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Price from £1,125pp
VISITING: Madeira BROCHURE CODE: 5568
All prices include: transfers, accommodation, guided activities and meals; all as listed.
Madeira may be famous for its fortified wine but it’s the vistas you’ll want to drink in. During this seven-night holiday, you’ll travel via jeep, on foot and during a boat journey to reach exceptional lookout points and find amazing marine life. Don’t worry though, there will still be plenty of time for you to sample the local wines too!

What's included?

  • Transfers: all transfers included
  • Accommodation: 7 nights’ hotel accommodation in double/twin rooms
  • Meals: 7 breakfasts
  • The following activities are included in the holiday: minibus tour to Nuns Valley, jeep tour to northwest terraces, whale and dolphin watching, visit to Monte and the Botanical Gardens, guided Levada Walk Serra D´Agua, jeep tour to the East Island (the order of activities is subject to change)
  • Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities

Whilst we have preferred hotel options for our Madeira itineraries, the pressure on hotel rooms on this charming and popular islands means that on rare occasions we may make alternative hotel suggestions. These suggestions are themselves carefully chosen to ensure there will be minimal impact on the operation of your itinerary.

With rugged, rocky coastline cliffs, luscious green mountains and an abundance of marine life, Madeira’s wine might be special but it’s the landscape and wildlife that we want to show off.

During your 7-night stay, you’ll explore the main island in a variety of ways, travelling across land and sea for the full experience.

Guided walks and jeep tours will take you to some of the best sights, from the dramatic views across plunging valleys to the unobstructed vantage points looking out onto the vast Atlantic Ocean.

Away from dry land, Madeira is renowned for its marine life. During a whale and dolphin watching tour, marine biologists will accompany you on the boat as you look for the many cetacean species swimming freely in their natural habitat.

Of course, your holiday to Madeira would not be complete without visiting some of its famous gardens, including the famous Monte Palace and Botanical Gardens which overlook Funchal.

The itinerary also includes plenty of free time for you to experience Madeira in your own way too. Our Travel Experts can give you our personal recommendations from our wonderful experiences here or you can talk to our knowledgeable local guides when you arrive.


Image credits:  Francisco Correia- Visit Madeira, Madeira Promotion Bureau
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Key facts

Duration: 7 nights
Pace: Balanced
Suitable for: Minimum age is 12 (wine tasting 18 & over only). See our terms for further information.
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We include more, no hidden costs

On each of our holidays you will see a clear outline of exactly what's included in the price of your holiday. We never use 'headline' or 'lead-in' prices like so many tour operators, as we prefer to include as much as we can, rather than see our clients incur considerable additional costs in our destinations.
Price guarantee

Departure day: this trip runs Friday to Friday during the date ranges displayed below.

From 2024, visitors to Madeira are required to pay a €2 per person per night tax directly to their hotel. This tax applies only to those aged 13 and over and is payable up to a maximum of seven nights only.

Dates
Fri 26 Apr 2024
to Fri 03 May 2024
Adults £ 1,215 To £ 1,565
Fri 10 May 2024
to Fri 24 May 2024
Adults £ 1,185 To £ 1,325
Fri 31 May 2024
to Fri 21 Jun 2024
Adults £ 1,125 To £ 1,265
Fri 28 Jun 2024
to Fri 26 Jul 2024
Adults £ 1,135 To £ 1,295
Fri 02 Aug 2024
to Fri 23 Aug 2024
Adults £ 1,215 To £ 1,365
Fri 30 Aug 2024
to Fri 27 Sep 2024
Adults £ 1,135 To £ 1,305
Fri 04 Oct 2024
to Fri 18 Oct 2024
Adults £ 1,125 To £ 1,265

For our full booking terms and conditions please click here

The Specifics

Holiday group size (approximate)

A minimum of 2 and a maximum of 30 people

Group Size

We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.

Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.

Minimum and maximum age

If a specific minimum age applies to this holiday, it can be found in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page.

Unless otherwise stated in the in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page, the minimum age for participation in an Artisan holiday is typically 8 years old (there may be younger children in some destinations who have booked with other companies). If an adult-only environment is important to you, then please contact our Travel Experts and they will advise on the best dates and destinations for you. If you are looking for a holiday designed specifically for families then please see our sister company www.activitiesabroad.com

Itinerary amendments

The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.

Medical History and Advice

We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.

In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.

In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.

Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.

