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Walking Madeira: Portugal’s Isle of Flowers By Foot

Program Number: 20367RJ
Start and End Dates:
10/7/2013 - 10/17/2013; 3/17/2014 - 3/27/2014; 10/6/2014 - 10/16/2014;
Duration: 10 nights
Location: Portugal
Price starting at: $2,898.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Walking/Hiking Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 18; 9 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian    

With its reputation as the “Isle of Flowers,” Madeira’s rich, volcanic soil and lavedas — or carriage ways and mini-canals — offer pristine walkways that wind along its coastlines, weave through gardens and lead to the islands most scenic vistas. Meander along one of Portugal’s most beautiful regions as you join local experts for a walking exploration of Madeira’s capital city of Funchal, a city wedged between the sea and mountain slopes.




Highlights

• Admire the indigenous plants of the Botanical Gardens on the grounds of the Quinta do Bom Sucesso.
• Savor Portuguese BBQ during an excursion to the pristine island of Ponta de Sao Lourenco.
• Visit the colorful market where local purveyors offer fresh fish, vegetables and fruit.



Activity Particulars

Low level walks of 3-5 miles, approximately 2-4 hours per day. Elevations up to 6100 feet, with 500-800 feet elevation change over two miles. Private coach or local transportation to travel to different day locations.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Lisbon, 1 night; fly to Funchal, 7 nights; fly to Lisbon, 1 night; departure.



Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night
Arrival Lisbon
1 night
Fly to Funchal (Madeira)
7 nights
Fly to Lisbon
1 night
Departure

Begin your exploration of Madeira with a walk to the town center, taking in the breathtaking coastline and sunset. Walk along the Levada and delight in the local gardens, vineyards and neighborhoods before stopping to admire the steep Cabo Girao coast. An excursion to the Botanical Gardens allows for an opportunity to study indigenous plants while a visit to Camancha offers a look into the local basket-making industry. Stroll along the plateau of Paul de Serra and relax in the natural pool in Porto Moniz. Savor the flavors of traditional Portuguese BBQ in Ponta de Sao Lourenco and admire the thatched cottages of Santana. Walk through the markets of Funchal where fresh vegetables, seafood and fruit are sold before paying a visit to the city’s cathedral. Enjoy an independent afternoon to explore the city of Lisbon before departure.




Portugal

This small Iberian country has much to brag about, being home to the first modern Europeans to set sail and conquer the globe. Enjoying what would be called today super-power status in the 15th and 16th centuries, modern Portugal is a country where the past is remembered on the streets of its quiet cities, sung amid its vineyards, and toasted to in bars and restaurants.
Accommodations
Lisbon: Hotel convenient to the airport. Funchal: Four-star hotel with views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Nacho Engel
Nacho Engel enjoys balancing two very busy careers — one as a civil engineer with a degree from the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, and the other as a professional certified walking instructor who leads adventurers through the wonders of Spain and Portugal. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Nacho also holds a degree in history and geography from the Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia. He has led walks and welcomed visitors from all over the world since 1990.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Holiday Inn Lisbon
  Lisbon, Portugal 1 night
   Pestana Village
  Funchal - Madeira, Portugal 7 nights
   Holiday Inn Lisbon
  Lisbon, Portugal 1 night
 Holiday Inn Lisbon
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Holiday Inn Lisbon is a modern hotel located in the bustling city center of Lisbon. It is situated near many metro stations and is only a 15-minute drive from the airport.
  Contact info: Av. Antonio Jose De Almeida, 28-A
Lisbon,  1000-044 Portugal
phone: +351 210 044 000
web: www.holidayinn.com/hotels
  Room amenities: Each room has a television, telephone, coffee & tea maker, mini bar, wireless Internet access (for a fee) and a hair dryer.
  Facility amenities: This hotel offers a restaurant, bar, fitness center, air conditioning, business center, safe available at reception and wireless Internet access throughout the hotel (for a fee).
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior:  Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404
  Check in time: 2:00 PM
  Additional nights after:  Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404
  Check out time: 12:00 PM

