Celebrate Christmas on the semi-tropical island of Madeira, where colourful displays of festive lights turn Funchal into a truly picturesque town. The ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’, is an exotic island garden with lush cultivated terraces, rugged mountain interior, rocky coastline and a proliferation of flowers. The splendid Pestana Casino Park Hotel, located only a few minutes walk from the centre of the capital, has unrivalled panoramic views above Funchal Bay. It offers the discerning guest comfort in a relaxed atmosphere with the best in accommodation, cuisine and service. Combine the excellence of this hotel and the other holiday arrangements with a Top Executive (Business) Class flight with Air Portugal and you have the ultimate festive holiday.
Funchal • Eira do Serrado
DAY 1 LONDON • MADEIRA
We begin with Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service™ to London Gatwick Airport and your direct scheduled TAP Air Portugal flight to Funchal. On arrival you will be transferred to the splendid Pestana Casino Park Hotel, located only a few minutes walk from the centre of the capital with its unrivalled panoramic views above Funchal Bay. On arrival a welcome drink awaits.
DAY 2 FUNCHAL
This morning after breakfast we depart on a tour of Funchal and a guided walk through the flower market, a riot of colour with the exotic orchid and bird-of-paradise flowers, an array of freshly caught fish and succulent fruits harvested locally. We visit “Patricio & Gouveia”, a leading embroidery factory, where the intricate work of exquisite patterns can be seen. Following a visit to the Botanical Gardens the tour concludes at the Madeira Wine Company, where you may wish to sample the local wine.
DAY 3 FUNCHAL
This morning after a buffet breakfast there is an opportunity to take an ‘optional’ visit to Pico do Arieiro. From Funchal you will journey to Terreiro da Luta to visit the monument of Our Lady of Peace, followed by a drive along beautiful peaceful roads to Madeira’s third highest peak, Pico do Arieiro. Travelling back down through Santo da Serra to the eastern point of Ponta de Sao Lourenco to experience magnificent views, your final stop will be at Matur to enjoy the view of Machico village. This afternoon you are free to explore and take in the natural beauty of the island.
DAY 4 FUNCHAL
After a leisurely breakfast, time for shopping in Funchal, further exploration of the island, or to perhaps spend the day relaxing in the delightful surrounds of your hotel. The hotel, designed by the world famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer is an ideal place in which to unwind. This evening is free to dine out at leisure.
DAY 5 EIRA DO SERRADO • FUNCHAL - CHRISTMAS EVE
This morning after a buffet breakfast, we have arranged a tour into the heart of the island to Eira do Serrado from where there is an inspiring view down into the valley, surrounded by volcanic mountains. Travel on to Monte, a hill-town above Funchal, to visit Lady of the Mount Church set in its own evergreen gardens. An exhilarating toboggan ride, led by straw-hatted “pushers”, to Livramento can be experienced (optional). The evening’s entertainment commences with cocktails, hosted by the General Manager, followed by the Gala dinner held in the elegant Panoramico Restaurant with live music. Those wishing to participate in the Christmas Eve celebrations are free to do so and your tour manager will be happy to advise you on this.
DAY 6 FUNCHAL - CHRISTMAS DAY
After buffet breakfast you are free to relax in the grandeur of this spacious and pleasant hotel. The formal Gala dinner this evening will again be held in the Panoramico Restaurant with live entertainment.
DAY 7 FUNCHAL - BOXING DAY
After buffet breakfast the day is at leisure to explore Funchal further. However, for those wishing to escape the bustle of Funchal and discover all the natural beauty this island has to offer, you may wish to participate in an optional tour to the north coast. The tour encompasses all that Madeira has to offer from the varied species of plants, bougainvillea, bird-of-paradise and hibiscus in their natural environment, to the lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls and dramatic coastline. Dinner tonight will be held at a local restaurant.
DAY 8 MADEIRA • LONDON
Today you are transferred to Funchal Airport for your return flight to London. On arrival at Gatwick Airport our staff will greet you and transfer you to Titan transport for your journey home to your own front door. Extend your stay and revel in the dazzling New Year’s Eve celebrations when on the stroke of midnight you hear the peal of church bells, the sirens of cruise ships and cargo vessels culminating in the spectacular firework display which bursts into a myriad of colours above Funchal harbour.
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