Gardens of Madeira Tour

All tours on this holiday have now departed. Future departure dates will be confirmed in due course.

 Tour highlights:

  • Madeira's stunning Botanical Gardens in Funchal 

  • Hill town Monte Palace Gardens

  • Afternoon tea at Reid's Palace Hotel

  • Camellias at Quinta do Palheiro

  • Horticulture expert Tony Russell

The lush, volcanic Portuguese island of Madeira lies 400 miles off the coast of Africa and is 36 miles by 14 miles of outstanding natural beauty. Its warm, temperate climate makes it a verdant, sub-tropical paradise that is a delight to visit at any time of year. This wonderful tour explores the island’s gardens and a little of its history from our base in the island’s capital Funchal. Much of the island has been designated a conservation area and it displays a wealth of superb flowers and vegetation with orchids, bougainvillaea, lilies, hydrangeas, magnolias, jacarandas and azaleas blooming effortlessly throughout the year. Horticulture expert Tony Russell will add to your enjoyment of this tour with his knowledge and commentary throughout.

 

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Funchal. On arrival transfer by coach to the Turim Santa Maria in Funchal (approximately 30 minutes). We will have a welcome drink and brief introduction from Tony before dinner with wine at the hotel. 

Day 2: Botanical Garden and Eira do Serrado
We begin our exploration of Madeira with a visit to the Botanical Gardens, which boasts harmonious forms, contrasting colours and more than 2000 exotic plants. It is owned by the Regional Government of Madeira and also serves as a Science and Culture Centre. After some free time for lunch (at own expense) we will travel to Eira do Serrado for a fantastic viewing point overlooking the Nun's Valley and a small village which is nestled between the mountains. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Quinta do Palheiro Gardens, Jardins do Lago and afternoon tea at Reid's Palace Hotel
We depart this morning on a visit to the Quinta do Palheiro (formally known as Blandy Gardens). Established over several generations, the gardens are most famous for their camellias, though there is something for everyone with green fingers, including a wonderful range of agapanthus and arum and belladonna lilies in season. We will also visit Jardins do Lago with its lush gardens offering more than 500 different species of plants which are unique in variety and beauty. Free time for a small lunch (at own expense) before an afternoon visit to the world famous Reid’s Palace hotel for afternoon tea with a visit to their beautiful gardens overlooking the Atlantic. Evening at leisure 

Day 4: Half day Funchal city centre, Municipal Gardens and Quinta Vigia
A relaxing half day tour today, beginning with a visit to the local market, the Mercado dos Lavradores. This will be followed by visiting Quinta Vigia, a small garden which is part of the Presidential Palace, and the neighbouring Santa Catarina Park, set in a natural amphitheatre. Return to the hotel for afternoon at leisure. Dinner at hotel.

Day 5: Full day to Ribeiro Frio, ‘Levada dos balcoes,’ Quinta do Furao, and Cristo Rei Viewpoint
A full day tour of the island displays the wonderful variety of scenery this destination has to offer. We start this morning with a tour of the east of the island to visit Ribeiro Frio and a walk on “levada dos balcões” (approx. 3km). The “levadas” are small man made irrigation canals which double up as gentle footpaths for walkers to enjoy the natural beauty of the island. We then move on to Quinta do Furao and see how the locals produce ‘Pao de Santana’ with a tasting, visit a Madeiran vineyard for tour and wine tasting, followed by lunch and drinks. We will have some free time in Santana before returning via the Cristo Rei Viewpoint for views over Funchal. Dinner at typical Madeiran restaurant with wine included.

Day 6: Full day Monte Palace Tropical Gardens and Funchal
This morning we take the 10-minute cable car ride from the centre of Funchal to the fashionable hill town of Monte, which offers splendid views over the harbour and the bay. We will visit the glorious Monte Palace Gardens which surround the chateaulike Palace before free time for lunch and independent exploration of the island’s capital, Funchal. Dinner at the hotel. 

Day 7: Transfer to Funchal Airport for return flight to Gatwick.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions, weather and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 30 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the amount of walking and standing involved at the gardens we visit. The 3km walk on Day 5 is mostly flat but the path may be uneven in places, and if there has been recent rainfall some parts may be muddy. The trail is 1.5km out to the viewpoint, then back to the starting point. 

