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A Medieval Feast in La Gomera: A Practical Review of the Banquet and Tournament Experience
Venturing to La Gomera and craving something a bit different? The Medieval Banquet and Tournament with return transport offers a taste of history combined with lively entertainment—think jousting, sword fights, and acrobatic dancers—all set within a castle setting. For travelers looking to add a touch of history to their trip without the hefty price tag, this tour promises an engaging evening with good food, drinks, and plenty of spectacle.
What we really appreciate about this experience is its inclusive nature—round-trip transportation from the south of Tenerife is included, making it convenient for visitors staying nearby. Plus, the combination of a multi-course medieval banquet paired with vibrant live entertainment makes it a well-rounded night out. However, a potential downside is the relatively short duration (about 2.5 hours), which might leave some guests wanting more.
This tour is best suited for those interested in medieval themes, lively performances, and a relaxed dinner in a castle ambiance. Families, couples, or groups who enjoy history and fun shows will find this a charming addition to their Tenerife or La Gomera itinerary.
Key Points
- Authentic Medieval Setting: Cross the drawbridge into Castillo San Miguel for an immersive atmosphere.
- Engaging Live Shows: Watch knights jousting, sword fighting, and acrobatic Brazilian dancers perform.
- Inclusive Dining: Multi-course medieval banquet with wine served during the show.
- Convenient Transportation: Hotel pickup and drop-off from the south of Tenerife included.
- Good Value for the Price: At $102.77, it combines entertainment, food, and transport.
- Limited Duration: The event lasts about 2.5 hours, perfect for a fun evening but possibly too brief for some.
An In-Depth Look at the Medieval Banquet and Tournament
Looking for more options in La Gomera? Here are some other experiences worth considering.
The Setting: Castillo San Miguel
The experience kicks off with a scenic drive from your hotel in Tenerife’s southern region, arriving at the impressive Castillo San Miguel—an actual medieval-style castle that instantly transports you to a different era. The moment you cross the drawbridge, you’re greeted by hosts dressed as Count and Countess, setting the tone for an authentic medieval experience.
Inside, the atmosphere buzzes with anticipation. The grand indoor arena is designed to resemble a medieval tournament ground, complete with banners and period-style decor. This setting, combined with the castle’s architecture, creates a genuine medieval feel that’s both fun and immersive.
The Show: Knights, Jousts, and Sword Fights
The highlight is undoubtedly the jousting tournament, where the knights demonstrate impressive horsemanship and swordsmanship. The reviews mention “fantastic horsemanship” and “amazing choreography,” indicating that the combat is theatrical yet skillful—definitely entertaining for adults and older children.
Guests can expect the knights to fight for the hand of the princess, culminating in choreographed sword fights that are lively but not overly violent. The show is lively, noisy, and full of energy—”a bit noisy for the wee one” according to one reviewer—so it’s worth considering whether very young children would enjoy the loud and bustling atmosphere.
The Dining: Medieval Feast with Wine
The dinner is a key part of the experience, featuring a wholesome multi-course medieval banquet. While the menu specifics aren’t detailed, guests can expect hearty fare complemented by ample wine, making the experience both filling and festive. The inclusion of beverages and wine enhances the atmosphere, encouraging guests to unwind and enjoy the entertainment.
The Acrobatics and Final Act
After the sword fights, the spectacle continues with Brazilian Acrobatic Dancers performing a Capoeira show, adding a surprising twist to the medieval theme. This energetic display provides a vibrant, modern contrast to the historical acts, keeping the atmosphere lively and engaging.
The evening concludes with a birds of prey demonstration, a fitting finale that combines the themes of skill and history, leaving guests with a memorable visual.
The Practicalities: Transport, Timing, and Group Size
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable, entertaining evening without feeling rushed. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off from the south of Tenerife significantly enhances the overall value, removing the hassle of arranging transport independently.
The event runs every Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, providing a consistent weekly option for visitors. The tour is straightforward to book, with most travelers reserving about three weeks in advance—this indicates it’s a popular choice, though not overly crowded.
What do reviewers say?
One reviewer noted booking difficulties online but found the event itself to be “very good,” citing a “great atmosphere” where “everyone got involved.” Another appreciated the show’s “sound of swords fighting” and “amazing choreography.” Conversely, some felt the experience was not worth the price for a two-hour event, especially since the medieval banquet was followed by a different performance in previous years. Still, overall, positive comments about the entertainment and guides suggest a well-managed event.
Cost and Value
At $102.77 per person, the price includes transport, entertainment, and dinner with wine. When compared to similar experiences, this seems like fair value, especially considering the convenience of door-to-door pickup. The ticket price isn’t just for the show; it’s an evening of immersive fun, making it a reasonable choice for those wanting a thematic night out.
Who Would Enjoy This Tour?
This experience is ideal for families with older children, history enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a lively evening in a castle setting. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy theatrical performances and don’t mind the noise level or the roughly 2.5-hour duration. If you’re after a relaxed, sit-down dinner, or want a more in-depth medieval experience, you might find this tour a bit light on content—though it delivers entertainment and ambiance in spades.
The Sum Up
The Medieval Banquet and Tournament with return transport offers a delightful mix of history, entertainment, and good food all wrapped in a convenient package. Its best selling points are the lively, well-performed shows, the authentic castle setting, and the ease of transport—especially valuable if you’re staying in south Tenerife.
While the duration might leave some wishing for more, the overall atmosphere and variety of acts ensure it’s a memorable evening. It’s a fantastic pick for travelers who want a fun, lively night out that combines elements of history and showmanship without breaking the bank.
For those craving an authentic medieval experience paired with excellent entertainment, this tour ticks all the practical boxes—great value, accessible location, and a unique atmosphere. If you’re traveling with family or simply enjoy lively performances in historical settings, it’s certainly worth considering.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in the south of Tenerife.
How long does the event last?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, from 6:00 PM to about 8:30 PM.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.
What is the dress code?
There’s no formal dress code, but casual or smart casual attire is suitable. Some guests enjoy dressing up for fun.
Are children allowed?
Most travelers can participate, but the noisy and lively environment might be less suitable for very young children.
Does the tour include drinks?
Yes, beverages and wine are included during the banquet.
Is the show suitable for non-English speakers?
While language isn’t specified, the visual nature of the performances suggests a broad appeal regardless of language.
What’s the menu like?
Details on the menu are not specified, but it’s a multi-course medieval banquet with wine, meant to complement the entertainment.
Are there any additional costs?
All listed features—transport, dinner, drinks, and entertainment—are included in the ticket price. Additional purchases would be at your discretion.
This lively, well-rounded evening offers a charming glimpse into medieval festivities, providing fun, food, and entertainment in one convenient package. Perfect for those looking to add a memorable night out during their stay in La Gomera or Tenerife.
