Madeira - Pearl of the Adriatic

Overview

If you like your holidays to feature strolls in gloriously colourful gardens, mood-lifting sunshine, panoramic mountain views, wonderful countryside walks and local wine and crafts, then Madeira really is a find. And this excellent-value tour lets you find it at your own pace. Excursions include a fascinating full island tour and Madeira wine tasting - leaving you with free time to spend following the ‘levada’ paths that cross the dramatic volcanic landscapes and meander through verdant forests.

What's Included:

7 nights in hotel (accommodation as specified or similar)
International flights. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Gatwick. Supplements may apply from other airports
8 meals: 7 breakfasts (days 2-8) 1 lunch (day 4) The VidaMar Resort Hotel Madeira also includes dinner on days 1-7
Portable audio headset system on excursions
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service
Titan local representative
Travel in destination by coach
Porterage

Included Excursions

Tour of Funchal by local guide
Entry to an embroidery factory, and the Botanical Gardens
Wine tasting at the Madeira Wine Company
Full-day island tour including lunch
Excursion to Eira Do Serrado and Monte

Full Itinerary

Day 1: UK - Funchal

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Madeira. On arrival we transfer to the centrally-located Pestana Casino Park Hotel (5-star), or VidaMar Resort Hotel Madeira (5-star), with spectacular views from cliff-top positions.

Day 2: Funchal

We depart on a tour of Funchal, including a guided walk through the colourful market - with its array of exotic flowers, freshly caught fish and succulent fruits. We visit an embroidery factory, the renowned Botanical Gardens ablaze with sub-tropical flora, and conclude at the Madeira Wine Company, where you may sample the local wine produced by the island’s leading company. This afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take some time to enjoy the painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria or the carefully nurtured Palheiro Gardens.

Day 3: Funchal

Botanical GardensToday you are at leisure to explore Funchal. Within ninety years of the first settlers coming to Madeira, Funchal grew quickly into a city. Today it is very different from the days of pirates. The perfectly cobbled streets now blend with a modern city with top class restaurants. The City Hall, remodelled to the revivalist style of the 1940s, is a beautiful and noble building, decorated with the portraits of the city’s influential including Portuguese kings. Maybe take a cable car up to Monte from the Old Town or the Botanical Gardens for an alternative way to experience the beautiful vistas. The Jardim Tropical Monte Palace is a tranquil gem with koi filled crystal-clear lakes and peacocks freely roaming the manicured landscape.

Day 4: Island Tour

Today is the main floral procession, where colourful floats decorated with inventive floral creations parade through the streets. Folklore groups in native costume mingle with the crowd, bringing Funchal alive. The festival also brings an abundance of events including concerts of classic and modern music, dance bands and live shows, activities including the construction of delicate floral carpets and the Flower Exhibition.

Day 5: Eira do Serrado - Monte

This morning we travel to Eira do Serrado, for an inspiring view down the valley of chestnut trees, surrounded by steep volcanic mountains. Far below is the isolated village of Nun’s Valley, known to be where nuns took refuge from the pirates who frequently attacked Madeira. Travel on to Monte to visit Our Lady of Monte Church. The most important pilgrimage site in Madeira, with lively processions held every August. It contains the austere tomb of Charles I of Habsburg and a revered statue of Our Lady of Monte.

Days 6-7: Funchal

These two days are at leisure. In the 16th century an open canal system was developed from the wetter regions of the island to the sun parched regions of the south. There are over 200 enduring, beautiful walks along these Levadas, with varying levels of difficulty across dramatic landscapes and through lush vegetation. There are five to choose from in Funchal.