Madeira Fam 11-14Dec - Sue Tooke

 

I decided to try the Easyhotel as this was one of the best prices for Heathrow hotels and though basic and an orange basin, I was only staying for a few hours so it was adequate for what it represents.  The prices for the rooms start at £25 for a double with no window -£35 upwards and parking is £6 per night.  There is a small gym which is free for guests.

 

Wednesday , 11th December 2013

We met our hosts at 05.00 hours
06h40 – Departure direct flight to Madeira Island, Heathrow Airport
10h10 - Arrival to Madeira International Airport flight number TP 371 The flight was with Air Portugal and was a little bit late but a good flight with a snack and drink included.
Transfer to the Pestana Casino Park Hotel took approximately 30 minutes and this was our hotel for the trip.  The rooms were large and the hotel spacious with Casino in a separate building next to the hotel but this did not detract from the hotel even though it is open to nonresidents and has a disco below but I could not hear too much noise from my room. 

This was the view from my balcony

 The hotel feels a little sparse with open spaces and little furniture to fill them. 

Breakfast room overlooking the port where the cruise ships dock

 The hotel was clean and the position was good with just a 10-15 mins walk into Funchal.

13h00 – Pick up and transfer to Reid’s Palace Hotel. Welcome cocktail at the Foyer.  The Reids Palace Hotel has always been one of my favourite hotels and has been awarded the best in Portugal. 

 

Often non residents have tea and the Reids but we were very lucky to be able to have lunch which was a spectacular  cold buffet with the piece de resistence being the wonderful desserts.  It was so difficult to chose so we just had to try several.  There went the diet!

19h00 - Departure from Pestana Casino Park for City sightseeing onboard the panoramic Yellow buses which was open top to enjoy the  Xmas Lights and views in Funchal Bay and surroundings

20h00 - Bus stops at Cable Car and guests go on foot for short walk and Welcome drink at S. Tiago Fortress

20h30 - Gala Dinner S. Tiago Fortress. This was my favourite meal and a spectacular position with superb views towards Funchal.

 Included entertainment throughout dinner with excellent singer.

Thursday, 12th December 2013

9h00 - Pick up at Hotel and departure for excursions. Visit to the Market Place – Mercado dos Lavradores.

We were shown the wide variety of fruits and vegetables they can grow due to their mild climate

 Cable Car from Funchal until Monte where we took the optional toboggan ride which was fun and very enjoyable at a cost of 15 euros where 2 local men in costume speed us down windy roads in a basket - well worth this unique trip which was Madeira's first form of transport from the top of Funchal to bottom

 

11h30 - Visit to the Madeira Wine Lodges, includes wine tasting.  Madeira wine is similar to sherry but quite unique and higher alcohol content than wine.

12h30 Extensive lunch at the Armazem do Sal Restaurant which was very pleasant.

15h30 - Workshop with local trade

18h00 - End of workshop and transfer to Pestana Casino Park.

20h00 - Dinner at Adega da Quinta Restaurant, located in Quinta do Estreito which was buffet style and very nice.

Friday, 13th December 13

08h30 - Pick up at Pestana Casino Park and Departure in jeep with Mountain Expeditions

company. Our first stop at Pico do Areeiro – 3rd highest mountain in the Island.  You could feel the difference in temperature at the altitude of.1810 metres..Departure to Ribeiro Frio, stop by the trout station followed by very pleasant Levada walk Balcões – about 45 mins – easy level with a specatacular view at the turning point.

12h00 - Departure to Santana where we saw Santana typical houses.

 

13h00 - Lunch at Quinta do Furão with spectacular views at this peaceful retreat.

 

14h30 – Departure to Funchal
Stop in Caniçal, on the way, most eastern tip of the Island
16h30 – Arrival to the Hotel

19h00 – Pick up at Pestana Casino Park.

20h10 - Farewell dinner at The Vine Hotel.  This unusual and quirky was ideal for romantic couples with bathtub in the room and extensive use of glass partitions throughout.  It has a delightful rooftop pool and sunbathing area with bar but regrettably I was only able to take pictures in the dark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our final day 14th December, we were picked up and taken to Avenue do Mar pier where we had a Sea Pleasure Catamaran trip with the hope of dolphin spotting but due to rough weather prior to our trip, they had moved away from the area.  However, the sun was shining for the duration of our trip and it was lovely to be able to see Madeira from a different aspect.

Madeira has always been considered as a destination for the retired but this trip has proved to us there is a lot more to do to appeal to a wider clientele.  Weather is generally mild even throughout their winters with temperature in late teens to early 20s centigrade.  It is very lush and green yet mountainous and scenic with walks to suit all abilities.

All too often on these fam trips, we are shown lots of hotels and little of the surrounding areas. It was the decision of the organisers to show us as much of the island as possible to give us a true feeling of what tourists can see and do during their stay. It made it a most memorable trip and I thank the Portuguese Tourist Board and Classic Collections Holidays for inviting us on this superfam.  For more photos, see our facebook Emsworth Travel album and for more information speak to Sue on 01243377211