Group Travel Tour Operator for holidays to Madeira, Portugal
Magical Madeira: The Floating Garden in the Atlantic
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Funchal, Baía, Madeira ©João Paulo
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Monte Palace Gardens, Madeira ©Turismo da Madeira
Madeira: natural beauty, dramatic scenery and botanical wonders
The island of Madeira located off the northwest coast of Africa and is known for its namesake wine and warm, subtropical climate. The main island of Madeira is volcanic, green and rugged, with high cliffs, pebbly beaches and is perfect to explore or just sit back and enjoy the tranquillity of this Archipelago.
Read moreMadeira, Floating Garden of the Atlantic
The subtropical island of Madeira is often referred to as the ‘Floating Garden of the Atlantic’. During your stay, luxuriate in the island’s climate. Because of the mild conditions, there is a plethora flora and fauna to enjoy. Visit the Botanical Gardens where bold colours and aromas permeate every inch of space. More than 2000 plants flourish and there is also a garden for exotic and rare birds. Madeira is full of wonderful natural areas and the fabulous seascapes of the north and south of the Island is somewhere to explore. It is impossible to describe the wonderful feeling provided by the contrast between the serenity of south sea and the rough sea of the north. In this gorgeous but windy zone you can discover and enjoy beautiful samples of unique fauna and flora species. Also, there are curious rock formations, resulting of the volcanic origin of the island.
Europe’s most picturesque and cleanest capital; Funchal
Furthermore, the capital city, Funchal, is abundant in history and stunning architecture. Enjoy some sightseeing and explore the vibrant and colourful farmers markets. Within this riot of colour, women in traditional folk dress sell cut flowers and an array of exotic and obscure fruits. Meander past stalls in the city’s art deco trading hub. Then wander to Sé, Madeira’s church. From the outside, the tower dominates the skyline, although the church is modest in size. Inside, admire the intricately carved ceilings and the alter depicting the Passion of Christ and the Virgin Mary’s life.
Madeira is a magnificent and magical place. Between the charms of Funchal and the glorious gardens, you have all the ingredients for a memorable holiday.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024
Suggested itinerary by air
Day 1
Travel to Madeira
Fly to Madeira where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for the next five nights.
Day 2
Funchal sightseeing
Together with your guide explore the city of Funchal. Along the way visit the São Tiago Fort, the Cathedral, the local market where you can admire the variety of products and smell the salt from the fresh fish. Enjoy a lunch in a quiet restaurant in the city of just have a small snack in the hand.
For dinner we will take you to have a typical dinner accompanied by 2 live music shows – fado and folk music.
Day 3
Gardens of Madeira
Your morning will start with a visit to one of the most beautiful gardens of the region, with an amazing view over the city of Funchal. It is located in one of the most peculiar “quinta” of the city that dates from 1881 when the Reid family decide to create a garden as their own private park. Today the property is open to public. After lunch, our paths through the gardens will continue and we will take you to visit a tropical garden. In this visit, stroll along the walkways of the garden, venturing through its exuberant vegetation, in contrast with the vast range of colours of the flowers, with the bay of Funchal as a backdrop, will be an unforgettable experience.
Day 4
The Volcanic Caves and Madeira Wine
Today we will take you to visit the north coast of the island. Our visit will start in the volcanic caves. The volcanic caves allow you to get to know the interior of the island and the volcanic eruption that was the base of its origin. After this visit back from the origins of the Madeira island, relax and enjoy your lunch in a typical restaurant. Then, visit the cellars and taste Madeira Wine or make your own Poncha.
Day 5
Madeira’s Natural Park
After breakfast we will take you to the very east point of the island.
Along the way, you can marvel yourself with the fabulous seascapes of the north and south of the Island. It is impossible to describe the wonderful feeling provided by the contrast between the serenity of south sea and the rough sea of the north. In this gorgeous but windy zone you can discover and enjoy beautiful samples of unique fauna and flora species. After a few kms, go down to the sea and enjoy the quiet and freshness of the turquoise sea of the south.
The return is done by boat to the bus, where you will be able to admire inside of the caves all the wildlife that nests on this rock formation.
Day 6
Return to the UK
It’s time to transfer back to the airport for the flight back to the UK.
We have a selection of hotels which will suit every group and budget.
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| Dates | 6 days / 5 nights |
| 2024 dates | Price on request |
