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Madeira

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Exotic island paradise

Off the coast of Africa, in the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, lies one of the world's most beautiful islands. Sun-blessed and sub-tropical, it's home to a vibrant and varied array of exotic and colourful flora, and is a perfectly relaxing, captivating holiday haven.

Following February's floods, life on Madeira is returning to normal. The Lido area, where the majority of our hotels are located is unaffected following the clean-up, and holidays will continue to run as planned.

Renowned as the 'Floating Garden', Portuguese Madeira combines outstanding natural wonders with a welcome as warm as its climate.

Funchal

Funchal is the island's principal port, seat of government and main trade centre. Bars and cafes spill out onto flower-strewn streets, and shops and stores vie for your attention. Wander the open-air market, enjoy a flutter in the famous casino and don't miss the world-renowned Botanical Gardens.

Garajau and Santa Cruz

These smaller villages provide a perfect base for relaxing holidays, with small selections of shops, bars and restaurants, stunning views of the Atlantic and pleasant countryside surroundings. Regular bus services - and in some cases hotel shuttle buses - connect the outlying hotels with the main town.

During your stay, you can choose to join a selection of great-value excursions to many places of interest.

Day One

Outward travel from your selected airport to Madeira, and onward transfer to your hotel.

Day Two

Spend the day relaxing at the hotel or exploring the surrounding area. Our Tour Manager will be happy to suggest places to visit and things to do.

Day Three

On today's optional excursion, we tour Funchal's famous Mercado dos Lavodores produce market, and sample Madeira wine in Adegas de Sao Francisco, the town's oldest wine-tasting establishment. Afterwards, we drive to the Botanical Gardens to see their outstanding collection of sub-tropical and tropical plants and flowers.

Day Four

Passing Camara de Lobos, a favourite painting location of Churchill, today's optional excursion climbs the world's second highest cliff to Cabo Girao. We'll take lunch (payable locally) in Porto Moniz, overlooking the celebrated rock swimming pools, before continuing to Sao Vicente and then over Encumeda Pass to see the spectacular panoramas of the island.

Day Five

A fascinating network of irrigation channels (levadas) criss-crosses Madeira, carrying water to the vineyards and farms of the south. The channel maintenance paths provide the ready-made walking trails we'll use for the 'easy'-rated, seven-kilometre, Levada da Serra do Faial walk from Caminho do Pico do Infante to Rochao (duration approximately two and a half hours) that is today's optional excursion.

Day Six

Enjoy a popular and fun optional excursion to Pico dos Barcelos, for the finest view of Funchal, and then on to Eira do Serrado with its spectacular view of Curral das Freiras (Nuns' Valley). In Monte we'll visit the beautiful church and take the famous wickerwork toboggan ride down to Livramento.

In the evening, join us for an optional dinner at a typical Madeirense restaurant. A glass of 'Madeira', the traditional espetada - tender, marinated beef grilled and served with mixed salad, potatoes and hot country bread - and entertainment from traditional folk-dancers all add up to a wonderful atmosphere.

Day Seven

On our final optional excursion we'll see craftsmen at work in the wickerwork factory at Camacha, take in the spectacular views from Pico do Arieiro and visit the valley nature reserve at Ribeiro Frio. We'll stroll past the thatched houses of beautiful Santana and explore Porto da Cruz - a town famous for its wine production.

Day Eight

Transfer back to the airport for check-in and your flight home.

Wining and dining

Fish and seafood are central to Madeirense cuisine. Try the atum (tuna), espadarte (swordfish) or espada (black scabbard fish). Espetada is the most popular meat dish, while other specialities include milho frito (fried cornmeal) and honey cake. Madeira wine, from sweet Malmsey to dry Verdelho, can accompany most meals, but there is also a local, dry vinho seco.

 
 

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