Atlantic to the Mediterranean contd… Madeira-The Garden Island

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Madeira-The Garden Island
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ATLANTIC TO THE MEDITERRANEAN Madeira ­ The Garden Island 8 days from £599 Funchal · Includes a tour of Funchal · 5-star hotel upgrade option · 7 nights half board · Superb choice of optional excursions Included excursion · Funchal Optional excursions · Island tour · Crater & Toboggan · Levada Walk & Camacha · Folklore evening 7 nights half board Enjoy a toboggan ride Meal arrangements Also included · The services of an English-speaking local representative Marvel at towering volcanic mountains, lush tropical gardens and colonial-style houses, and discover a wealth of flora unsurpassed anywhere in the world. The beautiful island of Madeira makes for an unforgettable holiday destination. ITINERARY DAY 1 UK/Funchal Fly from a choice of regional airports to Funchal and transfer to your hotel for a seven-night stay. A busy port exporting wines, fish, and fruit, Funchal is best known for its beautiful setting and climate. The city is easily explored on foot, and you may like to visit the late 15th-century cathedral and convent church containing the tomb of the city's founder. DAYS 2 TO 7 Madeira There are endless delights just waiting to be discovered on this welcoming island. Why not begin with a gentle stroll through Funchal's lovely cobbled streets of whitewashed houses, with their characteristic red roofs and distinctly Portuguese flavour? Relax for a while in one of the pavement cafes overlooking the picturesque harbour or wander through the area's amazing gardens. We have included an introductory tour of Funchal exploring the city's old quarter, including a visit to the Botanical Gardens and an embroidery factory as well as the opportunity to sample the famous Madeira wine. When you are ready to venture further afield a range of optional excursions is available, including: Island Tour This full-day tour, including lunch, will show you the real beauty of the island from the natural park of Ribeiro Frio to the waterfalls of Sao Vicente and the volcanic rock pools at Porto Moniz. Crater & Toboggan Take a half-day excursion to see the crater of an extinct volcano at Nun's Valley. You continue to the village of Monte for the chance to take an exhilarating toboggan ride down the steep three-mile hill to Funchal below. The traditional wicker toboggans are pushed by two men who use the rubber soles of their boots as a brake! Levada Walk & Camacha Enjoy beautiful scenery and magnificent views as you walk along the island's water channels, knowns as levadas, which were created to bring water from the highlands to the lower regions. We also visit the wickerwork centre at Camacha. The walk takes approximately two hours. Folklore Evening We are treated to a demonstration of Madeiran folk dancing while enjoying a delicious dinner in a local restaurant. DAY 8 Funchal/UK We transfer to the airport for the homeward flight. YOUR HOTEL Hotel Pestana Bay (4-star), 7 nights half board. With a magnificent view over the Atlantic Ocean and direct access to the beach, the hotel offers a restaurant with a spectacular view of the ocean; a bar with live music every night; and a pool bar serving a selection of tropical drinks. Guests may like to enjoy the freshwater swimming pool with separate Jacuzzi, games room, sauna and solarium. The hotel also provides a free transport service into the centre of Funchal approximately four miles away, where you will find dozens of bars and restaurants. All rooms have a kitchenette, ocean view and balcony and a direct dial telephone. Safety deposit boxes can be hired for a small charge. Travel Arrangements Departure Dates & Prices Holiday Number: EEPTMTV 2008 Hotel 7 January 11 February 10 March 7 April 28 April 12 May 16 June 7 July 18 August 8 September 6 October Hotel Pestana Bay £599 £709 £699 £729 £659 £699 £699 £729 £729 £699 £679 Price Per Person Hotel Pestana Grand £749 £839 £869 £899 £769 £849 £829 £859 £889 £849 £829 5-STAR UPGRADE Why not make your holiday even more special by opting to stay at the 5-star Hotel Pestana Grand? Located on the spectacular Ponta da Cruz three miles west of Funchal, the hotel has breathtaking ocean views to the high sea cliffs of Cabo Girao. The hotel has a large heated saltwater pool as well as an impressive activity pool in the health spa, and offers an extensive range of facilities including a games room, gym, sauna, Jacuzzi and Turkish bath. You will be spoilt for choice as to where to eat, with Moroccan, Italian and Portuguese restaurants in the hotel as well as three different bars, one of which boasts live music. The hotel also provides a free transport service into the centre of Funchal. Deposit £100 per person Prices are based on the shared occupancy of twin or double rooms with private facilities. Chartered flights by Excel Airways between London Gatwick and Funchal; departing at 0700h and arriving back at 1510h. Supplements per person Single rooms; £126 (Hotel Pestana Bay) £175 (Hotel Pestana Grand) Holiday Insurance ­ please see page 162 Please see pages 157-159 for details of items not included in the holiday price and our price policy. Transfers Transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 1 hour Also Fly From... You can also fly to your destination from the following airports at the supplement shown below (per person). Birmingham £NIL Cardiff £29 Manchester £NIL For details of airlines and approximate flight timings please see pages 160-161. To view dates & prices click here 104 To book click here