| Walking
- We have a local bilingual guide for the walking programme and travel
from the hotel to the start point of the walks and return to the hotel
afterwards is by private coach. There is no packing and unpacking as we
are based in the same hotel for seven nights.
Monday
29th December 2008- Fly from Gatwick or Manchester to Funchal
Transfer by private coach to the hotel. In-flight meal. Free time to settle
in and explore Funchal. Evening Welcome Reception in the hotel with a
briefing on the walking programme, followed by dinner in the hotel. D
Tuesday
30th December 2008 - Pico das Pedras/Queimadas/Caldeirão
Verde
Starting at Pico das Pedras we walk into the natural park of Queimadas,
a pleasant botanical garden situated in the highest area of Santana. The
walk continues along a winding levada and passes several short tunnels.
Expect to see some spectacular views of the local villages below as we
make our way westwards towards the majestic waterfall of Caldeirão
Verde.
Later we
make our way back to Queimadas, traversing an area of dense primitive
forest, a feature of the area caused by its microclimate and permanent
humidity. Walking
time 5 hours - grade moderate. Dinner in local restaurant. BLD
Wednesday
31st December 2008 - Vale Paraiso/Santo da Serra
We are collected from the hotel by our private coach and driven to the
village of Camacha, well-known for its locally-made handicraft. At Vale
Paraiso the walk follows the path of the levada and its lush vegetation
surroundings, with occasional glimpses of the southern coast in the distance
as we walk towards the village of Santo da Serra. Our coach will be waiting
to take us back to the hotel fairly early today, to allow free time to
enjoy the facilities of the hotel. Walking time 4 hours - grade easy.
New Year's
Eve at the Pestana Casino Hotel promises to be a stylish occasion. The
hotel is famed for it! Our group will have its own private table and the
recommended dress is dinner jackets for gentlemen and the appropriate
equivalent for ladies. A five-course dinner is accompanied by wine or
soft drinks, followed by liqueurs and coffee. Entertainment includes a
live group and floorshow. At midnight we are invited to watch Funchal's
spectacular fireworks display, reputed to be one of the largest and best
in the world. Afterwards, for anyone with any energy left, the evening
continues with dancing. BD
Thursday 1st January 2009 - Free Time
After a late breakfast, free time today to relax after the New Year's
Eve celebrations. Dinner in local restaurant. BD
Friday
2nd January 2009 - Cabo Girão/Boa Morte (walk) plus tour
of Porto Moniz
Scenic drive to the western side of the island today to Cabo Girão
and spend what should be a pleasant morning walking along footpaths and
trails with spectacular views over rural villages and the Atlantic Ocean.
Fertile terraces can be seen everywhere, despite the shape of the land.
When we arrive
at Boa Morte our coach will be waiting to take us to the northern village
of Porto Moniz, famous for its volcanic swimming pools - bring your swimming
costume today, as time has been allowed to linger in this very attractive
part of the island. Optional lunch in Porto Moniz. Walking time 2½
hours - grade easy. Dinner in the hotel. BD
Saturday
3rd January 2009 - Boca da Corrida/Encumeada
Today we travel up into the mountains to walk along traditional trails
once used by villagers in the times when there were no roads on the island.
We can admire the spectacular views and the imposing Pico Grande in the
distance. From the area of Encumeada we should have good views into the
valley of São Vicente to the north and Serra d'Agua to the south.
Walking time 6 hours - grade moderate. Dinner in local restaurant. BLD
Sunday
4th January 2009 - Pico do Arieiro/Pico Ruivo/Achada do Teixeira
Without doubt one of the most interesting mountain walks in Madeira. Our
coach takes us to our dropping-off point at Pico do Arieiro (1810m) and
we walk along well-marked and well-fenced footpaths to Pico Ruivo (1861m)
- the highest peak on the island. This well-trodden and safe path with
constant ups and downs will be remembered for spectacular views of the
surrounding valleys and the distant Atlantic Ocean (providing the visibility
is good!).
The vegetation
in this area is mostly composed of endemic flowers. The little mountain
rest house near Pico Ruivo is an ideal place for our picnic lunch before
descending along the trail to Achada do Teixeira (1600m) where our coach
will be waiting to take us back to the hotel. Walking time 5 hours - grade
hard. Dinner in the hotel. BLD
Monday
5th January 2009
Free time in the morning before our private coach takes us to Funchal
Airport for our return flight to the UK. In-flight meal. B
B
= Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner |
