Belmond Reid’s Palace
The Magic of Madeira
March 16 - 24, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open
Monte Palace Gardens
Madeira has been described as the island of eternal spring and the island where summer goes to spend winter. Famous throughout the world for its natural beauty, this exotic Portuguese island is often called “the floating garden in the Atlantic.” Captain Cook, visiting Madeira in 1768, remarked that the island was “the recipient of Nature’s most liberal gifts.”
Nature has, in fact, been wildly extravagant—Birds of Paradise flower throughout the year, magenta bougainvillea cascades over ancient walls, and mimosa fill the air with its scent. Year-round the temperature hovers around 70 degrees. In the hills above the capital of Funchal (where we’ll spend our nights) are two outstanding gardens—the Botanical Gardens, with terraced beds and greenhouses, and Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro, a private estate that’s open to the public. And these are just a sample of the stunning settings and gardens we’ll explore as we crisscross the island, experiencing the full range of Madeiran landscapes, from volcanic to tropical.
Câmara de Lobos
Of course, Madeira is much more than just gardens. Outside Funchal, the terraced hillsides grow grapes for the hearty wine that has been popular for centuries, and during your stay, you’ll be encouraged to become a connoisseur! In Funchal, we’ll have a chance to visit the Sacred Art Museum and the 15th-century Se Cathedral, experiencing the essence of local life at Funchal’s colorful Mercado dos Lavradores (workers’ market).
This winter, join Discover Europe on a remarkable journey into the heart of Madeira. With guided visits to the island’s legendary gardens as well as free time to explore, you’ll truly experience the full flavor of Portugal’s very own floating botanical paradise.
*Back to back with: A Portuguese Panorama, March 23 - April 1, 2023
If you would like to register for The Magic of Madeira tour, please complete and submit the form located under Reserve Now.
*Once you have submitted the above registration form with your digital signature, a Discover Europe staff member will be in contact as soon as possible to process your deposit and welcome you to the tour.