GARDENS AND HERITAGE TOUR 7-DAY GUIDED TOUR

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Benedict Baldwin
5 years ago
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1 GARDENS AND HERITAGE TOUR 7-DAY GUIDED TOUR

2 GARDENS & HERITAGE TOUR Madeira, a volcanic mountain that emerged from the depths of the ocean off the coast of Africa, combines both lush nature and a fascinating cultural heritage, vestige of the Portuguese colonial period. Madeira is a 35 miles long island bordered by the Gulf Stream which offers breathtaking landscapes. Volcanism and erosion shaped Madeira s fascinating landscapes: uneven peaks, craters, waterfalls and deep valleys. On the steep foothills where waterfalls gush and in the canyons lies the laurisilva, a primary laurel forest inscribed on the UNESCO s World Heritage list. A mosaic of terraces is visible on many of Madeira s steep-sided valleys where tropical species are cultivated (bananas, sugar cane) and irrigated by the extensive levada system and where a myriad of colorful flowers from all around the world bloom. In gardens, on window sills and even alongside the road, you will discover the lush vegetation of Madeira: blossoming camellias in February, pink azaleas at the end of spring, bougainvilleas, mimosas, amaryllis, birds of paradise which are the symbol of the island, but also jacarandas and other flowers from all over the world! The Gardens and Heritage Tour invites you to discover this lush flora and this fascinating history with a local guide who will share everything he knows about his island.

3 Highlights of the Gardens and Heritage Tour include: - A selection of the most beautiful gardens of the island and its most interesting heritage sites - The lush and endemic flora of the island and mild weather - 5 days with a private French-speaking driver guide - 6 nights in 3-star type hotels with swimming pool on the sunny south coast of the island

DAILY PROGRAM Day 1: Arrival in Madeira Arrival at Madeira Airport where you will be greeted by our local team. You will be taken to Garajau (20 mins), a seaside village on the south coast.

Depending on the time you arrive, an information meeting about your stay will be held (on the following morning for late arrivals). Dinner and overnight in a 3-star hotel.

5 DAILY PROGRAM Day 1: Arrival in Madeira Arrival at Madeira Airport where you will be greeted by our local team. You will be taken to Garajau (20 mins), a seaside village on the south coast. Accommodation in a 3-star hotel with swimming pool for a two-night stay. Depending on the time you arrive, an information meeting about your stay will be held (on the following morning for late arrivals). Dinner and overnight in a 3-star hotel. Day 2 : Pico Arriero Santana rose garden Ribeiro Frio Caniço This morning, we will leave for Pico de Arriero at 1,818 meters above sea level which offers spectacular views over the island, then we will move to Santana, a small town on the north coast which is well known for its traditional thatched-roof cottages. Visit to Arco de Sao Jorge s beautiful rose garden, one of the largest collections of roses in Portugal. Lunch break (1:30hr) in Santana then we will move to Ribeiro Frio, well known for its fish ponds and panoramic views. Visit to Palheiro Ferreiro s English-type gardens at 600 meters above sea level offering spectacular panoramic views over Funchal and that are home to 3,000 plant species from the island and old trees from all over the world. Back to Garajau. Dinner and overnight in a 3-star hotel in Garajau.

Day 3 : Old Town Funchal, gardens and wine tasting Located on the shoreline, Funchal is nestled in a great natural amphitheater with a backdrop of impressive mountains.

Take a stroll on the cobblestone streets in Funchal s city center.

6 Day 3 : Old Town Funchal, gardens and wine tasting Located on the shoreline, Funchal is nestled in a great natural amphitheater with a backdrop of impressive mountains. Its cultural heritage (churches, convents, palaces and manors) is the legacy of the golden age of sugar trade that was flourishing across Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. Take a stroll on the cobblestone streets in Funchal s city center. Visit the Manueline-style Sé Cathedral with its Mudéjar-style ceiling and the former Jesuit College which abounds with gilded woodwork pieces and owns an altarpiece whose high value derives from its high technical quality of execution and from the fact that it constitutes the only altarpiece of the Manueline period which remains entirely in its place of origin. Free time to visit the Mercado dos Lavradores ( farmers market ) bursting with exotic colors, vegetables, fruit, flowers and fish. Visit the Quinta Vigia gardens where a number of members of European nobility used to live and which is now the official residence of the President of the Regional Government of Madeira. Visit to Santa Catarina Park. Lunch break (1:30hr). Cable car ride for the village of Monte which overlooks Funchal bay and where a romantic atmosphere emanates from its lovely gardens and charming quintas. Wine tasting in the evening where you will be able to enjoy the 4 types of Madeira wine, 4 nights accommodation in a 3-star hotel with swimming pool in a quiet area ofthe historical center of Funchal. Dinner in a traditional restaurant.

Day 4 : Eira do Serrado Curral Botanical Garden and Orchid Garden Departure for mountain landscapes and a vegetation dominated by eucalyptus and chestnut trees.

Stop at the Eira do Serra viewpoint at 1,094 meters above sea level overlooking the valley at the bottom of which you will see the village of Curral das Freiras, the nun s village.

