Upload
duongdung
View
221
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
THE LEVADAS OF MADEIRA—SELF GUIDED WALKING INMADEIRA
Madeira has many sides, the colonial charm of the towns, which explode with the colours of the
local fauna, rugged and dramatic coastal scenery and a lush, deep green interior that evokes the
volcanic beauty of the South Pacific. Madeira is a cosmopolitan island which still manages to retain
a great deal of it’s old world, sleepy charm, making it a unique place to visit and somewhere that will
ensnare your senses.
The walking on Madeira has been made famous by the levadas which form a network of paths across this
sub-tropical, Portuguese island. Levadas are irrigation channels that were built to ensure that the island
had plenty of fresh water and each of these channels has a path to accompany it, allowing you to explore
every corner of this enchanting botanical paradise. Local knowledge has been the foundation of this trip,
ensuring that you are getting to experience the very best walking that Madeira has to offer.
Your first few days are spend walking along the undulating, multi-coloured cliffs of the North coast, where
deep scarlet's rocks mingle with more ochre shades in this mineral rich area. From the stark beauty of the
coast you begin to delve into the interior where bright yellow mimosas contrast the milky blue limpid pools to
a backdrop of deep green. Days 7 and 8 provide some of the most beautiful walking on the trip. The High
Plateau gives you sweeping views of the whole island, while the 25 Fontes (waterfalls) walk takes you into a
forgotten, otherworldly landscape. The deep purples and enchanting scents of hydrangea and agapanthus
lead you back towards the coast where you finish your trip.
Your holiday includes seven nights accommodation, breakfast, luggage transfer, emergency support,
detailed route notes and maps are all included so you can just relax and enjoy all aspects of Madeira.
The forgotten world feel of the 25 Fontes walk.
Walking through the Caldeirao Verde to visit the Palheiro houses of Santana
Sights and smells of the array of colourful flora, native to the island.
The relaxed and friendly charm of the Portuguese people.
WHY CHOOSE A SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY WITH US?
Macs Adventure specialise in great value self guided walking holidays. As passionate and regular walkers
we know what makes for an unforgettable trip and we pride ourselves on delivering outstanding walking
holidays with every last detail taken care of. Great walking routes, breathtaking scenery and great local food
and welcoming accommodation are all part of our winning formula.
From your first contact with Macs Adventure you will deal with a specialist who knows the area inside out.
They help you plan every aspect of your holiday and to make the most of your time in Madeira with their in-
depth knowledge of the route, accommodation and must-see attractions.
Self guided walking holidays are the very best way to explore the island of Madeira. Pre booked
accommodation of character, insider hints and tips, detailed route notes and maps, baggage transfer and
transfers as necessary and local backup support mean you can relax and enjoy your time walking in
Madeira.
SUMMARY
What’s Included?Accommodation: 10 Nights accommoda-tion in a mix of family run hotels and inns.Meals: A delicious breakfast is includedeach day. 9 Picnic lunches are also suppliedfor your walks. Dinner is not included butalways available nearby.Baggage Transfer: Door-to-doorbaggage transfer.Transfers: You will be transferred to andfrom Funchal Airport and on a couple ofdays there are transfers to and from thewalks. There is occasional travel by localbus, which is not included in the cost of thetrip.Information Pack: Detailed route notes,maps and emergency phone support.
Tour: The Levadas of MadeiraCode: WPSLOMType: Self-Guided Walking HolidayPrice: See WebsiteSingle Supplement: See WebsiteDates: Sep—JuneDays: 11 Days (9 Days walking)Nights: 10 NightsStart/Finish: Machico / Arco da CalhetaGrade: ModerateClosest Airport: Funchal
HIGHLIGHTS
THE LEVADAS OF MADEIRA
WALKING ON PORTUGAL’S FLOATING GARDEN
Is It For Me?Madeira is the ideal relaxing getaway. Withrelatively undemanding, but stunning walksduring the day and tranquil, little towns to eatand drink in at night, you can leave all yourday to day worries on the aeroplane.
Our standard itinerary includes 9 days walking
and 10 nights accommodation in Madeira.
Code: WPSLOMDays: 9 (9 Days Walking)Nights: 10Overnights: Machico, Porto da Cruz, Santana,
Paul da Serra, Arco da Calheta (2 nights at each
destination.)
DAY 1
Arrive in Madeira
Funchal is the only international airport on the
island, so when you land here, on it’s stilted
runway over the sea, you will be collected by our
local representative and driven out to Machico on
the east of the island.
Machico is a tranquil and historical town where
the discoverers of Madeira first landed. With its
ancient forts, beautiful beach and whitewashed
houses, it is an idyllic retreat from which to start
your trip.