 Pestana Village
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Surrounded by an award-winning tropical garden, and the decor is typical of Madeira. Grassy spaces and superb indigenous trees with the traditional buildings makes for a relaxing and familiar atmosphere. Located only 15 minutes from the center of Funchal.
  Contact info: Estrada Monumental 182-194
Funchal,  9000-098 Portugal
phone: +351291701600
web: www.pestana.com
  Room amenities: Safe deposit box (for a charge), radio, TV, ceiling fan/AC, hairdryer, bathrobes, telephone, and kitchenette.
  Facility amenities: 2 cocktail lounges, 5 restaurants (two typical Madeira food, one Mediterrean cuisine, one that is open for lunch only and the speciality is fish, and Italian), WI-FI access or internet usage for a charge. laundry service, 2 pools (indoor/outdoor), garden. Wellness center with massages and beauty treatments, fitness center, Turkish bath, jacuzzi, sauna, billiards, table tennis, access to the sea, game and reading rooms.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Lisbon, Portugal. Meet your group at the hotel at 5:00 PM. (Hotel check-in is at 2:00 PM.) You will be staying at Holiday Inn Lisbon that night.
  End of Program:
Lisbon, Portugal. After breakfast on the last day. (Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM.) You will be staying at Holiday Inn Lisbon the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A visa is not required for this program for U.S. citizens. Participants who are not U.S. residents must contact your embassy or consulate to determine visa requirements, if any, for the country(s) you will be entering during the ROAD SCHOLAR program.
  Parking availability:
No parking.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Local transportation.
To Start of Program
  Location:  Lisbon
  Nearest airport:  Lisbon
  Transportation to site: From the airport in Lisbon, take a bus or subway to the Holiday Inn Lisbon. Taxis are also available.
  From End of Program
  Location: Lisbon
  Transportation from site: From the Holiday Inn Lisbon, take a bus or subway to the airport in Lisbon. Taxis are also available.
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Equipment Requirements: Sturdy walking/hiking shoes are required (ankle-high shoes are not required, but highly recommended). Please be advised that tennis shoes or Teva sandals (or similar) are NOT acceptable for walking or hiking.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Overnight flight to Lisbon.
(Monday, March 17)
   
 In Transit: Depart on international overnight flight to Lisbon.

Day 2: Arrivals
(Tuesday, March 18)
   
 Arrive To: Upon arrival at the airport your Group Leader will meet the group. Transfer by private coach to the hotel in Lisbon.
 Afternoon: Depending on your arrival time, your Group Leader may be able to lead you downtown by public transportation or bring you on a short walk around the area of the hotel, pointing out the local transportation depots. At 5:00 PM, meet the group at the hotel for a welcome drink. The remainder of the evening is on your own. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist you regarding restaurants and activities.
 Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Lisbon

Day 3: Funchal, Portugal.
(Wednesday, March 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: This morning take a coach transfer to the Lisbon airport for the flight to Funchal. Upon arrival in Funchal a private coach awaits the group for the transfer to the hotel in Funchal (112 feet), Madeira.
 Afternoon: Orientation walk to the town center, where you will see Funchal's beautiful sights and splendid gardens. This area is absolutely lovely and is considered a leisure zone by locals. It is lined with palm trees and bordered by splendid botanical gardens, offering wonderful views of the sea and magnificent sunsets. Welcome drink and orientation briefing before dinner.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Pestana Village
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Southwest Coast
(Thursday, March 20)

Note: Approximately 3 hours of walking.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: Walking field trip along the Levada through one of the most fertile regions of the island where vineyards alternate with vegetable gardens. Breathtaking views along the steep Cabo Girao coast (1932 feet), and the second highest sea cliff in the world. Learn about how the fertile region is cultivated, and the wine of the region, during today's field lectures.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Drive along the southwest coast to Punta de Pargo, the westernmost point of the island. Below this terrace are small vineyards and vegetable patches that can only be reached by boat. For the natives, every bit of land is precious.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Pestana Village
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Botanical Garden / Levada da Serra do Faial
(Friday, March 21)

Note: Approximately 3 hours of walking.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Today take an excursion to explore the Botanical Gardens created in the 1960s on the grounds of the Quinta do Bom Sucesso, overlooking the town, with most of the plants being indigenous to the area or from the Azores. The next destination is Camacha (1200 feet) where upon approaching the village bundles of long canes will be noticed as this is basket country where wicker working is a strong industry. Today's field lectures will educate you on the area's indigenous plants and basket weaving.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Walking field trip along the Levada da Serra do Faila, with an excursion to the church of Monte. The twin towers of the church are visible from all over the town of Funchal. The afternoon will end with a fun toboggan run sitting on baskets!
 Dinner: Explore local fare on your own. You may take a shuttle into town to try one of the local establishments.
   
