La Gomera from the North

Marooned off the southwest coast of Tenerife, the tiny island of La Gomera has a lost-in-time feel. Away from the tourist trail, it's totally unspoilt – think jagged ravines, terraced white villages and pristine forests.The deep valleys of Gomera's UNESCO-protected Garajonay National Park are home to rare plants, unique to the island. After taking in jaw-dropping scenery, it's on to the historic capital, San Sebastian. Crammed with pastel-coloured houses, this pretty place is knee-deep in history – Columbus sailed from here on his 1492 voyage of discovery.Also on the agenda is an included Gomeran meal at a quaint country restaurant plus a demonstration of local ‘silbo' whistling, which islanders have used for centuries to send messages across the vast ravines.