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Arrive at your hotel near Santana or Porto da Cruz where our local partner will brief you on the week's walking.
A panoramic coastal path leads you to the ancient cobbled route linking Santana to Sao Jorge. Agapanthus and cacti line the descent to the seaside 'resort' of Calhau. It's then along the base of the cliffs, where big Atlantic rollers come sweeping in, before you climb to enjoy balcony views. There are fabulous coastal vistas as you ascend to Sao Jorge, with the village's lighthouse glimmering above the azure waters. The mighty peak of Pico Ruivo frames the horizon as you return to Santana.2 options: Walking time 3.5hr, distance 10km/6.2mi or walking time 4hr, distance 13km/8.1mi.
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Activity Hours: 4
A transfer (10 mins) takes you up to the Parque das Queimadas - all the hard climbing is done for you! The walk follows the beautiful (and shady) Caldeirao Verde Levada (the Green Cauldron Levada) into the Vale da Lapa. The scenery is magnificent; the views of the sea, of hilltop villages, and of the lofty central peaks are unforgettable. You head up the valley through a series of impressive levada tunnels to the magnificent waterfall at Caldeirao Verde. Then it's back down the Lapa Valley to Ilha before taking the local bus (payable locally) back to Santana or a pre-arranged transfer back to Porto da Cruz.
Distance in Km: 14
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 5
A scenic 30-minute ride takes you to Ribeiro Frio. You join the Levada do Furado, a verdant paradise of laurel, heather and pine with waterfalls tumbling into the gushing river. Tiny firecrest and tame finches flit between the trees, which occasionally part to reveal stunning views of white hilltop hamlets. You descend to Santo da Serra's vibrant square with its lively market; wood smoke fills the air as meats grill al fresco - you must try the traditional espetada (marinated meat skewered on laurel twigs)!
Distance in Km: 14
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 4
Starting with a transfer (30 mins), today's walk takes you to the most eastern point of Madeira, to Ponta de Sao Lourenco's Nature Reserve, where you'll walk the hugely popular peninsula loop, with sweeping views, jagged peaks and masses of flora and fauna.
Distance in Km: 8
Distance in Miles: 5
Activity Hours: 3
A transfer takes you to Boa Morte to take the Levada do Norte, through pine and eucalyptus trees, and on paths lined with pink belladonna flowers. High on the poios (terraces) the path wanders through pretty villages, before arriving in Cabo Girao where the majestic expanse of the Atlantic is spread out before us. A transfer will take you on to the 5-star Quinta da Bela Vista above Funchal where you will spend your last 2 nights.
Distance in Km: 12
Distance in Miles: 7
Activity Hours: 3.5
Spend your last day exploring at leisure in Funchal, perhaps starting in the bustling market near the harbour - it's full of atmosphere and ablaze with colour. Enjoy lunch on the harbour, saving room for an afternoon cream tea at Reid's, then it's time to relax by the pool or in the beautiful exotic gardens of your hotel.
Good quality hotels throughout, all with pools on site or nearby6 days varied
walking with some steep ascents and descentsMagnificent mountain scenery;
stunning coastal trails and flower-lined levada walks Altitude maximum
1200m, average 700mExcellent Madeira wine; plenty of tasting opportunities
All continental buffet style breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches and 5 evening meals
are included.Madeira is well known for its excellent fresh fish and seafood,
tasty soups and mouth-watering fresh fruit. Grilled meats especially chicken
(often cooked on a natural wood grill), also make a good choice for your
evening meal. A more traditional dish is espetada - skewered beef cooked on
an open grill served with lots of salad and boiled potatoes.Portions are
generous, especially in smaller, less touristy restaurants and main dishes
come with the traditional salad and potatoes. You will also get a basket of
bread on the table, even if you don’t ask for it. Some restaurants also
bring you portions of soft cheese and fish paste with the bread and will add
these to your bill.WineMadeira’s wine is probably the island’s most
famous export. This strong, fortified wine, which tastes a little like port
or sherry, comes in a range of flavours (from dry to very sweet) and is
renowned throughout the world. It was used to seal the signing of the
American Declaration of Independence and is still used today to toast those
offered the Freedom of the City of London.
Good quality hotels throughout, all with pools on site or nearby6 days varied
walking with some steep ascents and descentsMagnificent mountain scenery;
stunning coastal trails and flower-lined levada walks Altitude maximum
1200m, average 700mExcellent Madeira wine; plenty of tasting opportunities
Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)This holiday uses paths by the levadas
which are, at times, narrow with drops to the side. You need to be a
confident, sure-footed walker, not deterred by heights. There are ascents and
descents every day which makes this a slightly more demanding holiday than
the distances suggest. A torch is required for the Caldeirao Verde walk (day
3).As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There
may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be
organised together. You are provided with route notes for each day, which
begin with an overview of the walk and advice on lunch, followed by detailed
instructions. The route notes contain a 24 hour emergency assistance
telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are
normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to
charge for this service.You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful
reference:
http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf
HotelsOur accommodation choices offer as many contrasts as the walks: in Santana
your 4-star hotel has stunning Atlantic Ocean views; in Santo da Serra your
hotel dates back to the 1920s and has been used as a family home and tea
house over the years, and in Funchal, the 5-star Quinta da Bela Vista is one
of the most exclusive hotels on the island.Room upgradeFrom £10 per person,
per night based on 2 people sharing.All prices are based on 2 persons
sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or
you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory single room supplement
payable in advance.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local
representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of
the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of
interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided.
The route notes contain an emergency telephone number. In an emergency, the
local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up
themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.Please note: the
walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum
of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in
advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if
only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
All continental buffet style breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches and 5 evening meals
are included.Madeira is well known for its excellent fresh fish and seafood,
tasty soups and mouth-watering fresh fruit. Grilled meats especially chicken
(often cooked on a natural wood grill), also make a good choice for your
evening meal. A more traditional dish is espetada - skewered beef cooked on
an open grill served with lots of salad and boiled potatoes.Portions are
generous, especially in smaller, less touristy restaurants and main dishes
come with the traditional salad and potatoes. You will also get a basket of
bread on the table, even if you don’t ask for it. Some restaurants also
bring you portions of soft cheese and fish paste with the bread and will add
these to your bill.WineMadeira’s wine is probably the island’s most
famous export. This strong, fortified wine, which tastes a little like port
or sherry, comes in a range of flavours (from dry to very sweet) and is
renowned throughout the world. It was used to seal the signing of the
American Declaration of Independence and is still used today to toast those
offered the Freedom of the City of London.
Your luggage will be transported between the hotels by taxi or minibus. The
local representative is often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it in
an emergency, but may wish to charge you for this service. Transfers to
walking start points on days three, four, five and six are included. A one
way cable car ticket is included for use on Day 7.
The tour itself normally begins at the start hotel in Santana on the evening
of Day 1 of the itinerary. For flight inclusive bookings arrival and
departure transfers are included*. Please ask your Sales Consultant for
times. If the hotel in Santana is not available an alternative in Porto da
Cruz is used.Arrival/departure transfers at non-standard times can also be
arranged for you, often free of charge (subject to prior arrangement).*Please
note: the above free airport transfers are subject to prior arrangement and
at least 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable
in advance) may apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure
date.Flights:We can also book flights for you if you wish. The standard
flights we usually use are with TAP Portugal from London Heathrow to Funchal
via Lisbon, departing 06:00, arriving 12:00. Return: Funchal to Heathrow via
Lisbon departing 12:45, arriving 18:40. Please note that the standard flights
may occasionally change throughout the season so please enquire for
up-to-date details.
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Funchal airport to your hotel
and back to Funchal airport at the end of your holiday.
The climate in Madeira is similar to that found around the Mediterranean and
is renowned for its year round mildness however there is always the
possibility of inclement weather. In May, April, June, October and November,
temperatures are pleasant and some rainfall is to be expected. From July to
September, daytime is a little warmer and it is typically dry with an average
of seven to eight hours of sunshine a day, but the odd shower is still
possible. Winter months are generally wetter, particularly at high levels
with rain falling between periods of fine, settled weather (so waterproofs
are essential).
Walking bootsWater bottleDaypackSun hat, sun cream and sunglassesWarm
jumperTorch
Walking polesSwimwear
Allow €10-15 for lunch or dinner (taken in a restaurants), excluding
alcoholic beverages. You will also need some extra cash for drinks or ice
creams in cafés or bars during the day walks or in the hotel bar in the
evening. Typically a beer or coffee will cost around €1.5 and a reasonable
bottle of wine at dinner about €8.At the end of day 3 you will need to get
a Local bus, approximately €5 payable locally.
Travel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request - compulsory
supplement)Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on
a departure date)Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.