|
Day 0 Friday March
25 Depart Toronto on overnight flight
on SATA Air Azores to Madeira (via Ponta Delgada Azores).
(Air fare not included in the cost)
............................................................................................................................................
Day 1 - Saturday March 26 Arrive Funchal Airport at 11 AM and transfer to the Galosol Hotel (about 20 minutes).
The Galo Resort offers many activities with yoga,
fitness classes, rental bikes. Later in the
afternoon we have a short orientation walk to see the Cristo Rei statue
that looks westward across the ocean to its counterpart facing eastward
from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Before dinner there will be a
short briefing by the guides.
Day 2 - Sunday March 27 Morning
at leisure to enjoy the facilities of the hotel.
In the early afternoon
our private transportation takes us to the Cabo Giro Viewpoint where one
can step onto a large glass observation platform high above the sea.
From here we continue to our first walk on Levada do Norte with
beautiful views over Camara de Lobos and Funchal interspersed with
hidden green valleys. It is a moderate walk with little ascent.
Day 3 Monday March 28 Funchal
This morning
our private transportation takes us into the capital, Funchal, (about 20
minutes) where a local guide will lead us on a walking tour of the Old
Town to see the 15th century Cathedral, Rua Santa Maria with
its artistic doors, the colourful farmers’ market, Mercado dos
Labradores, and the famous Blandys Winery, home of Madeira wine. You
may wish to stay in Funchal for lunch and perhaps in the afternoon
explore some of the gardens.
Madeira is known as "the island of eternal
spring" because of its moderate climate.
Flowers bloom year-round and in winter you will be
amazed at the botanical wonders.
Day 4 Tuesday - MARCH 29 full day walking and sightseeing
Today
we travel to the town of Porto da Cruz on the north eastern side of the
island. We have an easy levada walk and then free time for lunch in the
town. In the afternoon we continue to the Sao Lourenco Peninsula where
we walk to the end of the peninsula. The moderate 8km walk can be windy
but the scenery is spectacular. After the walk we stop in the town of
Canical before returning to our hotel.
Day 5 Wednesday - MARCH 30 free day
Enjoy the many
fitness activities at the hotel. Or you can visit the Funchal farmers' market to sample tropical fruit such
as custard apple, guava and oranges fresh from the tree. Tasting
your way through the town can include sampling passionfruit pudding or
bolo de mel (honey cake) and , of course, Madeira wine.
Optional
Whale/dolphin watching excursions might interest you.
Day 6
Thursday - MARCH 31
Today's walk follows a gentle levada path to a lovely viewpoint over the
hills and woods of Rabacal before descending
to Levada das 25 Fontes which will lead us
via a tunnel through a mountain ridge to
meet our coach.
Day 7 Friday
- APRIL 01
Today we walk in the Ribiero Frio region. The levada walk is
mostly through shady laurel forest that is a UNESCO heritage site. The
tranquil path is lined by a vast array of flora and the sounds of
unusual birds can be heard. It is an easy 11 km walk with a little
descent at the end.
Day 8 Saturday APRIL 02
Free day
Day
9 Sunday APRIL 03
The area of Serra de Água is one of the most beautiful places of
Madeira. From here you can see the south coast, Encumeada, Ribeira Brava
and Campanário.
It is an easy hike with diverse flora and fauna.
Day 10 Monday APRIL 04
free day
If a
Covid test for your return to Canada still necessary it is available at the clinic in Funchal
There are plenty of other more pleasant things to do in Funchal. An
exploration of the town might include lunch sampling Madeiran specialties like a "prego"
(a steak or fish sandwich using grilled "bolo do caco" bread
smeared with garlic butter and cheese and served warm). Try it with a
glass of Madeira wine and follow it with some passionfruit ice-cream.
There is an OPTIONAL guided visit to the Monte Botanical Gardens.
Day 11 Tuesday APRIL 05
Transfer to the Airport.
Click below for details: |
