• BEST OF MADEIRA

• All year

• £750 October - March
• £850 April - September

• A 10 night 5 centre walking holiday - the best walks on the island together in one holiday package. You walk across the island from north to south with a combination of mountain, cliff and levada walks

• Moderate walking through a beautiful and dramatic landscape
  
• Dramatic mountains of volcanic origin covered in lush subtropical vegetation
  
• Spectacular unspoilt coastlines with high cliffs and secluded bays
  
• Varied walking that explores the island from north to south
  
• Gentle walking along Levadas (aqueducts) which provide a remarkable network of paths
  
• Lovely small family run hotels (3 and 4 star)

• All accommodations used are small family run hotels and inns and are rated 3 – 4 star; all have their own restaurants offering typical Madeiran specialties

1. 10 night's accommodation in a twin/double room with en-suite facilities and breakfasts, 9 picnics, transfers to and from airport, transfer of luggage between hotels, minibus tranfers to the start of the walks on day 3, 5, 7 and 9, comprehensive walking notes, including bus timetables and information

1. Flights to Madeira, 10 evening meals, travel insurance, bus fares

Walks

This walks on this guided walking holiday are of moderate difficulty with some ascents and descents. Average distances are about 12km. The paths are generally good although there can be a limited amount of exposure in this mountainous and rugged coastal island.

Day 1

Arrival at Funchal airport and transfer to Machico, overnight Machico

Day 2

You take the local bus to and from the walk along the Sao Lourenco peninsula, famous for its scenery and multicoloured cliffs. Distances maybe short but you can easily spend all day here, 8km / 5 miles. Overnight Machico

Day 3

Minibus transfer to the Levada Canical from where you walk along the wild, rugged north coast to the small coastal town of Porto Moniz, 13km / 8.2miles. Overnight Porto da Cru

Day 4

You take the local bus to and from the walk along the Levada do Castelejo. This narrow levada takes you from a cornucopia of tiny cultivated fields to the wilderness of Ribeira Frio with its limpid pools, mimosas and fine leaved laurels, 9km / 5.6miles. Overnight Porto da Cru

Day 5

(Minibus transfer to the start) Today you follow the levada do Caldeirao Verde (Green Cauldron) the sides of the levada are swathed in heath trees and laurels creating wonderful plays of light and shade, 18km/11.2miles. Overnight in Santana

Day 6

A day to explore the town of Santana and have a gentle ramble around the agricultural landscape with great views to the coast, 9.5km / 5.9miles. Overnight Santana

Day 7

(Minibus transfer to the high plateau). From here you walk through the mountains with little climbing, an absolutely fantastic walk with magnificent views all round to your resting place at Paul da Serra, 13km / 8miles. Overnight Paul da Serra

Day 8

From your hotel you walk to Rabacal for the spectacular 25 Fontes (waterfalls) walk - what a treat!, 13km/8.2miles. Overnight in Paul da Serra.

Day 9

(Minibus transfer to Prazeres). Today you can stroll along the Levada Calheta – Ponta do Pargo as it contours the sun drenched plains above the coast. Gorgeous all year round and in summer it is swathed in hydrangeas and agapanthus, 15km / 9.8miles. Overnight Arco da Calheta

Day 10

Either a day just to relax or you can take a taxi to explore the coast, 12.5km/7.8miles. Overnight Arco da Calheta

Day 11

Transfer back to the airport at Funcha

(It is possible to replace the 2 nights in Arco with 2 nights in Funchal