Escorted Tours 2022-23 Brochure - Mercury Holidays

Europe Day 1: UK to Funchal D Depart the UK on your flight to Madeira. On arrival, transfer to your hotel with the rest of the day at leisure, before a welcome dinner with your group. Day 2: Quinta Grande B/L/D (Average 4-5 hours of walking including breaks, covering 9km) The magnificent stretch of the Levada do Norte sets today’s walking course. The levada is one of the largest on the island, running almost entirely across its length. Your starting point at the lofty cliffs of Cabo Girão provides panoramic ocean views from the very beginning of the trail before your path winds into a forested area. Observation points along the way offer glimpses of fields, carefully tilled plantations and the rooftops of the Câmara de Lobos and Campanário villages below. Day 3: Ribeiro Frio B/L/D (Average 4-5 hours of walking including breaks, covering 11km) Funchal’s best-loved levada, Levada Ribeiro Frio, offers a peaceful and leisurely walk alongside a flowing irrigation canal. As you follow the trail, enjoy diverse sights ranging from spectacular gardens and blooming wild hydrangea to trout ponds and farms. Stop for lunch then continue on your path, enjoying the natural heritage and unspoiled tranquillity. Day 4: Funchal B/D (Average 3 hours of walking including breaks, covering 4km) The city of Funchal provides a fascinating mix of history and coastal charm. The older section of the town boasts long-standing monuments dotted along its cobbled streets while its seaside promenade offers sun-soaked lidos and cafés. A guided walking tour of the city centre takes you past the local theatre, the vivid blooms of the Municipal Garden, the age-old cathedral and the statue of Largo do Chafariz. Stop at the central market, before exploring the city further with an afternoon at leisure. Day 5: Ribeira da Janela B/L/D (Average 4-5 hours of walking including breaks, covering 10km) Explore the Paul da Serra plateau on today’s slightly more challenging walk along the Vereda do Fanal trail. The relative flatness of the plateau allows for far-reaching vistas, with several points along the way revealing views over the valley and even the ocean on clear days. Your route ends in the forest of Fanal which lies in a small volcanic crater. Enjoy some time to relax before returning to your hotel. Day 6: Caniçal B/L/D (Average 4 hours of walking including breaks, covering 8km) Today’s route leads to Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço. Marvel at the southern coastline and the rough waters of the north and discover the curious rock formations which are a result of the island’s volcanic origin. After walking a few miles, your path descends to the water’s edge where you can enjoy the turquoise seas, with time to swim and sunbath. Day 7: Funchal B/D Today is free to relax, explore Funchal further or set out to visit one of the charming villages nearby. Day 8: Funchal to the UK B Following breakfast, transfer for your return flight to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension. Extend your tour Funchal city stay, Madeira, 4 nights, Half Board 3 H from £189 , 4 H from £219 or 5 H from £279 Walking Madeira’s Levadas Tour highlights ✔ Immerse yourself in Madeira’s lush island vegetation as you follow four of its most popular and scenic Levadas ✔ Follow the Levada Ribeiro Frio, arguably Madeira’s best- loved Levada trail ✔ Trek the coastal path along the lofty cliffs of Cabo Girao, enjoying panoramic views ✔ Enjoy a guided walk of historic and cultural Funchal Tour includes • 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 7 dinners • 3 H accommodation: Funchal-Hotel Orquidea • Flights from London Gatwick with British Airways • Average daily walking time: 4.5 hours Walks are through plain, level areas with some ascents and descents through countryside and forests. Other walks explore valleys and rugged coastal tracks. Walking pace: Intermediate No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £269 Explore the ‘Garden Island’ of Madeira as you follow its unique Levadas, a network of irrigation channels that wind through lush forests and dramatic mountains. Immerse yourself in vivid floral blooms and verdant greenery as you embark on four spectacular trails, enjoying panoramic views and a tour of charming Funchal. Walking Tour Verada do Fanal Levada do Norte Funchal Levada Ribeiro Firo Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço     < < Coach Air Foot Camara de Lobos Departures & from prices 6 Jun 22 £999 8 May 23 £1,099 10 Oct 22 £999 5 Jun 23 £1,099 21 Nov 22 £839 11 Sep 23 £1,149 6 Feb 23 £939 9 Oct 23 £1,049 13 Mar 23 £1,049 20 Nov 23 £849 24 Apr 23 £1,049 29 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk