SUNSET: 
Join Sky & Telescope on a magical visit to the breathtaking yet otherworldly Canary Islands for an astronomical fantasy that combines exclusive tours of professional observatories with multiple nights of stargazing under some of the most pristine night skies on Earth.
Travel with Sky & Telescope to the Canary Islands! These seven volcanic seamounts, located just off the northwest coast of Africa, are a fantastic destination for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts. With their unique geographical location and clear, dark skies, the Canaries offer a truly exceptional stargazing experience — one of the world’s three best locations for astronomical observations. And on this exclusive tour (September 6-13, 2026), you’ll explore all aspects of the islands’ celestial offerings.
By day, we’ve lined up special tours of the islands’ world-class observatories. On La Palma’s towering Roque de los Muchachos, imagine standing at the base of the Gran Telescopio Canarias, whose 10.4-meter primary mirror ranks as the largest single-aperture telescope anywhere. On neighboring Tenerife, you’ll tour some of the world’s largest and most productive solar observatories.
By night, you’ll have multiple opportunities to probe celestial treasures in the pristinely dark skies above. Some nights feature observing with telescopes operated by local amateur astronomers, and on others you can stargaze from the relaxed comfort of the tour’s hotels, which have been specially chosen for their location far from sources of light pollution.
Beyond the astronomical attractions, the Canary Islands themselves are breathtakingly beautiful, rugged landscapes forged by volcanic eruptions that were then shaped over time by the caress of wind and rain in a subtropical climate. The combination of natural beauty, warm climate, and excellent astronomical facilities make the Canary Islands a must-visit destination for any astronomy enthusiast.
Eric Reed
Those who want to extend their stay in Canaries can chose an optional one-day extension to the island of Lanzarote. There you’ll explore Timanfaya National Park, home to spectacular volcanic craters, lava fields, and geysers.
Click below to get the full details:
• Itinerary for our 7-day tour of La Palma and Tenerife in the Canary Islands
• Itinerary for our optional post-tour extension to Lanzarote island
• What is and isn’t included; what conditions to expect
• Pricing, Payments, and Terms
• Reserve today using this online registration page
| Here’s a 45-minute video prepared for our 2023 tour to describe what you’ll experience. If you’re ready to join the tour, click here to make a reservation! |
Accommodations for Canary Islands Astronomy & Stargazing 2026
On arrival, guests enter a lovely courtyard and are welcomed into a smartly styled reception area. With a spirit to serve, the staff takes great pride in not only meeting but also exceeding guests’ expectations. Rooms are very comfortable with well-equipped bathrooms, and the entire facility is kept spotlessly clean. Equally impressive are the lush, well-maintained grounds that encourage peaceful strolls and long gazes to the sea that spreads out below the parador’s sweeping hilltop vantage point.
Can you imagine staying at the foot of the highest peak in Spain, in the midst of a lunar landscape? Situated at an altitude of some 6,500 feet, this mountain mansion is located in the heart of the Teide National Park — an ideal place for lovers of nature, volcanology, and astronomy. The unbeatable views of Mount Teide can be enjoyed while dining and even from some of the rooms. At night, the stars dazzle in all their natural splendor, thanks to the high altitude and absence of light pollution.
Itinerary for Canary Islands Astronomy & Stargazing 2026
| Date | Itinerary at a Glance | Accommodation | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Sept. 6 | Depart for La Palma | — | (aloft) |
| Monday, Sept. 7 | Arrive in La Palma | Parador de La Palma | D |
| Tuesday, Sept. 8 | Roque de los Muchachos | Parador de La Palma | B, L |
| Wednesday, Sept. 9 | Cumbre Vieja / stargazing | Parador de La Palma | B, D |
| Thursday, Sept. 10 | Tenerife / Teide NP / stargazing | Parador de las Cañadas del Teide | B |
| Friday, Sept. 11 | Teide Observatory / stargazing | Parador de las Cañadas del Teide | B, L |
| Saturday, Sept. 12 | Sightseeing on Tenerife | Parador de las Cañadas del Teide | B, D |
| Sunday, Sept. 13 | Depart Tenerife / arrive home* | — | B |
Day 0 (Sunday, Sept. 6): Depart the U.S.
Depart North America for an overnight flight to Spain and a connecting flight the following morning to La Palma in the Canary Islands. (meals aloft)
Day 1 (Monday, Sept. 7): Arrive La Palma, Canary Islands
Arrive in La Palma, known as the “Isla Bonita” for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and stunning beaches. Transfer to our hotel, with its beautifully designed gardens and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. This evening, gather for an orientation and welcome dinner at La Lonja, located along the marina.