The community thrives on fishing and agriculture,
so you can be sure of some delicious fresh
produce when you dine out in one of the
excellent restaurants at night.
Overnight: Machico
DAY 2
Sao Lourenco Peninsula—8 km
A nice short walking day to start you off, which
takes you out onto the Sao Lourenco Peninsula.
Not a levada walk today, but one with stunning
views of the North and South of the Island.
The peninsula also betrays its volcanic roots with
large lava boulders scattering the barren
landscape and some bright mineral colours
shining out from the cliffs.
There is some steep ascents with loose rock
underfoot, so though you will be enjoying the
scenery it is wise to check your footing on these
sections.
Overnight: Machico
DAY 3
Levada Canical—13 km
A transfer after breakfast takes you to the start of
the Levada Canical . This levada takes you up
around Machico, giving you some wonderful
views down into the town. You then walk along
the wild, rugged North Coast to Porto da Cruz.
Porto da Cruz gives off the feeling that life
slowed to a stop here a long time ago. A
beautiful, relaxed retreat from the modern world
where you can visit an old sugar cane factory
that has not changed since 1927.
Vinho Seco Americano, a dry red wine that is
produced locally and can be enjoyed to relax you
into the slow pace of this lovely village.
Overnight: Porto da Cruz
DAY 4
Levaca do Castelejo—9km
Today, the scenery begins to change as you are
now walking with views over the mountains of the
interior, rather than the coast. The unique plant
life of the island begins to shine today as you
walk through the wilderness of Ribeira Frio with
its limpid pools, mimosas and fine leaved laurels.
Overnight: Porto da Cruz
DAY 5
Levada do Caldeiro Verde—18 km
Today is an enchanting walk through the lush
emerald green paradise of the ‘Green Cauldron.’
On a levada that cuts tunnels through the
mountain you will get to see the beautiful mossy
landscapes of Madeira’s most popular trail.
Walking out into the remote area of the Caldeiro
Verde is an experience not to be missed and
definitely make sure your camera batteries are
charged today. After the tunnels and levada
walking comes the Cauldron itself, split and
formed bay a dramatic, pencil straight waterfall.
Overnight: Santana
ITINERARY
Day Route Km
1
2
3
45
67
8
9
10
11
Arrive Funchal and transferto MachicoWalk along Sao LourencoPeninsulaTransfer to Levada Canicaland coastal walk to Porto daCruzLevada do CastelejoTransfer to Levada do Cal-deirao Verde, overnightSantanaWalking around SantanaTransfer to High Plateau,walk to Paul de SerraWalk 25 Fontes, overnightPaul de SerraTransfer to Pazeres, walkLevada Calheta to Arco daCalhetaCoastal Walking near Arcoda CalhetaTransfer back to FunchalAirport and onward travel
0
8
139
1810
13
13
15
13
DETAILED ITINERARY
THE LEVADAS OF MADEIRA
WALKING ON PORTUGAL’S FLOATING GARDEN
DAY 6
Walking around Santana—10 km
Today you spend the day in and around the
lovely town of Santana. There are plenty of
attractions here, most noticeably the Palheiros,
traditional triangular houses, that remain here.
There is also a Madeiran Theme Park, which
gives you a great history of the island, but the
town is surrounded by tons of amazing walking.
Here you will have your choice of the best walks
in the area through the UNESCO world heritage
forests that surround the town.
Overnight: Santana
DAY 7
High Plateau Walking—14 km
Today sees you collected from your hotel after
breakfast and transferred up to the Madeiran
High Plateau. From here you will spend your
day crossing the mountains, though there is no
actual climbing, the route is quite undulating
today.
Needless to say, the views are absolutely
spectacular as you walk down to your resting
place in Paul de Serra.
Overnight: Paul de Serra.
DAY 8
25 Fontes Walk—13km
From your accommodation, today you will walk
down to Rabacal, for the spectacular 25 Fontes
Walk. The levada that you walk beside today
rises high above you at points, sending cooling
drips of water down to refresh you from the
tropical climate.
You continue along the side of this ageing levada
into the heart of this age-old tropical forest,
where eventually you reach your goal, where 25
waterfalls combine to plummet to the ground in
front of you.
Overnight: Paul da Serra
DAY 9
Levada Calheta—Ponta do Pargo—15km
Today is a lovely botanical journey, along a
levada littered with Agapanthus and Hydrangeas.
You will walk in the shade of Eucalyptus and
Pine past banks of sweet smelling lilies.
Though gorgeous all year round, the closer to
summer you can walk, the better as the colours
of the flora erupt to their fullest.
