The Canary Islands & Astronomy

Overnight flight from the USA to La Palma Airport in the Canary Islands.

Arrival in La Palma, transfer to Hotel. Orientation & Welcome Dinner. Hacienda de Abajo. (4 Nights)

Visit Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory, renowned for its state-of-the-art optical and infrared astronomy. Located on the rim of the Taburiente National Park, at 7,860 feet above sea level it boasts one of the largest arrays of telescopes in the world. This observatory enjoys exceptional conditions for astronomical research, for this reason, it continues to attract giant telescopes of the future, as well as the new generation of Cherenkov telescopes, designed to study the Universe with very high energy gamma rays. The site currently hosts the 10.4 meter Gran Telescopio CANARIAS or GTC, the largest optical- infrared telescope in the world, along with twenty other telescopes and instruments for various kinds of studies, including nocturnal observations, robotic observations, solar physics, and astrophysics.

Spend the morning exploring Los Llanos de Aridane and its charming old town, rich with traditional Canarian style low houses, colorful market, and the beautiful Antonio Felipe Gómez Park. Continue to La Cumbrecita viewpoint for a spectacular panoramic view and walk in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. In the natural environment of Fuencaliente Salt Works, enjoy an astronomic photography workshop. With expert guides and photographers, take unforgettable photos of the starry skies of La Palma. Camaraderie, stars, and astronomy will be the hallmarks of our night.

Visit a unique winery excavated in the interior of a volcanic cone. Enjoy an unforgettable wine tasting followed by lunch of traditional Canarian dishes. City tour of the historical city. Later sail on the crystalline waters of the Atlantic Ocean to look for the cetaceans, dolphins, whales (including blue whales,) that habit the waters of the archipelago. See the coastal landscapes and watch the sunset followed by magnificent stargazing.

Morning flight from La Palma to Tenerife and transfer to Hotel Spa Villalba. The hotel is within walking distance from the traditional village of Vilaflor. Afternoon at leisure. Stay at the Hotel Spa Villalba. (4 Nights)

Today visit the Teide Observatory at 7,840 feet above sea level. The first telescope on the site was set up by the University of Bordeaux in 1964 and was used to carry out studies of the zodiacal light. The Observatory’s geographical location (midway between the solar observatories of the east and west), combined with the excellent quality of the sky for astronomy, led to Teide Observatory being dedicated mainly to the study of the sun. Therefore, the site hosts the best European solar telescopes such as the 1.5-meter diameter GREGOR and is scheduled to be the future home of the European Solar Telescope (EST), with its 4-meter diameter mirror. The observatory is also home to several nocturnal telescopes including the newly built 2019 1- meter SPECULOOS-North telescope, part of a network of telescopes with the mission of searching for exoplanets.

Visit Teide National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site where we will be welcomed by specialized guides. With the cable car station exclusive for us take the car up to the top of the volcano and walk along volcanic rock trails. Then see the sunset from this magical enclave. Upon returning to the station we will have dinner. Lastly, see the stars with amateur telescopes in one of the most impressive skies in the world.

Explore Tenerife’s incredible volcanic landscapes, rugged nature, and beautiful coastlines. During our visit, enjoy opportunities to explore small towns and taste the local cuisine.

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for flights to the USA or proceed on an extension to Morocco. Tour the north of Morocco at Chefchaouen and Casablanca.

(The Blue City) and Casablanca, Morocco. (3 Nights)