Gardens of Madeira

Upon arrival in Madeira, we will be met by our local representative and transferred by coach to our hotel.

We begin our day with a visit to the Botanical Gardens situated on one of the hills surrounding Funchal providing  a spectacular view of the city and harbour. As well as the famous and colourful parterre, the gardens display aromatic and medicinal plants.  Its arboretum is rich in Palms and exotic trees and it also has an impressive collection of cacti and succulents. 

After lunch at a local restaurant (included), we will visit Quinta da Boa Vista, an historic estate renowned for its extensive greenhouse collection of orchids and bromeliads from around the world. The informal gardens make the most of the mild climate to grown impressive tender shrubs and herbaceous plants.

Fall in love with Madeira as we uncover the beauty and scenic Eastern side of the island, on a full day guided excursion with Iain and our local guide. Our journey takes us through the Laurel Forests to the highest peaks of Madeira, which are over 6,000ft. We'll stop for coffee at the sylvan Ribeiro Frio natural park located in the north of the island in a deep valley surrounded by mountains.

Our journey continues onwards to Santana famous for its typical thatched roof cottages before taking a well-deserved break for lunch. Lunch included at a local restaurant.

This afternoon our return journey brings us to the beautiful sights of the eastern side of the island with its craggy lunar landscapes and wonderful cliffs and views to the sea.

A short drive this morning to explore the garden of Madeira’s President, an intimate space with a series of stone edged beds overflowing with bedding, tender perennials and shrubs with an overhead canopy of mature evergreen trees and palms. Walk through the expansive Santa Catarina Park with its wonderful views to over the harbour. Small lakes, fountains and shrubberies punctuate its flowing lawns. Before lunch we visit the Embroidery Centre to see examples of the island’s famous craft and also the bustling Flower and Fish Market.

The afternoon is free and there is a choice to return to the hotel to swim or relax or explore the delights of Funchal.

Our full day excursion begins with a visit to the Monte Tropical Palace, one of the horticultural highlights of Madeira, containing a vast collection of plants in a spectacular landscape, high above Funchal, which includes two Oriental Gardens, lakes, cascades and a wonderful collection of plants. Also, a unique wall walk which depicts the history of Portugal in a series of tiled panels. Free time, at your leisure, for lunch in the café . There is also an opportunity to experience one of the famous ‘Toboggan’ rides! (Not for the faint hearted!)

In the afternoon we visit the shady secluded garden at the prestigious Quinta das Cruzes. Today the house is now a museum, known for its antique Indo-Portuguese and European craftsmanship dating from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century.

This morning we are free to explore more of our surroundings. Relax by the pool, stroll the promenades, shop in the local mall or discover the taste of some of local delicacies on offer and sample the traditional Poncha made with liquor and honey.

Join us this afternoon for an excursion to Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro, owned by the Blandy wine family since 1885 and famous for its variety of plants and their setting in the hills to the east of Funchal. A wonderful combination of an ‘English’ design with a collection of plants from all over the world.

Make the most of our final day on this beautiful island! Today we are free to explore! Our expert local guide & Iain will be happy to offer suggestions.

Today we say a fond farewell to Madeira as we depart for home.