A sojourn on the sub-tropical garden isle, including two garden tours and an island tour
Offering contrasting landscapes, an abundance of flora and fauna, a temperate climate, an absorbing history and just a short flight from the UK, Madeira is a unique sub-tropical paradise in the Atlantic Ocean. Distinctly Portuguese yet with a traditional English influence, the island is perfect for a relaxing break and exploration.
Stay in Funchal, where architecture and nature are charmingly combined, surrounded by cliffs to the east and west, and steep green mountains to the north. The city’s streets are paved with black and white mosaics and lined by blue-flowered jacaranda trees, making it an ideal city for a delightful stroll.
May 4 and part of May 18 coincides with the Madeira Flower Festival. Appreciate the magnificence of this annual festival, centred around the city with flower carpets in the streets, folklore performances, flower shows and classical music concerts. Includes a seat at the flower parade.
Cultural Short Break
Jules Verne Sightseeing
Local Expert Guide
Historic Hotel Option
Guaranteed Departure
Group Size: 2 - 25
Includes a short tour of Funchal followed by a visit to a Madeira wine cellar with a complimentary tasting and a visit to the Fabrica de San Antonio with a tasting of the local produce which could include cakes, biscuits and the well known Madeira honey cake – bolo del mel (molasses cake).
Day 1 Fly from Gatwick to Funchal and transfer to your chosen hotel for five nights.
Day 2 Morning at leisure to enjoy the flower festival festivities. In the afternoon enjoy the Festival Parade (with seat included). (B)
Day 3 A full-day excursion exploring the charming valleys and villages on the eastern corner of the island and the dramatic scenery on the northwest coast. (B, L)
Day 4 In the morning, 'A Taste of Madeira'. Afternoon visit to the Blandy family-owned Quinta do Palheiro gardens, one of Europe's largest private gardens. Visit the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, voted by Condé Nast as one of the world's most beautiful tropical gardens. (B)
Day 5 Day at leisure or optional excursion to Nun's Valley and Monte (bookable locally). (B)
Day 6 Return flight or extend your stay. (B)
A 4-star hotel located a short walk from Funchal’s promenade and 2 kilometres from the centre. Restaurant, bars, gym, sauna, garden with pools and WiFi (free). 134 spacious rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and balcony or terrace. Standard rooms and sea view rooms both have a ceiling fan.
A 4-star hotel, overlooking the old town of Funchal, this manor house was originally built in 1834. Conservatory, dining room, bar, pool, jacuzzi, sauna, gardens, WiFi (free) and 64 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, mini-bar and TV.
A 4-star hotel located in a quiet, historical area, a short walk from the centre. Restaurant, bar, pool, spa and WiFi (free). 81 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV. Includes one free Spa entrance.
Situated in semi-tropical gardens on a dramatic cliff-top setting, this world famous hotel, previously known as the 5-star Orient-Express hotel was built at the end of the 19th century. Restaurants, bar, spa, outdoor pools, tennis, gym, library, shop, WiFi (free) and 158 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar (complimentary water and soft drinks), satellite TV and balcony. A credit towards a Spa treatment is included for VJV clients. Larger superior rooms with balcony/patio are available.
Santana Extension
The biosphere reserve of Santana includes the protected Laurisilva forest and Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve.
Day 1 Transfer from Funchal to Santana for three nights at the 4-star Vivaverde Hotel Quinta do Furão. (B)
Day 2 Full-day tour of the picturesque north eastern coastline towards Porto Cruz, Portela viewpoint, Machico and the whale museum of Canical. (B, L)
Day 3 Optional full-day walk along a historical levada in the Laurisilva forest, with views over the villages of São Jorge and Santana including a picnic lunch (£75). (B)
Day 4 Return flight. (B)
A 4-star hotel set amongst natural surroundings along the coast with a backdrop of the highest mountains in Madeira. Restaurant, bar, sauna, gym, outdoor pool and 45 rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, satellite TV, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
2019
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room - Hotel Girassol
easyJet from Gatwick
| May 4 | £925 |
For 2017 dates please call 020 7633 6700
Saturdays
per person in a twin/double room - Hotel Girassol
easyJet from Gatwick
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £135
Accommodation Upgrades
Hotel Girassol
Sea view £55
Half Board £100
Hotel Quinta Bela Sao Tiago £145
Single supplement £225
Sea view £145
Half Board £175
Castanheiro Boutique £145
Single supplement £295
Belmond Reid's Palace £695
Single supplement £895
Half Board £375
Flight Options
British Airways from Gatwick £50
Extension Options
Extension - Santana
Hotel Quinta do Furão
3 nights £365
Single supplement £120
Half board £85
Extra Nights - Hotel Girassol
(per night) £40
Single supplement £28
Sea view £12
Extra Nights - Hotel Quinta Bela Sao Tiago
(per night) £80
Single supplement £47
Sea view £32
Extra Nights - Castanheiro Boutique
(per night) £60
Single supplement £50
Extra Nights - Belmond Reid's Palace
(per night) £185
Single supplement £180
Privately Guided
Add £125 per person
Independent Arrival
Save £200
Arrival transfer £30
Departure transfer £30
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 5 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm
