ancient calderas. Several movies have been filmed here, including “Clash of the Titans”.

Icod de los Vinos – Next to Garachico, this city with a view to Mt Teide is the site of several traditional local festivals throughout the year, as well as an ancient dragon tree, said to be 1,000 years old. Not far is Cueva del Viento, Europe’s largest lava cave, fifth largest in the world.

Masca Valley – Rugged cliffs and forested trails make this lush valley one of Tenerife’s most scenic places. The 2,000 ft.-high village of Masca illustrates traditional Tenerife rural architecture.

San Cristobal de La Laguna – The historic center of this former capital of the Canary Islands, filled with a wide range of architectural styles dating from the 16th century onward, is Tenerife’s cultural UNESCO World Heritage site. Revolutionary at the time it was built, its layout was used as the blueprint for several South American cities. La Laguna is next to the bustling modern capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Bottlenose dolphin and pilot whale watching - Two new shared Avanti tours take clients by catamaran – one with underwater viewing, the other with underwater sound system - to marvel at these marine mammals, abundant in Tenerife’s turquoise waters.

Two New Customizable Independent Vacations

All Avanti recommended vacations may be customized to client preferences, with additional days and activities or combined with other destinations in Spain or other nations.

Tenerife Highlights is a five-day, four-night vacation available year-round. Includes private arrival and departure transfers; private tours of Teide National Park (five hours), Garachico and Icod de los Vinos (five hours); choice of accommodations; and daily breakfast. Easily combined with destinations in Spain, Morocco, or Portugal.

Spanish Cities and Seascapes is a 13-day, 12-night vacation available year-round with four nights each in Barcelona, Madrid and Tenerife. Includes private arrival and departure transfers; five private tours – highlights of Barcelona with driver and guide, flavors of Barcelona private tapas tour, highlights of Madrid with driver and guide, Teide National Park, and Garachico and Icod de los Vinos; one three-course dinner in Madrid; first-class rail between Barcelona and Madrid; choice of accommodations; and daily breakfast.

For more information on independent travel to Tenerife, Spain, and Europe generally, or to book custom-crafted, multi-destination FIT travel 365 days a year throughout Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Asia, or Central and South America, log onto the recently revamped advisor portal https://book.avantidestinations.com or call 1-800-422-5053 to speak with an expert travel consultant.

SOURCE: Avanti Destinations press release.