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Madeira
8 day holiday - Monday 10th Februray 2025
Highlights...
Santana Houses
Funchal Cable Car
Madeira Botanical Gardens
Escape to sunshine this February on a holiday to the Portuguese Island of Madeira, now often referred to as the ‘Hawaii of Europe’. Located in the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of North Africa, Madeira is one of two inhabited Islands within the archipelago. A haven for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts, bright and colourful flowers thrive alongside lush greenery and dramatic clifftop settings featuring incredible views thanks to its mountainous topography. The island is scattered with volcanic black-sand, pebble and golden beaches that fringe azure blue waters, which are home to a variety of dolphins and whales. Additionally, Madeira is renowned for its diverse exotic fruits like passion fruit, custard apples, and the unique banana-pineapple hybrid "anana”. Every corner of Madeira reveals fascinating facts, from having one of the steepest cable car rides in the world, to being home to the ancient Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back 20 million years. Madeira also offers a sub-tropical climate all year round, its geographical location dictating the absence of extreme hot or cold temperatures, with highs of 19°C in February and making it a popular choice for visitors from all over the world.
Portuguese explorers settled in Madeira in the 15th-century and began farming the land, with numerous buildings, churches and convents remaining on the island that date back to that time, some of which we will visit. Part of our trip includes a look around the capital city of Funchal, named after fennel when Madeira was first discovered, and today the city is renowned for its vibrant street markets and friendly atmosphere. Our carefully planned excursions include tours across the island from the one-off treasures within Universo de Memorias Joao Carlos Abreu (a traditional Madeiran mansion), to discovering the story behind the iconic triangular Santana Houses and many other fascinating historical landmarks in between. And of course, no holiday to Madeira is complete without tasting some of the local sweet fine wines from one of the many local vineyards - one of which we will visit to raise a glass to magnificent Madeira!
NEXT - by Savoy Signature Hotels
Perched above the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, ‘NEXT - by Savoy Signature’ is a luxurious 4-star hotel located in the heart of Funchal, with breath-taking views of the coast. This modern retreat offers sleek, air-conditioned rooms, complimentary WiFi and an outdoor pool on the rooftop, ideal for soaking up the sun. The hotel facilities also feature a terrace restaurant, sauna, gym and the 24-hour front desk staff are multilingual. For your comfort, rooms include flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms with showers plus free toiletries and towels provided. The hotel's prime location within easy reach of the city centre, beaches and Old Town is ideal for the perfect sophisticated escape.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Monday 10th February
The holiday begins with your door-to-door car transferring you to London Gatwick Airport. Upon arrival, you will be escorted with your luggage by your driver to meet your Tour Managers who will accompany you throughout your holiday. After checking in, we will use the convenient VIP Fast Track service through security and passport control, and once the flight departs, we will have a light lunch onboard. Early evening, we land at Funchal airport and following a short transfer, we will settle into our hotel and enjoy an evening meal with fellow members of the group.
Day 2 - Tuesday 11th February
We meet our Guide for an introduction to Funchal, the charming capital city with iconic red-roofed buildings. Leading us at a gentle pace, we have a Guided Tour of Funchal Cathedral to marvel at its beautiful ornate interior dating back to the 15th century. After lunch, the coach transfers us to the Madeira Botanical Gardens, established in the 1960s. During our guided tour, we explore a diverse collection of botanical species from around the globe, including some endangered varieties. We’ll have time to relax or take photos of the exotic plants before returning to the hotel.
Day 3 - Wednesday 12th February
We venture north via the scenic route towards Porto Moniz, one of the few regions in the world that produces mountain wines, to discover why the island is famed for its high-quality sweet wines. Nestled within the rolling hills, our visit to ‘Vinhas do Tico Vineyard’ will uncover the secrets of how the wines are sourced and produced, with centuries-old traditions and the opportunity to take part in wine tasting. After lunch, there will be time to gaze at the vast landscape showcasing rows of rich green grapevines amongst the ocean backdrop before returning to the hotel. Cheers!
