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Madeira, Flowers and Volcanoes
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Duration :
8 days
period:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Code:
PTSW062
price from € 529
Madeira, Flowers and Volcanoes

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Madeira, Flowers and Volcanoes

Madeira, Flowers and Volcanoes - 8 days

Madeira, Flowers and Volcanoes - 8 days

The lush nature, clean air, and mild climate of this volcanic island have repeatedly earned it the title of World Leading Island Destination – among the most beautiful islands in the world. However, this journey avoids the crowded south and takes you to explore the northern part of the island: mountains, laurel forests, levadas (irrigation canals), majestic peaks, villages, vast fields, and a marvelous coastline, swept by the wind and the Atlantic Ocean. Here, life is a delight – from the fortified wine that takes the island's name to the botanical gardens, from the cuisine to the breathtaking views offered by the trails suspended among the forests, everything is enchanting.

The levadas – the irrigation canals built to transport the abundant water flowing from mountain springs down to the valleys – can be followed to explore the island's most remote corners. You'll also traverse countryside paths and tracks through unspoiled landscapes, dotted with pristine cottages and farms, amid canyons and waterfalls, in the enchantment of the natural reserves

Route
Day 1: Arrival in Machico
Day 2: Levada dos Maroços & Caniçal - Machico, 14,5 km
Day 3: Circular walk in Ponta de São Lourenço, 6,5 km
Day 4: Machico – Porto da Cruz - Santana, 6,5 - 14,5 km
Day 5: Levada do Furado, 10-15 km
Day 6: Caldeirão Verde, 13 km
Day 7: Santana – Arco de São Jorge: the Caminho Real, 12-14 km
Day 8: End of the programme

Day 1:    Arrival in Machico
Today you travel to Madeira. A taxi will pick you up and take you to the first hotel of this programme, located in Machico. If you arrive early, you’ll have a chance to relax by the swimming pool, walk along the beach or wander around the typical Portuguese town of Machico.
Day 2:    Levada dos Maroços & Caniçal - Machico, 14,5 km
Madeira’s famous levadas are narrow water channels, and the island proudly boasts more than 1400 km / 870 mi of them. A short morning transfer has been organized for you, to Maroços. From there you will follow your first levada back to Machico. The views of the bay and Machico from up high are second to none!

Distance: 14,5 km

Elevation gain: +150/-400 m

Day 3:    Circular walk in Ponta de São Lourenço, 6,5 km
The São Lourenço Peninsula is a must-see in Madeira. With its volcanic origin made mainly of basalt, it is said to be the driest point on the island and you will notice that as you begin to walk toward this magical space, a protected Partial Natural Reserve. A transfer will be arranged for this morning and you will return by public bus in the afternoon, unless you have arranged a taxi transfer on your own.

Distance: 6,5 km

Elevation gain: +350/-350 m

Day 4:     Machico – Porto da Cruz - Santana, 6,5 - 14,5 km
Today’s route is a bit demanding but well worth it, if you take into account the amazing views you’ll have of the northern coastline. A taxi will take you to the start of the walk, between Machico and Caniçal. You begin by following the Levada do Caniçal, mainly flat. Next you do a more challenging section: first on dirt tracks out to the ocean, then on a lovely path along the coast. The Boca do Risco vista point is a good spot for a picnic, before continuing along the Vereda de Larano, a beautiful path cut into the cliffs, to reach Porto da Cruz. A taxi will pick-you up there and take you to your next accommodation, in Santana. You’ll soon discover that Quinta do Furao the ideal place to forget about everything.

Distance: 6,5 - 14,5 km

Elevation gain: +750/-400 m - +115/-115 m

Day 5:    Levada do Furado, 10-15 km
Morning transfer to Ribeiro Frio, where the Levada do Furado walk begins. From the very beginning, you will feel like you are walking in a fairy-tale woodland: Madeira’s laurel forest, a UNESCO heritage site. The route is mainly flat along the levada, but you gain altitude gradually (path later protected by a handrail), allowing for majestic views of the coast and the laurel forest covering Madeira’s canyons and hills. Once in Portela, you can either take a taxi (not included) or continue on a cobbled (at times, slippery) path to Porto da Cruz. Once more, a taxi will take you to Santana after the walk

Distance: 10 - 15 km

Elevation gain: +350/-300 m - +370/-875 m

Day 6:    Caldeirão Verde, 13 km
The Parque Florestal das Queimadas will be the starting point for today’s route, and the taxi will drop you there in the morning. First stop: a cosy bar inside a typical Madeiran house! You’ll follow the Levada do Caldeirão Verde to reach the waterfall, then retrace your steps and make a detour to the village of Ilha, where the taxi will pick you up in the afternoon. Remember to bring a torch and water-proofs on this walk! Though you will be walking along cliffs, the path is protected by handrails.

Distance: 13 km

Elevation gain: +70/-600 m

Day 7:     Santana – Arco de São Jorge: the Caminho Real, 12-14 km
For the last route, you will walk part of the Caminho Real which, with a total distance of 182 km, completely circles the island of Madeira, linking the major harbours and villages. Starting in Santana, today you’ll walk through a series of ruins, landscapes, villages and traditions to each Arco de São Jorge. A taxi will take you back to your hotel in Santana.

Distance: 12-14 km

Elevation gain: +560/-860 m

Day 8:     End of the programme
Your arrangement comes to the end today after breakfast. A transfer back to the airport is included, so remember to provide all you flight details in advance.
accommodation
Machico: Dom Pedro- Ocean Beach hotel ****

This hotel is located by the bay beach in Machico. Guests have free access to the swimming pool and the hotel also offers diving and wellness services for guests.  Visitors can enjoy the hotel’s sea-view restaurant and bar. All rooms have a free wifi connection and satellite TV. 

madeira.dompedro.com

Santana: Hotel O Colmo ****

Hotel located in the center of the town of Santana is a rural place known for its typical houses made from wheat straw, that's where the name comes from. Surrounded by nature, the hotel provides a tranquil retreat with beautiful views of the mountains and ocean.

hotelocolmo.com

practical info

You can find more information in the "accommodation" section: we always select your accommodation for their character and comfort. You will always be booked in a private, en-suite room, with breakfast included. 

Luggage transfer (max. 20 kg)  from one hotel to the hotel is included in the price. 

Convenient airport: Funchal (FNC)
 

Thanks to our special APP, you will be able to follow the track of the whole trip on your mobile phone, with no need for internet. GPS tracks are available on request.

Included

What is included

  • 7 Nights in double room in *** hotels , B&B with breakfast
  • luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
  • transfers as described in the program
  • transfer to the first accommodation and from the last accommodation
  • maps and detailed description of the itinerary
  • Medical and luggage travel insurance
  • 24h phone assistance

What is not included 

  • Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
  • lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
  • visits and entrance fees - tips
  • personal expense
  • possible sojourn taxes
  • everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional Services

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

  • Single room supplement
  • cancellation insurance
  • Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request.

Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486

 
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