Gardens of Madeira 733
Gardens of Madeira 733
Gardens of Madeira 733
8 Days Starting in London, UK and ending in Madeira, Portugal
Visiting: Funchal, Madeira
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BGMD
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an enchanting journey through the Gardens of Madeira, where nature and culture intertwine beautifully. This tour invites you to explore the exotic flora of Madeira's Botanical Gardens and the historic Quinta da Boa Vista, renowned for its stunning orchid collection. Experience the island's unique irrigation channels, the 'levadas', on a gentle walk, and enjoy a cable-car ride to Monte for breathtaking views. Discover the vibrant Mercado dos Lavradores and the serene Santa Catarina Park. Delight in a traditional toboggan ride and indulge in afternoon tea at the luxurious Reid’s Palace Hotel. With comfortable coach travel and a professional tour manager, this small group tour ensures a seamless and immersive experience of Madeira's picturesque villages and natural wonders. Enjoy a welcome dinner and comfortable accommodation, making this a perfect getaway for garden and nature enthusiasts.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : London
Location: Funchal
Accommodation: Overnight Flight
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We depart from London Gatwick on a direct flight to Funchal. On arrival we will be met by our local guide and our coach, which will take us to our accommodation. A welcome dinner is included in the hotel this evening.
Day 2 : Madeira
Location: Madeira
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We begin our exploration of Madeira with a visit to the Quinta da Boa Vista, a historic former estate that used to grow market garden produce for visiting ships but is now known for the growing of Estrelicia (Bird of Paradise) plants and cut flower production. It is also home to the best orchid collection on the island. We will be welcomed here by the owner and tea and cake is provided. In the afternoon we visit the Botanical Gardens, which boasts harmonious forms, contrasting colours and more than 2000 exotic plants. It is owned by the Regional Government of Madeira and, apart from being a beautiful place of leisure, it also serves as a Science and Culture Centre.
Day 3 : Quinta Do Palheiro
Location: Madeira
Meals Included: Breakfast
We depart this morning on a visit to the Quinta do Palheiro (formally known as Blandy Gardens). Established over several generations, the gardens are most famous for their camellias, though there is something for everyone with green fingers, including a wonderful spread of agapanthus and arum and belladonna lilies in season. In the afternoon we will enjoy a gentle half-day walk on the footpaths alongside the “levadas” (small man-made irrigation canals), which wind their way around the island. This is one of the nicest ways to explore the island and offers the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Madeira. In the late afternoon we pause for tea and cake at the Jasmin Tea House.
Day 4 : Mercado Dos Lavradores, Quinta Vigia, Santa Catarina Park
Location: Funchal
Meals Included: Breakfast
We have a three-quarters day tour today, beginning with a visit to the local market, the Mercado dos Lavradores, followed by the Quinta Vigia, a small garden which is part of the Presidential Palace, and the neighbouring Santa Catarina Park, set in a natural amphitheatre. We conclude at a tea house where we enjoy some Madeiran specialities.
Day 5 : At Leisure
Location: Madeira
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is at leisure to relax in the hotel or explore on your own. Alternatively join us on a full day tour of the island, including lunch. We will visit the picturesque villages of Camara de Lobos, which was made famous by Sir Winston Churchill in 1950 when he painted the sea cliffs at Cabo Girao; Ribiera Brava, (wild river), which was one of the earliest settlements in Madeira; Encumeada, a 1000m high mountain pass where fascinating cloud displays can often be seen and Porto Moniz, which has long been famous for its natural bathing pools and wonderful scenery, where lunch will be served. In the afternoon we continue via Santana, a pretty village characterised by its thatched houses; the forests and high plateau of Paul da Serra and finally Ponta do Sol, which as the name implies is the sunniest part of the island.
Day 6 : Monte
Location: Funchal
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we take the 10-minute cable car ride from the centre of Funchal to the fashionable hill town of Monte, which offers splendid views over the harbour and the bay. We will visit the glorious Monte Palace Gardens which surround the chateau-like Palace. After our tour of the gardens, we will have the option of taking part in one of Madeira's most treasured traditions: a 10-minute toboggan ride where you slide down the streets from Monte to Funchal in traditional wicker toboggans. It's safer than it sounds! In the afternoon we go to Reid’s Palace Hotel. Since it opened in 1891, this luxurious hotel has welcomed the rich and famous, from the Empress of Austria to Sir Winston Churchill and George Bernard Shaw. After a look around the lush gardens that surround the hotel, we will enjoy a delicious afternoon tea of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, home-made pastries, jam, butter and cream and your choice of tea.
Day 7 : At Leisure
Location: Madeira
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is at leisure to relax in the hotel or explore on your own. In May this will be your opportunity to enjoy all the sights of the Flower Festival. A farewell dinner will be served in the hotel in the evening.
Day 8 : Funchal
Location: Funchal
Meals Included: Breakfast
We transfer to Funchal airport in time to catch our flight home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is included as part of the tour package.
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Services of a professional tour manager
The services of a professional tour manager are included throughout the tour.
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.
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Meals - as per the itinerary
Meals are included as per the itinerary.
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All visits as outlined in the itinerary
All visits outlined in the itinerary are included in the tour package.
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Direct flight from London Gatwick to Funchal
A direct flight from London Gatwick to Funchal is included in the tour.
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Welcome dinner
A welcome dinner is included at the hotel on the first evening.
What's Not Included
The optional full-day tour of the island is not included in the standard package.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with coach transfers throughout the tour, including a direct flight from London Gatwick to Funchal, ensuring a seamless journey as you explore the beautiful island of Madeira.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable accommodation with a welcome dinner included at the hotel on the first evening, providing a relaxing start to your exploration of Madeira's stunning gardens and landscapes.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes comfortable coach travel throughout, with a direct flight from London Gatwick to Funchal, ensuring a seamless journey as you explore Madeira.
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Is there a professional guide available during the tour?
Yes, the services of a professional tour manager are included throughout the tour.
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What activities are included in the tour of Madeira?
The tour includes visits to the Botanical Gardens, a walk along the levadas, a cable-car ride to Monte, a visit to Quinta da Boa Vista, exploring the Mercado dos Lavradores and Santa Catarina Park, a traditional toboggan ride, and afternoon tea at Reid’s Palace Hotel.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are included as per the itinerary, with a welcome dinner at the hotel on the first evening.
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What is the optional activity available during the tour?
There is an optional full-day tour of the island, which is not included in the standard package.
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What can I expect during the visit to Monte?
In Monte, you will take a cable car ride offering splendid views, visit the Monte Palace Gardens, and have the option to experience a traditional toboggan ride down to Funchal.
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.