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INTRODUCTION
Make the Spring extra special with some of the very best guided walks in Madeira, featuring high peaks, valleys, coastal paths and the levadas. We stay for seven nights at the 5-star Pestana Carlton Madiera Hotel situated on the cliff top with views over Funchal Bay and a few minutes walk from the centre of Funchal.
Madeira has a sub-tropical climate, remarkable flowers and vegetation, and soaring peaks which offer endless walking possibilities. The programme that has been arranged includes some of the very best walks in Madeira, ranging from grade easy to moderate, and all within the capability of anyone who is reasonably fit.
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We visit different parts of the island, including the west coast, and guided walks feature Pico das Pedras, Vale Paraiso/Santa da Serrra, Cabo Girao/Boa Morte, Porto Moniz, Boca da Corrida and the spectacular Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo - the highest peak on the island.
Most people will feel comfortable wearing shorts and t-shirts during the day, and casually-smart clothes for the evening. You will want a good pair of walking boots, and it is advisable to take along a lightweight sweater and waterproof, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Meal arrangements include breakfast in the hotel and picnic lunches shown in the itinerary. A particular feature of the holiday will be the evening dinner parties in the hotel which enjoys a high reputation for the quality of its food and service. On one evening we eat at a nearby Madeiran restaurant, the Casa Madeirense where we have the opportunity to enjoy traditional local cooking at its best.
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HIGHLIGHTS
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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.
Day 1 - Tuesday 9 April 2013 - 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
Day 2 - Wednesday 10 April 2013 - 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 the hotel. BLD
Day 3 - Thursday 11 April 2013 - 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
Day 4 - Friday 12 April 2013 - 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 the hotel. BLD
Day 5 - Saturday 13 April 2013 - 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. Dinner at the Caso Madeirense Restaurante. BD
Day 6 - Sunday 14 April 2013 - Free Time
After a lazy breakfast there is free time today to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities, do a little shopping or try some of the traditional Madeiran activities. Dinner in the hotel.
BD
Day 7 - Monday 15 April 2013 - 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
Day 8 - Tuesday 16 April 2013 - Free time and Departure
Free time in the morning before our private coach takes us to Funchal Airport for our return flight to
the UK. In-flight meal. First Choice Airways. B
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ACCOMODATION
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Pestana Carlton Madiera Hotel
This 5-star hotel is situated on the cliff top with views over Funchal Bay and a few minutes walk from the centre of Funchal.
All rooms have a balcony, air conditioning, satellite television, telephone, mini-bar, room safe and en-suite bathroom. Amenities include a large heated outdoor pool, tennis courts, fitness room, sauna, massage, hairdressing and shops and is an excellent base for our visit.
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FLIGHTS
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Please note that the following flight details are the latest known and are subject to confirmation and change by the airline. All times are local.
| Outbound - Tuesday 9th April 2013 |
Depart Gatwick (South)
Arrive Funchal
or
Depart Manchester (T2)
Arrive Funchal
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0700
1140
0600
1000 |
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| Inbound - Tuesday 16th April 2013 |
Depart Funchal
Arrive Gatwick (South)
or
Depart Funchal
Arrive Manchester (T2)
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1145
1525
1100
1450 |
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PRICE
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| Price per person sharing an en-suite twin-bedded room including flights |
£tbc |
| Supplement for single occupancy |
£tbc |
| Supplement for sea view room |
£tbc |
WHAT THE FULL PRICE INCLUDES
- Return economy grade flights UK-Madeira
- Return transfers by private coach between the airport and the hotel in Funchal
- Welcome Reception
- Seven nights at the 5-star Pestana Carlton Madiera Hotel, including breakfast
- Dinners in the hotel or, on one occasion, a nearby restaurant
- Full walking programme including local qualified guide
- Private coach in connection with the walking programme
- Picnic lunches as shown in the itinerary
- Airport and security taxes
- All local taxes
- Assistance of our agents in Funchal
- Accompanying tour leader
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Holiday/Travel Insurance
- Beverages
- Gratuities to guides, which are optional
- Any Government taxes or compulsory charges that may be introduced after the publication of this web page
E&OE
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