Travel Tenerife
Travel Tenerife
4
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Full view
About
Professional and multilingual company offering high standard attractions on Tenerife. Our main activity is Stargazing Experience - Telescope Observations in Teide Natural Park for which Travel Tenerife has been awarded as World Tour Operator of the Year 2016 and as World Tour Operator for the Year 2017 by Luxury Travel Guide. Our astronomers are highly certified by Starlight, Canarian Institute of Astrophisics and European Union. We make sure our services are best possible with all your needs catered for! Our additional activities cover organised holiday packages and events
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
245 reviews
Excellent
152
Very good
29
Average
14
Poor
14
Terrible
36
Che Y
5 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Great place. First time we went there but some "local Native African Spanish thought it was fun to make comedy of our race, ie I speak Japan" and spoke gibberish subsequently to mock me and my wife to promote his "business". I explained to him that we are not that race and they killed my aunt during the war, he was unapologetic and tried to make fun of this. I am Scottish and challenged him to a fight to which he then apologised privately after the rest of the English people laughed at his "joke". Chinese people stand up for yourself against these scum.
Written July 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J. Loraine
San Francisco, CA53 contributions
Dec 2019
This was an incredible experience. New Years eve stargazing with a beautiful crescent moon on a volcano. Margus was a fabulous guide. Just remember your winter clothing if you're there in December, it was absolutely freezing on the mountain! But a fantastic outing, we would all highly recommend it. Thanks Margus!
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oldsarboy
Wadebridge, UK25 contributions
Do not be put off by the slightly expensive cost of this tour. We were picked up at 3pm and delivered back to our hotel at 11pm. The tour guide provided an excellent commentary and there were plenty of stops to de-bus and enjoy the stunning scenery. A coffee stop was followed by stops at several photographic points after which we had an excellent chance to sip mulled wine and cava watching the sunset over Mount Teide. A very fine dinner followed before we set off to a dark skies location where our superb tour guide provided an excellent introduction to the constellations (I’m an amateur astronomer and his introductory talk was by far the best I’ve experienced).
This is a great trip up to 7,500 feet above mean sea level with views and scenery that were astonishing. Thoroughly recommended and I felt, really good value for money.
This is a great trip up to 7,500 feet above mean sea level with views and scenery that were astonishing. Thoroughly recommended and I felt, really good value for money.
Written March 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much, we´re are so glad that you enjoyed our experience,stay in touch we have some more exciting stuff coming later on in the year :)
Kind regards
Naomi
Written June 2, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
wiltshire39
wiltshire20 contributions
Nightmare experience. Avoid spending your euros on Traveltenerife's ~Teide by night (no dinner) trip
Feb 2017 • Couples
Whole experience was dire. PIck-up at 5.30pm in very elderly minibus with driver who drove silently and too fast. After picking us up from Los Gigantes, we were taken to Teide via Los Cristanos and Las Americas - a huge waste of our time made worse by poor organisation - we waited 15 minutes outside one Las Americas hotel for clients who hadn't been told exact pick-up location.
On arrival, our driver told us to get out of the vehicle and we all waited outside in freezing temperature for 20 minutes with other busloads of people who had arrived. No one welcomed or spoke to us and explained why we had to wait. It appeared that despite our late arrival after everyone else, those organising the event were not ready.Eventually erratic stargazing ensued - involving randomly looking at various constellations. No doubt the astronomers knew their stuff but were in dire need of a lesson on how to look after their clients, and how to organise the whole experience for them. We waited about 5 - 10 minutes at a time for cameras to be set up to take pictures which we then gathered round mobile phone to view - and were given opportunities to look through telescope - having waited again for these to be set up - with no information given while we were waiting. A primary school teacher would have done a much better job of preparing a relevant presentation. Everyone was feeling frozen - despite wearing all possible clothes brought with us to Tenerife - and after well over an hour we were THEN offered a small random selection of a few jackets and fleeces - no blankets and not enough jackets or fleeces for everyone. After another hour or so of waiting and watching we were then given plastic glasses of so - called 'champagne' and offered a 'hot' drink and a wrapped piece of cake. We were told to help ourselves to tea or coffee - in tiny paper cones. The tea (which from overheard comments was horrible) and equally awful coffee had been sitting outside in urns all the time so it was barely warm. Everyone was feeling thoroughly fed up and desperately wanting to get back into the minibus and leave but we were forced to line up for group photos - and had to wait took ages tor the camera to be set up and pictures taken. The whole evening cost 60 euros each and was a complete nightmare - atmosphere afterwards in the minibus going back was awful. Return was promised at the very latest by 10.30pm but we didn't get back until 11.10pm after our lengthy journey dropping off other clients until we got back to Los Gigantes where the driver lived.
