Madeira CANIÇO DE BAIXO 2018

Transcription

1 Madeira CANIÇO DE BAIXO 2018

2 WELCOME TO Madeira In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, off the west coast of Africa, Madeira is a magical volcanic island with rugged mountains draped in lush colourful vegetation and crammed with bright flowers. Just 35 miles long and 13 miles wide, this unique tropical gem offers diverse walking landscapes and much to explore, making this a truly must-see destination. Over its fascinating history, Madeira has attracted merchants, explorers and pirates. Christopher Columbus married the first Governor s granddaughter in the 15th century when the Portuguese settlers arrived. The island has a wealthy history of sugar cane plantations, although sugar cane is no longer the main crop. This has been replaced with vines that produce the famous Madeira wine. This beautiful island rising from the ocean with steep cliffs and high mountains was once believed to be the lost civilisation of Atlantis. Funchal is the island s capital and main port. White houses and distinctive tiled roofs flow down to the harbour, favoured by cruise ships. Reflecting its wealth and history, the capital now makes a great destination for shopping and sightseeing. The old town has narrow, cobbled streets and restored fishermen s houses. The market, built in 1937, has two storeys and is vibrant and colourful, thanks to the wares of its famous flower sellers. At the seafront, a modern cable car station takes 2 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk passengers to the hilltop town of Monte. This is where the wealthy merchants of Funchal lived to enjoy the cooler air and is well known as the start of the famous wooden toboggan ride down the cobbled streets. Madeira enjoys an all year round mild climate and has been an exclusive holiday destination for the British for the best part of a century. Until the latter half of the 20th century it was only reached by boat or flying boat. The building of the airport and its more recent expansion has opened up Madeira to more and more holidaymakers, but the island has managed to maintain its character and charm. Rainfall is principally, but not exclusively, in the high mountains of the interior. For centuries this valuable water resource has been transported to the drier coastal areas along man-made water courses, the famous levadas. This means that there are no dry and arid areas typical of other volcanic islands in this area of the Atlantic. It also means that the island has a remarkable and exotic flora at all seasons of the year. The levadas and their maintenance paths offer an opportunity to explore areas of the interior which would otherwise be inaccessible. Add in the coastal paths and the mountain walks and you have a walker s paradise.

3 ACCOMMODATION HOTEL GALOSOL Caniço de Baixo Rua Francisco Santana Madeira Tel: Located on the southeast coast of the island and close to the capital, the 4-star Hotel Galosol is in the village of Caniço de Baixo, well away from the major hotel developments. It offers fine views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Ilhas Desertas (uninhabited islands) and the rocky Madeiran shore, and is justifiably well-liked by walkers. BEDROOMS There are 123 spacious en-suite bedrooms, some with sea views. These rooms are bright and decorated in warm colours, creating a cosy atmosphere in conjunction with modern wooden and wicker furniture. All rooms have air conditioning, a balcony, satellite TV, minibar, safe (small charge), and the spacious bathrooms are well-equipped with a large mirror, vanity mirror, hairdryer, bidet and have either bathtub or a large shower. FACILITIES Guests have free use of the Onda Revital Club and can join some fitness classes, weekly jogging and yoga. The Wellness Centre has an indoor pool, saunas and Jacuzzi. There is an outdoor pool at the hotel plus a dramatically situated lido with saltwater pools, accessed via a cliff top lift. There is a weekly entertainment programme including live music. Wi-Fi is free throughout the public areas of the hotel, including a comfortable Wi-Fi lounge, which offers ocean views. As well as bars, coffee shop and the main restaurant, which overlooks the sea and pool area, there is the stylish Atlantis restaurant set dramatically into the foot of the rocky cliffs at sea level. MEALS All our holidays include breakfast and evening meal. The hotel does cater for most dietary requirements; we advise you to discuss your requirements with the restaurant staff on arrival. Breakfast The buffet, served from 7.30am until 10am, includes a wide variety of hot and cold items. Evening meal This buffet meal is available from 6.30pm until 9pm. The hotel prides itself on serving fresh produce, sourced locally, and will include daily meat, fish and vegetarian selections, and plenty of salads. A show chef is on hand preparing dishes. For dessert there is a selection of fruit pastries, delicious cakes and other fresh cream desserts. Tea and coffee are served after this meal. On the last evening, our groups are transported to a local restaurant to sample some typical Maderia dishes. Lunch You may be able to purchase a picnic lunch from the hotel. Alternatively it is possible to buy ingredients from local shops or on some days to eat at one of the local cafés; your leaders will advise you of the options. NB: There is a new eco-tax payable in cash directly to the hotel of 5 per week. Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 3

