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MADEIRA
Madeira: an enduring Eden - voted by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine (June 2004) as one of only 20 islands in the world that has succeeded in maintaining both extraordinary popularity and abiding beauty.
Known as the "Flower Garden of the Atlantic", the island of Madeira lies some 500 km off the coast of North Africa. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, it has an equable climate of 16 to 25 C all year. It is noted for its stunningly beautiful scenery and breathtaking display of fruit and flowers, which bloom all year - most houses have a banana tree in the back garden. Verdant valleys and terraced vineyards produce the famous, aristocratic wine - we shall of course be visiting a winery! Unique to the island is the extensive network of small watercourses known as levadas with a footpath beside which make ideal (and flat) hiking trails, although there are some steep ascents and descents to and from the levadas plus tunnels and the occasional need of a head for heights. We'll spend the first week at the HOTEL BRAVAMAR on the seafront in the village of Ribeira Brava in the western part of the island to explore the trails and secluded villages of Encumeada, Candelaria and Estreito. On the day off, we'll tour by bus to see the sights and scenery of the north and west parts of the island. For the second week, we'll move to the HOTEL MADEIRA beside the botanical gardens in the capital city of Funchal. There we'll be hiking on the coastal and country trails around Monte, Camacha, Camara de Lobos, the North Coast and the spectacular 6000ft mountains of Pico Ruivo and Ariero. Both hotels have a pool, lounge bar and dining room, although we shall have some dinners out in local restaurants.
| DATES: |
April 9 to 22, 2006 |
| GRADE: |
Moderate to strenuous |
| COST: |
$2936 CAD land only
$3986 CAD with airfare + $224 airport taxes
Send $300 deposit to reserve - balance is payable February 8, 2006 |
| WHAT'S INCLUDED: |
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12 nights' accommodation with private bath |
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Breakfast & dinner daily |
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8 guided hikes |
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Sightseeing tour of West Madeira |
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Winery tour & tasting |
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One evening dinner and show at a Portuguese club |
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Ground transportation and transfers (with the exception of some short local bus journeys) |
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OPTIONAL: Return airfare from Toronto, Canada |
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| HIKE LEADER: |
Maddalena Molino |
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