Escorted Tours 2023 - 2025

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. Verada do Fanal Levada do Norte Funchal Levada Ribeiro Firo Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço     < < Coach Air Foot Nights 2 7 Funchal Walking Madeira’s Levadas What you’ll see ⚫ 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 ⚫ Enjoy a guided walk of Funchal 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. What’s included ✔ Return flights Gatwick to Madeira with Easyjet. See page 136-37 for regional flights ✔ Where you’ll stay Funchal, 3 H Hotel Orquidea ✔ 18 meals ✔ Expert local tour guide ✔ 5 walks Walks are through plain, level areas with some ascents and descents through countryside and forests. Other walks explore valleys and rugged coastal tracks. Tour pace: Intermediate Walking Tour Small Group Tour - 25 or less Extend your tour Funchal city stay, Madeira, 4 nights, Half Board 3 H from £229 , 4 H from £229 or 5 H from £409 No Single Supplement Rooms with no single supplement are available. Once sold, supplement starts from £299 Departures & from prices Sep 2023 £1,499 Feb 2025 £949 Oct 2023 £1,099 Mar 2025 £999 Nov 2023 £899 Apr 2025 £1,099 Feb 2024 £849 May 2025 £1,149 May 2024 £1,049 Jun 2025 £1,349 Jun 2024 £1,249 Sep 2025 £1,399 Sep 2024 £1,299 Oct 2025 £1,299 Oct 2024 £1,199 Nov 2025 £1,099 Nov 2024 £999 • Lead-in price based on 5 Feb 24 • Tipping paid locally €30 pp per tour Europe 126 Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk