madeira island walking

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1 madeira island walking active europe for you GRADE: 4 5 TRIP COST Joining Funchal : $1130 Trip Concludes: Funchal All prices are per person Founded in 1973, Sherpa Expeditions is specialised in self guided and escorted holidays throughout Europe and across the globe. We offer a wide range of self guided inn to inn walking and cycling tours, escorted walks, as well as Walker s Britain, a pioneering collection of over 20 British walking tours which include the Coast to Coast Trail and Hadrian s Wall. We have refined self guided holidays to an art. Over many years, our leaders, local representatives and clients have all contributed to the detailed trail notes provided to walkers, making them the definitive guide to the areas we visit, which includes 16 iconic European walking destinations across France, Spain, Italy, Cyprus and much more. Sherpa Expeditions has now joined forces with UTracks < and the World Expeditions Travel Group < to bring you the most exciting and extensive range of active European holidays available, all at great value. This means you have access to over 300 active itineraries covering more than 25 European countries, from Iceland to Greece, and from Ireland to Cyprus. UTracks offers affordable, self guided and small group guided active holidays across Europe. Choose from a wide variety of quintessential European outdoor experiences from trekking the French Alps, cycling through Tuscany, exploring the islands of Greece, Croatia or Turkey by bike and ship, making a pilgrimage along the Compostela Trail, or discovering the lesser known trails in Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovenia. UTracks offers many family friendly itineraries and can also tailor make tours for private groups. Cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land or sea, introductory level or more challenging Sherpa Expeditions and UTracks can help you explore Europe exactly the way you want. TRIP NAME: MADEIRA ISLAND WALKING TRIP CODE: JIM TRIP DURATION: 8 DAYS GRADE TEXT: MODERATE 3 OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS ACTIVITY: SELF GUIDED WALKING single supplement 2018: $180 solo traveller 2018: $550 As the trip price is based on twinshare, a single supplement is payable if you are not sharing with a friend / family member or a single traveller supplement if you are travelling solo*. Please refer to the price options for costs or ask our office for details. Note regarding single rooms The single supplement guarantees the privacy of your own room, however, rooms can at times be small and in some places may not enjoy the same facilities as double/twin rooms. *The single traveller surcharge is only available on trips deemed suitable for solo travellers. It is usually more expensive than the single supplement due to the extra cost for luggage transfers and organisation. Solo Traveller Supplements are payable when the cost per bag of moving luggage increases. Please ask us for costs if you are a solo traveller. IMPORTANT NOTES Note: - If trails are closed for maintenance alternative walks will be supplied Madeira Encumeada Funchal Machico ACCOMMODATION: 7 NIGHTS HOTELS/ GUESTHOUSES/PENSIONS DATE DETAILS: DAILY highlights Walking the Levadas and Trails Dramatic Mountains, Deep Valleys and Rugged Coastlines Year Round Trekking Exotic Flora the trip The beautiful Portuguese Island of Madeira lies well out in the Atlantic where the Gulf Stream affords it a mild and equable year round climate. Volcanic in origin the rugged interior rises abruptly to over 1800 metres/6000 feet. Forests of pine, eucalyptus and laurel flank its jagged peaks. A characteristic feature of the island is the elaborate system of levadas or irrigation channels. Over the centuries this network has extended to more than 2000km of channels and more than 40kms of tunnels. They wind their way across gullies and steep slopes bringing water to the coastal settlements and farms. Many of the levadas can be followed on foot and these together with a network of local trails make even the most remote parts of the island accessible. Spring and autumn are the ideal times to visit the island when a myriad of colourful flowers and trees are in bloom; jasmine, begonias, freesias, magnolia and camellias form just a part of the spectacular flora. We have devised an itinerary that exemplifies the best walking that the island has to offer. Our walks follow levadas through a peaceful pastoral countryside or traverse terraced hillsides. More challenging trails climb up to the rugged volcanic peaks of the interior, to Pico Ruivo, at 1860 metres the islands highest peak. Our itinerary ends in the bustling little capital of Funchal. An extra day is recommended in Funchal so that you will have time to visit a Madeira wine lodge, explore colourful food and flower markets and enjoy superb fish restaurants. Also you can spend more time at Monte or the famous botanical gardens Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Katia Vignes 12/6/ :11:56 PM Page 1

