Feel immersed in the lush, verdant gardens and stunning landscapes of captivating Madeira, a unique volcanic island known as the 'floating garden of the Atlantic'. Leave the stresses of every day behind as you tour this subtropical paradise and admire its majestic peaks, beautiful coastlines and world-famous gardens.
You will visit during the island's famous Flower Festival and get to see further horticultural highlights including orchids at Palheiro Gardens and the exquisite colours of the Monte. This eight-day tour also includes visits to Funchal Botanical Gardens and Quinta do Arco Rose Garden.
You will be joined for part of this trip by garderning expert Frances Tophill. Frances will host an exclusive Q&A session and visit the Flower Parade with you, plus some other sights including the Quinta do Arco rose garden.
For the duration of your stay, you will be based at Enotel Magnolia, a four-star hotel in Funchal with comfortable rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and a fitness centre, near to the lush Quinta Magnólia Park.
Frances is a well known British horticulturist, author and television presenter, best known for Love Your Garden and Gardeners' World. She has written five books and her latest, The Modern Gardener: A practical guide for creating a beautiful and creative garden, focuses on helping people to encourage wildlife, reduce their carbon footprint, and make their outdoor and indoor space more useful in all areas.
Trout Farm visit
Quinta do Arco Rose Garden visit
Also included: Transfers for those travelling on group flights; all tours as specified in the itinerary, visit to the Flower Festival, all entrances as specified in the itinerary, services of a professional English-speaking guide during excursions and transfers.
* Please note that whilst touring, meals and drinks are at an additional cost - only meals and drinks consumed at the hotel are included.
Today you'll arrive in Funchal and meet your guide. You'll then take a transfer to your base for the week, the lovely Hotel Enotel Magnolia, where you'll have dinner.
Today you'll enjoy a walking tour of the island's capital, Funchal. First stop is the beautiful Santa Catarina Park in the city centre, followed by the 15th century Sé Cathedral. Afterwards you'll head to the famous market, "Mercado dos Lavradores". Take your time strolling through the lovely, colourful market streets where vendors sell fresh flowers, fruit and fish. You can also pay a visit to Funchal's most famous embroidery factory. In the afternoon you will visit the Botanical Garden and afterwards the wine-growing areas, to see the overlapping terraces over the volcanic soil that gives Madeira wine its unique properties. You'll visit a typical winery and enjoy a wine tasting, and then return to your hotel for dinner.
Today you'll drive along the coastline, passing Cabo Girão, the highest cliffs in Europe at 590m, to the village of Ribeira Brava and its famous church. Then you'll follow the Encumeada pass and beautiful northern coastline to the northernmost point of Madeira, Porto Moniz, where you can spend some time.
On the return journey there will be several stops at waterfalls and you will have the opportunity to do some short hikes along the Atlantic and the waterfalls. You can also bathe in the natural sea swimming pool at Seixal.
This evening, Frances Tophill will join your party and give a talk and Q&A.
This morning you'll have time to explore at your leisure. In the evening, in the company of Frances, you'll spend time enjoying the incredible atmosphere of the Flower Festival 2024.
Today, Frances will remain with your group, and you'll visit the east of the island. Firstly the Pico de Ariero, the third highest peak in Madeira, and then the Ribeiro Frio National Park, where you'll visit a trout farm and have the opportunity to taste a typical Madeiran drink, Poncha.
You'll then take a short, easy hike through the laurel forests to reach the "Os Balcones" viewpoint, where you can pause to take in some wonderful vistas. Then you'll head to the traditional town of Santana where you'll see some classic Madeiran stone houses with thatched rooves.
After lunch you'll visit the beautiful rose garden Quinta do Arco, which has one of the largest collections of rose bushes in Portugal. Then it's on to Porto da Cruz, Madeira's centre of sugarcane cultivation, where you will take part in a delicious rum tasting.
Afterwards you'll visit Machico, a fishing village, before returning to the hotel for dinner.
After breakfast you'll take a short drive to the Palheiro Gardens. These gardens are famous not only for the variety of plants that grow there, but for the beauty of their setting in the hills to the east of Funchal.
Today is leisure time for you to explore the island as you wish. If you choose to stay at the hotel, lunch is included.
This morning you'll have time for a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to the airport in Funchal to return home.
Comfort and style in the heart of Funchal
Just 800 metres from the centre of Funchal, the Enotel Magnólia hotel is close to the lush Quinta Magnólia Park and within walking distance of luxury shopping malls, restaurants and the bustling nightlife on Lido Promenade. It offers magnificent panoramic views, tranquil gardens and leisure facilities, including a solarium, games room, sauna, fitness centre, spa, indoor heated pool and outdoor pool.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single rooms available, please call to enquire; single supplement £599. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).