4 Guided Walking ITINERARY A unique feature of our Guided Walking holidays is the daily choice of walks. Each evening your leaders will give a short talk about the options for the next day and answer any questions that you may have. In Madeira you ll have a choice of two guided walks on each walking day. The cost of the transport to and from your walks each day is included in the cost of your holiday. Please note that the itinerary outlined below is Easier Walks: 5 to 9 miles (8-14.5km) on good paths with some rocky sections. Up to 700ft (210m)of ascent in a day. 4 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk provisional and could be subject to change. For the most up to date information, please check our website. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and your leaders will talk every evening about the next day s walks. Harder Walks: 7 to 11 miles ( km)on good paths with some steep ascents and descents. There are also some rocky sections. Up to 1,300ft (390m) of ascent in a day.

5 Day 1: Arrival day Today offers the opportunity to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel and to explore the hotel site and surrounding area. Day 2: Cabo Girao and the Levada do Norte Easier Walk: We firstly visit the famous high cliff of Cabo Girao (Europe s second highest sea cliff) for views and a little excitement. Test your nerve on the glass floored viewing platform high above the sea and new vineyards below. After coffee we continue by coach to commence our first levada walk on the Levada do Norte. This levada gives us splendid views out to sea and leads us eventually to viewpoints over the dramatic gorge of the Ribeira Brava. 7.5 miles (12 km) with minimal ascent and descent. Harder Walk: We also visits the Cabo Girao and after visiting the viewing platform will commence a descent to Levado do Facho, with views over vineyards and the town of Camara de Lobos. After a short walk through a levada tunnel and the western side of the Cabo Girao promontory we join the start of the easier walk to Boa Morte and views of the Ribeira Brava gorge. 11 miles (18km) with 130ft (40m) of ascent. Day 3: Sightseeing day Today we will visit the capital, Funchal. Our local interest guide will take us on a guided tour of this small, pretty city to include the cathedral, the colourful Mercado dos Labradores and a visit to the famous Blandy s Winery, home of Madeira wine, with an opportunity to taste the products. In the afternoon, we travel by coach high into the mountains to a viewpoint overlooking the Central Highlands and the Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns). Then we can walk down the old path which leads to the Curral das Freiras. For many centuries this was the only means of reaching this remote valley. Day 4: Western moorland and the 25 Fontes Our walks today take us to the western end of the island. We ll travel past Funchal and enter the Ribeira Brava Gorge. The coach will then take us high onto the western moors. This end of the island differs greatly from the high volcanic peaks in the east. Here rolling moorland offers views over the sea in both directions on a clear day. Torches are useful on this day, when walking through one of the levada tunnels. Easier Walk: Today s walk follows a gentle levada path to a lovely viewpoint over the hills and woods of Rabacal before descending to Levada das 25 Fontes which will lead us via a tunnel through a mountain ridge to meet our coach. 8 miles (13km) with 100ft (30m) of ascent and 1,000ft (300m) of descent Harder Walk: We head off on the Levada da Bica da Cana to reach a higher viewpoint to the East. Returning via our outward route we shall pick up the route of the easier walk to Rabacal, the Levada das 25 Fontes and then via the tunnel to the coach pick-up. 9.5 miles (15km) with 260ft (80m) of ascent and 1,000 ft (300m) of descent Day 5: Free day Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Some options for your free day may include: Hotel: Have a relaxing day enjoying the facilities of the hotel or book an activity with Loko Loko Adventure Activity Centre where our guests receive a 10% discount. This can be a tour of the island by bus, jeep, boat or segway. Other options include horse riding or bike hire. Funchal: Take the local bus into Funchal and explore further, including a visit to the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens via cable car from the harbour area, shopping or visiting one of the city s museums or the Story of Madeira Exhibition. Local information website: For information on Madeira please visit Day 6: Poiso Moors & Boca da Corrida Today offers both groups an exhilarating high mountain experience. Easier Walk: Our walk starts on the Poiso Moors and offers the opportunity to reach a ridge with fine views of the Central Highlands. We continue to the fire tower on Pico do Suna. Our walk then descends to the waterhouse at Lamaceiros where we have the opportunity to visit an exciting stretch of the Levada do Furado. After lunch we descend to the village of Portela for drinks and our coach home. 7 miles (11km) with 300ft (100m) of ascent and 2,000ft (600m) of descent Harder Walk: Our walk starts from a spectacular viewpoint near Boca da Corrida looking down to Curral das Freiras and up towards Pico Grande. Then we head off over rolling highland hills and valleys to a high point where we enjoy further views of the Central Highlands. Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 5