2 itinerary at a glance Day 1 Arrive Madeira, Funchal Airport Day 2 Day 3 Walk to Marocos 12.2 km /7.5 miles, 3 h or to Porto da Cruz 12.2 km/7.5 miles, 5 h Sao Lourenco peninsula 9.12km /4 h or Monte to Camacha 12 km/7.5 miles, 4.5 h Day 4 Camacha to Santo da Serra along the Levada dos Tornos 17 km /11 miles, 4-5h Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 detailed itinerary DAY 1 DAY 2 madeira island walking Santo da Serra to Ribeiro Frio 13.5 km /8.3 miles, 5 h Achada to Teixeira to Encumeada 16 km /10 miles, 6 h Encumeada to Funchal 10.5 km/6.3 miles, 4 h or 15.3 km/9.5 miles, 5.5 h Arrangements end after breakfast Arrive Madeira, Funchal Airport On arrival, a short taxi transfer is included to Machico on the east coast. Machico was the landing point when the island was discovered. This peculiar corner of the island boasts the oldest church, the Capela dos Milagres, and two forts still bear witness of the locals defence against the many pirate attacks on the village. Accommodation: Stay two nights at one of two small residencial (pension). All rooms have private facilities. The pension has its own restaurant where you will enjoy this evenings meal. meals: NIL Walk to Marocos 12.2 km /7.5 miles, 3 h or to Porto da Cruz 12.2 km/7.5 miles, 5 h After breakfast you have a choice of walks. Both walks can be extended by 4.4km, 1.5 hours and over 300 metres of ascent by walking from Machico up to the viewpoint of Pico de Facho (322m) and then down to the start of the Levada by the Canical Tunnel. Option 1: Taxi or walk to the start of the Levada (irrigation channel) de Canical. You can follow this to its source near Ribeira de Machico above the village of Marocos. This levada was built in relatively recent times and is easy to follow. From Ribeira de Machico transfer (included in tour price) by road back to Machico. Option 2: A longer more challenging alternative. This is for walkers with a head for heights and in reasonable weather without high winds. Taxi or walk to the start of the Levada de Canical, but you soon leave it to Climb to the Boca de Risco pass (300m) and from there a cliff hugging coastal path takes you along the wildest stretch of coastline in Madeira, round the Espigao Amarelo, an exposed path with large drop below and down to Larano (200m). From Larano walk down road to Porto da Cruz and transfer by road (included in tour price) back to Machico Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Katia Vignes 12/6/ :11:56 PM Page 2