Insurance

Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.

It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.

If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.

The UK Foreign Office Advice

Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice

We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.

The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/                                                   

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/                                                 

Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/                                                                                                     

The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html

If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.

If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.

If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.

If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.

Booking activities locally

Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).

When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.

In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are properly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.

Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.

Brexit information for British Passport holders

For the most up to date information on how the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your holiday please click here to view our Brexit information for British Passport holders.

Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation

On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.

Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.

Booking your own flights - cancellation disclaimer

If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.

If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.

Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.

Terms and Conditions

Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.artisantravel.co.uk/booking-conditions

Minimum travellers 10, Maximum travellers 20

Additional Cancellation & Payment Terms and Conditions

Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede those mentioned in section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.

- Up to balance due date (This is normally 12 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)                                                        

- between balance due date and 43 days prior to departure - 50%                                                

- 42 to 22 days prior to departure - 75%                                                   

- 21 or less days - 100%                                                    

 

  • Once you arrive at Funchal Airport, your transfer vehicle will be ready and waiting to take you to the Castanheiro Boutique Hotel, approximately 20 minutes away. After checking in, you could go to one of the many restaurants nearby for your first taste of Madeiran cuisine. 


    Please note: that this is a sample itinerary, all of these activities will be delivered during your stay however the order of activities will be confirmed on your arrival depending on local conditions, events or guest preferences. Decisions will be based first and foremost on your safety and comfort.

    Included Meals:  None
  • After breakfast, a minibus tour will take you to Nuns Valley, a charming small parish in the heart of the Madeiran mountains with scenic lookout stops along the way.

    Madeira has many great viewpoints but Nuns Valley is definitely one of the best we’ve discovered. This small village was once a refuge for the nuns fleeing Funchal. Sitting in a huge rocky cauldron with green mountains towering above, it’s easy to see why this location was chosen for safety.

    After touring Nuns Valley, you will return to your hotel around 1pm today.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast
  • After breakfast, you’ll start your full-day jeep tour to the unmissable Northwest coast.

    This tour takes you to the lush northwest, where waterfalls melt into the ocean and lava has been shaped into cerulean pools. Feel the adrenalin-adventure of exploring primitive backroads surrounded by native forest. Add to these a walk alongside the famous man-made channels -called Levada’s-with ravishing landscapes and for sure, you will have unforgettable moments.

    Tonight, you have a free evening. Relax at the hotel or see more of Funchal’s old town.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast
  • Following breakfast, the inviting coastal waters are calling as well as, hopefully, the marine life.

    Accompanied by marine biologists, you’ll ride in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) and be on the lookout for the many different cetaceans found in Madeira’s waters. These include bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins as well as short-finned pilot whales, and humpback and sperm whales.

    After your adventure at sea, you’ll have a free afternoon and evening to spend as you please. Perhaps you want to explore the water further during an exciting canyoning or kayaking trip. See our ‘Personalise’ tab for more information.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast
  • The Madeiran climate ensures that flowers bloom all year round, so a visit to these famous gardens cannot be missed. Flowers from all over the world can be found and enjoyed here.

    You will visit Monte first, which is home to expansive gardens and splashing fountains and has an enviable position high above Funchal affording breath taking views over the Atlantic. The Botanical Gardens are further down the hill and you can hop back on board your guide vehicle to take you there or you have the more invigorating option of taking one of the famous Madeiran wicker toboggans down the steep streets at speeds of up to 18 miles per hour. This activity is not included, as it is optional and guests wishing to experience a toboggan ride are required to pay the guides directly. If you do wish to do so, your vehicle will be waiting at the end to take you on to the Botanical Gardens.

    The Gardens are housed in a former private Quinta (country estate) belonging to the British Reid family, whose wealth was founded upon Madeiran wine and they went on to build one of the island’s most famous hotels. There are over 2,000 species of plant from all corners of the globe. After your visit you will be returned to your hotel.

     

    Included Meals:  Breakfast
  • Walking along the “Levada” do Norte” you begin the first half of the walk with superb views of the south coast to then encounter a vast area of Eucalyptus Forest. You will end the walk at a magical place called Era do Mourão. From a 65 km Levada, your guides have chosen the most beautiful 5 km for the hike. It is an easy hike with diverse flora and fauna to enjoy.

