Day 3
Today we explore the eastern seaboard, passing diverse landscapes from craggy coastlines to ancient forests. Ponta do Rosto is Madeira’s easternmost point, on a sliver of land jutting out into the Atlantic, and offers dazzling panoramas. Following the northern coast, we call at sleepy Porto da Cruz, named after a large cross displayed to identify it to passing sailors.
We leave the village and track the coastline towards the mountainous interior and one of the highlights of the tour – the UNESCO-listed Ribeiro Frio National Park. Around 90 per cent of the park is covered by ancient Laurisilva or laurel trees, and the area features many endemic flora and fauna, such as ferns and the trocaz pigeon.
Day 4
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with free time this morning to enjoy your beautiful surroundings. This afternoon, we visit the Palheiro Gardens, world famous for its variety of flora and its beautiful setting in the hills overlooking Funchal. Palheiro was laid out in the early 19th century by a French landscape architect for the Count of Carvalhal before being acquired in the early 20th century by the Blandy family, famous wine producers.
In the evening, dress up for a night of revelry with your fellow travellers. We start with cocktails before moving on to a 6-course gala dinner with live music. The party then moves outside to the hotel terrace where magnificent magentas, glowing greens and bursts of blue cascade across a jet black canvas as some of the most impressive pyrotechnics your eyes have ever seen pop, fizz, bang and sparkle into the night’s sky as you witness Funchal’s world-famous New Year’s fireworks display that for many years held the Guinness world record title of “Greatest Fireworks Show in the World”. Sip on your favourite cocktail amongst your fellow travellers as you enjoy the spectacular display, not forgetting the age-old tradition of crossing arms with new-found friends to sing Auld Lang Syne – now bathed in the glow of the fireworks.
But the night is still young! A DJ then helps us usher in the New Year with a night of music and dancing until the early hours of 2021.
Day 5
It’s New Year’s Day, a day for relaxing, recovering from last night’s exertions, and perhaps taking a bracing constitutional walk to welcome in 2021. Luckily with year round warm weather such a walk will be far more pleasant than in the UK. If you’d rather relax and recharge in the comfort of the hotel, perhaps unwind in the pool or Thalasso spa, with views of the tranquil sea This evening we’ll have dinner together in one of the hotel’s three restaurants.
Day 6
Near Funchal is the idyllic hilltop town of Monte, which we visit this morning. The town’s landmark is its 18th-century church, the most important pilgrimage site in Madeira, with its black and white facade and twin towers.
We then visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, where you can either join our guided tour or wander at leisure. These oriental gardens are exquisite, complete with Asian-style bridges, arches and a pond filled with koi carp; they also house a historic tile collection gathered from Portuguese palaces, churches and private residences. Later we return Funchal, either by coach, cable car for a dramatic 15-minute descent to the capital, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you could take the famous Monte toboggan ride.
Next, a real treat awaits, as we head to enjoy afternoon tea at the iconic Belmond Reid’s Palace, no doubt decked out in sumptuous festive splendour. Set in subtropical gardens that overlook the Atlantic, relax and take a stroll before indulging in sumptuous freshly baked scones, pastries and dainty sandwiches with your choice of tea from the hotel’s selection of 24 varieties with good company and lovely views across Funchal’s rocky coastline.
Day 7
Today we drive north to Madeira’s dramatic interior and the Curral das Freiras or Valley of the Nuns. To appreciate the solitude of this place, we drive to Eira do Serrado, over 3,500 feet above sea level, part of a natural cauldron of jagged peaks and chasms, with time to soak up the glorious views down to the village of Curral das Freiras. Today it is also known for the sweet chestnuts cultivated on its terraced hillsides. Enjoy sampling these tasty treats – the very essence of Christmas!
We head to Câmara de Lobos, a fishing village built around a bay with some of Europe’s highest cliffs forming a breathtaking backdrop. In the evening we will sit down together for a farewell dinner and look back on a magical New Year’s experience in Madeira, sharing stories with new-found friends about what the next year might bring
Day 8
Transfer to the airport for our flight home.