Madeira

Tuesday 2^nd June

Today we arrive into Madeira where we will be transferred to our hotel which lies on the island’s south coast, close to the centre of Funchal. You may wish to have dinner in the hotel or head to one of the nearby restaurants for your first sample of the local cuisine.

Overnight in Funchal.

Wednesday 3^rd June

This morning we head out to discover the delights of Madeira’s capital, Funchal. We’ll start by paying a visit to the Farmers’ Market, a bustling centre where local traders sell their regional products. Here you can purchase anything from exotic flowers to fresh fish to Pasteis de Nata (a delicious Portuguese Custard Tart). Later, we’ll visit the Old Town and Santa Maria street, where doorways are adorned with works of art! We’ll then head to the city’s famed cable cars, where we’ll proceed to Monte, admiring the breath-taking views as we travel through the air.

At Monte, we’ll meander through the municipal garden and visit the church dedicated to the patron saint of Madeira. For those looking for an adventure, there is the option to toboggan back down the mountain! We’ll then make our way to one of the most traditional wine lodges of Madeira, the Blandy’s Madeira Wine company, where we’ll sample some of the islands most tempting wines!

Later we will return to the hotel and the rest of the evening is at leisure.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Funchal.

Thursday 4^th June

Today we’ll venture further inland, passing through some of the island’s most beautiful mountains and landscapes. We’ll travel to Pico dos Barcelos, a magnificent viewpoint sitting at 355 metres that offer spectacular views across the bay of Funchal and Santo Antonio before continuing to Eira do Serrado. Our final stop sees us at the Nuns Valley, a small village located in the crater of an extinct volcano. This quaint village is the perfect place to wander through and get a feel for rural life in Madeira. Here we’ll also have the opportunity to sample some of the delicacies the island is famed for including: Chestnut Liquor, Madeira Cake and Chestnut Cake. We’ll then return back to Funchal to enjoy the rest of the day.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Funchal.

Friday 5^th June

Madeira is known globally for its Levada walks, ‘Levada’ derives from the Portuguese word ‘Levar’ meaning carriageway. These open canal systems were developed in the 16^th century to help distribute rainfall across the island, to prevent the drier regions from becoming parched.  They now make a series of easy and gentle walks through the Madeiran countryside and are a must for anyone travelling to the area! Travelling along the south coast, we’ll head towards Machico, where we begin our walk. We’ll walk through the beautiful Mimosa valley, passing through exotic forests and cultivated fields, giving us a true insight into island life.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Funchal.

Saturday 6^th June

Today will be a free day with the opportunity to explore Funchal further. You may wish to head further afield and explore the parts of the island we haven’t yet been to! This evening, we’ll head back into the city to witness the Atlantic Festival! This festival marks the start of summer in Madeira and is an annual event, drawing in visitors from across the globe. Held on the pier outside Pontinha, a performance of around 20 minutes combining fireworks and music creates a truly magical experience.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Funchal

Sunday 7^th June

Today is another day at leisure to wind down and relax, or head out on another walk if your heart desires. Madeira is full of exciting and interesting things to do, whether that be setting out on a walk along another Levada, hitting the waters on a catamaran cruise, or relaxing at the hotel.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Funchal.

Monday 8^th June

Known across the world for its rugged scenery, filled with vibrant flowers and mountainous landscapes, no trip to Madeira could be considered complete without walking through the mountains. Today we’ll explore the grandeur of the mountains, valleys, and majestic streams that descend down the slopes. First, we’ll head to the north coast, where we’ll begin an unforgettable mountain walk at Achada do Teixeira, following a footpath to the highest mountain of Madeira, Pico Ruivo (1862m).  On route, we’ll admire the vegetation that grows at this altitude and the incredible views across the valleys. Our walk continues as we travel alongside a Levada on the interior of the Laurel Forest, a route sure to activate the senses with sounds, smells and natural treasures. Our last stop of the day takes us to Santana City, where we can see the traditional thatched roof houses typical of Madeira.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Funchal

Tuesday 9^th June

Sadly today our Madeiran adventure must come to a close, as we head off to the airport to fly home!

Breakfast included.

Single supplement – £285

Please note that whilst the walks on this holiday are all geared towards beginners, all travellers must have a good level of fitness and walking ability.