6 Onwards then to Pico da Cruz for views of the Ribeira Brava gorge and down to end our walk in the village of Fontes Do Santo Paul. 8 miles (13km) with 1,300ft (390m) of ascent and 2,000ft (660m) of descent Day 7: Sao Lourenco peninsula and the cliffs Our walks on our final day are at the far eastern end of the island. Easier Walk: This group will travel through the Canical Tunnel to the town of Canical and on to the most easterly point of the island, the St Laurence peninsula. The walk here gives us great views of both the northern and southern cliffs and fine views out to sea. After lunch we return by coach to Canical with an opportunity to visit a café and/or the Whaling museum, before returning to our hotel. 4 miles (6.5km) with 600ft (180m) of ascent. Harder Walk: Today we ll travel east from our hotel to commence our walk at the Canical Tunnel. Here we climb steadily towards the viewpoint on Pico do Facho (ascent to the viewpoint is optional). We then embark on a splendid coastal path towards the port of Canical, enjoying great views of the sea and coastline. After refreshments in Canical we rejoin our coach to reach the start point of the easier walk along the St. Lawrence peninsula. 7 miles (11km) with 1,000ft (300m) of ascent. Day 8: Departure day 6 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk In the evenings In Europe, our walking holidays continue into the evening. Enjoy a glass of wine or local beer whilst listening to your leaders outlining the next day's walks. After a relaxed evening meal you can chat with your fellow guests in the bar area overlooking the sea. On one evening during the week, we ll take a coach trip to enjoy a walk and a drink in Funchal.

7 WALKING INFORMATION Your walking leaders: HF Holidays leaders are a pivotal feature of our Guided Walking holidays. During the day they will guide you on the walks in a caring and considerate way, showing you places of interest en route. All our leaders have been selected on an intensive residential course so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that you are in safe hands. Our leaders welcome your comments on the holiday survey; constructive suggestions for things that they might do differently are very helpful. We take pride in the quality of our holidays and work closely with all our providers to ensure our holidays meet your expectations. If for any reason you are not satisfied with any element of your holiday, our leaders are the best people to help. Local interest guides: In some of our resorts we may employ the services of a local interest guide who will accompany you on a walk to enrich and enhance your enjoyment of the area by giving you an insight into its history and culture. Tips for local interest guides have not been included in the price of your holiday. This is at your own discretion and we invite you to do this directly with the local guide. Maps: Your leaders will of course carry all the maps and detailed walk instructions needed for the walks. The map available for this area is Madeira Tour & Trail Map 1:40,000. Maps can be obtained by mail order from The Map Shop, tel: or visit Children: We welcome unaccompanied children of 14 or over on our walks on the basis that they can take full responsibility for themselves. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 7

