Marvels of Madeira Walk

Marvels of Madeira Walk

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tourhub | Headwater | Marvels of Madeira Walk | W07MF
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Marvels of Madeira Walk

8 Days Starting and ending in Portugal

Visiting: Portugal, Madeira

Tour operator:

Headwater

Tour code:

W07MF

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Activities:

Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Perfect for year-round walking, the floating garden of Madeira is a paradise of tropical flowers, exotic birds and trees, romantic gorges and emerald seas. Luxury 4 and 5 star hotels throughout provide exquisite local cuisine with possibility of sampling the island's famous full-bodied wine.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Madeira
Arrive at your hotel in Santana where our local partner will brief you on the week's walking.

Day 2: Circular Walk to Sao Jorge 10km/6.5mi/3.5hr or 13km/8mi/4hr
Today you take the panoramic coastal path that leads you to the ancient cobbled route linking Santana to Sao Jorge. (If you are staying at the Vila Bela in Porto da Cruz a 15 min transfer will be provided). Agapanthus and cacti line the descent to the seaside 'resort' of Calhau. It's then along the base of the cliffs, where big Atlantic rollers come sweeping in, before you climb to enjoy balcony views. There are fabulous coastal vistas as you ascend to Sao Jorge, with the village's lighthouse glimmering above the azure waters. The mighty peak of Pico Ruivo frames the horizon as you return to Santana or transfer to Porto da Cruz if you are staying there.

Day 3: The Caldeirao Verde Levada 14km/9mi/5hr
A transfer (10/25 mins) takes you up to the Parque das Queimadas - all the hard climbing is done for you! The walk follows the beautiful (and shady) Caldeirao Verde Levada (the Green Cauldron Levada) into the Vale da Lapa. The scenery is magnificent; the views of the sea, of hilltop villages, and of the lofty central peaks are unforgettable. You head up the valley through a series of impressive levada tunnels to the magnificent waterfall at Caldeirao Verde. Then it's back down the Lapa Valley to Ilha before taking the bus back to Santana or a transfer to Porto da Cruz.

Day 4: Santana to Ribeiro/Santo da Serra 14km/9mi/4hr
A scenic 25 minute ride takes you to Ribeiro Frio. You join the Levada do Furado, a verdant paradise of laurel, heather and pine with waterfalls tumbling into the gushing river. Tiny firecrest and tame finches flit between the trees, which occasionally part to reveal stunning views of white hilltop hamlets. You descend to Santo da Serra's vibrant square with its lively market; wood smoke fills the air as meats grill al fresco - you must try the traditional espetada (marinated meat skewered on laurel twigs)!

Day 5: Sao Lourenco 8km/5mi/3hr
Starting with a transfer (30 mins), today's walk takes you to the most eastern point of Madeira, to Ponta de Sao Lourenco's Nature Reserve, where you'll walk the hugely popular peninsula loop, with sweeping views, jagged peaks and masses of flora and fauna.

Day 6: Cabo Girao Walk 11km/7mi/3.5hr
A 45 minutes transfer takes you to Boa Morte to take the Levada do Norte, through pine and eucalyptus trees, and on paths lined with pink belladonna flowers. High on the poios (terraces) the path wanders through pretty villages, before arriving in Cabo Girao where the majestic expanse of the Atlantic is spread out before us. A transfer will take you on to your hotel in Funchal where you will spend your last two nights.

Day 7: At Funchal
Spend your last day exploring at leisure in Funchal, perhaps starting in the bustling market near the harbour - it's full of atmosphere and ablaze with colour. Enjoy lunch on the harbour, saving room for an afternoon cream tea at Reid's, then it's time to relax by the pool or in the beautiful exotic gardens of your hotel.

Day 8: Leave Madeira
Today you will take your transfer back to Funchal airport as agreed.

Travel

TAP Portugal Heathrow to Funchal via Lisbon 06:00/12:00, (transfer to hotel, 20 mins, provided). Return: Funchal to Heathrow via Lisbon 12:45/18:50 (transfer to airport, 20 mins, provided).

Meals

All continental breakfasts, 2 picnics and 5 evening meals

Single Supplement

Please phone for details.

Accommodation

Quinta do Furao (4 star)
The Quinta do Furao enjoys a stunning location with views stretching over the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel is surrounded by vineyards, vegetable plots and fruit orchards as well as beautifully manicured gardens complete with dragon trees and proteas. The verdant peaks of Picos do Ruivo and Arieiro stand majestically behind the Quinta to complete the picture. The indoor pool is enclosed by large large glass panels ensuring an excellent view overlooks the vineyardsas you swim. The restaurant is housed in a separate building and with a beautiful outside terrace has the same magnificent views across the ocean as the hotel. Perhaps take a visit to the hotels 'pub', a cozy space for relaxing with a drink either before or after dinner and don't forget to visit the hotels wine cellar with its own traditional wine press and where you can take the best of the Madeiran wine on offer. There are 45 spacious rooms (all with twin beds), decorated with pine furniture and colourful furnishings. If this hotel is not available, the Hotel Vila Bela in Porto da Cruz will be used (subject to availability) and walking transfers provided.

Porto Bay Serra Golf (4 star)
The Porto Bay Serra Golf was originally built in the 1920s. In the 1940s it became a teahouse and was later used as the golf clubhouse. It has since been renovated into a beautiful hotel. The original part of the building contains the lounge with honesty bar and elegant restaurant as well as the two superior twin rooms and the suite. The indoor pools opens out onto the gardens and is an ideal space for relaxing. The elegant standard rooms are situated in the new part of the building. All rooms are equipped with satellite television, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, telephone and safe. None of these rooms have balconies, although the downstairs rooms have a small terrace and can be requested subject to availability. Other facilities include honesty bar, fitness room and library. There is also a 27- hole golf course beside the hotel and the hotel has preferential rates for green fees as well as equipment hire.

Quinta da Bela Vista (5 star)
The luxury 5 star family-run Quinta da Bela Vista, one of the most exclusive hotels on Madeira, commands fabulous panoramic views of Funchal from its hillside location on the edge of the city. It's a perfect oasis of calm in this bustling city. The hotel consists of three buildings set in stylish and typical Madeiran gardens perfect for a spot of relaxing. All the rooms are stylishly furnished and are equipped with mini bar, safe and tea and coffee making facilities and you'll come across original paintings and rare antiques throughout the buildings. There are two fine restaurants, one half board and one a la carte, a heated outdoor swimming pool with spectacular views from it's terrace over Funchal, the pool bar serves snacks during the day and is an excellent spot for a drink either pre or post dinner. A sauna, Jacuzzi and tennis court are also available for guests. A regular complimentary day time shuttle service is provided to and from Funchal.

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