Thanks to its fertile volcanic soil, Madeira is a plant lover's paradise, with a range of species - from orchids, bird of paradise plants and purple-blossomed jacaranda trees to its UNESCO-listed native laurel forest. It has been named the World's Leading Island Destination at the World Travel Awards since 2015.
You'll experience the island's lush horticulture on this
seven-night trip, with visits to the manicured Madeira Botanical
Garden in the hills overlooking Funchal, the
magical Quinta do Arco Rose Garden and the impressive Palheiro
Gardens. Funchal, where
you'll be staying in luxurious five-star accommodation, is packed
with highlights, including a 15th-century cathedral, and foodies
can discover the farmers' market and sample
local Madeira wine. You'll also enjoy a tour of a sugar-cane
factory and a rum tasting, visit a
local trout farm and have the chance to swim in a natural sea
swimming pool at Seixal.
Your home-from-home for your stay is Enotel Lido, a five-star hotel just outside Funchal, where you can kick back in the bar, sauna, gym or one of the hotel's two swimming pools after a busy day exploring.
Garden designer and Gardeners' World presenter Adam Frost will be joining you for part of the tour, giving a talk and Q&A session and accompanying you to the Madeira Flower Festival.
"Madeira is a beautiful island with a laid back atmosphere. The trip was well arranged and the hotel - excellent."
- Guests on our previous Madeira Flower Festival tour
Adam Frost has designed gardens worldwide and won seven gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show. Adam is a popular presenter on Gardeners' World, an RHS Ambassador for Education and an author of four gardening books.
Trout Farm visit
Quinta do Arco Rose Garden visit
Also included: Transfers for those travelling on group flights; all tours as specified in the itinerary, visit to the Flower Festival, all entrances as specified in the itinerary, services of a professional English-speaking guide during excursions and transfers.
* Please note that whilst touring, meals and drinks are at an additional cost - only meals and drinks consumed at the hotel are included.
Today you'll arrive in Funchal and meet your guide. You'll then take a transfer to your base for the week, the lovely Hotel Enotel Lido, where you'll have dinner.
Today you'll enjoy a walking tour of the island's capital, Funchal. First stop is the beautiful Santa Catarina Park in the city centre, followed by the 15th century Sé Cathedral. Afterwards you'll head to the famous market, "Mercado dos Lavradores". Take your time strolling through the lovely, colourful market streets where vendors sell fresh flowers, fruit and fish. You can also pay a visit to Funchal's most famous embroidery factory. In the afternoon you will visit the Botanical Garden and afterwards the wine-growing areas, to see the overlapping terraces over the volcanic soil that gives Madeira wine its unique properties. You'll visit a typical winery and enjoy a wine tasting, and then return to your hotel for dinner.
Today you'll visit the east of the island. Firstly the Pico de Ariero, the third highest peak in Madeira, and then the Ribeiro Frio National Park, where you'll visit a trout farm and have the opportunity to taste a typical Madeiran drink, Poncha.
You'll then take a short, easy hike through the laurel forests to reach the "Os Balcones" viewpoint, where you can pause to take in some wonderful vistas. Then you'll head to the traditional town of Santana where you'll see some classic Madeiran stone houses with thatched rooves.
After lunch you'll visit the beautiful rose garden Quinta do Arco, which has one of the largest collections of rose bushes in Portugal. Then it's on to Porto da Cruz, Madeira's centre of sugarcane cultivation, where you will take part in a delicious rum tasting.
Afterwards you'll visit Machico, a fishing village, before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Today you'll drive along the coastline, passing Cabo Girão, the highest cliffs in Europe at 590m, to the village of Ribeira Brava and its famous church. Then you'll follow the Encumeada pass and beautiful northern coastline to the northernmost point of Madeira, Porto Moniz, where you can spend some time.
On the return journey there will be several stops at waterfalls and you will have the opportunity to do some short hikes along the Atlantic and the waterfalls. You can also bathe in the natural sea swimming pool at Seixal.
This evening, Adam Frost will give a talk and answer your questions in a Q&A before dinner.
This morning you'll have time to explore at your leisure. In the evening, you'll spend time enjoying the incredible atmosphere of the Flower Festival in the company of Adam Frost.
After breakfasft you'll take a short drive to the Palheiro Gardens. These gardens are famous not only for the variety of plants that grow there, but for the beauty of their setting in the hills to the east of Funchal. After the visit you'll enjoy leisure time for the rest of the day.
Today is leisure time for you to explore the island as you wish. If you choose to stay at the hotel, lunch is included.
This morning you'll have time for a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to the airport in Funchal to return home.
A stylish stay beside the sea
Enotel Lido is a 5* hotel located just five minutes walk from the sea and a short walk to the luxury shopping malls, restaurants and the bustling nightlife on Lido Promenade. It offers glorious sea views, a stunning outdoor infinity pool, an indoor pool, spa and gym.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single rooms available, please call to enquire; single supplement £835. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. Deposit: 30%. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).