Parador de la Palma, La Palma (D)
Day 2 (Tuesday, Sept. 8): Roque de los Muchachos Observatory
After breakfast, board your bus for a spectacular ride through Taburiente National Park to reach the summit of Roque de los Muchachos, 7,860-feet above sea level. The observatory complex there is home to one of the largest arrays of telescopes in the world. Your visit includes a tour of the Gran Telescopio Canarias (pending confirmation), whose 10.4-meter primary mirror ranks as the largest single-aperture reflector in the world. You’ll visit other key installations on the summit, including the William Herschel 4.2-m reflector and the MAGIC high-energy gamma-ray collectors (pending confirmation). After descending the mountain, enjoy free time at the hotel and dinner on your own.
Parador de la Palma, La Palma (B, L)
Daniel López / IAC
Day 3 (Wednesday, Sept. 9): Cumbre Vieja / Stargazing
Visit the Cumbre Vieja volcano, which recently erupted in 2021, resulting in a lava flow that lasted three months. The devastating eruption covered once verdant pine forests under mounds of black ash, leaving only the tallest portions of treetops and rooftops poking through. Dinner this evening is at the renowned Jardín de la Sal, specializing in fresh local cuisine and located on the southern tip of Fuencaliente, with endless views of the surrounding black volcanic landscape, white salt flats, and deep blue ocean. Following dinner, enjoy a night-sky orientation session led by your Sky & Telescope representative (weather permitting) before returning to the hotel.
Parador de la Palma, La Palma (B, D)
Day 4 (Thursday, Sept. 10): La Palma / Tenerife / Teide National Park
After breakfast and checkout, take a short flight to the neighboring island of Tenerife, then head to Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to towering volcanic peaks, sprawling lava fields, and a diverse range of unique flora and fauna, Teide National Park is a mesmerizing natural wonderland. An expert local guide will lead a walking tour of this otherworldly landscape — including Cañadas del Teide, one of the largest calderas in the world. Then bask in the radiance of the sunset from a breathtaking viewpoint with a glass of cava in hand. After dinner (on your own), marvel at the night sky through telescopes provided by local amateur astronomers (weather permitting).
Parador Cañadas del Teide (B)
Day 5 (Friday, Sept. 11): Teide Observatory
Today features a visit to Teide Observatory (pending final confirmation), located 7,840 feet above sea level. The observatory’s geographical location, combined with the excellent quality of the sky, allows the instruments there to conduct world-class studies of the Sun. Take in behind-the-scene tours of the 1.5-meter diameter GREGOR — the largest of its kind in Europe. Then explore the newly built SPECULOOS telescope, tasked with searching for planets around other stars. Following the observatory visit, we’ll ride a cable car to the 11,663-foot lookout near the summit of Mount Teide to discover the magic of Tenerife from Spain’s highest peak. Next, we’ll head to a traditional winery nestled in the scenic countryside to learn about the island’s centuries-old wine-making traditions and enjoy local wines and small appetizers. We’ll return to the hotel (dinner on your own) and then gather outside for more telescopic stargazing (weather permitting).
Parador de las Cañadas del Teide (B, L)
Day 6 (Saturday, Sept. 12): Exploring Tenerife
After breakfast, you can choose your day’s activities. Either enjoy free time on Tenerife, or to go on one of two optional excursions — or both! In the morning, join a whale- and dolphin-watching cruise in the waters off the island’s southern tip. Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins congregate around the south coast of Tenerife year-round. Lunch is on your own. In the afternoon, you can choose to have free time or to go on a History & Heritage tour of northern Tenerife. Then join the group at a local restaurant for a farewell dinner.
Parador de las Cañadas del Teide (B, D)
Day 7 (Sunday, Sept. 13): Tenerife / U.S.
Sadly, the main tour ends this morning. Following breakfast, transfer to the airport to depart Tenerife and return home — or remain for the optional one-day extension to the island of Lanzarote. (B, meals aloft)
Optional Post-Tour Extension to Lanzarote Island
Our optional tour extension takes advantage of the close proximity of Lanzarote to its neighboring islands. From the tour’s convenient “home base” on Tenerife, you’ll fly to Lanzarote and back in a single day — returning to Tenerife in time for dinner.