Accommodations: Pestana Village
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Porto Moniz
(Saturday, March 22)

Note: Approximately 2 hours of walking.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Travel by coach in the direction of Ribeira Brava, a seaside resort at the mouth of a steep valley. Free time to buy your own picnic lunch. Today's walk begins on the plateau “Paul da Serra” (6100 feet) for a romantic walk through a wooded area. Learn about the region of Paul da Serra during a field lecture.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch while on the trail.
 Afternoon: At this point the coach will transfer the group to Porto Moniz to relax in its large natural bathing pool. A stop will also be made at the seaside before the coach transfers the group back to the hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Pestana Village
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Ponta Sao Lourenco / Portuguese BBQ / Levada do Casteljo
(Sunday, March 23)

Note: Approximately 3 hours of walking.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Machico is the spot where humans first set foot on the island. Take in a field lecture about Machico. A very nice Levada walk is planned through the fertile landscape before continuing on to Ponta de Sao Lourenco, where the landscape becomes drier and it looks almost lunar. Stride along the serrated line of cliffs tapering into jagged rocky islets.
 Lunch: Special Portuguese BBQ will be served during the walk including a "Fado Experience."
 Afternoon: Walk along the Levada do Casteljo through picturesque small orchards. Coach return to the hotel.
 Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
   
Accommodations: Pestana Village
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Gardens of the North
(Monday, March 24)

Note: Approximately 3 hours of walking.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Private coach to the green north coast, with a stop on the Pico do Areiro (5937 feet) to experience the magnificent views of the region before continuing on to Ribeiro Frio where hydrangeas and agapanthus line the way for most of the year. A brief walk in the woods will be made in this area, where many other indigenous plants and bushes reside. Continue to the next stop, Santana, known for its triangular thatched cottages that have become an island icon. Hear field lectures on the geological and botanical aspects of all of these places you see.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Enjoy another walk along the Levada do Casteljo.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Pestana Village
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Market Day in Funchal
(Tuesday, March 25)

Note: Approximately 2 hours of walking.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: Today begins with a walking field trip to the colorful market in Funchal where you find vendors selling fish, vegetables and fruit. After the market, walk along the harbor with an excursion to the cathedral. Learn about the lifestyle of Funchal's inhabitants, the economics of Funchal, and the history of the Funchal Cathedral during today's field lectures.
 Lunch: Explore local fare on your own in Funchal.
 Afternoon: Enjoy free time this this afternoon in Funchal, or return to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon around the pool. Your Group Leader will you give further ideas of optional sightseeing in the area.
 Dinner: Special farewell dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Pestana Village
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Flight from Funchal to Lisbon for an overnight.
(Wednesday, March 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: Private coach transfer to the Funchal airport for flight to Lisbon.
 Afternoon: Remainder of the day is on your own. Your Group Leader will be able to suggest ideas of what to do and see in Lisbon.
 Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11: Departures
(Thursday, March 27)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Private coach transfer to the Lisbon airport for departure.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Lisbon Tram 28
Vintage tram 28 offers the ultimate of Lisbon's blockbuster sights from Basilica da Estrela to the backstreets of Baixa. The ticket price is approximately EU 2.00, and be prepared for a rock n' roll ride as the tram goes up and down the hills of the city. Approximate time is 1 hour.
  Oceanario
Europe's second largest aquarium with 8000 species in 7 million litres of seawater. The cost is approximately EU 6.00 per person. Huge wraparound tanks make you feel underwater as you view zebra shrks, honeycombed rays, mantas, schools of neon fish, filigree seadragons, ocean sunfish, many types of jellyfish, and of course the stars - the sea otters Eusebio and Amalia. There is also a rain-forest, Indo-Pacifice coral reef and Magellan penguins on ice. For additional information, visit www.oceanario.pt
  Mosteiro Dos Jeronimos
UNESCO listed is this fantastical Manueline cloisters located 6 kilometers from the center of Lisbon in Belem. This monastery is pure fantasy entering from the west there are tree-trunk like columns seem to grow into the ceiling of stone. Vasco da Gama is interred in the lower chancel, and the rows of seats are Portugal's first Renaissance woodcarvings. Walk into the honey-stone cloisters, driping with organic detail in the scalloped arches, turrets and columns. Approximate entrance fee is EU 6.00. For additional information, visit www.mosteirojeronimos.pt
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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