Gran Canaria Highlights Private Tour VIP

Gran Canaria’s interior feels like another planet. This private VIP day trip sends you far from the resort strip to see dune views, volcanic viewpoints, and old towns from the hills above. I love how it’s structured for maximum variety in one day, and it still feels relaxed thanks to smart pacing with your guide.

Two big things I like: you get real inland contrast (dunes, caldera views, and historic village stops) without spending all day commuting on your own, and the food plan is worth it—local cheese, mojo sauce, honey rum, plus a tapas lunch with a drink.

One thing to consider: the roads are steep, twisty, and sometimes bumpy, so motion sickness is a real possibility. If that’s you, bring a remedy and expect a slower, careful ride during the mountain climbs.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Private VIP format for up to 7 people so you can ask questions and adjust pacing with your guide
• Inland views that escape the crowds with multiple viewpoints and mountain-town stops
• Roque Nublo area plus Tejeda caldera viewpoints for classic high-country Gran Canaria scenery
• Canarian tastings built into the route: cheese, mojo sauce, honey rum, and regional wine options
• Tapas lunch included around 14:00 (2 typical tapas pieces + beer or soft drink)
• Comfort tips that matter: temperature can swing—pack light for heat and warm for altitude

Why this VIP day trip is a smart use of your time

If you only have a short stay on Gran Canaria, it’s easy to base yourself around the big beach zones and miss the island’s core personality. This tour is designed to fix that. You spend the day moving through the interior, not just parking at a single viewpoint.

What makes it work is the rhythm: pickup, a guide who keeps the story moving, regular short stops (not endless bus time with nothing to see), and time to photograph each scene. You’re also not trapped in a huge crowd. The private setup (up to 7 people) keeps things calmer on the narrow mountain roads.

The other reason I’d pick this is the way it blends scenery with food and local culture. You’ll sample things you can’t easily replicate at home—like local cheese paired with mojo sauce, plus honey rum. And lunch lands at a predictable time, around 14:00, when you can actually sit, eat, and recharge.

Pickup, timing, and how the day actually flows

The tour starts at 8:30 am with hotel pickup. The meeting instruction is simple: you’ll be welcomed on board. From there, you’re on the road most of the morning and then deeper into the interior for the rest of the day.

A couple timing points are built in and useful for planning:

• A coffee break around 10:45 am
• Lunch around 14:00 with 2 typical tapas pieces plus a beer or soft drink

You’ll see several stops with scheduled time windows—from 10 minutes at a viewpoint to about 30 minutes in a town. The format is short-and-sweet on purpose: it lets you cover more of the island than a “one attraction” day trip.

And because it’s a private tour, you’re not stuck with an inflexible line. Many guests praise the flexibility to reduce walking if needed. Just keep in mind the stops are still real stops outdoors, in mountain air, with uneven terrain at some overlooks.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

It costs $665.15 per group (up to 7). On the surface, that’s not cheap. But when you break it down by what’s included, the value starts making sense.

You’re paying for:

• A professional guide for the full day
• Hotel pickup and all-day transportation
• Bottled water
• Food and drink: cheese + mojo sauce + honey rum tastings, and a tapas lunch (2 pieces + beverage)
• A day designed to hit multiple interior highlights instead of just one area

For families or couples who would otherwise hire taxis or rent a car for a full day, the math can look different fast. And if you’re set on seeing places like Tejeda, Roque Nublo viewpoints, and historic village centers without spending your vacation doing navigation, this becomes more of a convenience deal than a budget one.

Think of it like this: you’re buying time, local context, and a planned route. You’re not just buying a ride.

The mountain drive: stunning views, with one key caution

You’ll spend time on roads that twist through the island’s interior. Multiple guests mention windy conditions and motion sickness risk. Some say the roads are steep and bumpy, and others emphasize that the driver is careful—but the physics still exist.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, do not ignore this. Pack what helps you (ginger, medication, or whatever works for you). Also, bring a layer. Even if it feels warm in the morning, altitude can cool you down fast.

The good news: because the tour is small and the guide keeps stops timed, you’re not stuck sitting on the bus for long stretches with nothing happening. In many mountain-day tours, that’s what kills the experience. Here, it’s managed better.

Mirador de las Dunas: the dunes viewpoint that feels like a movie set

The first highlight is Mirador de las Dunas, often described as a “moon walk” kind of view. You get about 20 minutes at a viewpoint with big dune scenery. The area is all about scale: you can stand back and take in how the landscape changes from rocky edges to sand-like forms.

Because the time is short, you can enjoy the view without it turning into a hike. You’ll want a camera ready, because it’s one of those early stops that sets the tone: Gran Canaria isn’t only beach and cliffs—it has dramatic, desert-like texture too.

One practical note: viewpoints can be breezy. Bring that light outer layer even on a warm day.

Mirador Degollada de la Yegua: volcanic history in one quiet stop

Next is Mirador Degollada de La Yegua, with about 10 minutes. This is a smaller stop, but the payoff is the story your guide tells about former volcanic activity.

The viewpoint works best if you’re the type who likes to connect the dots—how the island was formed and why the terrain looks the way it does. Even if you’re just there for photos, the volcanic angles and natural lines make it photogenic.

This stop is short by design. It breaks up the travel time and keeps the day moving.

Fataga: a charming old town break that slows the pace

Then you hit Fataga, one of the most atmospheric village-style stops: about 30 minutes in an old-town setting. You’ll get time to wander, take photos, and absorb the local feel.

This is where the tour becomes more than scenery. You’re not just looking out; you’re also stepping into a place with older architecture and a quieter mood than the coastal areas.

If you’re shopping for small gifts, this kind of town stop is often where you’ll find the most interesting locally made items. Keep expectations realistic: it’s not a huge market. It’s a village pause.

