Villages, viewpoints and volcanic rocks dot Gran Canaria's jagged spine. This tour weaves its way through some of the island's most dramatic landscapes, stopping to visit Teror, Tejeda and Fataga. David, one of our local guides, says, "The legend of the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Teror still intrigues me. It helped change the island's destiny."

Your first stop is Teror, where you'll stroll past the balconied townhouses of Calle Real de la Plaza towards the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pine. Then it's on to Tejeda, with whitewashed houses scattered across a valley slope. David adds, "Every time there's a list of Spain's prettiest villages, Tejeda is near the top." From here, you'll continue to Las Tirajanas viewpoint for a photo stop.

Next up is lunch in Fataga, in the Valley of a Thousand Palms. Afterwards, you'll have time to wander the village. Before returning to your hotel, you'll stop at an aloe vera plantation to learn about its medicinal properties and role in local life.