Overnight: Arco da Calheta/Funchal
DAY 10
Exploring the Coast—13km
Today you have a variety of options. You can
take it easy and explore the little town of Calheta
with its rum distillery and its gallery, perched high
above the town.
Alternatively you can take a taxi along the coast
to explore some great coastal walks that we have
outlined for you.
The third option is to take last night and tonight's
accommodation in Funchal, rather than Arco da
Calheta. This gives you a chance to explore the
cosmopolitan capital of the island.
Overnight: Arco da Calheta/Funchal
DAY 11
Depart Funchal
You will be collected from your accommodation
and transferred to Funchal airport for your
departure.
Optional Nights Funchal
The capital of Madeira is a lovely place to stay
and has many attractions making it worth
spending a few days here. You can opt to
transfer your last two nights of the trip to
Funchal, but I would recommend booking a few
extra nights here, which we are more than happy
to book for you.
Additional Nights and Extensions
You can add additional nights at any point along
the walk and we highly recommend additional
nights in Funchal.
Tailor Made Holidays
We are always more than happy to tailor our
standard itineraries to suit. Just let us know what
you would like and we will be happy to arrange
your tailor made holiday.
Grade & Fitness
This walking tour is graded Easy to Moderate.
The walks are predominantly along levadas,
though there are some cliff top walks and some
more mountainous walking.
Navigation
Some of the walks on this trip are way marked
but many are not and you will need to follow the
route notes and maps supplied.
Accommodation
The accommodation on this walk is a
combination 3-4 star family run guesthouses and
hotels. All offer a warm welcome to walkers,
traditional hospitality and an authentic
experience.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party we
would be happy to accommodate you although
there is a single room supplement payable.
Solo Walkers
This holiday is available for solo walkers but we
would recommend that you are more
experienced in walking and navigating alone. If
you are travelling solo the holiday is more
expensive as some costs are not shared.
HOLIDAY INFORMATION
THE LEVADAS OF MADEIRA
WALKING ON PORTUGAL’S FLOATING GARDEN
Meals
A delicious breakfast is included each morning
as are picnic lunches for you to enjoy on route,
dinner, however is not included. Dinner is
available either at your accommodation or
nearby bars, cafes and restaurants.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be transferred between your
accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask
you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to
20kg per person.
Transfers
You will be collected and dropped off at Funchal
airport and the start/end of the trip. Many of the
days involve a transfer to the start of the days
walking. The details of these will be included in
your route notes.
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipmentlist which includes standard walking gear such asgood walking boots or shoes, warm andwaterproof clothes and a day pack.
Getting to Madeira
By Air—Funchal airport is the only international
airport and can be reached directly from Bristol,
Manchester and London. Flight time from
London is approximately 3hrs 45 mins.
From Funchal Airport to Machico—At each
end of your trip you will be collected and dropped
off at the airport. The transfer time is
approximately 30 minutes.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with us that you have
suitable travel insurance that covers you for
cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury.
Price & Availability
Please refer to our website for up to date prices.
This trip is available from September through to
June. The summer months are unbearably hot in
Madeira so walking is not recommended.
The best time of year to walk in Madeira is in the
spring or from late September to December as
the weather is a little cooler.
Included
Accommodation for 10 nights in 3-4 star familyrun hotels and guesthouses.
9 breakfasts, 9 picnic lunches
Daily luggage transport of 1 bag of up to 20kgper person as required.
Transfers to and from Funchal Airport.
Other Transfers as noted in the informationpack.
Detailed route descriptions and pre departureinformation pack
Maps of the walks
24-hour assistance by phone
Excluded
Travel to and from Madeira
Dinners, drinks & snacks
Travel insurance
Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls,extra transfers, tips, etc.
Any items not specifically mentioned in theprogram
Optional Extras
Single room supplement(s) if applicable
Solo walker supplement if applicable
Additional nights during the holiday.
Once you have read all the information in this
factsheet or our website and would like to go
ahead with your booking you can book securely
online at www.macsadventure.com or by
telephone on +44 (0) 141 530 8886
Financial Security
In accordance with "The Package Travel,
Package Holidays and Package Tours
Regulations1992" all passengers booking with
Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the
initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all
monies paid to us, including repatriation if
required (this insurance will not cover repatriation
to the country of origin for the passengers
outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or
curtailment of your travel arrangements due to
the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd
ABTA Member Statement
As a Member of ABTA we
are obliged to maintain a
high standard of service to
you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. If you have a
complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street,
London.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO BOOKPRICE & AVAILABILITY
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
THE LEVADAS OF MADEIRA
WALKING ON PORTUGAL’S FLOATING GARDEN