Banana Museum, Rum Distillery & Winery with Tasting: Premium tour

Discover the Canary Islands’ Flavors on a Comprehensive Day Tour

This premium tour in Gran Canaria offers an engaging way to experience the local culinary spirit. Priced at $81.76 per person, it spans about 5 to 6 hours and includes visits to the Banana Museum in Arucas, the Arehucas Rum Distillery, and Bodega Los Berrazales, with tastings of rum, wine, coffee, and banana-based products. The tour is well-liked, holding a top rating of 5.0 out of 5 based on 51 reviews, with 96% recommending it. It features pickup services and all tickets included, making it a seamless way to explore Canary Island flavors.

While the tour involves some walking and bus transfers, it is designed for those interested in tasting local products and learning about their origins. It’s perfect for visitors seeking a full-day experience blending culture, gastronomy, and history. Expect a lively, informative experience led by knowledgeable guides, with several stops that highlight the island’s banana cultivation, rum production, and wine-making traditions.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: About $81.76 per person for a 5-6 hour guided experience.
• Includes Tickets and Pick-up: All entrance fees for the Banana Museum, Rum Distillery, and Winery are covered, with pickup and drop-off services.
• Focus on Local Flavors: Tasting sessions include banana products, rum, wine, coffee, and a mojo sauce workshop.
• Cultural Insights: Guided tours explain the history of bananas, rum, and wine production in Gran Canaria.
• Family-Friendly and Inclusive: Most travelers can participate, with rum and wine tastings only for those aged 18 and above.
• Potential for Extra Costs: Lunch in Agaete is not included and costs extra.

Visiting the Banana Museum in Arucas: A Banana Cultivation Experience

The tour begins with a 45-minute guided visit to La Rekompensa Mundo del Platano in Arucas. This stop highlights banana cultivation and history, giving insight into how bananas are grown and processed on the island. The admission ticket covers the entrance, making it straightforward to explore the plantation and exhibits related to the banana industry.

Following the tour, there’s a 25-minute product degustation at the same location. Visitors get to sample banana-infused liquors (only for those over 18), showcasing how local bananas are transformed into spirits. This pairing of education and tasting makes the Banana Museum a unique starting point for the day’s flavors.

Exploring the Arehucas Rum Distillery and Its Secrets

Next, the tour moves to the Arehucas Rum Distillery, where a 35-minute guided tour takes visitors through the distillery and cellars. Conducted in English and German, the guide explains the rum-making process and shares stories about Arehucas’ history.

The 35-minute tour offers a deep look into rum production, with visitors seeing the age-old techniques and modern methods used. This stop is notable for its educational value and the chance to understand how Canary Islands’ rum has become famous worldwide.

Following this, there’s a 25-minute tasting session featuring different rum products. Participants can enjoy a variety of flavors, with the rum tastings exclusively available to those 18 and older. This part of the experience is praised for highlighting the quality and diversity of Arehucas rums.

Lunch Break in Agaete: Free Time and Local Delights

After two major stops, about an hour of free time in Agaete allows visitors to explore local eateries and enjoy a lunch on their own. This lunch stop is optional and paid separately. It’s a good opportunity to try local dishes or relax before continuing to the wineries.

The free time also provides a chance to stroll around the charming town of Agaete, known for its coastal scenery and casual vibe. It’s important to plan for extra expenses here if a sit-down meal or snacks are desired.

Visiting Bodega Los Berrazales: Wine, Coffee, and Mojo Workshop

The tour resumes with a guided tour of Bodega Los Berrazales lasting about one hour. Here, visitors learn about local grape varieties, wine production techniques, and the history of the estate. The guided walk emphasizes the different types of grapes and how they influence the wine’s flavor profile.

Following the tour, there’s a 15-minute wine and coffee tasting exclusively for adults. Guests sample local wines and coffee, gaining a better understanding of the island’s agricultural richness. The tasting is praised for its quality and educational value.

The experience concludes with a 20-minute Mojo sauce workshop. Participants learn how to make the iconic Canary Islands sauce, a staple in local cuisine. This hands-on activity adds an interactive and flavorful touch to the tour, giving visitors a recipe to take home.

Practicalities and What’s Included

All tickets for the Banana Museum, Rum Distillery, and Winery are included, along with guided tours, tastings of rum, wine, coffee, and banana products. The tour also provides transfers by bus between the stops and guide services to enhance the experience.

Pickup and drop-off services are available in touristic areas, easing logistics for participants. The tour’s maximum group size of 55 helps maintain a personal and engaging atmosphere.

Considerations and Limitations

While the tour offers a comprehensive look at Canary Island flavors, lunch is not included and must be paid for separately if desired. The bus ride for the last part of the tour has been described as bumpy and fast, especially in the smaller minibus, which might be a concern for travelers with mobility issues or those uncomfortable with quick driving.

Participants must be over 18 to partake in rum, wine, and liquor tastings. Service animals are permitted, and most travelers can participate, making it accessible for a wide audience.

Final Thoughts: A Flavour-Focused Day in Gran Canaria

This premium tour stands out for its balanced mix of education and tasting. The stops at Banana Museum, Rum Arehucas, and Los Berrazales highlight local agricultural and production traditions, offering a deep dive into Gran Canaria’s gastronomic identity.

The knowledgeable guides, quality tastings, and interactive workshop contribute to a fun and informative experience. While it does involve some extra costs for lunch and a potentially bumpy bus ride, the overall value remains high for those interested in local flavors and culture.

This tour suits visitors who appreciate guided experiences with a focus on food, drink, and local history. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting a full day of cultural discovery and tastings in Gran Canaria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transfers by bus are included between all visit points, with pickup and drop-off services available in touristic areas.

Are the tastings suitable for children?
Tastings of rum, wine, and liquors are only for guests 18 and above. The banana and coffee tastings are suitable for all ages.

How long is the free time in Agaete?
About an hour is allocated for free time in Agaete, perfect for exploring local cafes or taking a quick walk.

What activities are part of the workshop at Los Berrazales?
Visitors learn how to make Mojo sauce, a traditional Canary Islands condiment, in a 20-minute hands-on workshop.

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included and must be paid for separately if desired during the free time in Agaete.

How many people typically join this tour?
The maximum group size is 55 travelers, promoting an engaging and personal experience.