It was a memorably horrible, nightmarish experience.
Traveltenerife made no effort to get in touch with us afterwards despite feedback we gave to the booking agent and our request to speak to the organisers of the event.
Judging by reviews of an alternative Teide by Night dinner trip we were extremely unlucky to have selected this TRAVELTENERIFE version of Teide by Night and were very sad not to have been able to enjoy a potentially great experience.
On arrival, our driver told us to get out of the vehicle and we all waited outside in freezing temperature for 20 minutes with other busloads of people who had arrived. No one welcomed or spoke to us and explained why we had to wait. It appeared that despite our late arrival after everyone else, those organising the event were not ready.Eventually erratic stargazing ensued - involving randomly looking at various constellations. No doubt the astronomers knew their stuff but were in dire need of a lesson on how to look after their clients, and how to organise the whole experience for them. We waited about 5 - 10 minutes at a time for cameras to be set up to take pictures which we then gathered round mobile phone to view - and were given opportunities to look through telescope - having waited again for these to be set up - with no information given while we were waiting. A primary school teacher would have done a much better job of preparing a relevant presentation. Everyone was feeling frozen - despite wearing all possible clothes brought with us to Tenerife - and after well over an hour we were THEN offered a small random selection of a few jackets and fleeces - no blankets and not enough jackets or fleeces for everyone. After another hour or so of waiting and watching we were then given plastic glasses of so - called 'champagne' and offered a 'hot' drink and a wrapped piece of cake. We were told to help ourselves to tea or coffee - in tiny paper cones. The tea (which from overheard comments was horrible) and equally awful coffee had been sitting outside in urns all the time so it was barely warm. Everyone was feeling thoroughly fed up and desperately wanting to get back into the minibus and leave but we were forced to line up for group photos - and had to wait took ages tor the camera to be set up and pictures taken. The whole evening cost 60 euros each and was a complete nightmare - atmosphere afterwards in the minibus going back was awful. Return was promised at the very latest by 10.30pm but we didn't get back until 11.10pm after our lengthy journey dropping off other clients until we got back to Los Gigantes where the driver lived.
It was a memorably horrible, nightmarish experience.
Traveltenerife made no effort to get in touch with us afterwards despite feedback we gave to the booking agent and our request to speak to the organisers of the event.
Judging by reviews of an alternative Teide by Night dinner trip we were extremely unlucky to have selected this TRAVELTENERIFE version of Teide by Night and were very sad not to have been able to enjoy a potentially great experience.
Written March 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emma l
Nottingham, UK155 contributions
Out of all the activites i have booked this holiday i was really looking forward to this one and was so underwhelmed i want to make sure that everyone is aware of what it entails before booking as the leaflet i got didnt give me much info.
Firstly, bring as many layers as possible. Literally everything. Once the sun sets it's like -5c. At least it feels that way. I wore jeans, boots, tshirt and snow jacket and was freezing still. My toes were so cold they ached. So double socks!
I was picked up roughly on time. It is Spain afterall. The guide didn't speak the whole journey, there or back other than to say we would be 40 mins up to Teide when asked. Maybe he didnt feel comfortable speaking English? So i would suggest that he says he isnt great with English? Not a massive issue, would of just been nice to know whats happening.
There were 6 people in our van, to join another van of 6. So 12 people total. There were 5 guides/helpers. But only 1 spoke to us all. Very knowledgeable and good looking, always helps!
The others were sorting telescopes and mooching about.
I was dissapointed with the viewings as there were 5 telescopes. But we used 1 at a time???
12 people had to queue up and take turns looking through 1 telescope. I would of thought all 5 would be set and split between 3 people. We could of viewed more things that way.
We looked at the sun, 7 sisters constalation, another galaxy (forgot the name) and a nebula. The last 2 looked like a blurry moon as the telescopes werent good enough quality to view this. They were good - but not good enough. Would have been better to maybe look at some other constalations? So we saw 4 things. We also looked up and saw most of it. Milky way for example was awsome and even saw the space station go by. That was the best bit for me.
My main gripe here is the leaflet is misleading. The two bits "Travel Tenerife makes sure there are enough telescopes" - well there are if 12 people are using 1 per viewing. Took 15 mins to get a look.
Also "Experiance covers everything, direct pickup, polar jackets, tea and coffee to keep you warm" - there were no jackets, only pink fleece throws which just kept the wind off than keep me warm.....tea and coffee. Luke warm, it was that cold by the time i got it that i couldnt drink it. Possibly arrange for it to be heated on site with a burner? Or electric that plugs into fag lighter? We were all freezing and this didnt help.