The easternmost of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is known as “the fire island” — famous for its unique volcanic landscapes and sunny beaches. One of its most popular attractions is Timanfaya National Park, a unique area that features an alien-looking terrain of volcanic craters, lava fields, and geysers. The black and red earth contrasts with the island’s typically whitewashed houses, deep blue sea, and bright blue sky.
Note: This optional extension requires a minimum of 10 participants.
| Date | Itinerary at a Glance | Accommodation | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Sept. 13 | Lanzarote / Timanfaya National Park | Parador de las Cañadas del Teide | B, L |
| Monday, Sept. 14 | Depart Tenerife, arrive home* | — | B |
Day 1 (Sunday, Sept. 13): Lanzarote / Timanfaya National Park
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a quick flight from Tenerife to Lanzarote. You’ll be met at the airport and then head off with an expert guide on a day-long tour that will explore the stunning natural wonders of Timanfaya National Park, including the famous “Fire Mountains” that were formed by volcanic eruptions in the 18th century. Additionally, the island is home to several observatories and astronomy centers. At day’s end, take a flight back to Tenerife and then transfer to your hotel for a final night. Dinner is on your own. Parador de las Cañadas del Teide (B, L)
Day 2 (Monday, Sept. 14): Tenerife / U.S.
Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flights home. (B, meals aloft)
What the Tour Does/Doesn’t Include
The main tour and post-tour extension to Lanzarote include:
• Inter-island airfare (La Palma to Tenerife; to/from Lanzarote on post-tour extension)
• Nightly accommodation in high-quality hotels
• Private group transfers from airport to hotel and to airport on return
• English-speaking tour director
• Daily sightseeing tours with expert English-speaking guides
• Private coach for ground transportation
• Lecture and discussion from a S&T representative on the main tour
• Entrances fees to national reserves and other venues on the itinerary
• 11 meals (see itineraries), including welcome and farewell dinners on the main tour
• Wine and beer with group lunches and dinners (except box lunch at Roque de Los Muchachos)
• Baggage handling
• Tips to local guides, drivers, service charges, and taxes on the main tour
• Customized luggage tags and name tags with Sky & Telescope logo
• Pre-trip planning information and resources
The main tour and post-tour extension to Lanzarote Island do not include:
• International airfare to La Palma and from Tenerife
• Passport and visa fees (including European Union’s ETIAS)
• Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
• Medical insurance; medical or quarantine expenses; COVID-19 testing (if applicable)
• Airport transfers if not arriving or departing with the group
• Hotel accommodation for extra nights before or after the tour dates
• Individual excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour
• Meals or beverages not listed in the detailed itinerary
• Personal expenses (room service, laundry, telephone calls, etc.)
• Excess-baggage fees
• Tip for the Tour Director (at participant’s discretion)
• Unforeseen cost increases for internal flights, security, exchange rates, or fuel surcharges
What Conditions to Expect on the Tour
This exclusive Sky & Telescope expedition is designed for travelers who are interested in learning about the Canary Islands, visits to the professional observatories there, stargazing from very dark locations, and experiencing the island’s superb natural landscapes.
To enjoy this experience, participants must be in good physical and mental health and be able to keep up with the pace of the group. Participants requiring extraordinary assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide all required assistance. While travel during the tour is by jet aircraft and motorcoach, daily excursions will often involve some walking or hiking over uneven terrain. The pace of the walks will be leisurely, though some hiking activities near Cumbre Vieja and within Teide National Park will be more strenuous.
September is early autumn in the Canary Islands and average temperatures at low elevations average between 81°F during the day and 70°F at night. At higher elevations, temperatures are cooler (at the summit of Roque de Los Muchachos, September’s average daytime high is 52°F), so bring some clothing appropriate for cool weather.
Pricing, Payments, and Terms for Canary Islands Astronomy & Stargazing 2026 and Post-Tour Extension to Lanzarote Island
| Pricing (per person) | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
|---|---|---|
| Canary Islands Astronomy & Stargazing (Sept. 6-13, 2026) | $5,950 | $7,500 |
| Whale- and Dolphin-watching Cruise (optional; morning of Sept. 12) | $150* | $150* |
| History & Heritage tour of Northern Tenerife (optional; afternoon of Sept. 12) | $150* | $150* |
| Post-Tour Extension to Lanzarote Island (Sept. 13-14, 2026) | $1,750 | $2,000 |
| *Pricing for optional excursions is based on a minimum of 6 participants; otherwise a surcharge may be added or the excursion may be canceled. All tour prices are based on costs and U.S. dollar exchange rates in effect at the time of posting. As such, prices listed here are subject to change. Royal Adventures and/or AAS Sky Publishing LLC will inform clients of any changes prior to departure. |
- To make a reservation: A reservation request can be submitted by completing this online reservation form. Reservations are recorded and acknowledged in order of receipt. Royal Adventures (CST #2009579-40) handles all invoicing.
