Lanzarote Grand Tour

Exploring Lanzarote with the Grand Tour: A Practical Guide

When visiting Lanzarote, the Grand Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of the island’s most iconic sights in roughly 8 to 9 hours. For $87.08 per person, you’ll visit everything from El Lago Verde (Charco de los Clicos) in El Golfo to the timeless lava caves of Jameos del Agua, with the convenience of hotel pickup and included transfers. Led by knowledgeable guides like David and Michael, this tour aims to give travelers a taste of Lanzarote’s volcanic soul without the stress of self-driving.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is how it combines spectacular scenery with authentic local flavors. The stops at Timanfaya National Park and the Green Lagoon are truly breathtaking, offering photo opportunities that stick with you long after the day ends. Plus, the volcanic wine tasting in La Geria gives a deliciously different perspective on Lanzarote’s agriculture—who knew volcanic soil could produce such good wine?

One aspect to consider: the itinerary can feel quite packed, with some reviews mentioning that timing at certain stops might be tight. It’s a long day, and for those expecting a leisurely pace, this might be a challenge. Still, if you’re short on time but want a comprehensive snapshot of the island, this tour hits many highlights efficiently. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who prefer guided experiences that include entrance fees and transfers, making it nearly hassle-free.

This tour is ideal for those who value expert guiding, want to see a wide range of sights in a short time, and enjoy authentic experiences like wine tasting and lava caves. It’s perfect for first-time visitors, solo travelers, or anyone who prefers a structured day to explore Lanzarote’s volcanic wonderland.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience: Visits to volcanoes, lava caves, a green lagoon, and volcanic wine tasting.
• Convenient: Includes transportation, transfers, and entrance fees, simplifying the logistics.
• Knowledgeable guides: Many reviews highlight enthusiastic guides like David, Michael, and Roland.
• Authentic sights: Experience Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape and local flavors firsthand.
• Long but rewarding day: Expect a full day of sightseeing, with some reviews noting tight timing.
• Flexible for travelers: Suitable for those wanting a guided, all-in-one island overview.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point: Easy Pickup and Group Size

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Puerto del Carmen or nearby areas, making the start smooth and straightforward. Group sizes are capped at 99 travelers, but most reviews suggest the experience remains intimate enough to enjoy the commentary and interact with guides. One reviewer praised the friendly driver Luciano and the knowledgeable guide Michael, making the long journey more engaging.

First Stop: El Lago Verde in El Golfo

Your first short stop at El Lago Verde (Charco de los Clicos) is a highlight. This brilliant green crater lake is a natural spectacle, created by volcanic activity. With only about 20 minutes here, it’s enough to snap photos and appreciate nature’s palette. Several reviewers appreciated the stunning views, describing it as “beautiful” and “something everyone should see.” It’s a great way to kick off the day with a splash of color amidst Lanzarote’s volcanic terrain.

Optional Camel Ride at Echadero de Los Camellos

Next, travelers can choose to hop on a camel ride—an optional 30-minute experience. While the ticket isn’t included, many find it adds a fun, memorable touch. If you’re not interested, you can relax and enjoy the scenery from the bus.

Highlight: Timanfaya National Park

The star of the tour is undoubtedly Timanfaya National Park. The volcano slopes and geothermal demonstrations showcase the island’s volcanic activity in a visceral way. The included entrance fee makes this a seamless experience. Visitors often comment on how breathtaking the landscape is—“the volcano and the national park was breathtaking,” one review states.

Guides like David are praised for making these geological wonders understandable and fun, explaining how the volcanic eruptions shaped Lanzarote. Expect to see volcanic ash, geyser-like demonstrations, and the vast, rugged terrain that feels like walking on another planet. Some reviews mention that the timing here can be tight, with about an hour allocated, but most agree it’s worth it.

La Geria: Volcanic Wine Tasting

A short 20-minute stop at La Geria offers free wine tasting amid the volcanic vineyards. Travelers love the chance to sample Lanzarote’s unique wines, grown in volcanic soil—a real testament to the island’s ingenuity. One reviewer called it a “delicious experience,” noting the local wines as a highlight. The stop doesn’t include a tour of the vineyard, which some might find a missed opportunity, but the tasting itself is appreciated.

Jameos del Agua: Lava Caves and Cultural Marvel

The journey culminates at Jameos del Agua, a lava cave turned cultural center designed by César Manrique. Expect about an hour exploring stunning caves, observing unique rock formations, and enjoying the artistic environment. The famous underground lagoon is a highlight, often described as “stunning” and “spectacular” even when busy.

Reviews mention that the caves are beautiful, and many appreciate the combination of natural wonder and artistic intervention. The cave’s openness allows for great photo ops, and the fact that the site is included in the tour adds value.

End of the Day: Return and Reflection

After the caves, the tour concludes with transportation back to your starting point. While the day is long, most travelers find it well-organized, with comfortably air-conditioned buses and attentive guides. Some review comments pointed out that timing at stops could be tighter, with a few extra minutes sometimes sacrificed, but overall, travelers feel the balance between sightseeing and pacing is good.

The Value: Is It Worth It?

For the price, this tour packs in a lot: entrance fees, transportation, professional guiding, and tastings. Many reviewers, such as the one describing the day as “really worth it,” agree that the value for money is solid. It’s a great way to see multiple highlights without the hassle of organizing separate tickets or rides.

That said, it’s a full day, and some travelers might find the tight schedule a bit tiring. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace or want to explore specific sights more thoroughly, booking a private or smaller tour might be better. But if your goal is to maximize time and cover the main sights efficiently, this tour offers a compelling package.

Who Will Love It?

This experience suits first-time visitors to Lanzarote wanting an overview of the island’s key sights. It also appeals to activity-minded travelers who enjoy natural landscapes, geological wonders, and local wines, all with guidance and convenience. If you’re comfortable with a long day of sightseeing and appreciate informative guides, you’ll find this tour both rewarding and memorable.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to Lago Verde, Timanfaya National Park, La Geria wine tasting, and Jameos del Agua lava caves. Entrance fees and transfers are also included.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is at your own expense. Many travelers consider bringing snacks or planning a stop, as the tour runs through lunch hours.

Can I opt out of the camel ride?
Yes, the camel ride is optional. The ticket isn’t included, so you can decline if you prefer to relax or explore on your own during that time.

How long is the tour?
Plan for about 8 to 9 hours, including pickup, sightseeing, and travel time. Expect a long day with a lot of walking and sightseeing.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is offered from select hotels, making the start of your day much easier. Endpoints are the same as the pickup location.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers of all ages can participate, but check with the operator if you have very young children or special needs.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and a camera are recommended. As lunch isn’t included, bring snacks if desired.

Final Thoughts

For those wanting a comprehensive, guided tour of Lanzarote’s volcanic scenery and cultural highlights, this Grand Tour delivers a good deal of value. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer organized experiences with entrance fees and transport covered, freeing you to focus on enjoying the sights. The knowledgeable guides and stunning landscapes consistently earn praise, making it a dependable choice for first-time visitors.

While it’s a long day, the variety of stops—from green lakes to lava caves—keeps the experience fresh. The volcanic wine tasting adds a nice local flavor, and the scenic drives through the terrain are equally memorable. If you’re eager to see Lanzarote’s highlights efficiently and with expert commentary, this tour is a solid pick.

In short: This Lanzarote Grand Tour offers a well-organized, engaging day out that balances nature, culture, and convenience. Perfect for those who want a full island overview without the hassle, and who appreciate guided insights into Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape and local produce.