7 Day 4 : Eira do Serrado Curral Botanical Garden and Orchid Garden Departure for mountain landscapes and a vegetation dominated by eucalyptus and chestnut trees. You will then travel through a pine forest where you will enjoy fresh and invigorating air. Stop at the Eira do Serra viewpoint at 1,094 meters above sea level overlooking the valley at the bottom of which you will see the village of Curral das Freiras, the nun s village. Lunch break (1:30hr). Visit the beautiful Botanical Garden where more than two thousand exotic plants from all around the world flourish on the 3.5 hectare site. The garden was turned into a place of science and culture where scientists dedicate themselves to the protection of plants facing extinction. Short visit to the Orchid Garden. Dinner in a traditional restaurant in the city center and overnight in a 3- star hotel.

It displays a rich collection of Portuguese and foreign furniture from the 16th to the 19th century. Noteworthy is a moving Flemish Nativity from the 15th century.

8 Day 5 : Quinta das Cruzes Santa Clara Convent Caravel Visit to the Quinta das Cruzes Garden and Museum. This elegant residence was turned into a museum forming a journey through the art of living of the great lords of the past. It displays a rich collection of Portuguese and foreign furniture from the 16th to the 19th century. Noteworthy is a moving Flemish Nativity from the 15th century. The collection comprises jewelry, engravings, but also cabinets and boxes made with exotic woods traditionally used to make sugarcane crates. Outside you will discover a beautiful garden full of flowers, trees and varied flora. You will later head to Santa Clara Convent. Lunch break (1:30hr) by the sea. Take a trip on a caravel before enjoying a snack break. Free time in the evening. Dinner in a traditional restaurant in the city center and overnight in a 3- star hotel. info@madere-tourcontact.com

Stop at the Cabo Girao cliffs, one of the highest cliffs in Europe with a near vertical drop of over 500 meters down to the raging seas of the Atlantic Ocean at the base of the cliffs.

9 Day 6 : Camara dos Lobos Ponta do Sol Porto Moniz São Vicente Discover the south coast of the island and its steep cliffs. Visit the lovely fishing village of Camara dos Lobos where Winston Churchill enjoyed painting the picturesque setting stretching away as far as he could see. Stop at the Cabo Girao cliffs, one of the highest cliffs in Europe with a near vertical drop of over 500 meters down to the raging seas of the Atlantic Ocean at the base of the cliffs. Head to Ponta do Sol, the banana and sugarcane capital, and visit its 15th century church where you will see a beautiful Flemish-school triptych and a splendid ceiling of Mudéjar design. Lunch break (1:30hr) before moving to the coastal village of Porto Moniz which is well known for its natural swimming pools formed by black basalt lava. Travel along the north coast to Sao Vicente and admire the wild and steep landscapes bordered by cliffs overlooking the ocean. Back to Funchal via the beautiful wooded Serra de Agua valley. Dinner in a traditional restaurant in the city center and overnight in a 3- star hotel. Day 7 : Departure Transfer to the airport (30 mins) and return flight.

10 Please note that this cultural program may be subject to change depending on the opening times of the sites, changes of days or weather conditions. If so, we will do everything we can to make sure that only the visit schedule is modified prices & services Price based on 8 persons in double or twin room: from 860/person Single supplement request : 110 This tour is suitable for 2 to 40 people. Please do not hesitate to contact us to make sure our tour will be adapted to the size of your group. Prices include : - 6 nights accommodation in 3-star hotel with swimming pool in ensuite room with private toilet and bathroom - 6 breakfasts - Full board from the night of day 1 to the night of day 6 - A private French-speaking driver guide - All the transfers mentioned in the program, in a 8-seat minibus - Entrance tickets to all the sites and gardens mentioned in the program: Entrance to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Botanical Garden, Orchid Garden, rose garden in Arco de Sao Jorge, Quinta Palheiro Ferreiro Gardens, Quinta Palmeira Gardens Entrance to the Quinta das Cruzes Museum and Santa Clara Convent Wine tasting - Cable car ride to Monte s Tropical Garden (return ticket) - Snack on board a caravel (duration of the excursion: 2hours) - 24-hour on-site assistance

11 Prices do not include : - International flights and airport taxes. Please refer to our listing of tour operators offering flight tickets on their own - Cancellation insurance and repatriation - Lunch on day 1 and dinner on day 7 - Personal expenses - Tips.

12 Payment terms and cancellation policy Payment terms A 30% deposit is required to confirm the reservation, either by check or bank transfer. Full payment is due no later than 30 days before departure. Cancellation policy Any cancellation must be notified by to the local agency. The amount of the cancellation fee is calculated as follows: days to departure: 10% of trip price days to departure : 35% of trip price days to departure: 50% of trip price 13-7 days to departure: 75% of trip price Less than 7 days to departure and after departure date: 100% of trip price

13 About us Our travel agency is the result of more than 10 years experience in adventure tours in Madeira. With our network of French-speaking professional guides and our local representative, we will make you discover an intimate vision of Madeira from every angle. Whether you are looking for a peaceful destination to relax or to experience exciting and sport activities, everything is possible in Madeira! Our experience allows us to offer all types of tours to suit your needs! Self-guided tours, hiking tours, multisport tours, cultural tours, combined tours, family-friendly tours, ecotourism, honey moons, thematic tours

About the Portuguese Pearl Madeira island

About the Portuguese Pearl Madeira island Madeira is a quaint Portuguese relic amidst the Atlantic Ocean. This island has an irreplaceable aura with intriguing villages, rich traditions and exotic forests,