- Payment: Because this tour is less than four months away, you will need to pay in full (by check only) at the time of registration. Please make your check payable to "Royal Adventures" and mail to: Royal Adventures, 9 Crow Canyon Court, Suite 205, San Ramon, CA 94583.
- To cancel a reservation: All cancellations must be received in writing by Royal Adventures. Cancellations received before May 4, 2026, incur a $600 per person cancellation fee. Cancellations received on or after May 4, 2026, are subject to a 100% penalty of all deposits and payments, regardless of booking date. There are no refunds for unused meals, accommodations, or other trip features or for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate.
- Itinerary: The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of AAS Sky Publishing LLC and Royal Adventures. All tour prices are based on costs and U.S. dollar exchange rates in effect at the time of posting. As such, prices listed here are subject to change. AAS Sky Publishing LLC and/or Royal Adventures will inform clients of any changes prior to departure.
- Tour size: This tour is exclusively designed for AAS Sky Publishing LLC. The minimum group size is 14. Should the minimum group number not be met, we reserve the right to levy a small-group surcharge.
- Travel insurance: We highly recommend the purchase of trip-cancellation insurance, including “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage, because the cancellation penalty listed in the brochure will apply. Trip cancellation can enable you to receive a refund for the tour cost including your deposit due to unexpected illness, injury, or other “covered reasons” in the policy. Most insurance plans need to be purchased within 14 days of paying the initial deposit in order to waive preexisting medical conditions as well as to purchase “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage. Trip-cancellation insurance can be purchased through one of our recommended providers:
Generali: Call 1-888-209-5738 and mention Royal Adventures #20241120
Travel Insured International: Call 1-800-243-3174 and mention Royal Adventures #53140
Neither AAS Sky Publishing LLC nor Royal Adventures accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable airline ticket or other expenses incurred by tour participants in preparing for the tour. - Disclaimer: Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented here. AAS Sky Publishing LLC and Royal Adventures are not responsible for errors in or damages resulting from use of the information contained herein. Information contained herein is subject to change.
- Responsibility: Royal Adventures (CST #2009579-40), its owners, and employees act only as agents for the various independent suppliers and contractors providing transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant, and other services connected with this tour. Such travel and services are subject to the terms and conditions under which such accommodations, services, and transportation are offered or provided; AAS Sky Publishing LLC and the American Astronomical Society (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Sky”) and Royal Adventures and each entity’s respective board of directors or trustees, officers, shareholders, members, employees, agents, representatives, and assigns accept no liability therefor. Sky and Royal Adventures assume no liability for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or other irregularity which may be caused by the defect of any aircraft or vehicle or the negligence or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out or performing any of the services involved. Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages, or expenses of any kind due to sickness, epidemics, pandemics, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, quarantine, force majeure, animal or insect bites, or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. Sky and Royal Adventures reserve the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour participants. Sky and/or Royal Adventures shall not be deemed to be in breach of these terms and conditions or otherwise be liable to you, and shall not provide any refund, by reason of delay in performance, or by non-performance, of any of our obligations hereunder to the extent that any such delay or non-performance is due to any force majeure event. A force majeure event, in relation to this tour, shall mean any circumstances beyond our control, including, but without limitation, to acts of God, explosion, flood, forceful wind, fire or accident, war or threat of war declared or undeclared, acts of terrorism, sabotage, insurrection, riots, strikes, civil disturbance, sickness, epidemics, pandemics, quarantines, government intervention or other unforeseeable events. Limitations on travel arising from the COVID-19 pandemic shall be considered a force majeure event. If this tour is affected by a force majeure event, Sky and Royal Adventures shall be entitled to, and may in their sole and absolute discretion, vary, cancel or postpone any itinerary or arrangement in relation to this trip. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour or to substitute another qualified leader or special guest. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. The price of the program is given in good faith based on current tariffs and rates and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate, security surcharge or fuel increases will be passed on to participants. Neither Sky nor Royal Adventures accepts the liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable airline ticket. The air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. As part of the consideration and right to participate in this tour, each participant will be asked to sign a liability release, an assumption of risk, and a hold-harmless agreement.
- Questions: Please contact Royal Adventures at [email protected] or call 800-453-4754 or 925-820-6260 (Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time).