Must admit there was that much standing around its no wonder we were cold. If all teleacopes were in use at one time we could take our minds off it.
I would like to add the food which we got was nice. Tuna pasta with cheese and olives. For people who dont drink, rather than champagne its a juice box.
When i booked the excursion i didnt look how much it cost as it was one of 4 i booked. The most expensive too at €75. I have to agree with some of the previous comments that the driver was driving a bit aggressivly, tailgaiting and racing the other driver. It must be a spanish thing as nobody slows down even when there are cars braking in front. There were many times i didnt feel safe.
Would i do it again, no. I would rent a car and go up Teide to see everything. The telescope didnt reallt show me more than what i could already see.
So summary:
Pro's
- knowledgeable guide
- pick up roughly on time (within 5 min wait)
- Food was good
- Toilets available (short walk)
- No light polution or disturbances
- Free photos on Facebook after
Con's
- So cold i nearly died (not the tours fault as such - maybe more warning?)
- Waiting around for set up and take down of teleacopes. There were 5 people??
- Queuing to view the telescope, sometimes poor images too
- Choice of viewing material, skip the nebula and galaxy as it looks like a blob. Stick to stars and maybe a planet?
- If you cant make hot tea or coffee on site then i suggest you dont bother at all. People like hot drinks. Not tepid.
- The cost of the trip was expensive, i guess thats why its not printed on the leaflet. It wasnt worth more than €40
Sorry guys.
Firstly, bring as many layers as possible. Literally everything. Once the sun sets it's like -5c. At least it feels that way. I wore jeans, boots, tshirt and snow jacket and was freezing still. My toes were so cold they ached. So double socks!
I was picked up roughly on time. It is Spain afterall. The guide didn't speak the whole journey, there or back other than to say we would be 40 mins up to Teide when asked. Maybe he didnt feel comfortable speaking English? So i would suggest that he says he isnt great with English? Not a massive issue, would of just been nice to know whats happening.
There were 6 people in our van, to join another van of 6. So 12 people total. There were 5 guides/helpers. But only 1 spoke to us all. Very knowledgeable and good looking, always helps!
The others were sorting telescopes and mooching about.
I was dissapointed with the viewings as there were 5 telescopes. But we used 1 at a time???
12 people had to queue up and take turns looking through 1 telescope. I would of thought all 5 would be set and split between 3 people. We could of viewed more things that way.
We looked at the sun, 7 sisters constalation, another galaxy (forgot the name) and a nebula. The last 2 looked like a blurry moon as the telescopes werent good enough quality to view this. They were good - but not good enough. Would have been better to maybe look at some other constalations? So we saw 4 things. We also looked up and saw most of it. Milky way for example was awsome and even saw the space station go by. That was the best bit for me.
My main gripe here is the leaflet is misleading. The two bits "Travel Tenerife makes sure there are enough telescopes" - well there are if 12 people are using 1 per viewing. Took 15 mins to get a look.
Also "Experiance covers everything, direct pickup, polar jackets, tea and coffee to keep you warm" - there were no jackets, only pink fleece throws which just kept the wind off than keep me warm.....tea and coffee. Luke warm, it was that cold by the time i got it that i couldnt drink it. Possibly arrange for it to be heated on site with a burner? Or electric that plugs into fag lighter? We were all freezing and this didnt help.
Must admit there was that much standing around its no wonder we were cold. If all teleacopes were in use at one time we could take our minds off it.
I would like to add the food which we got was nice. Tuna pasta with cheese and olives. For people who dont drink, rather than champagne its a juice box.
When i booked the excursion i didnt look how much it cost as it was one of 4 i booked. The most expensive too at €75. I have to agree with some of the previous comments that the driver was driving a bit aggressivly, tailgaiting and racing the other driver. It must be a spanish thing as nobody slows down even when there are cars braking in front. There were many times i didnt feel safe.
Would i do it again, no. I would rent a car and go up Teide to see everything. The telescope didnt reallt show me more than what i could already see.
So summary:
Pro's
- knowledgeable guide
- pick up roughly on time (within 5 min wait)
- Food was good
- Toilets available (short walk)
- No light polution or disturbances
- Free photos on Facebook after
Con's
- So cold i nearly died (not the tours fault as such - maybe more warning?)
- Waiting around for set up and take down of teleacopes. There were 5 people??
- Queuing to view the telescope, sometimes poor images too
- Choice of viewing material, skip the nebula and galaxy as it looks like a blob. Stick to stars and maybe a planet?
- If you cant make hot tea or coffee on site then i suggest you dont bother at all. People like hot drinks. Not tepid.
