We booked a day out with Gregory - (TenerifeHost ) to do the Masca - Southwest -Teide tour. Sent him a message as per the clear website instructions and had a reply back within 5 minutes. Gregory called with all details of available options - bus tour vs private tour. He was polite, informative and very sure of the instructions he gave. No hesitation whatsoever. He sent me an email within a couple of minutes confirming the discussion on the phone regarding the options discussed and quote for cost of both trip options.
As soon as I emailed him my choice, I had confirmation about the vehicle and pickup times and payment details/ invoice. Payment was simple via a link ( Paypal/ card options). Confirmation of trip voucher followed within 5 minutes.
Gregory picked us up in a 9 seater minibus ( for 4 of us) so plenty of space for jackets etc making the trip very comfortable. He arrived prompt at 10.15 am and we warmed to his manner immediately. Always courteous, great sense of humor and nothing -is-ever-too-much attitude. Felt safe and in capable company at once.
Then began one of the most amazing days of our trip. We set off for Los Gigantes via los Christianos, las Americas, Costa Adeje with Gregory coming into his form. He spoke about all the history of the island, it’s people the change over the times, it’s economy, peoples, animals, plants, water supply, lifestyles, island weather all along the journey as we passed the relevant areas on the drive. Like an encyclopedia giving us information on everything we were seeing on the way and it’s relevance, without making it like a school lesson. My teenage kids, who normally are glued to their phones on most trips, did not actually use them once!!!! Speaks for itself.
We reached los Gigantes, and Gregory took us through the history/ geology behind these magnificent cliffs, and the the types of whales and dolphins in the waters below. He then helped us take some wicked photos, and we saw the photographer side to his personality. He had toured with a National Geographic photographer for 10 days on the island and picked up enough knowledge to help us take some stunning photos, usually volunteering to take the pics at all the scenic spots.
From there we went onto Santiago Del Teide stopping at several scenic spots on the way for some great pictures.
Then on to Masca...on a most scenic but dangerous mountainous route, which he navigated effortlessly and safely. He stopped at various spots on the way to show us views that would be impossible to get on a bus tour, displaying his depth of knowledge of the whole area. Interestingly, these were all different to the regular tourist photo spots. Masca was a short stop with the local history of the pirates and stories of the Guanches and their lives from several hundred years ago and how the survivors became farmers eventually.
Onwards through the Teno Park and over / around the Teno volcano, Macizo de Teno, Beuna Vista del Norte instructions he gave. No hesitation whatsoever. He sent me an email within a couple of minutes confirming the discussion on the phone regarding the options discussed and quote for cost of both trip options.
As soon as I emailed him my choice, I had confirmation about the vehicle and pickup times and payment details/ invoice. Payment was simple via a link ( Paypal/ card options). Confirmation of trip voucher followed within 5 minutes.
Gregory picked us up in a 9 seater minibus ( for 4 of us) so plenty of space for jackets etc making the trip very comfortable. He arrived prompt at 10.15 am and we warmed to his manner immediately. Always courteous, great sense of humor and nothing -is-ever-too-much attitude. Felt safe and in capable company at once.
Then began one of the most amazing days of our trip. We set off for Los Gigantes via los Christianos, las Americas, Costa Adeje with Gregory coming into his form. He spoke about all the history of the island, it’s people the change over the times, it’s economy, peoples, animals, plants, water supply, lifestyles, island weather all along the journey as we passed the relevant areas on the drive. Like an encyclopedia giving us information on everything we were seeing on the way and it’s relevance, without making it like a school lesson. My teenage kids, who normally are glued to their phones on most trips, did not actually use them once!!!! Speaks for itself.
We reached los Gigantes, and Gregory took us through the history/ geology behind these magnificent cliffs, and the the types of whales and dolphins in the waters below. He then helped us take some wicked photos, and we saw the photographer side to his personality. He had toured with a National Geographic photographer for 10 days on the island and picked up enough knowledge to help us take some stunning photos, usually volunteering to take the pics at all the scenic spots.
From there we went onto Santiago Del Teide stopping at several scenic spots on the way for some great pictures.
Then on to Masca...on a most scenic but dangerous mountainous route, which he navigated effortlessly and safely. He stopped at various spots on the way to show us views that would be impossible to get on a bus tour, displaying his depth of knowledge of the whole area. Interestingly, these were all different to the regular tourist photo spots. Masca was a short stop with the local history of the pirates and stories of the Guanches and their lives from several hundred years ago and how the survivors became farmers eventually.
Onwards through the Teno Park and over / around the Teno volcano, Macizo de Teno, Beuna Vista del Norte until we came to a a restaurant called Brisas-de-Teno. What a hidden jewel...lunch cooked fresh - local delicacies- squid, prawn, fish, rabbit, Goat, potatoes, all cooked to perfection. Sangria to with it all😋😋😋. Topped by the coffee at the end ...Barraquito made of coffee/liqueur 43/ cream / and condensed milk!!
(Photos attached)
With stomachs full, we headed onto Garachico- nature’s jacuzzi!! Huge waves making the sea white as we watched in awe! Then through the town and it’s little streets where Gregory stopped and took us to a little store that still does hand rolled cigars only available here- and inexpensive!! Revelation that South America was introduced to cigars by migrants from The Canaries who introduced the plant from here to South America.
Moved on to see the Dragon Tree 🌳 next which is a well know tourist attraction locally.
From there for the surprise of a complementary wine tasting session that Gregory had arranged for us at the - Musco de Malvasia- in Icod de Los Vinos. We bought some really nice local wine here
we then headed for the crowning glory of the day - Teide by Twilight. There is no other time to see the Teide volcano 🌋 and Park. The golden setting sun and its colors are burnt into our memories like no other. It felt like we were on a different planet. We were keen to see Teide at the beginning of the tour but so glad we took Gregory’s advice and left it to the end!! And then there was sunset at Teide!!
Then back home to San Blas. It was an unforgettable day.
We would all like to thank Gregory for making this so special for us. And for being our ‘photographer ‘. He went out of the way to ensure our comfort and safety. Graciously catered to our every whim...we had to reach Teide by 8.22 pm to see the sunset there!!! And he made it all possible with a smile. Never rushed and yet making sure we made it on time. Dropped us back to the hotel just before 10 pm. Was along but Simply fab day out. One of the best private tours we have ever done. Would recommend highly without hesitation.
Absolutely no downside or negatives!!! (Which is unusual for me in a review)
Good luck with your future ventures Greg. And thank you again.