3 DAY 3 Sao Lourenco peninsula 9.12km /4 h or Monte to Camacha 12 km/7.5 miles, 4.5 h Two contrasting walks are possible today, both Include transfers to the start and from the end. Option 1: A circular coastal walk around the Sao Lourenco peninsula, on the eastern point of the island.this is different to any other walk during the week, taking a trek through the volcanic remains which are now a nature reserve. There are spectacular cliff views and wonderful flowers. Option 2: Although closed at the time of writing due to the 2016 fires, the popular Monte to Camacha walk will soon be open again. Monte, which lies 550 m above the sea in the hills above Funchal, is also known for its wickerwork sleds on which one can slide back down towards the city. There is time to visit the Tropical Gardens and ride the sleds before starting the walk. Our walk starts by following the Levada dos Tornos and then moves up the hillside to follow the Levada da Serra, which contours at a higher level 750m around the head of the Valley of Paradise. The walk ends in Camacha, from where you will be transferred to Santo da Serra to overnight. Accommodation: In Santo da Serra, a village situated on a broad ridge at 650m above sea level. Two nights in a 4 star hotel, located 200m from the village centre. All 68 rooms have en-suite facilities, cable TV and phone. The hotel has its own bar and restaurant. There is a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi and a small fitness room. The hotel also has an attractive large garden.,d DAY 4 Camacha to Santo da Serra along the Levada dos Tornos 17 km /11 miles, 4-5h After your included transfer to Camacha, there is more levada walking at an altitude of about 500m overlooking the coastal valleys, hillside terraces forests and the long narrow Sao Lourenco peninsula. There is Luxuriant vegetation along the levada itself, and you pass through areas of farming terraces, small villages and other valleys of abandoned farms. Then a short ascent back to Santo da Serra, where you spend a second night. Hopefully you will find some time to look round the beautiful park in the village which has a wonderful panoramic viewpoint, towards Machico.,D DAY 5 Santo da Serra to Ribeiro Frio 13.5 km /8.3 miles, 5 h Today you follow the Levada do Furado up into the wild, forested hills of the Madeira Natural Park. With magnificent views at a number of points, the levada threads its way along the hillsides covered with Laurisilva vegetation and the water is very pure. Today s Levada is a whole lot more dramatic and challenging than anything on the previous walks; with narrower paths and uneven going underfoot. At Ribeiro Frio (Cold Stream, 850m above the sea) you are met and transferred to Santana, a village set, 400m/1300 feet above the north coast. (Transfer included in tour price). Overnight in Santana. This village, perched on a shelf high above the north coast, is known for its traditional architecture. Accommodation: Stay in the center of the village at a 4 star pension. Rooms have hair dryer, cable TV, digital phone, air conditioning, double-glazing and balcony, with views over the fields and countryside. General facilities include a small indoor pool, sauna etc. The hotel has a popular restaurant and offers traditional island fayre. An extra day in Santana could be taken in order to walk the Levada from Queimadas to Ilha via Caldeirao Verde, another beautiful walk! 2013 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Katia Vignes 12/6/ :11:56 PM Page 3

4 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 Achada to Teixeira to Encumeada 16 km /10 miles, 6 h Time to head up into the high mountains for a spectacular walk along the highest ridge in the centre of the island. The route does need reasonable weather conditions. The walk starts with a road transfer (included in tour price) up to Achado do Teixeira (1592m), from where it is about an hours walk up to the summit of Pico Ruivo (1862m), the highest summit in Madeira. From there you can continue along a high ridge, which forms the backbone of the island, with fabulous views either side (weather permitting). This is a strenuous but very rewarding walk and the hardest day of this tour. There are more downs than ups and you eventually descend to Encumeada (1007m), a high road pass and cafe. From here it is a short road walk down below the pass to your hotel. If the weather outlook is poor or the path is closed you can ride with your baggage from Santana to Encumeada for an alternative walk, to Ginjas (13 km/8 miles, 3.5 h bus or taxi back not included). Accommodation: Our 3 star pension is a welcoming destination after a long day in the hills. All rooms have en-suite facilities, balcony with mountain or valley views, satellite and cable TV, and phone. The public lounge has a fireplace. The restaurant and bar are in traditional rustic style. There is an outside drinks terrace. The natural setting of the hotel among the forest and peaks is quite outstanding.,d Encumeada to Funchal 10.5 km/6.3 miles, 4 h or 15.3 km/9.5 miles, 5.5 h Today, you have a choice of two routes heading towards the sea. Option 1: Starting from a roadside stop at Lombo do Mouro, follow a quiet descending levada, which soon drops along a ridge and then follows some steep lanes through terraces ending in the coastal town of Ribeira Brava. At Ribeira you take a roughly hourly public bus to Funchal. Option 2: The higher route is often closed but provides a more challenging route with spectacular views when the path is safe and the weather is good. The route goes via Fenda do Ferreiro (1100m) and Boca do Cerro pass (1250m) to Corticeiras from where you take an afternoon public bus to Funchal where you overnight. Accommodation: We use one of two 4 star hotels which are located approx 25 minutes walking from the center of Funchal. The hotels have fully equipped rooms, with cable TV. They also have good restaurant - bars, a swimming pool, a small fitness room, etc. Arrangements end after breakfast After breakfast, a transfer to the airport is included in your trip price and takes approx. 30 minutes. additional supplements At the time of booking we aim to offer our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used (and on occasion a small supplement may apply). If these are of a different standard and / or a supplement applies you will be informed on confirmation of your booking. inclusions 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners 4 nights accommodation in pensions & guesthouses & 3 nights in 4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities Transfer from Funchal airport to first accommodation and from last accommodation back to Funchal airport. Luggage transfer Vehicle transfers day 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 Information pack including route notes and maps Page 4

