A sojourn on the sub-tropical garden isle, including a scenic full-day tour of the eastern corner of the island and two half-day tours exploring Funchal and the southwest
Funchal - 4 nights
Thanks to mild year round temperatures and mineral laden volcanic soils, cultivation in Madeira includes many exotic fruits, tropical flowers and endemic species – the botanical gardens are home to more than 2,000 plant varieties. Distinctly Portuguese yet with a traditional English influence, the island is perfect for a relaxing break and exploration. It is a cacophony of sights, sounds and smells. From the riot of colour and fragrance of its botanical gardens to the fresh mountain air and volcanic landscape to the rocky coastline and modern, fashionable capital of Funchal. The northwest coast is characterised by dramatic sea cliffs and the interior by a mountainous landscape.
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. Its grand townhouses and Quintas, many now converted into museums, are at the historic centre of this island of natural abundance and spectacular scenery.
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.
Cultural & Countryside
Short Break
Jules Verne Sightseeing
Local Expert Guide
UNESCO Site: Laurissilva Forest
Group Size: 6 – 18
Discover Madeira’s top specialities, based on traditional methods of preparation and cooking, and influenced by its historical sugar cane production. Taste some Madeira wines, savour the traditional bread ‘bolo do caco’ made with sweet potatoes and the typical sugar cane syrup cookies “broas de mel”, flavour sugar cane rum and enjoy the typical local drink, “Poncha”, a very popular drink in many local bars around the Island.
Day 1 Fly from Gatwick to Funchal and transfer to your chosen hotel for four nights.
Day 2 Enjoy a guided visit of the island’s capital Funchal. Start with a stroll through the Farmers' Market. Walk through the city passing the Municipal Gardens. Visit a wine cellar and taste some Madeira wines. Time for leisure. (B)
Day 3 A full-day excursion exploring the charming valleys and villages on the eastern corner of the island. Drive through the forest road that leads to Poiso and down to Ribeiro Frio, known for its beautiful gardens and set in the Laurissilva Forest (UNESCO World Natural Heritage). Continue to Faial and Santana, a village known for its thatched roofed houses, stopping for lunch at a rural property with an opportunity to taste their traditional homemade bread. In the afternoon, stop at the village of Porto da Cruz and visit the "Engenho do Norte", one of the oldest sugar cane mills in Madeira. Enjoy a taste of sugar cane rum and “broas de mel” (typical sugar cane syrup cookies). (B, L)
Day 4 In the morning, explore the southwest of the island. Stop at a private Madeiran Quinta, a private house where you can walk through its garden. Continue towards the western part of the island to visit the picturesque fishing town of Câmara de Lobos. After a short walk through the cobbled narrow streets, enjoy a taste of the typical local drink, “Poncha”. Travel to Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world with breathtaking views. (B)
Day 5 Return flight or extend your stay. (B)
A 3-star hotel within a short walk of the Old Town. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 80 rooms with fan, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.
A 5 star hotel wonderfully integrated into the island’s landscape and a perfect example of a typical Madeiran Quinta. Located less than 2 kilometres from the centre, the hotel offers a restaurant, bars, spa, gym, indoor and outdoor pool and WiFi (free). 42 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and TV. Standard rooms have windows without balcony.
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.
Sundays
per person in a double balcony room - Hotel Do Carmo
easyJet from Gatwick
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single Supplement £130 (May £160)
Accommodation Upgrades
Quintinha São João Hotel
Twin/Double £145
Single supplement £210
Balcony upgrade £20
Reid’s Palace
Twin/Double £925
Single Supplement £1045
Extra Nights
Extra nights - Quintinha São João Hotel
(per night) £75
Single supplement £50
Balcony upgrade £10
Privately Guided
Add £395 per person
Independent Arrival
Save £200
Arrival or departure transfer add £30
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 4 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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VAT No. 805146159
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