- The cost of the trip was expensive, i guess thats why its not printed on the leaflet. It wasnt worth more than €40
Sorry guys.
Written December 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thankyou for your review , when making the booking we advice the seller to let the clients know to bring warm clothes & closed shoes however if needed we also have polar blankets available.
The guides don’t really speak much as they have a responsability to concentrate con the road and get all the clients there and back safely , they are various telescopes but each one has its own speciality and will be used and set up according to what is about to be viewed.
I do apologize on behalf of my team for not making you feel safe on the way up, but they do tend to all have confidence driving here as they know the road of my heart traveling up and down the same on everyday.
However please do keep in touch as we have more exciting stuff coming this year !!
Kind regards
Naomi
Written June 2, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Reverend Reviewer
Worthing, UK390 contributions
Sep 2016 • Business
Okay so where do I start with tonight's Experience. I don't normally do reviews unless I feel necessary for people not to waste their money and After me talking my family into doing it with me I was left totally embarrassed. Reading the reviews on here I'm not even sure we went to the same thing! Really disappointed for the money that we paid. Firstly it was sold to us as a (also on leaflets) as VIP max 8 people per trip and we were told a open side jeep would collect us.. there was 17 on our coach which met with another. After reaching Teide national park we just caught the sunset in time below the clouds which was the best part of the trip for me - and I could have drove up myself for free to see it.
The stars from Teide WERE amazing, you could see the Milky Way without any telescope with your own eyes!
Our guide was Charles? This evening. He was clearly very passionate about his job which was great if you were already clued up but you were left a bit embarrassed and belittled if you didn't actually know the basics of astronomy which a lot didn't and were totally confused. Charles explained he had a telescope knocked over last week, when a women approached one without his permission, which as an on looker was totally understandable they mustn't be cheap. There was a few crossed words at this point which created tension and atmosphere but the group carried on and that was that... We thought...? Charles lit up a cigarette. Again, after "observation"' and for no reason disappointingly Charles brought it up again! And told us all off like naughty children. I could feel a lot of people wanted to leave and were asking for their money back. It really set a bad vibe which this time, stayed.
I had a few questions about the stars and including how much were the telescopes to buy, but I didn't feel comfortable to ask him or to start another meltdown and lecture about them.
When we were given permission via "welcome to the telescope" - The observations themselves where cool, we saw Saturn and Mars, the edge of the Galaxys and star clusters within the milky way. But the whole process I feel totally unprofessional and drawn out, there was no organisation to say this group supposedly do it 6 days a week & especially When booking the lady said it could get a bit cold take just a jumper... It was 6 degrees!! For 4 hours standing up outside! Ouch! (On the leaflet it says VIP experience- luxury treatment- really!)
We were told we would have bubbly with sunset and nibbles which we didn't get til 11:30pm - 1 flute of champagne / no nibbles? and by this time everyone was frozen. Myself, totally disinterested and just wanted to go home.
We were also told we would get some photos individually in front of the milkyway for free download... Which would have been easy with his spec camera .. I don't know if the guide by this point hated us all? But we didn't, we got a group photo in darkness which was my personal biggest disappointment. I love my photos and memories and I will not be downloading that.
My advice to them would be,(you are just in a lay by essentially) they need to take more blankets as people totally weren't expecting or prepared for that. Pull up a mini bus, chairs or something so that people can feel relaxed. Interest people by a glass of champagne on arrival, interact and get people involved and don't speak to your paying customers with so much disrespect. It was so embarrassing and awkward that all we could do is giggle to ourselves.
Over all the experience tonight was totally BIZZARE , there isn't another word. The whole time u thought we had been hijacked, this can't be the right trip and it must be a set up. Based on our experience i wouldn't and couldn't recommend it - or him. The skies were very pretty, but I wish I hadn't wasted my money, drive up there for yourself with a flask of tea and a blanket, the excursion yourself cost 75 euros per person which is a lot and to (all of our group opinion) wasn't worth more than 30. Wish i had put my last bit of money elsewhere :(
The stars from Teide WERE amazing, you could see the Milky Way without any telescope with your own eyes!
Our guide was Charles? This evening. He was clearly very passionate about his job which was great if you were already clued up but you were left a bit embarrassed and belittled if you didn't actually know the basics of astronomy which a lot didn't and were totally confused. Charles explained he had a telescope knocked over last week, when a women approached one without his permission, which as an on looker was totally understandable they mustn't be cheap. There was a few crossed words at this point which created tension and atmosphere but the group carried on and that was that... We thought...? Charles lit up a cigarette. Again, after "observation"' and for no reason disappointingly Charles brought it up again! And told us all off like naughty children. I could feel a lot of people wanted to leave and were asking for their money back. It really set a bad vibe which this time, stayed.
