Riviera Travel Grand Tour of Madeira

• Tours of both Western and eastern madeira
• Guided tour of Funchal
• Wine tasting
• Explore a number of tropical gardens including Monte Palace Tropical Gardens
• Visit the villages of Câmara das Lobos and Curral das Freiras

• Return flights and transfers
• 11nts in 4* accommodation
• Selected Meals: Daily Breakfast and dinner plus 1 lunch
• 13 included experiences
• Services of an expert tour manager throughout

Day 1: Arrival in Funchal
Fly to Funchal, Madeira’s capital city. In arrival, transfer to the hotel. This evening, enjoy your first signature experience of the tour (See Signature Tours for more information).

Day 2: Funchal
After breakfast, join a local guide for a walking tour of Funchal’s historic centre, seeing its highlights include the Igreja do Colégio, the Sé Cathedral and the Art deco style farmer’s market. Following the tour, try some of the island’s best-known products, it’s wine.

Day 3: Western Madeira
This morning, head to the west of the island, where your first stop is Cabo Girao, the island’s highest sea cliff, which offers amazing views of the coastline. Next, you’ll head to Riberia Brava, a small-town set in a valley, home to the church of São Bento. Afterwards, travel to the fishing village of Madalena do Mar to walk through a banana plantation before ascending to the Paúl da Serra plateau.

From here, continue to Porto Moniz at the northwestern tip of the island before returning to Funchal, driving past the Bridal Veil water fall and stopping in the village of São Vicente.

Day 4: Free day

Today you are free to explore Funchal and the surrounding area independently.

Day 5: Monte Gardens & cable car
Ascend to Monte by cable car to visit the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens where you’ll have a guided tour before free to wonder around the oriental gardens. In the afternoon, return to Funchal and spend the afternoon at leisure

Day 6: Curral das Freiras
Take a short drive to Curral das Freiras, the Valley of the Nuns. Upon arrival, head to Eira do Serrado to soak up views down to the village. Head down to the village of Curral das Freiras, known for its convent of nuns and the chestnuts grown on the hillsides. After some time in the village, head back to Funchal or the hotel.

Day 7: Câmara de Lobos & Fajã dos Padres
This morning, drive to Câmara de Lobos, a fishing village for some time to explore its cobble streets or to relax. Then, in the afternoon, head to Fajã dos Padres for this afternoon’s Signature Experience (See Signature Tours for more information).

Day 8: Palheiro Gardens
After breakfast, visit the Palheiro Gardens, famous for its variety of flora. Spend the morning walking the grounds at leisure before having the afternoon free to spend as you wish.

Day 9: Free day & Afternoon Tea
This morning is free for you to relax or carry on exploring at your own pace. In the afternoon, meet back up for your next Signature Experience (See Signature Tours for more information).

Day 10: Eastern Madeira
Today’s you’ll head to the eastern side of the island. The first stop is Ponta do Rosto, the island’s easternmost point, offering breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic. Continuing along the northern coast, arrive at Porto da Cruz, named for the large cross guiding sailors.

Here, amidst the imposing Penha d’Aguia, you’ll discover a 16th-century parish famed for its sugar cane spirit and dry red wine. Moving on, you’ll reach Santana, where you’ll get the chance to see well preserved 16^th century houses. After a lunch at a local winery (See Signature Tours for more information) venture to Ribeiro Frio National Park, a UNESCO-listed sanctuary cloaked in ancient Laurisilva forests.

Day 11: Funchal Botanical Gardens
This morning, visit the Madeira Botanical Gardens, home to over 2000 exotic plants within five unique landscaped areas. Here, you can enjoy time to view the flora or enjoy the views over the island and the nearby amphitheatre. This afternoon, head to Quinta do Largo for your next Signature Experience (See Signature Tours for more information).

Day 12:
Transfer to the airport for your flight home

This Signature Tour includes everything from the Classic Tour as well as the following:

Day 1:
Get to know your fellow explorer’s as you enjoy an aperitif and canapés on the hotel’s terrace with great views of the ocean

Day 7:
In the afternoon, visit Fajã dos Padres, a unique destination filled with pebble beaches and tropical fruit trees. During the visit, tour one of the plantations here and taste the produce grown there.

Day 9:
Visit Reid’s Palace, a luxury hotel with beautiful gardens overlooking the ocean. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious afternoon tea, including your choice of the hotel’s signature tea or coffee.

Day 10:
While in Santana, visit one of the island’s renowned winery’s. Here, you’ll taste a selection of wines before sitting down for a lunch of Mediterranean cuisine.

Day 11:
This afternoon, visit Quinta do Largo, an 18^th century manor house whose extensive gardens you’ll explore on a guided tour before sitting down for a glass of wine and canapés.

Plus, enjoy the more exclusive atmosphere of travelling in a small group of 25 or fewer guests.

For dates and prices, please enquire or call 0800 707 6229

Pestana Grand Hotel – 4*
Located on the Ponta da Cruz cliff, this hotel has direct access to the Lido Promenade. All the rooms here have balconies and the hotel itself has two pools, spa facilities and a choice of restaurants and bars.

Fact File

• Currency: Euro
• Flight time:  Approx. 4 hrs
• Language: Portuguese
• Time zone: GMT
• Country: Portugal

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic