Gardens of Madeira (no single room supplement)
Gardens of Madeira (no single room supplement)
12 Views
Gardens of Madeira (no single room supplement)
8 Days
Visiting: Madeira, Belmond Reid's Palace, Câmara De Lobos, Porto Moniz, Travessa da Quinta do Palheiro, Levadas Madeira | Walking in levadas Madeira Guide - Booking levadas, Monte
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BMDG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Physical rating:
Light
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Set in a bright blue sea, some 400 miles off the coast of Africa, lies the lush, volcanic Portuguese island of Madeira. Just 36 miles long and 14 miles wide, it is an island of outstanding natural beauty. Its delightful warm climate makes Madeira a sub-tropical paradise where the vegetation is verdant and rich. It would not be easy to find a more beautiful spot for a relaxing holiday. It is not surprising that Madeira has long been popular with the British. Its climate of warm summers and winters is just right and over the years it has become an ideal holiday destination for those seeking peace and relaxation and, as you would expect with a benevolent sub-tropical climate, the island has a remarkable variety of vegetation, fruit and flowers. Every inch of Madeira’s workable land is terraced and cultivated, some fields are so steep you would think they were planted by steeplejacks, rather than farmers. Much of the island is assigned as a conservation area where rare flowers cover the island like a green mantle. Orchids, bougainvillaea, lilies, hydrangeas, magnolias, jacarandas and azaleas bloom effortlessly throughout the year, and delight the eye at every turn. One of the nicest ways to explore the island is by following the footpaths alongside the “levadas” (small man-made irrigation canals), which wind their way around the island, and we have included a gentle half-day levada walk, with the opportunity to take further walks on your free days. We also visit the splendid Palheiro Gardens (formerly called the Blandy Gardens), which for many visitors are the best of all Madeira’s horticultural wonders. The gardens, established over several generations, are most famous for their camellias, though there is something here for everyone with green fingers, including a wonderful spread of agapanthus and arum and belladonna lilies in season. At Monte, a fashionable hill town above Funchal, we visit the Monte Palace Gardens, glorious gardens that surround the château-like Monte Palace. Getting there is an experience in itself, as the cable car ride from Funchal to Monte offers stunning views over the harbour and bay. We also offer an optional full day excursion around the island visiting a series of lovely villages, including Camara de Lobos, where Sir Winston Churchill painted the impressive sea cliffs at Cabo Girao in 1950. NB: there is no single room supplement for the first 15 rooms. Thereafter a supplement of £295.00 will apply
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Accommodation Name: Pestana Casino Park Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from London Gatwick on a direct flight to Funchal. On arrival we will be met by our local guide and our coach, which will take us to our accommodation at the 5-star Pestana Casino Park Hotel, Funchal.
The rest of the day is free to relax in the hotel’s grounds or perhaps have a swim in the pool. A welcome dinner is included in the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Accommodation Name: Pestana Casino Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 spread of agapanthus and arum and belladonna lilies in season.
Afternoon at leisure.
Day 3
Accommodation Name: Pestana Casino Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we will enjoy a gentle half-day walk on the footpaths alongside the “levadas” (small man-made irrigation canals), which wind their way around the island. This is one of the nicest ways to explore the island and offers the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Madeira.
Afternoon at leisure.
Day 4
Accommodation Name: Pestana Casino Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 chateau-like Palace.
After our tour of the gardens, we will have the option of taking part in one of Madeira's most treasured traditions: a 10-minute toboggan ride where you slide down the streets from Monte to Funchal in traditional wicker toboggans. It's safer than it sounds!
Afternoon at leisure.
Day 5
Accommodation Name: Pestana Casino Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon we will walk the short distance to the famous Reid’s Palace Hotel. Since it opened in 1891, this luxurious hotel has welcomed the rich and famous, from the Empress of Austria to Sir Winston Churchill and George Bernard Shaw. After a look around the lush gardens that surround the hotel, we will enjoy a delicious afternoon tea of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, home-made pastries, jam, butter and cream and your choice of tea.
The rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure - perhaps with a seaside stroll to walk off the cream tea…
Day 6
Accommodation Name: Pestana Casino Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast the day is free to explore at leisure. Alternatively join us on a full day tour of the island, including lunch. We will visit the picturesque villages of Camara de Lobos, which was made famous by Sir Winston Churchill in 1950 when he painted the sea cliffs at Cabo Girao; Ribiera Brava, (wild river), which was one of the earliest settlements in Madeira; Encumeada, a 1000m high mountain pass where fascinating cloud displays can often be seen; the coastal town of Sao Vicente, popular with surfers and sunbathers, and Porto Moniz, which has long been famous for its natural bathing pools and wonderful scenery, where lunch will be served. In the afternoon we continue via Santana, a pretty village characterised by its thatched houses; the forests and high plateau of Paul da Serra and finally Ponta do Sol, which as the name implies is the sunniest part of the island.
We return to the hotel where the evening is at leisure.
Day 7
Accommodation Name: Pestana Casino Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
All day free to explore Funchal at leisure. A farewell dinner will be served in the hotel in the evening.
Day 8
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we must check out of the hotel – please ensure any extras are paid and take your luggage to the coach. The coach will transfer you to Funchal airport in time to catch your flight home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Services of a professional tour manager
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
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Meals - as per the itinerary
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Drinks with Meals
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Entrance Fees
Check out our Q&As
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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