Madeira Flower Festival
Madeira Flower Festival
Madeira Flower Festival
8 Days
Visiting: Funchal, Eira do Serrado, Monte
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TTMAD
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Titan with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Every spring, when Madeira’s magnificent flora is at its most resplendent, the island’s capital comes alive with the colours and scents of its beautiful flowers. Streets and shop windows are filled with decorations and people gather to enjoy the carnival of traditional music groups that accompany vivid parades in celebration of peace and hope. On our Madeira holiday, we combine time to absorb the revelry with excursions to explore this wonderful island, from the botanical gardens in Funchal to the fantastic views over forest-clad mountains that cover Madeira’s heartland.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Funchal
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Madeira. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel for check in. Take some time to enjoy the spectacular views from the clifftop position.
Day 2
Location: Funchal
We’ll take some time to really get to know Funchal today on a guided tour this morning. We’ll start at the market, where we’ll wander past the display of exotic flowers, freshly caught fish and vibrant, succulent fruits.
We’ll visit an embroidery factory for a chance to see the materials being prepared - you’ll even have the chance to purchase some of the handmade products as a special souvenir.
In the Botanical Gardens, we’ll admire some of the Madeira’s most exotic plant species. A sprawling 80,000 square metres, the gardens are packed with the exotic flora that the city is famous for. Huge cacti, flowers bursting in showers of colours and weird-and-wonderful shrubs and trees jostle for your attention.
We’ll end our tour at a winery, where you have the chance to sample some of the local wines. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy as you please.
Day 3
Location: Funchal
Timeless Funchal is a web of cobbled streets next to the bustle of modern city life. With a balmy year-round temperature, the streets are awash with the vivid pinks, yellows and oranges of the floral displays. But during the flower festival, even more so.
The first procession takes place this morning - the Children’s Parade. Today is free to maybe watch the thousands of children that gather in colourful costumes to parade through the streets, carrying a single flower to symbolise peace and hope for themselves and future generations.
The ‘Wall of Hope’, at the Municipio Square, turns into an abundance of colour as the children ceremoniously lay their offerings - a wonderful way to begin the festival.
Day 4
Location: Funchal
Today the streets are once again filled with music and soft floral scents for the main floral procession. The Flower Festival Parade is one of the most striking and eagerly anticipated events of the entire festival.
Watch on in wonder at beautiful, impressive creations float along the planned route through the city to the sound of festival music. Folklore groups in native costume weave among the crowd, bringing an air of fun to the whole city.
As well as the main parade, the festival brings an abundance of events. Watch concerts of classic and modern music, watch exhibitions, dance shows and indulge in the local street food.
Day 5
Location: Funchal
Enjoy a full day exploring Madeira’s western sights, passing through the pretty fishing town of Camara de Lobos. We see Ribeira Brava, one of the island’s first parishes and drive through the mountains via the Encumeada pass, where incredible views of both the south and north coasts can be admired. We stop for lunch at São Vicente, a popular seaside village set at the mouth of a beautiful valley. A small chapel stands at the inlet, where Saintt Vicente is said to have appeared.
Day 6
Location: Funchal
Today is free for you to spend as you wish. Take an optional excursion or return to the city’s centre to stroll along its narrow cobbled streets with interesting old buildings, take a cable car to Monte, where wealthy Portuguese and foreign aristocratic families have built their homes, and 18th-century Monte Palace sits amongst wonderful tropical gardens, or discover the local countryside - there are numerous trails to follow for varying capabilities and distances.
Day 7
Location: Eira do Serrado, Monte
This morning we travel to Eira do Serrado, nestled in the steep volcanic mountains, high above dramatic valleys decorated with chestnut trees.
Burrowed between the mountains, the Valley of the Nuns, you will spot an isolated village, once only accessible by foot (or donkey). Far inland, this was a place of refuge from the pirates who frequently attacked Madeira.
We’ll travel on to visit Our Lady of Monte Church. The most important pilgrimage site in Madeira contains the austere tomb of Charles I of Hasburg and adored statue of Our Lady of Monte. This afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy as you please.
Day 8
Location: Funchal
We transfer to the airport for our return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
What's Included
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7 nights in hotel (accommodation as specified or similar)
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International flights. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow or Gatwick. Supplements may apply from other airports
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Funchal city tour, including an embroidery factory, Botanical Gardens and wine tasting
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15 meals: 7 breakfasts (days 2-8) 1 lunch (day 5) 7 dinners (day 1-7) 3 excursions and visits
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Full-day Island tour
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Excursion to Eira do Serrado and Monte Plus
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Portable audio headset system on excursions
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Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service
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Travel in destination by coach
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Titan local representative
Check out our Q&As
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Do I have to pay a Single Supplement?
In most cases a single supplement will apply. If the price for a Single room for sole occupancy is not shown, please ask our team for details and we will be able to check the details for you.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We've been taking our customers across the world on escorted tours for more than 40 years
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our commitment to sustainable travel is part of our ethos. We love exploring the world and hope that, alongside our customers, we can be part of a bigger change in respecting the people and wildlife on our planet and minimising the impact we have on our environment.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
With some COVID-19 rules and restrictions still in place there are a few details that you need to know. This information is subject to change. It’s your responsibility to monitor changes and ensure you fulfil all relevant criteria for travel. Rest assured that we’re on hand to help and answer any questions you might have.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Titan Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Titan Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform titan travel, 75 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Titan Travel requires a minimum deposit of 395 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of titan travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.