8 WALKING SAFETY We are committed to running our Guided Walking holidays in a safe manner and your co-operation with this is much appreciated. No outdoor activity can be 100% risk free; however, if you take sensible precautions and adhere to your leaders instructions, your holiday will be both safe and enjoyable. On the first evening of your holiday (dependent on arrival time), the leaders will give a short talk about safety on the walks we would ask everyone to attend. Walking as a group: Our leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and will show more caution over potential risks (such as bad or exceptionally hot weather) than an individual or couple might make on a private outing. Walks may be modified or cancelled following the leaders assessment of the day-to-day situation. Your leaders will refuse to accept any guest whose clothing, equipment, behaviour or walking ability is considered unsuitable, and where it could affect the safety and enjoyment of other guests on the proposed walk. It is your responsibility to follow the leader s guidelines, for the benefit and safety of the group as a whole. If you leave the group, then your leader will no longer have responsibility for you. For safety reasons, we stipulate a minimum party size of two guests in addition to the leader. First aid: In line with current practice, each leader carries a group first aid kit but is not able to supply any medication, including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines and antiseptic cream. Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to keep hydrated. You will need to carry a minimum of two litres of water with you on walks, more during hot weather or on more demanding walks. One good way of hydrating is to use a two litre hydration pack which allows drinking without constant stopping. This can then be filled up from additional water sources as required. Your leader will inform you of the possibilities for replenishing your water during the walks. Your health: It is essential that you describe on your guest registration form any health condition or disability you may have. The leaders will treat this confidentially and may be able to take it into account on the walks; for example, by not delaying lunch if they know they have someone with diabetes in their party. EU citizens should ensure they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) prior to their holiday. There can be problems with medical authorities and 8 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk insurance companies if you cannot produce this when you require treatment details are available at dh.gov. uk/travellers EHIC cards have an expiry date please check yours is valid before you travel. Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and advise us of the insurance company and policy number. We have negotiated special holiday insurance and full details of this cover can be found in our brochure or at hfholidays.co.uk. There is no extra charge for pre-existing illnesses. If you would like to purchase insurance from us please call us on or holidayservices@hfholidays.co.uk. Even with an EHIC card, medicines and out-patient treatment normally have to be paid for at the time and the costs reclaimed afterwards details are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Therefore insurance is extremely important, as is access to emergency money, preferably a credit card. In Montenegro, there are reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK that allow free emergency treatment. In non urgent cases payment (normally in cash) may be required. Further details are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Turkey has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, and doctors generally expect payment in cash. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures. Money: Access to emergency money, preferably via a credit card, is very important as you never know when an emergency may arise. HOLIDAY TIPS Language: Portuguese Currency: Euro Changing money: There are several ATM machines in Funchan and one in Caniço de Baixo where you can obtain money. Electricity: 220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK. Tap water: Is considered safe to drink, but if you prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased from the hotel or local supermarkets. Telephone code: If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the starting digit when dialling the number. To dial a UK number 0044 To dial a Portuguese number 00351

9 WHAT TO WEAR & BRING To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Please note that some of our Atlantic island and Mediterranean destinations are also in mountainous areas and at high (up to 4,000ft) the temperatures can be as low as 0 C. You will need: comfortable outdoor clothing ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot climates) and a thermos flask if you wish sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses small rucksack The following are also recommended to all walkers, and are essential for mountainous and hilly areas: walking boots spare pullover or fleece hat and gloves spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar or Kendal mint cake torch You may also wish to consider bringing: camera personal first aid kit walking pole(s) many guests find these useful, particularly for descents FOOTWEAR We recommend wearing walking boots on all our walks, as these provide the best ankle support and grip. Modern approach shoes offer appropriate levels of grip and may be worn on some low level walks, but users should be aware that they offer less ankle support. Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and waterproof capes are not recommended for any walks. TRANSFER INFORMATION If you have booked your holiday with flight you will arrive at Funchal Airport. From the UK we offer flights from several airports which may arrive at different times.. Please note that meals are not provided on most European flights, although some airlines may offer a small snack. Where possible you will be met in the arrivals hall by an HF Holidays leader. Occasionally we will ask our transfer coach company to meet you. The driver will be in the arrivals hall holding an HF Holidays sign. The onward journey to Caniço de Baixo by coach takes approximately 15 minutes. For independent travellers: For guests who have booked their holiday without flight HF Holidays can help you to reach the hotel in the following ways: HF Holidays transfer coach from Funchal Airport.. These are timed to meet the HF Holidays flights (provisional HF Holidays flight times can be found on or by calling +44 (0) ). Cost per single journey is Please note that HF Holidays is not responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach under any circumstance. Our Airport Taxi service service operates at this resort, offering quick and easy transfers for guests booking their own flights. All prices are per taxi for single journeys, allowing you to mix and match different transfer options. From Funchal Airport by taxi transfer 30 per taxi single journey. Transfers and taxis must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer or taxi please call +44 (0) Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call and quote HX031 or book online at holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 9