I had a few questions about the stars and including how much were the telescopes to buy, but I didn't feel comfortable to ask him or to start another meltdown and lecture about them.
When we were given permission via "welcome to the telescope" - The observations themselves where cool, we saw Saturn and Mars, the edge of the Galaxys and star clusters within the milky way. But the whole process I feel totally unprofessional and drawn out, there was no organisation to say this group supposedly do it 6 days a week & especially When booking the lady said it could get a bit cold take just a jumper... It was 6 degrees!! For 4 hours standing up outside! Ouch! (On the leaflet it says VIP experience- luxury treatment- really!)
We were told we would have bubbly with sunset and nibbles which we didn't get til 11:30pm - 1 flute of champagne / no nibbles? and by this time everyone was frozen. Myself, totally disinterested and just wanted to go home.
We were also told we would get some photos individually in front of the milkyway for free download... Which would have been easy with his spec camera .. I don't know if the guide by this point hated us all? But we didn't, we got a group photo in darkness which was my personal biggest disappointment. I love my photos and memories and I will not be downloading that.
My advice to them would be,(you are just in a lay by essentially) they need to take more blankets as people totally weren't expecting or prepared for that. Pull up a mini bus, chairs or something so that people can feel relaxed. Interest people by a glass of champagne on arrival, interact and get people involved and don't speak to your paying customers with so much disrespect. It was so embarrassing and awkward that all we could do is giggle to ourselves.
Over all the experience tonight was totally BIZZARE , there isn't another word. The whole time u thought we had been hijacked, this can't be the right trip and it must be a set up. Based on our experience i wouldn't and couldn't recommend it - or him. The skies were very pretty, but I wish I hadn't wasted my money, drive up there for yourself with a flask of tea and a blanket, the excursion yourself cost 75 euros per person which is a lot and to (all of our group opinion) wasn't worth more than 30. Wish i had put my last bit of money elsewhere :(
Written September 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kitchensinkdrama
London, UK22 contributions
Aug 2019
There are cheaper and more pleasant ways to see the beautiful skies above Tenerife, than this shoddy money making production. Save your money, this NINE HOUR bus tour is utterly disgraceful.
We booked this through Paulo at TravelSub Puerto Colon. At 85euros pp we expected something at least adequate. We were promised free flowing Champagne over looking the sunset, followed by a 5* 3 course dinner with yet more free flowing wine as advertised.
What followed was actually quite despicable.
We were collected for our hotel around 5.30pm. A two hour drive later, after stopping to collect others, we arrived at a vineyard Mt Tiede, where we were each given a tepid glass of cava while the sun set. No soft drink alternative for my son.
Another coachful of tourists arrived and we were all ushered into a tent, where we sat on plastic chairs around long tables and waited for our sumptuous, three course dinner.
We were served five 'courses', each accompanied by no more than one inch of wine from their vineyard, here detailed:
1. Two very small, very thin slices of cheese and a sliver of ham
2. A small bowl of shop bought chili sauce, the same of herb oil and a slice of bread
3. A dessert spoon full of boiled chick peas (I'm not kidding!) with lemon
4. One inch piece of very fatty stewed goat meat
5. One chicken drumstick and two baby potatoes
Every single person on our table was irritated, some complained, but I found myself joking about it as, for the most part our group had a shared sense of humour, which got us through the ordeal.
We are then ushered into the vineyard shop to buy (they do a very hard sell) the wine. I bought two bottles for neighbours back home.
Then, again to the coach where after another cramped hour, we disembarked to see 'the stars'. Again, this was very disappointing, as the 50-60 of us assembled got about 5 seconds to look through the telescope at Jupiter, Saturn and the Milky Way.
That was it.
Returning to our bus, I was informed that one of our drivers had managed to break a bottle of wine I'd bought at the restaurant/vineyard. He told me it was an accident (I'm sure it was), but I asked what would be done about this as it was certainly not 'my accident'.
A very obese old man in the back seat of our minibus started ranting at me 'just leave it I want to go home, it's so cramped in here'. In front of my very tired child (by now, it was around 12.30am). Obnoxious though he was, I told the tour op to forget it, as by then, we were all very tired and disappointed.
Just as we were about to leave, the tour guide flung the door of our van open and threw in 10euros, barking, "take it, I don't do that."
A silent hour passed and we were back at our hotel by around 1.30am. I awoke in my dream bed, hoping this had all been just a nightmare.