San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Tunte, and the taste of the region

At San Bartolomé de Tirajana, you’ll have a viewpoint segment that includes a look toward Ansite, described as the last rock citadel of the Guanches. This ties the landscape to people and time, not just geology.

Then the stop expands in a smart way at Tunte, which is presented as a known wine area. Here you’ll get:

• Wine tasting options like verijadiego or malvasia
• Or a typical Canarian coffee experience called barraquito

This part is a highlight for food and drink lovers, because it’s not just a snack stop. You’re learning what the region tastes like and getting a chance to try it on-site.

Also, it’s timed so you’re not starving during the ride. If you tend to run low energy early, this is helpful.

Pico de las Nieves and Roque Nublo: classic Gran Canaria icon views

Pico de las Nieves is next, with about 30 minutes, and it includes an easy walk plus a photo session connected to Roque Nublo.

Roque Nublo is one of those island symbols you’ve likely seen on posters or postcards. Up close, it’s even more dramatic. The combination here—easy walking, open viewpoints, and photo time—makes it accessible even if you don’t want a strenuous hike.

The upside: this is one of the best “stretch your legs” moments of the day, so you don’t feel boxed into the bus. The downside: it still counts as an outdoor stop, so comfortable shoes and a light layer matter.

Cruz de Tejeda: the geographical middle point view stop

At Cruz de Tejeda, you get about 15 minutes. It’s described as the island’s geographical middle point, and the payoff is the viewpoint over the Caldera de Tejeda and Roque Bentayga.

Short stops like this are great because they’re efficient. You’ll get the big panorama without losing half the afternoon. It’s a “look up, take it in, and move on” kind of place.

This is also where your guide’s explanations help. When you know what you’re looking at—the caldera shape, the surrounding rock outcrops—the view becomes more than a pretty background.

Teror: a historic town with a real cultural anchor

Finally, you reach Teror with about 30 minutes. Teror is presented as one of the best-known Canary towns, with former colonial-style architecture and the Basilica of Our Lady in Pine.

This is the stop that feels most like a living town rather than a timed viewpoint. You can wander, slow down, and enjoy the religious and architectural atmosphere.

If you like taking one “cultural anchor” stop late in the day, Teror fits that role. It’s a calm finale compared with the more dramatic high-mountain scenes.

Food and drink: tastings that actually feel local

One of the tour’s strongest selling points is that the food isn’t an add-on. It’s part of the route.

You’ll have tastings along the way that include:

• Local cheese
• Mojo sauce
• Honey rum

Then lunch provides:

• 2 typical Canarian tapas pieces
• Beer or a soft drink

And earlier in the day at the wine region stop, you can add wine samples (verijadiego or malvasia) and the coffee style barraquito.

What I like about this is the balance. You’re not just getting one kind of food at one time. You taste across categories—savory (cheese and mojo), sweet-spirit (honey rum), and then a proper lunch.

If you prefer vegetarian options, one review specifically mentioned vegetarian tapas being provided, so this is something you can ask about if that matters to you.

Your guide matters: Simon Tours’ reputation in practice

In the reviews, the guide name that shows up most is Simon, with strong mentions of another guide: Samuel. The consistent praise is about storytelling plus practical guidance—short breaks, good timing, and humor that keeps the bus ride from becoming background noise.

It’s not only facts. It’s the way the guide connects each stop:

• volcanic formation ideas at viewpoints
• local identity linked to architecture and towns
• island pride explained through personal examples

You’ll also hear help on pacing, especially if you want to avoid lots of walking. That flexibility shows up as a practical benefit, not just a comfort feature.

What to pack so the day stays pleasant

Because this tour moves through altitude and weather can change, pack with the mountain in mind. One of the best practical tips included is to bring two sets of clothing:

• light clothes for warmer temps around 25°C
• a light warmer layer for rain and cold

Even if you start the day in sunshine, don’t assume it stays that way up high. Also consider:

• a layer for breezy viewpoints
• shoes that can handle uneven ground
• something for motion sickness if you’re sensitive

Also, plan to buy small souvenirs if you want. Several stops include short shopping time, and Teror and the village-like areas are often where you’ll find the most meaningful items.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if you want:

• an overview of the interior in one day
• classic high-country stops like Roque Nublo and Tejeda views
• real local food: cheese, mojo sauce, honey rum, plus tapas lunch
• a private setting where the guide can tailor pacing a bit

It’s less ideal if you:

• strongly dislike windy, steep, twisty roads
• need a very short day with minimal movement
• travel with very young kids who struggle with long road days (one review specifically warned it may not suit very young children)

Should you book the Gran Canaria Highlights Private Tour VIP?

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants Gran Canaria to feel like more than a beach holiday, I think this is an easy yes. The route hits the interior in a way that feels efficient without turning rushed. The tastings and tapas lunch are also genuinely part of the experience, not just a token stop.

Book it if you’re comfortable with mountain roads and you’ll dress for temperature swings. If motion sickness is a concern, bring a plan. And if you want the calm of a small private group with a guide who can explain what you’re seeing, this tour is built for exactly that.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and where you’re staying (Las Palmas, Maspalomas, Puerto Rico, etc.). I’ll suggest a simple morning strategy and what to prioritize so the route fits your pace.

FAQ

How long is the Gran Canaria Highlights Private Tour VIP?

It runs about 9 hours.

How many people is the private group limited to?

It’s a private tour for your group, up to 7 people.

Do you get hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup is included.

What language is the tour guide?

The tour is offered in English.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a tapas meal with 2 typical tapas pieces plus beer or soft drink.

What tastings are included during the day?

You’ll sample local cheese, mojo sauce, and honey rum.

Are the viewpoint stops ticketed?

The listed mirador and viewpoint stops show admission ticket free.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

What if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.