6-Hour Tour with Observation of the Stars 1242 with Lunch

My review of this 6-Hour Tour with Observation of the Stars 1242 with Lunch offers an authentic look at what could be one of the most memorable evenings you’ll spend in Tenerife. This experience promises a blend of natural beauty, local delights, and awe-inspiring night skies, making it ideal for anyone looking to combine scenic vistas, good food, and a touch of cosmic wonder.

What initially caught my eye is the tour’s focus on small-group intimacy—maximizing personalized attention from guides and astronomers—paired with stops at impressive viewpoints like El Pino Gordo and Mirador El Retamar. Two things I particularly love are the opportunity to enjoy Tenerife’s best sunset with a glass of wine and the professional astronomers who make stargazing accessible and engaging. A potential consideration is that the tour can sometimes be joined with other groups, which might slightly reduce the perception of a “true” small-group experience, as some reviews note. Still, the overall vibe seems friendly, informative, and well-organized, especially given the high praise from past travelers.

Key points / Takeaways

• Intimate Small Groups: With a maximum of 8 travelers, you’ll likely get personalized attention, though some reviews mention larger group mixes.
• Stunning Vista and Sunset: At Mirador El Retamar, you’ll witness a sunset from 2100 meters above sea level, paired with a glass of wine.
• Professional Astronomers & Equipment: The stargazing uses 12-inch Dobsonian telescopes and real-time astrophotography, making distant galaxies feel surprisingly close.
• Authentic Local Experiences: Organic wine tasting with homemade tapas at Finca Tres Roques offers a genuine taste of Tenerife’s culinary side.
• Flexible Booking & Weather Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with options for rescheduling or full refunds if weather cancels the sky viewing.
• Unique Photo Opportunities: From the giant pine tree to sunset and starry skies, the tour offers plenty of memorable photo moments.

Exploring Tenerife’s Natural Splendor and Cosmic Wonders

If you’re in Tenerife and love the idea of combining stunning scenery with a touch of cosmic magic, this tour could be just right. It kicks off with a quick visit to El Pino Gordo, the world’s largest pine in the Canary Islands, estimated to be between 700 and 800 years old. This short stop is perfect for snapping a quick photo of a living piece of history, giving you a taste of the island’s natural grandeur early on.

Next, you’ll head to Mirador El Retamar, at an altitude of 2100 meters. Here, the tour shines—literally. You’ll start with solar observation, using Coronado H-Alpha telescopes to view the sun safely, followed by a sunset that’s considered one of the best in Tenerife. The wine flows alongside, making the experience leisurely and enjoyable. One reviewer praises the “best sunset in Tenerife”, noting that it’s a beautiful moment to soak in the landscape with a chilled glass in hand.

Once the sun has set, the focus shifts to the night sky. The astronomers will introduce you to the three best skies in the world for stargazing—a bold claim that many agree with once they see the clarity and darkness of Tenerife’s skies. Using 12-inch Dobsonian telescopes, they capture distant galaxies and deep-space objects live on camera, making the cosmos feel surprisingly close. The opportunity to see real-time astrophotography is a highlight, especially for those interested in space or photography.

The final part of the tour is a wine tasting with homemade tapas at the Finca Tres Roques restaurant. The organic wines paired with local-style bites give a satisfying end to this multi-sensory experience. Past reviews mention the tasty tapas and excellent wine, which add a local flavor to the evening and make the whole outing feel authentic and relaxed.

The Practicalities: Logistics and Value

The price of $75 for this 6-hour adventure seems fair considering what’s included—transportation, stops, telescopic star viewing, wine tasting, and a multi-course experience. The tour’s small group size (up to 8 travelers) enhances the personalized feel, though some reviews note it can be mixed with other groups, so it’s not always strictly a small-group exclusive. Still, guides and astronomers are praised for their professionalism and friendliness.

The tour offers pickup options, which adds convenience, especially if you’re staying somewhere outside the main tourist areas. The mobile ticket simplifies planning, and the flexible cancellation policy—full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance—makes it a low-risk choice.

If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, consider that this experience offers a rich mix of natural beauty, good food, and educational stargazing all in one evening. For those who want an intimate, well-organized adventure with plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to learn from professionals, it’s a compelling option.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy both scenic views and astronomical wonders. It’s particularly suited for those interested in local food and wine, as well as travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace and a touch of luxury in the form of organic wine and homemade tapas.

If you’re someone who’s happy to be outdoors and comfortable with a bit of a late evening, you’ll find Tenerife’s clear skies and high-altitude viewpoints offer a truly impressive stargazing experience. However, if you’re looking for a quieter, strictly small-group outing, be aware that some reviews mention larger group mixes.

This tour also appeals to photography enthusiasts who want to capture the night sky or the sunset with professional astrophotographers on hand to help. The inclusion of real-time galaxy shots makes it stand out from more typical stargazing trips.

Price and Value

For $75, this tour provides a robust experience—from scenic viewpoints and sunset to stellar astronomy and local gastronomy. It is a well-rounded evening that combines educational elements with leisure. The cost compares favorably to other similar experiences, especially considering the included admission tickets, telescope use, and wine tasting.

While some travelers might find the group size slightly larger than expected, the overall value remains high, especially given the quality of guides and astronomers. The ability to cancel for free up to 24 hours adds peace of mind, making it accessible for travelers who want flexibility.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a blend of Tenerife’s stunning landscapes, delectable local wines, and some of the best stargazing conditions in the world. It’s a well-paced, thoughtfully organized experience that emphasizes authentic local flavors and educational astronomy.

Great for those who enjoy natural beauty paired with cultural and scientific interests, this outing provides memorable vistas, tasty tapas, and the chance to possibly see the universe in a new way. The inclusion of professional astronomers and high-quality telescopes ensures that you’ll be engaged and inspired, whether you’re a space enthusiast or simply seeking a unique evening out.

If you’re after an experience that combines spectacular views, good food, and a touch of cosmic wonder, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to bring your camera for sunset shots and maybe a jacket for the evening chill—Tenerife’s high vistas can get cool after sunset.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup, making it convenient to join from your accommodation or a central location.

How long is the stargazing part of the tour?
The star observation, including astrophotography, lasts around 3 hours, starting after sunset at the Mirador El Retamar.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 8 travelers, which promotes a more personal experience, though some reviews mention larger groups due to mixing.

What is included in the wine tasting?
Organic wines and homemade tapas are served at Finca Tres Roques, providing an authentic taste of Tenerife’s local produce.

What is the weather policy?
The tour is weather-dependent; if skies are cloudy or conditions are poor, it may be canceled or rescheduled. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The wine tasting is optional and can be enjoyed by all adults, but the experience is primarily geared towards adult guests.

This experience balances scenic beauty, local flavors, and the wonder of the cosmos, making it a versatile choice for a memorable evening in Tenerife.