Gardens of Madeira

Date: Sunday 13th - Sunday 20th April 2008

Cost: €1275 per person sharing

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE IRISH GARDEN MAGAZINE

Itinerary:

Aptly named ‘The Atlantic’s Floating Garden’ the lush, volcanic Portuguese island of Madeira is just 36 miles long and 14 miles wide and is a place of outstanding natural beauty. Due to the fertile volcanic soil, sunshine, regular rainfall and high humidity it is a sub-tropical paradise with a remarkable variety of vegetation, fruit and flowers; orchids, bougainvillaea, magnolias and jacarandas bloom effortlessly throughout the year. Excursions by private coach each day - although we have a full programme, this is a relaxed tour. Madeira is a small island and our coach journeys are short. All of our trips have the added bonus of spectacular scenery and views. We start each day after a full, leisurely breakfast and arrive back at the hotel in time for a swim or a rest or a walk before dinner. There is a wide choice of restaurants to eat in each evening a short distance from the hotel.

Sunday, 13th April
Meet Frances MacDonald at Dublin Airport for our direct flight to Madeira departing at 12.30. We arrive in Funchal at 16.20. (Local time) and transfer by coach to our hotel. We are based in the luxurious 5* Savoy Hotel. www.savoyresort.com

Monday, 14th April
This morning we visit the Botanical Gardens - a chance to see the wide variety of plant species grown in Madeira, including an area devoted to those that are indigenous to the island. We can also visit the Tropical Bird Garden and the Natural History Museum. In the afternoon we visit the Pregetter’s Orchid Garden.

Tuesday, 15th April
Today we drive to Monte to visit the village and the Monte Palace Tropical Garden with its beautiful extensive grounds, followed by an optional short walk on the Levadas or a return trip to Funchal on the cable car.

Wednesday, 16th April
First a visit to the Embroidery Centre and the famous Market in Funchal and then on to the President’s Garden. Wander through Santa Catarina Garden where we can lunch in an open air café and then visit Quinta daz Cruzes, an 18th century mansion with shady gardens full of interesting artefacts and plants.

Thursday, 17th April
We visit The Palheiro Gardens, acquired by the Blandys in 1885 and still owned by them; they have continued the development of the gardens through successive generations - a unique garden with a diversity of plants combining English design with tropical planting. We also visit the Boa Vista Orchid Garden, which has a wide variety of exotic plants. Then a visit to a Winery before returning to hotel.

Friday, 18th April
A full tour of the East Coast of the island starts with a visit to another of the cottage industries of Madeira – the wickerwork village of Camacha.

Saturday, 19th April
A free day! Rest, shop or explore. There are a variety of other interesting excursions - afternoon tea on the terrace at the famous Reid’s Hotel, a trip on the cable car, or a cruise around the harbour on the replica Santa Maria.

Sunday, 20th April
After breakfast, early morning flight home, arriving Dublin at 11.40.

Frances MacDonald, a qualified and experienced gardener and guide, escorts this tour; she will be available at all times to help and advise you.

Further details from: Frances MacDonald (tours@thebaygarden.com)

Cost includes flights, all private coach transfers, garden entrances, bed & breakfast.

Eating out in Madeira is interesting and reasonably priced. Dress code for restaurants is smart - jackets for men.

COST: €1275.00 per person sharing

Single Supplement: €550.00

Deposit: €200.00 – Payable to 'Bay Garden Tours'.

Itinerary subject to change