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Madeira may be tiny, but this subtropical paradise offers world-renowned gardens, spectacular coastlines and jagged peaks, while picturesque Funchal boasts an architectural charm and rich maritime heritage to match the island’s natural splendour.
Rising from the ocean floor 600 miles southwest of Lisbon, Madeira is a subtropical paradise that captures the hearts of all who visit. Even the difficult-to-please Winston Churchill was seduced by its charms! The largest island in an archipelago, Madeira has a huge range of landscapes within its tiny surface area, just 35 miles long and 13 miles wide, from sunny beaches in the south to jagged peaks and cliffs in the north. Its topography – a mountainous backbone and plateau running along the centre, riven by steep valleys – was forged millions of years ago by intense volcanic activity.
With fertile volcanic soil, Madeira is a plant-lover’s dream with an enormous diversity species, from imported purple-blossomed jacaranda trees, orchids and bird of paradise plants to its native Laurisilva forest. So much flourishes here in its mild climate all year round, making it a superb destination through autumn and winter.
In legend, Madeira was one of the ‘Isles of the Blessed’, a winterless earthly realm inhabited by heroes of Greek mythology. But it was serendipity that led the Portuguese here in 1418 when João Gonçalves Zarco was blown off course and set eyes on Porto Santo, the northernmost island in the archipelago. A year later, Zarco returned to find another forested island, claiming it for Portugal and naming it Madère after the Portuguese word for wood. New settlers were delighted to discover that it was ideal for crops, including bananas, grapes and sugar cane, and virtually any spare patch of land is now cultivated, resulting in hillsides covered in terraced fields and levadas, or irrigation channels. The seafood, unsurprisingly, is exceptional and there is an abundance of fish to sample, from the ferocious-looking black scabbard fish to marlin and albacore tuna. Also popular are dishes such as espetada – beef marinated in Madeiran wine, then grilled over smouldering wood chips. Bolo de mel or honey cake is a traditional pastry locals insist should be torn into pieces by hand and never cut with a knife, while fried dough balls called malasadas are enjoyed on Mardi Gras, which is celebrated with gusto. Madeirans are devoutly Catholic, but they also enjoy a multitude of festa or festivals, many in honour of the island’s flora.
One of the wonders of visiting Madeira is that so much is packed in, from inspirational gardens to thundering waterfalls and from soaring peaks to the hidden Valley of the Nuns. Our tour begins in the picturesque capital, Funchal.
The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Double sole occupancy rooms are available at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
Included excursions are a guided walk of Funchal, visit and entrance to Palheiro Gardens, guided visit to Monte Palace tropical gardens and entrance to Monte church, wine tasting, visit and entrance to Ribeira Brava, visit to a banana plantation in Madalena, visit to Curral das Freiras and a visit to Câmara de Lobos.
Enjoy afternoon tea with fantastic views - from £36 per person
Belmond Reid’s Palace an iconic luxury hotel, set in beautiful subtropical gardens that overlook the Atlantic ocean where you can also relax and take a stroll before indulging in a sumptuous afternoon tea. Enjoy delicious freshly baked scones, pastries and dainty sandwiches with your choice of tea or a glass of refreshing Champagne.
We a offer a dining choice on this tour, so you can dine independently to sample the local cuisine or stay in and have dinner at your hotel.
Dining at the Enotel Quinta do Sol - from £39 per person
Daily breakfast and four dinners are included at your hotel, so you have the flexibility to experience the local restaurants in Funchal.
If you wish to dine in at the hotel throughout your stay, you may pre-book dinner for the 3 remaining nights from £39 per person.
Please note this dining option can only be booked until two weeks prior to departure.
Please contact us to add either of the above experiences to your booking.
Fact File
Visa Information
UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter Portugal however must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa information visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements
We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.
Dining Choices
Daily breakfast and four dinners are included at the hotel. If you wish to dine in at the hotel for the remainder of the tour, you may pre-book dinner for three nights at £39 per person.
Please contact us to add this dining choice to your booking.
Mobility
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found here.
All transfer times listed here are approximate, and dependent on traffic. If you have a question regarding transfer times please don't hesitate to contact us.
Airport | Hotel location | Transfer time |
---|---|---|
Funchal Airport | Funchal | 30 mins |
Enjoy more space, time and flexibility with less than 25 people in your group.
All of UK & European tours currently on sale will be small group experiences with no more than 25 guests and social distancing in place.
Our full size coaches will never be more than half-full with plenty of space to spread out.
You’ll have your own personal headset for the duration of the tour.
Enjoy your meals at hotels with social distancing in place, often with table service as standard.
Applies to new bookings only, made after 20 December 2020.