Gardens of Madeira Tour

The lush, volcanic Portuguese island of Madeira lies 400 miles off the coast of Africa and is 36 miles by 14 miles of outstanding natural beauty. Its warm, temperate climate makes it a verdant, sub-tropical paradise that is a delight to visit at any time of year. This wonderful tour explores the island’s gardens and a little of its history from our base in the island’s capital Funchal. Much of the island has been designated a conservation area and it displays a wealth of superb flowers and vegetation with orchids, bougainvillaea, lilies, hydrangeas, magnolias, jacarandas and azaleas blooming effortlessly throughout the year. Horticulture expert Tony Russell will add to your enjoyment of this tour with his knowledge and commentary throughout.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Funchal. On arrival transfer by coach to the Turim Santa Maria in Funchal (approximately 30 minutes). We will have a welcome drink and brief introduction from Tony before dinner with wine at the hotel. 

Day 2: Botanical Garden and Eira do Serrado
We begin our exploration of Madeira with a visit to the Botanical Gardens, which boasts harmonious forms, contrasting colours and more than 2000 exotic plants. It is owned by the Regional Government of Madeira and also serves as a Science and Culture Centre. After some free time for lunch (at own expense) we will travel to Eira do Serrado for a fantastic viewing point overlooking the Nun's Valley and a small village which is nestled between the mountains. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Quinta do Palheiro Gardens, Jardins do Lago and afternoon tea at Reid's Palace Hotel
We depart this morning on a visit to the Quinta do Palheiro (formally known as Blandy Gardens). Established over several generations, the gardens are most famous for their camellias, though there is something for everyone with green fingers, including a wonderful range of agapanthus and arum and belladonna lilies in season. We will also visit Jardins do Lago with its lush gardens offering more than 500 different species of plants which are unique in variety and beauty. Free time for a small lunch (at own expense) before an afternoon visit to the world famous Reid’s Palace hotel for afternoon tea with a visit to their beautiful gardens overlooking the Atlantic. Evening at leisure 

Day 4: Half day Funchal city centre, Municipal Gardens and Quinta Vigia
A relaxing half day tour today, beginning with a visit to the local market, the Mercado dos Lavradores. This will be followed by visiting Quinta Vigia, a small garden which is part of the Presidential Palace, and the neighbouring Santa Catarina Park, set in a natural amphitheatre. Return to the hotel for afternoon at leisure. Dinner at hotel.

Day 5: Full day to Ribeiro Frio, ‘Levada dos balcoes,’ Quinta do Furao, and Cristo Rei Viewpoint
A full day tour of the island displays the wonderful variety of scenery this destination has to offer. We start this morning with a tour of the east of the island to visit Ribeiro Frio and a walk on “levada dos balcões” (approx. 3km). The “levadas” are small man made irrigation canals which double up as gentle footpaths for walkers to enjoy the natural beauty of the island. We then move on to Quinta do Furao and see how the locals produce ‘Pao de Santana’ with a tasting, visit a Madeiran vineyard for tour and wine tasting, followed by lunch and drinks. We will have some free time in Santana before returning via the Cristo Rei Viewpoint for views over Funchal. Dinner at typical Madeiran restaurant with wine included.

Day 6: Full day Monte Palace Tropical Gardens and Funchal
This morning we take the 10-minute cable car ride from the centre of Funchal to the fashionable hill town of Monte, which offers splendid views over the harbour and the bay. We will visit the glorious Monte Palace Gardens which surround the chateaulike Palace before free time for lunch and independent exploration of the island’s capital, Funchal. Dinner at the hotel. 

Day 7: Transfer to Funchal Airport for return flight to Gatwick.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions, weather and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 30 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the amount of walking and standing involved at the gardens we visit. The 3km walk on Day 5 is mostly flat but the path may be uneven in places, and if there has been recent rainfall some parts may be muddy. The trail is 1.5km out to the viewpoint, then back to the starting point. 

INCLUDED

• Return flights from London Gatwick to Funchal
• Six nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Hotel Turim Santa Maria, Funchal, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Five dinners
• One lunch
• Afternoon tea at Reid's Palace
• Full coach touring itinerary
• Expert Tony Russell throughout 
• Tour manager throughout

 NOT INCLUDED

• Single room supplement
• Holiday insurance
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Turim Santa Maria, Funchal 
The four-star Turim Santa Maria Hotel is ideally situated and located a short walk to the centre of Funchal. The hotel offers a bar, restaurant, terrace and rooftop swimming pool. Bedrooms are modern and comfortable with en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, wifi, air-conditioning, minibar and hairdryer. 

Turim Santa Maria Hotel Website