Festive breaks in Portuguese Islands, Madeira&Portugal
7 nights
Nov, Dec
Grades 2 & 3
7 nights from
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This is a level 2 and level 3 graded Activity, Easier walks: 2 to 6 miles (3 to 10 km) on good paths, with some rocky sections. Up to 1,020 feet (310m) of ascent in a day, as we walk to Pico Ruivo. Harder walks: 4.5 to 9.5 miles (7 to 15 km) on good paths with some steep ascents and descents. There are also some rocky sections. Up to 1,150 feet (350m) of ascent in a day. Both walking levels have a notable ascent, up to 1,020 feet (310 m) on the easier level and up to 2,130 feet (650 m) on the harder level, which are on the trip to Pico Ruivo.
Please be aware that some levadas have, exposed sections and may not be suitable if you suffer from vertigo. This is especially the case on the cliff walk at Verado Do Larano, where there are some steep drops. We also advise to bring waterproofs all year, especially for walking at height where we are more likely to get rain. The levada footpaths can become slippery after rain. All the levadas we walk are at some height and with Madeira's micro climate, weather conditions can change frequently. Is is important to dress in layers, have a light waterproof jacket, sun cream hat and good hiking boots / shoes.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Welcome to Hotel Sentido Galosol. Unpack and settle in.
Today our walks take us to the north of the island on two exciting routes in the Sao Roque Valley to Porto da Cruz. Our day will include a visit to the pretty bay of Porto da Cruz.
Our walks today take us to the western end of the island. We’ll travel past Funchal before entering the Ribeira Brava Gorge. The coach will then take us high onto the western moors. This side of the island differs greatly from the high volcanic peaks in the east. Here rolling moorland offers views over the sea in both directions on a clear day. Torches are useful on this day, when walking through one of the levada tunnels, which is 800m long. Before returning to the hotel we call at the dramatic Cabo Girao skywalk viewpoint.
We'll journey to the centre of the wonderful island of Madeira and marvel at Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest peak at 1861m.
Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest.
Funchal: Take the local bus into Funchal and explore further, including a visit to the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens via cable car from the harbour area. Absorb the colours and scents of the flower markets, do a spot of shopping or visit one of the city’s museums or the Story of Madeira Exhibition.
Our walks today are at the far eastern end of the island. Walk along the São Lourenço peninsula and take a boat trip to the fishing village of Caniçal.
Today's walks take us to the north coast on the eastern side of Madeira.
We hope to see you again soon.
Easier Walks
Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.
Medium Walks
Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.
Guests have free use of Onda Revital Club, offering fitness classes, weekly morning jogging and yoga. The Wellness Centre has an indoor pool, saunas and Jacuzzi. There are outdoor and indoor pools.
There is a weekly entertainment programme including some live music. The bar and coffee shop overlook the sea. As well as the main restaurant there are several bars on site.
Wi-Fi is free throughout the public areas of the hotel.
Our holidays in Madeira are on a half-board basis and include breakfast and evening meal.
The buffet breakfast, served from 7.30am until 10am includes a variety of breads, jams, spreads, yogurt, cheese, fresh vegetables, muesli-bar, cereals, soft-boiled eggs, freshly cooked scrambled or fried eggs, omelettes and fresh fruit salad. There may also be some seasonal fruit such as bananas, passion fruit, papaya, melon and orange.
You may be able to purchase a picnic lunch from the hotel. Alternatively it is possible to buy ingredients from local shops or on some days to eat at one of the local cafés; your leaders will advise you of the options.
This meal is a buffet and available from 6.30pm until 9pm. The hotel prides itself on serving fresh, locally sourced produce and offers daily meat, fish and vegetarian selections, plus plenty of salads. For dessert there are fruit pastries, delicious cakes and other fresh cream desserts. Tea and coffee is served after the meal.
The hotel has a well-stocked bar serving beer, wine and spirits.
The hotel has 123 spacious en-suite bedrooms.
These air conditioned rooms are bright and offer modern, comfortable beds. The warm Mediterranean colours and decoration create a cosy atmosphere. The balcony comes with table and chairs - a great place to sit and gaze at the view.
Satellite TV with English channels is standard, as is the radio channel. Rooms also contain a minibar, kettle with tea and coffee, safe and swimming towels. The spacious bathrooms/WC are equipped with a large mirror, vanity mirror, hairdryer and have either a bath tub or a large shower.
Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.
As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.
Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.
For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.
This information is for those travelling with a full ‘British Citizen’ passport; for all other nationalities or passport holders, please check with your local consulate for advice.
This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.
If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.
Visa rules depend on your nationality, destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel, and they can change frequently. It is your responsibility to check whether you require a visa before travelling.
British passport holders should check the latest entry, passport validity and visa requirements for their destination on the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
Recommended
Optional extras
Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk
If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.
Alternatively, tailor your journey to suit you by booking your holiday ‘without flights’ and you’ll have the freedom to book your own flights from your local airport.
*Subject to availability
We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.
Learn moreCode: MAD07-LCL09
Dates & Prices
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Flight Inclusive
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Non-members
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Land Only
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Single Price - Land Only
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Non-members
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Single Supplement
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Itinerary: 7 Nights - Itinerary
Trip Type: Festive breaks
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Flight Inclusive
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Land Only
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Single Price - Land Only
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Single Supplement
Call to Enquire
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Itinerary: 7 Nights - Itinerary
Trip Type: Festive breaks
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday
If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations
If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience
Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries
Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday
If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations
If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience
Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries
Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members
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