Day 4 - Thursday 13th February
Today we embark on a visit to Universo de Memorias Joao Carlos Abreu, a traditional Madeiran mansion. Eclectic artefacts and curios from across the globe collected by the former Tourism Minister on his world travels will feature in our tour. Our light lunch is located in the Madeira Story Centre’s Restaurant. We round up the day in The Sacred Art Museum, known for being one of the oldest museums in the capital. From sculptures to jewellery and a variety of historical paintings, the museum is housed in a 16th-century former Bishop’s Palace and a traveller favourite to visit.
Day 5 - Friday 14th February
A colourful morning awaits as we journey into one of the archipelago’s most iconic landmarks known as the ‘Santana Typical Houses’, where we uncover the unique historical heritage under the thatched roofs. Our route to the next excursion will include a photo-stop for part of the North Western coast’s most panoramic views. In the afternoon, we dive into the history and future plans for marine life at The Whale Museum. Life-sized models centred amongst creative media reveal the scientific research and conservation efforts dedicated to Madeira’s aquatic wonders. Following lunch, we return to the hotel for free time to enjoy as you wish.

Day 6 - Saturday 15th February
Start the day riding the Funchal Cable Car for an exhilarating ascent from the coast to Monte Village. Next, we take a trip down the hill on the Monte Sledges. Originating in the 19th century, these wicker toboggans were once a swift transport method, skilfully guided by 'carreiros' wearing traditional straw hats! There will then be a free afternoon with lunch at the hotel. Later, we have an evening of entertainment at the popular Folklore Dinner & Dance Show ‘Típica Lagar’. Live music with local instruments and traditional dance will celebrate all that is great about Madeiran culture. e
Day 7 - Sunday 16th February
Indulge in a serene morning aboard our fabulous boat excursion, as we glide across crystal waters surrounded by the vibrant coastline. Our expert Tour Guide will highlight notable points of interest as we cruise, and a light lunch will be served on board, with time to soak up the picturesque surroundings. Returning to the hotel in the early afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to unwind, explore at your leisure, or pack for the return journey tomorrow. The day concludes with a final dinner in the hotel restaurant, offering the perfect way to celebrate the end of your luxurious getaway.
Day 8 - Monday 17th February
After breakfast, porters will collect your luggage and your Tour Managers will assist with the hotel check-out. We will then board the coach for departure to Funchal Airport. Lunch will be provided onboard the return flight to London Gatwick Airport. Upon arrival, your Tour Managers will assist at baggage reclaim to ensure everything runs smoothly. Your door-to-door cars will then arrive for the final part of your journey home – we hope you had a fantastic holiday!

Total Price of the Holiday: £3,750 per person
Deposit: £200
Book by & Balance Due: 2nd December 2024
Whats Included:
- Door to door cars from your home to the meeting point and back
- Return flights from London Gatwick
- Fast Track through airport security and passport control
- Lunch onboard both flights
- Coach travel throughout the holiday
- 7 nights at NEXT - by Savoy Signature Hotels
- Breakfast every morning
- Lunch every day
- Dinner with 2 glasses of wine every night
- Admission/talks/tours at properties visited:
- Funchal Cathedral
- Madeira Botanical Gardens
- Vinhas do Tico Vineyard
- Universo de Memorias Joao Carlos Abreu • The Sacred Art Museum
- Santana Houses
- The Whale Museum
- Funchal Cable Car
- Monte Sledges
- Folklore Dinner & Dance Show
- Boat Trip with lunch
- The services of your Tour manager throughout your stay
- Tourism Taxes, Gratuities & V.A.T
For more information or to book call
020 4568 3377
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Business Hours
- Mon - Fri
- -
- Sat - Sun
- Closed
Cultural Breaks is a trading name of Advantage Travel Centres Limited, registered in England and Wales with registered number 04698963 Vat No. 680 7873 93 Head Office: C/O Regus, Eagle House, 167 City Road, London, EC1V 1AW