Meet at Tenerife South Airport before a group transfer to Playa San Juan. Tonight, we'll have our first briefing and enjoy dinner together.

A perfect start to the walking week as we transfer (35mins) to the area of Masca located in the foothills of the spectacular Teno Massif. One of three volcanic formations that make up Tenerife, the area of Teno is a dramatic landscape containing the spectacular high cliffs of Los Gigantes and the hidden village of Masca (650m). We'll have time to briefly explore the village of Masca dramatically perched on the mountainside and a legendary pirate hideaway. With its abandoned houses and atmospheric location, the picturesque village centre is a great place to start our walk through the Masca Gorge. Surrounded by spectacular steep walls, the walking trail follows a small stream and descends directly to the sea. There will be plenty of opportunities to take photographs and admire the gorge along the trail before arriving at the beach. We'll picnic on the beach and soak up the amazing scenery before making the return journey up the gorge. After a great day of walking we make our way back to our accommodation.

Please note: at times the gorge is closed due to weather on these occasions an alternative walk along the Teno Massif to Teno Lighthouse will be offered

Today we enjoy a circular walk leading to the top of Tenerife's third highest peak, Guajara. We begin with a short transfer to the Parador Nacional de Las Canadas. From here we can see the impressive rock face of Guajara rising steeply before us. We follow a winding, rocky path, crossing several fields of scree on our way up to the summit plateau where we will find the ruins of the world's first observatory. We can spend some time enjoy the views over Mount Teide, the caldera and (cloud permitting) all the way to the neighbouring islands of Gran Canaria and La Gomera, before continuing back down to the Parador by an alternative route. Afterwards we transfer back to Playa San Juan for a third night.

After breakfast we transfer (90mins) to the Teide National Park to reach the lower station of the Mount Teide Cable Car (2356m) from here we ride the cable car to the upper station at 3555m. From the cable car station we ascend the last 200m on foot following the Telesforo Bravo Trail to the crater of Mt Teide (3718m). On clear days, it is possible to spot not only the neighbouring islands of Gran Canaria and La Gomera, but also as far as La Palma and El Hierro. After enjoying time on the top, we start the journey down through the superb landscape of the national park. Parque Nacional de las Canadas Del Teide, declared a national park in 1954 and added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2007, offers one of the most diverse eco-systems in the world. We will walk past a wealth of unique geological treasures including volcanoes, craters, vents and lava flows. The trail descends through an amazing lunar landscape bursting with a kaleidoscope of shapes and colours.

On reaching the road, we transfer to La Laguna, one of the most beautiful towns on the island and a UNESCO world heritage site. La Laguna was the first city established on the Canary Islands in 1494 and has a beautiful old centre with pastel-coloured mansions, grand palaces, a superb cathedral and a fantastic labyrinth of winding streets. The whole town has a wonderful feel and we recommend wandering down the atmospheric streets or people watching from one of the many pavement cafes. In the evening we'll enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.

Today is free for you to relax after the ascent of Teide. The UNESCO World Heritage town of San Cristobal de La Laguna is described as the most beautiful town on Tenerife as it sits in the middle of the Aguere Valley. Here you'll find a real gem with narrow streets, grand mansions, beautiful architecture and a historic centre. The main street of Calle San Augustin is a pedestrian area and home to narrow streets and almost hidden from view cafes. Until 1723 it was the islands' capital, whilst today it's the cultural and religious capital. The town is home to San Fernando University and the Bishop's Palace, plus an abundance of stunning architecture. You'll discover palaces and traditional houses from the 17th and 18th century. Important buildings include La Laguna's Cathedral, Saint Dominic's Church and the Church of Our Lady. The cathedral was started in 1904 and took 9 years to complete. Today it is the most important church in the Canary Islands and the mother church of the diocese, which includes La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. The History Museum of Tenerife (Tues - Sat: 9am - 6pm Entrance 5 Euros) sits in a beautiful building dating from the 16th century. Built by the wealthy Lercaro family from Genoa, the museum is dedicated to Tenerife's history from the 15th century to the present. The best way to get a feel for La Laguna is to find a pavement café and people watch before losing yourself in its back streets.