5 Emergency hotline items not included 4 dinners, all lunches & beverages Entrance fees Travel insurance Travel to Funchal (and back at the end of the tour) Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls Unscheduled transfers required during the trip trip grading - moderate We grade the tour as Moderate (grade 3). As far as fitness goes the walks should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking in hilly areas. When walking in the high mountains you may encounter mist (low cloud) and it is necessary for those days to be experienced with compass and map. Short sections of some walks may be loose and slippery underfoot and a head for heights is an advantage on quite a few occasions. On any day you can if you prefer opt out of the walking and travel with the baggage. Day Stages: 9 17km per day, with ascents of up to 800m, descents of up to 1000m. 3.5 to 7 hours walking per day. way marking Waymarking is a bit patchy but you will be equipped with our detailed walking notes and a contoured map of the island showing paths and tracks. We strongly advise taking a compass and being familiar with its use for simple navigation. route notes Please note that one set of route notes per room booked is included in the cost of the holiday. If you require more sets of notes then there is an extra charge. For bookings received four weeks or less prior to the tour departure, courier fees may be applicable to ensure you receive your final documentation in time. As rates are variable, please contact your consultant for details. Sherpa Expeditions will try to avoid courier charges where possible. meal inclusions Five out of seven nights on a half board basis (evening meal and breakfast). For the remaining two evenings we thought it is more fun to choose where to eat from the selection of restaurants in the neighbourhood. Allow approx Euros for a meal for two including wine or beer. It is always wise to carry a bottle of water and some fruit and bread/biscuits to eat on the walks. Packed lunches can be purchased from the hotels at a cost of 7 9 Euros. There are grocery shops near to all the hotels except one. In Madeira breakfast usually consists of coffee, toast/bread etc. and usually cheese, ham, yoghurt or cereals. Special Dietary Requirements: It is important for you to tell us if you have any dietary requirements when you book your holiday so that we can inform everyone that you are staying with. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance to determine whether we can cater on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. Page 5

6 accommodation madeira island walking DURING TOUR Hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths: All the accommodation has ensuite bathrooms. Private facilities will include a shower more often than a bath. Please note that the hotels do not always provide soap so you should bring some with you from home. check in/out It is generally normal practice when staying in hotels that you check in on or after 2pm and checkout by 10am the following morning. Guesthouses/bed & breakfast establishments are normally check in on or after 4pm and checkout by 10am. luggage We do not offer porter service on our holidays. You must be able to move your own luggage to and from your rooms. This more than likely involve stairs as many of the properties we stay in do not have lifts. Sometimes your luggage will have been taken to your room awaiting your arrival however do not be surprised if it is waiting for you to take up to your room and you are asked to bring it down again the next morning. language When travelling in less frequented areas you will not necessarily come across people speaking English. Remember you are experiencing a different culture, buy a phrase book and try to learn a little of the local language! getting there BY AIR Flights to Funchal. Return airport transfers are included. insurance All clients must have appropriate cover for the activities included for the duration of our trip. fast facts COUNTRIES VISITED Portugal VISAS Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www. schengenvisainfo.com/schengen visa countries list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements. MIN GROUP SIZE 1 MAX GROUP SIZE 20 SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIRED Bring a good torch for levada walking as there are quite a few tunnels Page 6

7 how to book To book this trip go to our website to make a booking online or download our booking form. A booking form can also be found at the back of our Active Europe brochure. If you complete a paper booking form, , fax or post the form to our office contact details can be found on our website. e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www. sherpa walking holidays.co.uk or contact our office. social networks You can make sure you are up to date with all our latest information by liking, following or pinning us on the following social networks: facebook.com/sherpa Expeditions < Expeditions> < < IMPORTANT NOTE THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS ITINERARY,AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE. Page 7