    After your walk, you have a free afternoon and evening to spend as you please. Relax in the sun or discover more history in one of Funchal’s museums. You could also book one of our optional activities. Click the ‘Personalise’ tab to find out more.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast
  • After a first stop at the bay where the Portuguese landed in 1419/20, in the southeast coast, this tour continues along the ancient royal footpath, where our sight is captured by the geometry of the oldest terraces of the island, along the beaten tracks crossing the indigenous forest. You will be amazed at the isolated rural nature of the villages we will visit. This is a tour rich in culture, with some of the most beautiful landscapes you can set your eyes on and breath-taking trails that will take you from sea level to Madeira’s highest mountains.

    Afterwards, you have a free evening to spend your last night as you please. Go back and visit your favourite restaurant or treat yourself to an upscale option to end your time here in style. 

    Included Meals:  Breakfast
  • Sadly, it’s time for your island exploration tour of Madeira to come to an end. Depending on your flight time, you’ll have breakfast at the hotel or we’ll box it up before you’re transferred to the airport for your flight home.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast

Whilst we have preferred hotel options for our Madeira itineraries, the pressure on hotel rooms on this charming and popular islands means that on rare occasions we may make alternative hotel suggestions. These suggestions are themselves carefully chosen to ensure there will be minimal impact on the operation of your itinerary.

Included in price

Castanheiro Boutique Hotel

Nights: 1-7

The Castanheiro Boutique Hotel is situated in Funchal’s fascinating Old Town, next to the Palace of Jesuits and only steps away from a host of wonderful local restaurants, cafés and shops. The cobbled streets, terracotta-roofed buildings and beautifully painted houses make for charming surroundings.

The hotel is composed of five historical buildings, each with a unique heritage and character. Spanning from the 18th – 20th centuries, the buildings have been lovingly restored and transformed into this spectacular hotel.

Hotel facilities

  • The hotel has a small rooftop swimming pool with wonderful views of the Old Town and the surrounding mountains
  • Relax by the hotel’s bar and enjoy a meal in the fabulous on-site restaurant
  • Enjoy the spa area, complete with hydrotherapy pool, Jacuzzi and sauna
  • Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel
  • For those wanting to exercise while away, there is also a small fitness room

Room options

Standard double/twin room
Our package includes accommodation in a double or twin-bedded standard room. Each room has an en-suite bathroom, as well as air conditioning, TV, telephone, hairdryer, in-room safe, minibar, robes & slippers.

Upgrade options are also available; please speak to our Travel Experts for further information.


Other options

Porto Mare Hotel

During your stay in Madeira, if you wanted to stay in a larger resort style hotel or just to be further out from the city of Funchal itself, you could choose to upgrade to the Porto Mare Hotel. Located around a 40-minute walk from Funchal (or take the free hotel bus), the resort has beautiful ocean and tropical garden surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Hotel facilities

  • Take a refreshing dip in any one of the five pools on site (outdoor and indoor) which are shared between its 2 sister hotels
  • Stroll through the luscious surrounding gardens before stopping at the ice cream parlour to cool down
  • Keep busy with squash, tennis, table tennis, snooker and minigolf all available on site
  • Make use of the fitness room before unwinding in spa area complete with treatments, jacuzzis, sauna and steam bath
  • The hotel also offers free WiFi in all areas

Personalise this tour


Our pick

Canyoning

In a beautiful valley in rural Madeira, lies a hidden green canyon. During this activity, you won’t just discover the canyon, you will travel through it as you follow the water on its journey downstream.

Canyoning is a safe, yet adventurous activity that allows you to travel in the direction of the water as it makes its way through the picturesque canyon. On your journey, you’ll come across four different rappels varying in altitude up to 17 metres. There’s also two small slides and two small jumps (optional).

Prices available on request.

Duration: half day

Available: year-round, with a minimum of two participants


Other options

Activities

Half Day Kayaking and Snorkelling

There’s no better way to appreciate the coastal waters of Madeira than to get out onto it.

Using a sit-on-top kayak, you’ll paddle out to the Underwater Nature Reserve of Garajau. Established in 1986, this reserve is full of marine life including large fish and manta rays. You’ll hopefully see the different species as you kayak along the water but you’ll also have plenty of time to snorkel and enjoy the underwater sights too.

Prices available on request.

Duration: approximately two hours

Available: Monday to Saturday, May to October, with a minimum of two participants.

Kayak capacity is two adults and one child. Adults may have to share a kayak, depending on group size.



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