Alternatively why not visit the contrasting north coast of Tenerife. Just hop on one of the direct public buses travelling from Santa Cruz to Puerto de la Cruz. The journey takes just over an hour to Puerto de la Cruz, which has been welcoming tourists since the 19th century. Once a holiday favourite of Victorian ladies, today it's the most popular northern town but remains Canarian in character. You'll discover a charming port and harbour, pockets of traditional architecture and a dramatic Teide backdrop. There is an abundance of restaurants and bustling pavement cafes, which makes it a favourite with locals too. Due to its position, Puerto de la Cruz receives less rain and more sunshine than the rest of the north, and the result is a wide variety of lush vegetation. Plaza Charco is the heart of the community and known for its Indian laurel trees, tall Canarian palms, pavement cafes and restaurants. If you want to walk in the footsteps of Agatha Christie, Sitio Litre orchid garden is absolutely stunning. Once an 18th century mansion and garden, it is now open to the public and includes over 300 different species of orchids plus bougainvilla, hibiscus, fir and an ancient dragon tree.

This morning we start by driving (45mins) to Punta Del Carmen nestled in the lush area of Anaga. The contrast between the area of Teide and this coast of Tenerife is outstanding. The protected Anaga Mountains could be a scene straight out of Jurassic Park, complete with atmospheric dragon trees and beautiful areas of laurel which provide amazing canopies to walk under. Anaga is an area of outstanding natural beauty and consists of wild coastlines, deep ravines, rich forest and hamlets located on suspended such dramatic ridges that it's hard to believe anyone still lives there. Largely unexplored, this is an area famed for its beautiful laurel trees and spectacular coastal walking. Our trail today starts in the area of Punta Del Carmen before we descend through a beautiful landscape of rich vegetation which leads down to La Punta. Along the way we'll be rewarded with breath-taking coastal views, and learn about the ancient guanches. Still a great mystery, the original inhabitants of the Canary Islands were rumoured to be highly beautiful, tall and muscular, but little is known of their true origins. Our walk finishes in the small port of La Punta and after having a brief look around, a short transfer (30mins) sees us head to Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife. With its brightly painted buildings, buzzing harbour, museums and traditional restaurants, Santa Cruz is a great place to spend our final two nights.

After breakfast we transfer (40mins) to Chamorga to enjoy a second day of spectacular walking in the area of Anaga. Today's trail takes us through amazing thermophilic forest, a superb transitional zone with laurel forests on north-facing slopes and pines on southern ones. We'll also be walking in one of the most fertile valleys on Tenerife, an area where mango, avocado and papaya all grow in abundance. After Chamorga we ascend up the valley to the old abandoned hill town of Las Casillas (600m). Located on a spectacular ridge, Las Casillas offers some lovely examples of old rural architecture and superb views of the surrounding valleys. From here we make our way down to the ravine of Antequera, where if we are lucky we may spot some Anaga goats on our way to the beach. Today we'll enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach before boarding a boat back to Santa Cruz. This evening we'll meet up and enjoy a final dinner together and round off an unforgettable week.

*Food for thought: Tenerife has five major grape growing regions and wine is a staple on all dining tables. The island is home to the highest elevated vineyards in Europe and the largest wine producer in the seven Canary Islands. Rumour has it that there are enough grape varieties in the Canaries to keep the wine experts of the world busy for a very long time. The famed Suertes wines are made from vines planted on steep volcanic slopes. The reds are spicy peppery, whilst whites are brimming with flavours of herbs. Listan Blanco and Listan Negro are Tenerife's principal grapes and are both full bodied and definitely worth a try. When out in local restaurants don't hesitate to order the house wine. It may be stored in vats and siphoned off into an empty bottle or decanter, but don't let the rustic vessels put you off. You can order a litre, half, quarter or even just a glass to try. Ron miel or honey rum is a must try. Best served with ice, it is often enjoyed at the end of the meal. It's sweet, easy to drink and a nice way to end a meal. Due to the Canary Islands' links to South America and Cuba, a mojito is the island's favourite cocktail. Even if you wouldn't chose this at home, it's surprising how this zingy mix of rum, soda, lime juice sugar and mint is a perfect aperitif when on holiday.

Departure day. After a leisurely breakfast, there will be time to have a stroll and buy a few items for lunch to have once you arrive at the airport. Alternatively Tenerife South has good facilities including plenty of cafes, shops and restaurants. There will be a single timed transfer back to Tenerife South Airport in the early afternoon.