Marvels of Madeira Walk





Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating multi-day tour that takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Madeira. This tour is a perfect blend of nature walks, coastal paths, and cultural exploration. Traverse the ancient cobbled route linking Santana to Sao Jorge, marvel at the panoramic coastal views, and explore the vibrant market squares. Discover the verdant paradise of Levada do Furado, and experience the unique flora and fauna of Ponta de Sao Lourenco's Nature Reserve. This tour offers an unforgettable journey through picturesque villages, majestic peaks, and stunning waterfalls, with comfortable accommodations and delicious meals included. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a culture vulture, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Included
All continental buffet style breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches and 5 evening meals are included. Madeira is well known for its excellent fresh fish and seafood, tasty soups and mouth-watering fresh fruit. Grilled meats especially chicken (often cooked on a natural wood grill), also make a good choice for your evening meal. A more traditional dish is espetada - skewered beef cooked on an open grill served with lots of salad and boiled potatoes. Portions are generous, especially in smaller, less touristy restaurants and main dishes come with the traditional salad and potatoes. You will also get a basket of bread on the table, even if you don’t ask for it. Some restaurants also bring you portions of soft cheese and fish paste with the bread and will add these to your bill. Wine Madeira’s wine is probably the island’s most famous export. This strong, fortified wine, which tastes a little like port or sherry, comes in a range of flavours (from dry to very sweet) and is renowned throughout the world. It was used to seal the signing of the American Declaration of Independence and is still used today to toast those offered the Freedom of the City of London.
Your luggage will be transported between the hotels by taxi or minibus. The local representative is often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it in an emergency, but may wish to charge you for this service. Transfers to walking start points on days three, four, five and six are included. A one way cable car ticket is included for use on Day 7.
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Funchal airport to your hotel and back to Funchal airport at the end of your holiday.
Our accommodation choices offer as many contrasts as the walks: in Santana your 4-star hotel has stunning Atlantic Ocean views; in Santo da Serra your hotel dates back to the 1920s and has been used as a family home and tea house over the years, and in Funchal, the 5-star Quinta da Bela Vista is one of the most exclusive hotels on the island. Room upgrade From £10 per person, per night based on 2 people sharing. All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory single room supplement payable in advance.
Cable car ticket included (day 7)
Route notes and maps provided
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Santana to Sao Jorge
- Santana
- Santa Cruz - Arrival day
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- Jardim Panorâmico
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Begin your journey with a scenic walk along the panoramic coastal path that leads from Santana to Sao Jorge. Marvel at the stunning coastal views and the azure waters of the Atlantic. The day ends with a comfortable stay at the Quinta do Furao (or similar), where a delicious breakfast and evening meal await you.
Day 2 – Day 2: Parque das Queimadas to Ilha
- Câmara de Lobos
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- Palheiro Gardens
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Day two takes you to the beautiful Parque das Queimadas. Follow the shady Caldeirao Verde Levada into the Vale da Lapa, soaking in the magnificent views of the sea, hilltop villages, and lofty central peaks. The day concludes with a comfortable stay at the Quinta do Furao (or similar), where a hearty breakfast and evening meal are provided.
Day 3 – Day 3: Ribeiro Frio to Santo da Serra
- Santa Cruz
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- Levada do Paul
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Day three begins with a scenic ride to Ribeiro Frio. Join the Levada do Furado, a verdant paradise of laurel, heather, and pine. Descend to Santo da Serra's vibrant square and enjoy the lively market. The day concludes with a comfortable stay at the Porto Bay Serra Golf (or similar), where breakfast, a picnic, and an evening meal are provided.
Day 4 – Day 4: Ponta de Sao Lourenco to Ribeiro Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz
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- Palácio de São Lourenço
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Day four offers two optional walks. The first takes you to Ponta de Sao Lourenco's Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy the peninsula loop with sweeping views, jagged peaks, and abundant flora and fauna. The second walk takes you to the Levada Nova in the upper reaches of the Ribeiro Santa Cruz. The day concludes with a comfortable stay at the Porto Bay Serra Golf (or similar), where breakfast and an evening meal are provided.
Day 5 – Day 5: Boa Morte to Funchal
- Câmara de Lobos
- Funchal
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- Levada do Paul
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Day five takes you from Boa Morte to Funchal. Traverse the Levada do Norte, through pine and eucalyptus trees, and arrive in Cabo Girao where the majestic expanse of the Atlantic awaits. The day concludes with a comfortable stay at the Quinta da Bela Vista (or similar), where breakfast and a picnic are provided.
Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Funchal
- Funchal - Departure day
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- Funchal Cathedral
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Spend your last day exploring the vibrant city of Funchal. Start with the bustling market near the harbour, enjoy a leisurely lunch on the harbour, and save room for an afternoon cream tea at Reid's. Relax by the pool or in the beautiful exotic gardens of your hotel, the Quinta da Bela Vista (or similar), where breakfast is provided.
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