ADVERTISING FEATURE – TRAVEL
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A Garden like
Eden
Enjoy a great value break to an exotic destination this winter with The Travel Department.
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s the evenings draw closer, and the days grow colder, now is the time to banish the winter blues with a perfect pick-me-up from The Travel Department. With some great value trips available over the winter months, and with The Travel Department taking the hassle out of your holiday, now is the time to start planning that special trip away. So, why not spend your winter break in the exotic and breathtaking island of Madeira? The tiny, Portuguese island of Madeira is a truly special destination. Located off the west coast of Morocco and a short three hour flight from Dublin, this island is the summit of an undersea mountain, which
For details of the Madeira holiday itinerary visit The Travel Department’s website – www.thetraveldepartment.ie. Holidaymakers can book via the website or by calling (01) 637 1600.
has resulted in a wonderfully unique landscape and a botanical wonderland. It is little wonder that Madeira has been nicknamed a ‘floating garden’. And with temperatures in Madeira often reaching into the mid-twenties during the winter months, it is a wonderful, and warm, destination for a special winter break!
Enjoy a winter break in Madeira from only €769! Departing 15 November 2009 22 November 2009 29 November 2009 06 December 2009 13 December 2009 10 January 2010 17 January 2010 24 January 2010 31 January 2010 Christmas in Madeira 20 December 2009 New Year in Madeira 27 December 2009
Duration 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
Star Rating 4**** Hotel 4**** Hotel 4**** Hotel 4**** Hotel 4**** Hotel 4**** Hotel 4**** Hotel 4**** Hotel 4**** Hotel
Price €769 (incls €769 (incls €769 (incls €769 (incls €769 (incls €769 (incls €769 (incls €769 (incls €769 (incls
7
4**** Hotel
€849 (incls tax)
7
4**** Hotel
€979 (incls tax)
(Prices are per person sharing. Terms and conditions apply.)
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The Travel Department offer weekly departures to Madeira and, as with all their holidays, the price is all-inclusive and great value. The Travel Department currently offer a seven night tour to Madeira for €679 plus taxes. This package includes seven nights at a four star hotel with breakfast and dinner included each day. Enjoy three full days of excursions with your friendly and accommodating group guide, who will take you to the historic sites and beautiful botanic gardens on this majestic island. There is also free time set aside for shopping or visiting some sights on your own. Your trip to Madeira includes the West Island tour which takes you to such special places as Encumeada, famous for its panoramic views, Porto Moniz, which is renowned for its volcanic swimming pools, and the spectacular scenery seen at Paul da Serra, a 1400 metres high plateau. The East Island tour includes a visit to Pico do Areeiro, the second highest summit on the island at 1810 metres. Visit the trout hatchery at Ribeiro Frio, and see the famous cottages in the village of Santana. At Portela and Ponta de São Lorenço marvel at the magnificent views from the most eastern point of the island while the half day crater tour, allows you to take in the stunning scenery of Pico dos Barcelos, Eira do Serrado and Monte. Madeira is often likened with Eden as this island garden is spectacular when in full bloom. It is a heaven for walkers, with walks to suit all levels of fitness and breathtaking scenery awaiting you at each turn. See rare types of flora and fauna as you follow the footpaths through the hills and forests of Madeira. These footpaths, or ‘levadas’ take you through the Laurissilva Forest of Madeira, an ancient forest classified by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site. So whether you are looking for a quiet,
relaxing holiday this winter, or would like to take a walking tour and explore the flora and fauna of a unique location under some warm winter sunshine, then Madeira is the destination for you!
CUSTOMER COMMENTS
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We have just returned from Madeira (our 4th trip with your company) and as usual everything was done to a very high standard. The organisation was excellent, the hotel and meals were very good, and the trips were great. Our guide Roberto was very knowledgeable and very witty. Thanks to all concerned for an enjoyable week and we are now looking forward to our next trip! Keep up the high standard and great value for money! ■ Michael and Geraldine Our recent trip to Madeira was our seventh trip with The Travel Department and probably the best ever. The guide, Roberto, was excellent. He knew everything about the island and was very obliging. Looking forward to another great trip soon. ■ Jonathon Many thanks for a lovely tour to Madeira from which we have just returned. The hotel was excellent with attentive waiting staff, great menus and accompanying music. We were fortunate to have been part of a very friendly group and our guide Roberto and driver Jose Santos helped it all to come together perfectly. ■ Brian and Brighid
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Irish Independent Weekend
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