10 linger a little LONGER Two weeks or more Make the most of your break and enjoy a longer holiday either two weeks of walking at some of our resorts or by combining complementary holidays, such as Tegernsee, in the Upper Bavarian Lake District and Weidach on the Seefeld Plateau, offering rambles in picturesque scenery of Austria. We arrange the transfers between the resorts so that you don t have to. See our brochure or website for more information. Self-guided Walking For those who prefer to explore independently, on our Self-guided Walking holidays, in selected European destinations, you can discover unspoiled scenery, historic sites and the local culture at your own pace by following our carefully planned walking routes. at some of our European destinations, including Discovery or Garden Tours, Photography, Painting, or Yoga. Worldwide From Alaska to Australia our Worldwide Journeys invite you to explore world famous destinations, and some lesser known gems, on six continents including Europe. Leisure Activities We offer a range of Leisure Activities holidays SAVE ON OUTDOOR CLOTHING From time to time our outdoor clothing partners have special offers for our guests. Visit hfholidays.co.uk/partnerships to see the current offers. 10 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

11 RECOMMEND A FRIEND AND SAVE 50 Do you know someone who would enjoy our holidays as much as you do? Invite them to book a holiday and you ll receive 50! If you recommend HF Holidays to a friend who subsequently makes their first ever booking with us, we will give you 50 off your next holiday for each person recommended. Plus, as a welcome, we will also give your recommended friend or friends 50 per person off their holiday, meaning savings for everyone! Claim your 50 in three easy steps When your friend books a holiday, ask them to mention at time of booking your name and address. If they have never travelled with us before, we will give them a discount of 50 per person. We will send you a 50 voucher off a future HF Holidays break for each friend you have recommended. Terms & conditions apply, visit hfholidays.co.uk/raf for details. PATHWAYS FUND Last year guests donated 19,500 to our Pathways Fund and we spent 25,000 on projects. For more information on the projects the Pathways Fund has supported, plus how to donate, please visit hfholidays.co.uk/pathways HF Holidays continues to work in partnership with the Family Holiday Association to provide Feel Good Breaks designed to reward families who could not otherwise afford it with the gift of a break in the outdoors and the chance to spend quality time together. Help us continue this work by donating to the Pathways Fund. JOIN US TODAY AND BENEFIT TOMORROW HF Holidays is the only UK holiday provider that s a co-operative. We re owned by our members who help shape our business for future generations. Join our award-winning and sociably responsible society that s passionate about helping others to enjoy holidays in beautiful countryside. For a minimum purchase of shares you can benefit from: Members loyalty scheme earn points on your holidays and use as a discount on your next holiday Member-only events and holidays Members come first with advance registration for the holiday you want 10% discount at our country house bars 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor 15% discount at Rohan 25% discount at Hi-Tec Annual interest on your shares ALREADY A MEMBER? There are many ways for you to further your support: Help choose our Board Attend member events Encourage others to join us Increase your shares at any time Top up to 1,000 shares to become an investment member with enhanced benefits Give membership as a gift To join or increase your investment call our Membership team on , membership@hfholidays.co.uk or visit hfholidays.co.uk/membership Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 11

12 Contact details HF Holidays Ltd Catalyst House 720 Centennial Court Centennial Park Elstree Borehamwood, WD6 3SY hfholidays.co.uk For any questions before your holiday, we re here to help, so please contact us on: (local rate) +44 (0) (from outside the UK) Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm. Emergency contact details: In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be our HF Holidays leaders. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as above or between the hours of Friday 7pm to Monday 9am are: +44 (0) or