Overview
Sitting in the sub-tropical Atlantic, closer to Morocco than to Portugal, Madeira is a startling island, rising high and steep from the ocean. Consisting overwhelmingly of basalt rock, which at the formation of the Atlantic Ocean started spewing from the earth’s core around 130 million years ago, the land of Madeira itself is probably five million years old.
The volcanic nature of this island produces not only steep gorges radiating from the rugged central mountains – the highest of which, Pico Ruivo, stands at 1,861 metres above sea level – but also accounts for the spectacular coastal scenery. This tour explores both settings.
A hugely varied number of plants and flowers enjoy this dynamic combination of fertile soil and warm temperatures. Bananas and vines, two of Madeira’s major exports, flourish on the coastal plains and lower slopes, while lush evergreen vegetation covers the higher mountain slopes. As is standard on remote islands, there has been considerable speciation, and more than 131 plant species are endemic or unique to Madeira. Of particular interest are the laurisilva woodlands, the large house leeks, woody sow-thistles and marguerites, the beautiful shrubby Echium species and the curious Dragon tree. By exploring the terrain on foot we examine these species and their setting in greater and more rewarding detail.
Aside from the ecological and horticultural aspects of this tour, there is also the opportunity to study the history of the island’s greatest export, Madeira wine. Although established as a Portuguese colony since Prince Henry the Navigator’s expedition landed in the early fifteenth century, it was following the marriage of Charles II to Catherine of Braganza that commerce with the British was encouraged in 1663. This marked the beginning of the wine trade, which has been significant ever since. We include a private tasting and visit at a winery that has been operating on the island for over two hundred years.
Day 1
Fly at c. 9.30am from London Heathrow to Funchal (British Airways). Introductory lecture and dinner in the hotel. First of five nights in Funchal.
Day 2
A morning visit to the Boa Vista orchid gardens which house the rarest and most unusual collection of orchids on the island. The Jardim Botânico located in the Quinta of Bom Sucesso is home to over 100 species of indigenous plants, as well as tropical and sub-tropical fruit trees and coffee trees, sugar cane and popular medicinal plants.
Day 3
Located on a hilltop with stunning views over Funchal’s bay, Monte Palace has a large garden spread over several levels, with an exotic collection of plants from all over the world and one of Portugal’s most significant tile collections. Lunch is in the cool hills above Funchal at the UNESCO biosphere site at Ribeiro Frio, where a botanical garden and trout hatchery sit among quiet glades. There is an easy afternoon walk to Balcões and back along the levada of Serra do Faial with spectacular views of the mountains and valley: c. 3 km, c. 1 hour.
Day 4
A morning guided tour of Funchal’s centre focuses on its city gardens and historic monuments. The Mercado dos Lavadores (farmers’ market) is a brilliantly vibrant showcase of the island’s produce. Visit the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, with its whitewashed walls and Mudéjar-inspired ceiling, and the Jesuit collegiate church. The afternoon is free.
Day 5
Visit the Blandy family estate at Palheiro for lunch and a guided visit. The extensive sub-tropical gardens, first acquired by John Blandy in 1885, have been continually developed by the family, and include camellias, centennial trees, a rose garden and myriad other flowers and climbers. A Dragon Tree sanctuary in the outskirts of Funchal is preserving this rare species, at risk of extinction in the wild. Private evening visit to the Blandy Wine Lodge with a Madeira wine tasting.
Day 6
Drive to Funchal airport for the flight to London Heathrow, arriving at c. 6.00pm.
Price, per person
Two sharing: £2,690 or £2,520 without flights. Single occupancy: £3,390 or £3,220 without flights.
Included
Flights (Euro Traveller) with British Airways; travel by private coach; accommodation as described below; breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners with wine, water, coffee; all admissions; all tips for waiters, drivers and guides; all taxes; the services of the lecturer, tour manager and additional guides for the walks.
Accommodation
Reid’s Palace Hotel, Funchal. Arguably the best hotel on the island, this famous 5-star luxury hotel is set in subtropical gardens overlooking the Atlantic. Rooms are elegant in décor with sea or garden views. There are three excellent restaurants to choose from. Service here is second to none. Single rooms are doubles for sole use.
How strenuous?
A good level of fitness is essential. Unless you enjoy entirely unimpaired mobility, cope with everyday walking and stair-climbing without difficulty and are reliably sure-footed, this tour is not for you. There are steep streets, cobbles and steps. The parks and gardens are extensive with steep, uneven terrain and terraces. There is one country walk of c. 3 km. Average distance by coach per day: 14 miles.
Are you fit enough to join the tour?
Group size
Between 10 and 22 participants.
Travel advice
Before booking, please refer to the FCDO website to ensure you are happy with the travel advice for the destination(s) you are visiting.
Combine with
Welsh National Opera, 8–10 March 2024; The Mandelring Quartet, 8–10 March 2024; Cambodia by River, 9–22 March 2024; The Story of Venice, 10–15 March 2024; Ravenna & Urbino, 11–15 March 2024.
'The lecturer and tour manager were excellent. Nothing was too much trouble for either of them.'
'Highly professional in conception and execution. One of the best features of the tour was the quality of the other participants.'
'Excellent variety and thoroughly enjoyable.'