I am unsure who wrote these last few reviews or whether something went unusually wrong on our trip, but this is a very honest review of our experience.
Learn from our mistake: do the stargazing alone, without the meal - it is a total rip off. There are tours which offer this, in much smaller groups, or if you have a hire car, take that. The telescopes we were offered were not very strong at all, I think you'd be better off taking binoculars of your own, or else just looking at this beautiful sky in peace and quiet with the naked eye.
We booked this through Paulo at TravelSub Puerto Colon. At 85euros pp we expected something at least adequate. We were promised free flowing Champagne over looking the sunset, followed by a 5* 3 course dinner with yet more free flowing wine as advertised.
What followed was actually quite despicable.
We were collected for our hotel around 5.30pm. A two hour drive later, after stopping to collect others, we arrived at a vineyard Mt Tiede, where we were each given a tepid glass of cava while the sun set. No soft drink alternative for my son.
Another coachful of tourists arrived and we were all ushered into a tent, where we sat on plastic chairs around long tables and waited for our sumptuous, three course dinner.
We were served five 'courses', each accompanied by no more than one inch of wine from their vineyard, here detailed:
1. Two very small, very thin slices of cheese and a sliver of ham
2. A small bowl of shop bought chili sauce, the same of herb oil and a slice of bread
3. A dessert spoon full of boiled chick peas (I'm not kidding!) with lemon
4. One inch piece of very fatty stewed goat meat
5. One chicken drumstick and two baby potatoes
Every single person on our table was irritated, some complained, but I found myself joking about it as, for the most part our group had a shared sense of humour, which got us through the ordeal.
We are then ushered into the vineyard shop to buy (they do a very hard sell) the wine. I bought two bottles for neighbours back home.
Then, again to the coach where after another cramped hour, we disembarked to see 'the stars'. Again, this was very disappointing, as the 50-60 of us assembled got about 5 seconds to look through the telescope at Jupiter, Saturn and the Milky Way.
That was it.
Returning to our bus, I was informed that one of our drivers had managed to break a bottle of wine I'd bought at the restaurant/vineyard. He told me it was an accident (I'm sure it was), but I asked what would be done about this as it was certainly not 'my accident'.
A very obese old man in the back seat of our minibus started ranting at me 'just leave it I want to go home, it's so cramped in here'. In front of my very tired child (by now, it was around 12.30am). Obnoxious though he was, I told the tour op to forget it, as by then, we were all very tired and disappointed.
Just as we were about to leave, the tour guide flung the door of our van open and threw in 10euros, barking, "take it, I don't do that."
A silent hour passed and we were back at our hotel by around 1.30am. I awoke in my dream bed, hoping this had all been just a nightmare.
I am unsure who wrote these last few reviews or whether something went unusually wrong on our trip, but this is a very honest review of our experience.
Learn from our mistake: do the stargazing alone, without the meal - it is a total rip off. There are tours which offer this, in much smaller groups, or if you have a hire car, take that. The telescopes we were offered were not very strong at all, I think you'd be better off taking binoculars of your own, or else just looking at this beautiful sky in peace and quiet with the naked eye.
Written August 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil
Yes10 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
Being keen stargazers, we were very much looking forward to seeing the night sky in Tenerife as we had heard good things. My god how we were wrong…
Initially, the trip started well - we were picked up on time, taken to watch the sun set which was beautiful above the clouds on Mt Teide (although it did take over an hour to get there as the driver appeared to be lost!) – it was also only one glass of IMITATION champagne. After this, we were taken to a pitch-black forest (aware of the reasons for light pollution) but was told this was the final toilet break for the duration of the 6 hour trip. There was no toilet roll or tissue paper in the toilets so it was very unhygienic. We genuinely felt like it was a day out for some inmates at a prison – I think they’d prefer their cell to be honest.
Following this debacle, we were then told it was time for our delicious picnic that included Risotto – we were looking forward to this. However, we were provided with what can only be described as a congealed lump of lukewarm rice that I wouldn’t feed to the stray dog that was roaming around on the volcano. Lukewarm rice is VERY DANGEROUS and can cause serious food poisoning – don’t get defensive, it’s a fact and you need to discuss this with your caterers before someone falls seriously ill. At least then I suppose they may see remnants of a big bang, just not through a telescope. We were also provided with Coffee (a lady genuinely threw up on our table because of the taste – seriously!) and a ‘cookie’ that was just a bun covered in chocolate in a plastic wrapper. We were anticipating a romantic picnic with candles and some nice food – I’ve not been lied too that much since Theresa May said a BREXIT deal was within touching distance.
