Madeira, the Pearl of the Atlantic

Funchal • Western Madeira • Monte • Eastern Madeira • Valley of the Nuns & Câmara de Lobos

Madeira may be tiny, but this subtropical paradise offers worldrenowned gardens and spectacular coastlines, while picturesque Funchal boasts an architectural charm and maritime heritage. Explore ‘the Pearl of the Atlantic, with its thundering waterfalls and soaring peaks to the hidden Valley of the Nuns.

Santana

Your itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival in Funchal

Arrive at Funchal airport for transfer to your hotel. This evening we enjoy an informal drinks reception followed by dinner for a chance to get to know your travel companions better. (D)

DAY 2 – Funchal

We enjoy a guided walking tour of Funchal, which overlooks a lovely harbour and boasts grand 18th-century buildings. We stop for a tasting of the famous Madeira wine. Later, we visit the Palheiro Gardens, world famous for its flora and wonderful setting in the hills. (B,D) + Included Experiences – Guided walking tour of Funchal, Madeiran wine tasting and visit to Palheiro Gardens

DAY 3 – Western Madeira

Our first stop is Cabo Girão, the island’s highest sea cliff, with a sheer drop of 1,980 feet. Next, explore charming Ribeira Brava, set in a steep valley, before we head to Madalena do Mar. Madeira’s climate is perfect for growing bananas and you’ll see life on a plantation here. Turning inland, we ascend nearly 5,000 feet to the Paúl da Serra plateau and travel via the village of Seixal to the beautiful Bridal Veil waterfall. Our final stop is the village of São Vicente, nestling in a verdant valley

As this is a single-centre tour, we stay at the same hand-picked hotel in Funchal for seven nights, halfboard. The hotel has five different restaurants and offers a Dine around scheme (please see website for more details).

VidaMar Resort Hotel, Funchal

HHHH Superior VidaMar Resort Hotel

and known as the island’s volcanic birthplace. (B,D) + Included Experiences – Visit Cabo Girão, Ribeira Brava, Seixal and São Vicente

DAY 4 – Monte

We visit the hilltop town of Monte, a pilgrimage site, with its 18th-century church. Then the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, where you can join our guided tour. These oriental gardens are exquisite, complete with Asian-style bridges and a koi carp pond. Return to Funchal by coach - or by cable car on a dramatic 15-minute descent – or experience the famous Monte toboggan ride back! (B,D) + Included Experiences – Guided tour of the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens and visit to Monte

DAY 5 – Eastern Madeira

After calling at Ponta do Rosto for the dazzling panoramas and sleepy Porto da Cruz, we journey to the UNESCOlisted Ribeiro Frio National Park. Around 90% of it is covered by ancient laurel trees. Ascending slopes cloaked in fragrant eucalyptus and swirling mists, we emerge at Pico do Arieiro at 5,930 feet. You may spot Madeira’s highest summit – the 6,100-foot Pico Ruivo. (B,D) + Included Experiences – Visit Ponta do Rosto, Porto da Cruz and the Ribeiro Frio National Park

DAY 6 – Free day

If you didn’t take the cable car at Monte, why not enjoy it today? Or you could climb the steep path leading to São João do Pico, the impressive 17thcentury fortress. (B,D)

DAY 7 – Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns) & Câmara de Lobos

We drive to Eira do Serrado, part of a natural cauldron of jagged peaks and

Porto Moniz

KEY

Arrive Depart

MADEIRA Seixal Sãu Vicente Paúl da Serra Santana Ponta do Rosto

Madalena do Mar

Pico do Arieiro Curral das Freiras

Ribeira Brava

Campo Girão Monte

Funchal chasms. Soak up the glorious views down to the village of the Valley of the Nuns and sample the sweet chestnuts cultivated here. Then we head to Câmara de Lobos, a fishing village where Winston Churchill stayed to paint on his visit in 1950. (B,D) + Included Experiences – Visit Curral das Freiras and Câmara de Lobos

DAY 8 – Return flight

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Your options

Personalise your holiday

Enjoy afternoon tea at Belmond Reid’s Palace. From £36.

2022

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2023

Your tour includes

• Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus hotel transfers • Seven nights in four-star accommodation inclusive of all local taxes • A welcome drinks reception to meet your fellow travellers • The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout

(B) Daily Breakfast, (D) 7 Dinners For departure dates, prices and flights, please call or visit our website.

YOUR EXPERIENCES • 2 guided tours including Funchal and

Monte Palace Tropical Gardens • Enjoy a tasting of the delicious and world-famous Madeira wines • 8 visits including the Palheiro

Gardens, Câmara de Lobos, Santana,

Ribeiro Frio National Park, Cabo Girão and Porto Moniz

Cabo Girão

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