Gran Canaria Highlights Private Tour VIP

Exploring the Hidden Side of Gran Canaria: A Comprehensive Review of the VIP Highlights Tour

If you’re visiting Gran Canaria and craving more than just sunbathing on the beach, this private inland tour offers a fantastic way to see the island’s less touristy, more authentic side. Running around 9 hours, it takes you through scenic viewpoints, charming villages, and cultural hotspots— all with the comfort of private transportation and the expertise of a local guide.

One thing we love about this experience is the personalized touch — it’s designed for small groups (up to 7), making the day feel intimate and flexible. Plus, the inclusion of local tastings and a traditional lunch offers a real taste of Canarian life.

However, given the winding mountain roads and high altitudes, some travelers may want to prepare for potential motion sickness, especially when heading to Pico de Las Nieves. This tour suits those who appreciate scenic drives, cultural exploration, and authentic cuisine— perfect for curious travelers wanting a deeper connection with Gran Canaria beyond the beaches.

Key Points

• Intimate private tour with a knowledgeable local guide, ideal for small groups.
• Diverse inland stops, from historic towns to panoramic viewpoints, offer a well-rounded experience.
• Authentic tastings including local cheese, mojo sauce, and honey rum provide a genuine flavor of the islands.
• Comfortable transportation makes exploring multiple sites in one day manageable and enjoyable.
• Flexible itinerary with personalized insights, perfect for travelers seeking depth over crowds.
• Included lunch features two typical Canarian tapas with drinks, enhancing the culture.

Introduction: A Day Beyond the Beaches

This private VIP tour of Gran Canaria promises a comprehensive inland adventure away from the typical tourist spots along the coast. It’s a nine-hour journey that balances stunning scenery, cultural insights, and local flavors, all led by a guide who’s an island native.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on showcasing the less-visited countryside, small towns, and natural wonders that many visitors never see. The fact that it’s a private experience means you can customize the pace and focus— which many reviewers really appreciated.

A key highlight is the expert guidance — for example, Simon, the guide, is praised for his wealth of knowledge and personal stories. Reviewers mention how he shares not only facts but also local anecdotes, making the experience more engaging.

On the flip side, the mountain roads can be quite winding, and at higher altitudes like Pico de Las Nieves, it can get chilly— so packing a jacket might be wise. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy scenic drives, culture, and tasting local delicacies without the rush of a big group.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1 & 2: Mirador de las Dunas & Degollada De La Yegua

Your day begins at Mirador de las Dunas, a viewpoint offering a moon-like landscape of Gran Canaria’s dunes. The view is truly surreal, and the photo opportunities here are excellent. Reviewer Stephen called it “amazing” and loved how it felt almost otherworldly.

Next, a brief stop at Mirador Degollada De La Yegua reveals the volcanic origins of the island. The panoramic view of volcanic formations is striking, and even a short 10-minute stop offers enough time to soak in the landscape.

Stop 3: Fataga

The charming Old Town of Fataga is a highlight for many travelers. Its narrow streets, traditional Canarian architecture, and relaxed vibe make it a perfect spot for wandering. Reviewers comment on how “pretty” and authentic it feels. This is a great place to step back in time and appreciate local architecture and atmosphere.

Stop 4: San Bartolome de Tirajana & Tunte

The small town of San Bartolome de Tirajana provides a view of the last Guanche rock citadel of Ansite, adding historical depth. A short stop at Tunte, the region’s winery capital, offers tastings of regional wines like verijadiego and malvasia. Many visitors mention enjoying the canarian coffee, barraquito, and local cheese here, which adds to the cultural experience.

Stop 5: Pico de Las Nieves & Roque Nublo

The drive up to Pico de Las Nieves reveals spectacular views, with a walk to see Roque Nublo, one of Gran Canaria’s iconic landmarks. Reviewers note that the easy walk and photo session here are highlights, even if the altitude can be cold. It’s a perfect spot for breathtaking panoramic photos.

Stop 6: Cruz de Tejeda

This mountain pass is the geographical center of the island and features incredible views of the Caldera de Tejeda and Roque Bentayga. The brief stop is enough to appreciate the dramatic landscape and take some memorable shots.

Stop 7: Teror

The town of Teror is renowned for its colonial architecture and the Basilica of Our Lady of Pine. Reviewers mention how its quaint streets and traditional houses offer a slice of Canarian life, perfect for strolling and soaking in local charm.

Local Tastings and Lunch: A Feast of Flavors

Throughout the trip, you’ll sample local cheese, mojo sauce, and honey rum, which reviewers say are highlights. These tastings give you a real taste of the island’s culinary heritage.

The included Tapas lunch — two typical Canarian tapas with a beer or soft drink — is another highlight according to many reviews. It’s enough to satisfy without feeling heavy, allowing you to continue exploring comfortably afterward.

Why the Value Holds Up

At $638.59 for a group of up to 7, this tour offers excellent value considering the personalized attention, extensive itinerary, tastings, and included lunch. Many reviewers, like Sophia and Marianne, praise the knowledgeable guides and the relaxed pace. The small group size makes for a more intimate experience and allows for flexibility, which is often appreciated.

Transportation and Practicalities

The tour uses all-day private transportation, meaning you won’t be cramming onto a bus with strangers or rushing from place to place. Reviewers often mention how comfortable and efficient the ride is, especially when climbing winding mountain roads.

Departure is at 8:30 am, with pickup included, making it a smooth start to your day. The tour is suitable for most travelers, although those prone to motion sickness might want to prepare for the mountain roads.

The tour is fully private, so your group gets undivided attention, and the guide can tailor the experience based on your interests.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want to see more of Gran Canaria than just beaches — especially those interested in local culture, scenic views, and authentic towns. The guided nature and small group size suit people who appreciate personalized storytelling and delicious tastings.

It’s also ideal for those who enjoy comfortable transportation and don’t mind winding mountain roads. If you’re looking for a mix of nature, history, and gastronomy, this tour hits the spot.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For explorers eager to peel back the curtain and discover Gran Canaria’s beautiful inland landscapes, this private VIP tour offers a comprehensive, well-balanced experience. With its knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and authentic tastings, it provides a meaningful cultural connection.

The inclusion of a traditional lunch and local delicacies ensures you leave with a deeper appreciation for Canarian cuisine. Plus, the small-group format means you’ll enjoy a relaxed, personalized experience that big tours simply can’t match.

While mountain roads can be bumpy, most find the scenery and insights well worth the ride. This tour is a hit with those who seek a deeper, more authentic side of Gran Canaria— perfect for culture lovers, nature enthusiasts, and foodies alike.

If you’re after an authentic, thoughtful day that combines scenic beauty with cultural discovery, this private inland tour should be high on your list.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup, ensuring a hassle-free start to your day.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, from morning pickup to late afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, your guide can tailor the experience somewhat based on your preferences, but the main stops are fixed.

Are meals and tastings included?
Yes, the tour includes tastings of local cheese, mojo sauce, honey rum, and a traditional tapas lunch with drinks.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, a jacket for higher altitudes, sunscreen, and a camera for photos.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the mountain roads and walking at high altitudes. It’s best suited for those who are comfortable with light walking and winding roads.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is weather-dependent, and poor weather may result in rescheduling or a full refund.