Madeira - Pearl of the Atlantic

Day 1 London - Funchal Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport and a scheduled British Airways flight to Madeira, which may be via Lisbon. On arrival we transfer to the centrally-located Pestana Casino Park Hotel (5T), with spectacular views from its cliff-top position. Day 2 Funchal Today you are at leisure to explore Funchal. Within ninety years of the first settlers coming to Madeira, Funchal grew quickly into a city. Today it is very different from the days of pirates. The perfectly cobbled streets now blend with a modern city with top class restaurants. The City Hall, remodelled to the revivalist style of the 1940s, is a beautiful and noble building, decorated with the portraits of the city’s influential including Portuguese kings. Maybe take a cable car up to Monte from the Old Town or the Botanical Gardens for an alternative way to experience the beautiful vistas. The Jardim Tropical Monte Palace is a tranquil gem with koi filled crystal-clear lakes and peacocks freely roaming the manicured landscape. Day 3 Funchal We depart on a tour of Funchal, including a guided walk through the colourful market - with its array of exotic flowers, freshly-caught fish and succulent fruits. We visit ‘Patricio & Gouveia’ embroidery factory, the renowned Botanical Gardens ablaze with sub-tropical flora, and conclude at the Madeira Wine Company, where you may sample the local wine produced by the island’s leading company. This afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take some time to enjoy the painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria or the carefully nurtured Palheiro Gardens. Day 4 Island tour A full-day tour of the island, including Pico da Torre for beautiful views over Camara de Lobos’ dazzling bay and Cabo Girao, the world’s second highest cliff. On to Ribeira Brava, one of the island’s first parishes, and through the jagged mountains to Encumeada, where the views are simply stunning if vertigo inducive. Travel north on a scenic drive through Chao dos Louros to Sao Vicente, set where a beautiful valley meets the sea, to have lunch. Our final stop is the Pousada dos Vinhaticos, surrounded by lush undulating landscape 900 metres above sea level, as we return south to Funchal. Day 5 Eira Do Serrado This morning we travel to Eira do Serrado, for an inspiring view down the valley of chestnut trees, surrounded by steep volcanic mountains. Far below is the isolated village of Nun’s Valley, known to be where nuns took refuge from the pirates who frequently attacked Madeira. Travel on to Monte to visit Lady of the Mount Church. The most important pilgrimage site in Madeira, with lively processions held every August, it contains the austere tomb of Charles I of Habsburg and a revered statue of Our Lady of the Mountain. Days 6-7 Funchal These two days are at leisure. In the 16th century an open canal system was developed from the wetter regions of the island to the sun parched regions of the south. There are over 200 enduring, beautiful walks along these Levadas, with varying levels of difficulty across dramatic landscapes and through lush vegetation. There are five to choose from in Funchal but don’t take these on lightly, a guided walk is recommended to safely explore the natural heritage. Or maybe spend your time learning more of the island’s history at the Madeira Story Centre or through the nostalgic photographs at Museu Photographia Vicentes. Day 8 Funchal - London We transfer to Funchal Airport for a scheduled British Airways flight to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport, which may be via Lisbon. On arrival you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.