After this, we were taken to see the stars through the telescopes. Due to a full moon, we couldn't see much (not your fault). However, there were 24 people on our trip so in total during the 6-hour trip we were looking into a telescope for 2 minutes each – maximum. We did not see one single planet, even though Mars was visible in the night sky – the reason for not viewing Mars was because one of the guides thought ‘Mars is too boring’ – in total we looked at the following objects: Andromeda Galaxy, Moon, 2 x Star Clusters.
The worst thing about the trip was that the other 22 people on the trip were told the experience was a 3 course meal in an Italian restaurant under the stars. As you can imagine, they were very upset so our trip was just around people crying and complaining, many of them started shouting at the boss. There is another experience like this which a couple of guests in our hotel said was AMAZING and there IS an Italian Restaurant – I would suggest doing LOTS of research beforehand and finding an alternative provider for this trip.
Of course nothing is being looked into by you and you are very defensive on the phone (and expect you to be in your reply here) – we’re only trying to help you improve! We do not expect any refund from you as you appear to be happy with your service and what you are providing and this is how you make your money through high margins. It is a real shame as this was for my partners 30th birthday and it was just an awful experience. We had prepared ourselves for minimal comfort as we know it is winter and need darkness but the other people on our trip were even more shocked. I don't blame them as it is disgusting and of course they would be angry but as you can imagine no one on this particular group had a nice time.
I honestly have no idea how other people have given this pile of garbage five star reviews?? Were you even on the right trip or just blindfolded and gagged for the whole time?
I wish I could give ZERO stars for this review – almost as many we saw through a telescope…
Initially, the trip started well - we were picked up on time, taken to watch the sun set which was beautiful above the clouds on Mt Teide (although it did take over an hour to get there as the driver appeared to be lost!) – it was also only one glass of IMITATION champagne. After this, we were taken to a pitch-black forest (aware of the reasons for light pollution) but was told this was the final toilet break for the duration of the 6 hour trip. There was no toilet roll or tissue paper in the toilets so it was very unhygienic. We genuinely felt like it was a day out for some inmates at a prison – I think they’d prefer their cell to be honest.
Following this debacle, we were then told it was time for our delicious picnic that included Risotto – we were looking forward to this. However, we were provided with what can only be described as a congealed lump of lukewarm rice that I wouldn’t feed to the stray dog that was roaming around on the volcano. Lukewarm rice is VERY DANGEROUS and can cause serious food poisoning – don’t get defensive, it’s a fact and you need to discuss this with your caterers before someone falls seriously ill. At least then I suppose they may see remnants of a big bang, just not through a telescope. We were also provided with Coffee (a lady genuinely threw up on our table because of the taste – seriously!) and a ‘cookie’ that was just a bun covered in chocolate in a plastic wrapper. We were anticipating a romantic picnic with candles and some nice food – I’ve not been lied too that much since Theresa May said a BREXIT deal was within touching distance.
After this, we were taken to see the stars through the telescopes. Due to a full moon, we couldn't see much (not your fault). However, there were 24 people on our trip so in total during the 6-hour trip we were looking into a telescope for 2 minutes each – maximum. We did not see one single planet, even though Mars was visible in the night sky – the reason for not viewing Mars was because one of the guides thought ‘Mars is too boring’ – in total we looked at the following objects: Andromeda Galaxy, Moon, 2 x Star Clusters.
The worst thing about the trip was that the other 22 people on the trip were told the experience was a 3 course meal in an Italian restaurant under the stars. As you can imagine, they were very upset so our trip was just around people crying and complaining, many of them started shouting at the boss. There is another experience like this which a couple of guests in our hotel said was AMAZING and there IS an Italian Restaurant – I would suggest doing LOTS of research beforehand and finding an alternative provider for this trip.
Of course nothing is being looked into by you and you are very defensive on the phone (and expect you to be in your reply here) – we’re only trying to help you improve! We do not expect any refund from you as you appear to be happy with your service and what you are providing and this is how you make your money through high margins. It is a real shame as this was for my partners 30th birthday and it was just an awful experience. We had prepared ourselves for minimal comfort as we know it is winter and need darkness but the other people on our trip were even more shocked. I don't blame them as it is disgusting and of course they would be angry but as you can imagine no one on this particular group had a nice time.
I honestly have no idea how other people have given this pile of garbage five star reviews?? Were you even on the right trip or just blindfolded and gagged for the whole time?
I wish I could give ZERO stars for this review – almost as many we saw through a telescope…
Written January 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trev
Los Cristianos, Spain2 contributions
Worst excursion I’ve ever had the misfortune to go on ! When I complained, was promised a full refund ! They have since changed their minds , unprofessional ,terrible food ,disgusting toilets and a driver who struggled to find Mount Tiede, “ it’s quite big” terrible, don’t use !
