Discovering STEM in the Canary Islands

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Thursday June 27: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday June 28: Madrid

Bienvenidos a España! Upon your arrival in Madrid, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin exploring Spain's elegant and culturally significant capital city. Perhaps enjoy a classic Madrid treat such aschurros y chocolate as you stroll through its bustling streets. (D)

Day 3, Saturday June 29: Madrid

Madrid's rich heritage comes alive during your guided sightseeing tour of classic Spanish boulevards, grand plazas, and the diverse architecture of modern-day Madrid. Highlights include the Plaza de España, with its statue of Don Quixote; the majestic Alcalá Gate; and the famous Las Ventas bullring. Then visit the magnificent Prado, one of the world's premier art museums, where you'll skip the lines with a timed reservation. Here, an expert provides illuminating commentary about the artwork of masters such as Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Even the 18th-century Neo-Classical building that houses the collection is stunning. Later today visit the Royal Palace with audio guides. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday June 30: La Palma

Begin the day with a morning flight to La Palma, the fifth-largest of the volcanic Canary Islands, situated 60 miles off the coast of Morocco. The archipelago is famous for its towering mountains, diverse microclimates and unbeatable stargazing. Upon arrival, take a walking tour along the cobblestone streets of the island's historic capital city, Santa Cruz de La Palma, led by your tour manager. enjoy a private stargazing experience led by a qualified expert guide who will help you to recognize the most popular constellations and stars. Your visual trek through the heavens and study of the skies uses small telescopes and will illuminate why this spot, named a Starlight Reserve, is ranked as the second-best place in the world for celestial gazing. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday July 1: La Palma

This morning you'll visit the fascinating Roque de Los Muchachos Astrophysics Observatory and its interpretation center, 7,874 feet above sea level. The observatory houses some of the world's most powerful telescopes because its location features unusually clear and dark skies, devoid of light pollution. Free time for lunch and then visit to one of the natural pools to enjoy a swim. Complete the day with a brief visit to the capital Santa Cruz de La Palma + free time. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday July 2: Tenerife

Today starts off with a flight to Tenerife. It's the largest of the Canary Islands, teeming with topographical marvels and exotic plants and animals. The island's unique geology results in a wealth of biodiversity and a range of landscapes—from volcanic desert to lush forests, to both black volcanic sand and white sand beaches—all within a relatively small space. After arriving and settling into your hotel, you'll head to one of these stunning beaches for some relaxing downtime. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday July 3: Tenerife

This morning starts with a visit Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site named after Mt. Teide, a towering stratovolcano that's the tallest peak in Spain (12,198 feet). A local guide takes you through the park's other-worldly landscapes and explains its unique and complex volcanic ecosystems. The park's wealth of flora and fauna includes several unique animal species found nowhere else in the world. Then Enjoy a boat ride and snorkelling excursion during which you can view some of the impressive sea life up close. Keep an eye out for the abundant sea turtles that ply the waters around Tenerife. Visit to the stunning Los Gigantes cliffs, which rise from the sea nearly 2,000 feet high. Learn about how geological shifts and erosion have shaped the cliffs you see today. At their base, the 100-foot-deep waters shelter a fascinating array of marine life, attracting both divers and deep-sea-fishing enthusiasts. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday July 4: Madrid

This morning starts with a tour of Finca Las Margaritas, a banana plantation, through which a local guide will provide interesting insights into the southern part of the island's culture, economics, cultivation technology and agriculture. Along the way, you'll get to sample a fresh plátano! Then head to La Laguna for a guide visit and enjoy a typical food from the canary islands. Tonight, Savor your final sunset of this unforgettable Spanish STEM experience. Tonight, fly back to Madrid and stay near the airport for your flight home tomorrow. (B,L)

Day 9, Friday July 5: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)