Lisbon & Madeira

Description

3 Nights – Lisbon
7 Nights – Madeira

✈ UK – Lisbon (3 Nights):  On arrival in Lisbon, you’ll want to dive straight into exploring Portugal’s vibrant capital. Perched on the banks for the Tagus river, with large sun-drenched squares, iconic yellow trams that rattle through historic streets, and a vibrant restaurant and café scene, it’s a city that’s so easy to fall in love with.

Taking the iconic Tram 28 is a great way to explore the historic parts of Lisbon, winding through the city’s oldest streets before you make your way up towards São Jorge Castle. While the tram won’t take you directly to the castle, you can hop off at Largo das Portas do Sol, a stunning viewpoint in Alfama, and take a short but steep walk to the entrance. However you get there, the reward is worth it – with panoramic views over Lisbon and its terracotta rooftops.

No visit is complete without tasting a warm pastéis de nata (custard tart) best enjoyed at one of the artisanal bakeries dotted around the city.  For a spot of shopping, head to the Avenida da Liberdade, a tree-lined street with a great selection of shops and lively cafés or explore the vintage shops in the Baixa district.  As night falls, head to Bairro Alto with its maze of narrow streets, live Fado music spilling out of bars and a lively atmosphere.

If you have time for a day trip, we highly recommend Sintra with its fairy-tale palaces in the foothills of the Sintra mountains, just a 40-minute train ride away. Visit the magical Pena Palace, perched on top of a hill and the Quinta da Regaleira, with its secret tunnels and pretty gardens. Its location and mountain backdrop make Sintra a welcome cool escape, especially in the summer months.

✈ Lisbon – Funchal (Madeira) (7 Nights): Your private transfer will whisk you back to the airport for a short flight to Madeira, located southwest of the Portuguese mainland and surrounded by the Atlantic ocean.  You can choose to stay in Funchal, Madeira’s capital or if you prefer a quieter escape, the Madeiran countryside offers a lovely retreat, with picturesque villages and lush landscapes. For the best of both worlds, consider a split stay – spending a few days in Funchal then retreating to the countryside for a few days.

Some of the highlights of Funchal include the vibrant Mercado dos Lavradores, where you can sample the local food and crafts, and the beautiful Madeira Botanical Garden, home to an impressive collection of plants. Take a cable car ride up to Monte for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains and visit the Monte Palace with its art collection of Portuguese and African art and tropical gardens.  Also, for a taste of the famous Madeira wine and to learn about the wine production on the island, visit one of the city’s wine cellars.

In Madeira’s countryside, you’ll find a whole host of outdoor activities including hiking the dramatic levada trails through laurel forests, exploring the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz, or taking in breath-taking views from the Cabo Girão skywalk, the highest in Europe. For those who love the water, a boat trip is a must – whether to spot dolphins and whales or to visit the neighbouring island of Porto Santo, known for its golden beaches.

✈ Funchal (Madeira) to UK: Whether you spend the week in the Madeiran capital, countryside or a mix of the two, we’ll take you back to the airport in Funchal at the end of your stay for your flight back to the UK.