Written January 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin O
Newbury, UK6 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
We did this trip on Friday 16th November. What a disappointment. The actual travelling was fine and the knowledge of the Leaders was outstanding. We watched the sun set at about 4000ft with a glass of Cava and were then given the meal. We had not been told it would be a picnic. We sat at benches in the woods when the weather was already cold, and the only light was a lantern. The meal was served with a glass of wine in individual plastic containers, and was pasta with a sauce. I did not find any meat in my portion. This was followed by a chocolate roll and coffee. To suggest that the meal is complimentary (see previous organiser's comments) is wrong, it's part of the package.
After the meal, we went higher up Teide for the Star Gazing. Whilst the sky was not particularly clear, 3 telescopes were set up. In order to use the eye piece you had to bend down and keep very still, which is very difficult when the temperature was very cold and you are over 70. I calculated that each individual on the trip had a maximum of 8 minutes actually using the telescopes, and this includes the one looking at the sunset. We were perhaps unfortunate that the group was a large one as the previous day's trip had had to be cancelled owing to poor weather.
To describe this as a luxurious trip is stretching it. All I got for our 75 euros each was a 5 hour trip, including just 8 minutes of actual telescope time and what was a very poor offering of a meal.
I only wish I had read other comments before I booked as I would not have gone.
After the meal, we went higher up Teide for the Star Gazing. Whilst the sky was not particularly clear, 3 telescopes were set up. In order to use the eye piece you had to bend down and keep very still, which is very difficult when the temperature was very cold and you are over 70. I calculated that each individual on the trip had a maximum of 8 minutes actually using the telescopes, and this includes the one looking at the sunset. We were perhaps unfortunate that the group was a large one as the previous day's trip had had to be cancelled owing to poor weather.
To describe this as a luxurious trip is stretching it. All I got for our 75 euros each was a 5 hour trip, including just 8 minutes of actual telescope time and what was a very poor offering of a meal.
I only wish I had read other comments before I booked as I would not have gone.
Written November 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there mobile hotspots available to rent?
When I traveled in South Korea, I found a shop at the airport to rent a mobile hotspot at the airport and return it when I left. I wanted to make sure something like that is available. I am American so I cannot pick one up in UK/EU beforehand.
Thanks in advance!
Written September 17, 2023
Also is there any good secret places to exsplore by car in tenerife with 3 teenagers, tganks
Written January 11, 2023
Hi am travelling to tenerife in August 2023 from the 21st for a week. I have hired a car for 4 days and want to do the cable car qnd night star gazing but dont want to book a tour guide, can anyone suggest can u buy tickets for cable car separate, tgznks
Written January 11, 2023
Hey going to tenerife 20 Dec to 28 Dec staying in mag ac hotel dunno wat package to get?is food and drinks cheap? Does everywhere open over xmas
Written August 2, 2022
Seen reviews about food and the darkness, can you bring your own food since it isnt in a restaurant and the food isnt to our liking from what we have read and is it ok for a child? Or to dangerous? (Been to Iceland to see Northern lights twice etc so is ok with darkness but worried about the woodland area etc) Thanks
Written July 15, 2019
Hello, I have a question about the picking points and the time.
We stay at a hotel in Los Cristianos, but we will be at Cuava del viento for a caving tour on the day we are planning to join your tour.
Q1. Can you pick us up from one of the other picking points which is closest to Cuava del viento, but take us back to Los Cristianos?
Q2. Which collecting point is the closest (the closest to the north) picking up points before we get to Teide? (Am I right it is one of the hotel in Gigantes?)
Q3. If your answer to Q1 is yes, by what time should we be the hotel of your answer in Q2? Our cave tour is supposed to finish by 16:30. We are thinking of hire a car to get to one of the picking points. It seems to take about an hour from Cuava del viento to Gigantes, but your suggestion on hiring a car would also be helpful.
Written July 8, 2018
Hello,
1. The closest pick up point would be Santiago Del Teide at 7.30pm. It’s 19 km from Cueva Del Viento so you can consider a taxi or local bus. No problem with us dropping you then to your hotel in Los Cristianos.
There are also nice restaurants in Santiago Del Teide.
2. If you hire a car best place to meet us would be Chio gas station around 7.35 and then follow our cars to observation spots.
3. You will be back in Los Cristianos around 1.30am
Written July 9, 2018
Hello, you can either call us on 0034602699629, through our web or fb page Travel Tenerife or via Viator.
Thank you
Regards
Travel Tenerife
Written April 23, 2018
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