INCLUDED

  • Return flights from London Gatwick to Funchal
  • Six nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Hotel Turim Santa Maria, Funchal, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
  • Five dinners
  • One lunch
  • Afternoon tea at Reid's Palace
  • Full coach touring itinerary
  • Expert Tony Russell throughout 
  • Tour manager throughout

 NOT INCLUDED

  • Double room for sole use supplement - £408
  • Holiday insurance
  • Meals other than those stated 
  • Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
  • Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Turim Santa Maria, Funchal 
The four-star Turim Santa Maria Hotel is ideally situated and located a short walk to the centre of Funchal. The hotel offers a bar, restaurant, terrace and rooftop swimming pool. Bedrooms are modern and comfortable with en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, wifi, air-conditioning, minibar and hairdryer. 

Turim Santa Maria Hotel Website 

MORE INFO - 

Your garden expert:

Discover the Gardens of Madeira with expert Tony Russell:

Tony Russell’s career with plants and gardens began in 1978 when he joined the Forestry Commission in Snowdonia. After studying forestry and horticulture and after qualifying in 1983 he took up post as Forester for the New Forest in Hampshire. In 1989 he was appointed Head Forester of Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire, one of the finest collections of trees and shrubs in the temperate world. Tony left Westonbirt in 2003 and is now widely regarded as one of Britain’s leading authorities on trees and shrubs. Over the past fifteen years he has presented many gardening, horticultural and countryside programmes for both TV and radio. He is also the author of eighteen books and the editor of the annual publication ‘Great Gardens to Visit’ and horticultural editor of Discover Britain’s Gardens magazine.

 

 

Recent Reviews

"This trip was wonderful, with fabulous scenery, perfect weather, and the chance to meet interesting fellow travellers. The guides were knowledgeable and added greatly to the experience." Janet Susan Greaves, travelled February 2026

“The variety of gardens visited and the insight provided by the guides were particular highlights. It was combined with a well-balanced itinerary and comfortable accommodation, it made for a very enjoyable introduction to Madeira.” Anonymous, travelled January 2026

 “The knowledge and teamwork between Tony and Roberto were a real highlight, and their enthusiasm made the tour especially enjoyable. A well-organised itinerary and excellent guiding throughout made for a thoroughly memorable holiday.” Ms Sarosi, travelled January 2026
 
“From the gardens themselves to the excellent guiding, the whole tour was thoroughly enjoyable. With comfortable accommodation and a well-planned programme, it was an amazing visit to Madeira.” Mr Dean, travelled January 2026
 
“The highlights for me were the friendly and knowledgeable team—both our tour manager and guide made the trip so enjoyable. The beautiful weather and stunning gardens made it even better.” Mrs Hussey, travelled January 2026
 
 

 

Recent reviews

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An excellent and very well organised tour taking in a variety of activities not just the amazing gardens but also the levada walk, wine tasting with a wonderful local fare lunch, beautiful tea at Reid's, and ample time in Funchal on the two free afternoons to visit its many fascinating museums and churches. Both guides, and especially the local guide Roberto, were superbly knowledgeable and a joy to learn from. The hotel was well located but the dinners could have been more exciting. The tea at Reid's should be brought forward so that one has room for dinner later. Also, allow more time at Monte Palace Gardens. Altogether, a brilliant trip, one of the best TE holidays I have been on.

Review by Anonymous who travelled 10-February-2025

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This was our first trip abroad with Travel Editions. It surpassed our expectations. The flights to and from Madeira were straightforward. The hotel was clean and comfortable. As all the excursions were close to the hotel we didn't have any early starts which made the trip totally relaxing as well as extremely interesting. The passion and knowledge of the two guides made the trip very worthwhile. I also liked the impromptu history less in the Monte Palace gardens. The meals at restaurants with local cuisine were an added bonus. This is one of the best trips I have ever had and I had a thoroughly wonderful time. I would recommend this trip to everyone.

Review by Murrish who travelled 10-February-2025

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I would have liked to have more time in some of the gardens especially the botanical one and the monte palace garden, the cable car was great the lunch out and the dinner I also enjoyed the free time in Funchal and the afternoon tea . Roberto our local guide is very knowledgeable and perhaps goes too much in depth for the whole group which means that some people started wandering off in the gardens. Very enthusiastic and friendly guy.

Review by Douwen who travelled 10-February-2025

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We think the programme for the day of the Reid's afternoon tea could do with tweaking. There is no need for a lunch stop immediately before going to the Hotel. If the tea was brought forward an hour it would help, as we (like several others) had no room for dinner at the hotel that evening.

Review by Adams who travelled 10-February-2025

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A very good trip.

Review by Dickson who travelled 10-February-2025

View more reviews from 2025

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Very well planned tour with two very knowledgeable guides. Evening meals in the hotel could have been better and the hotel seemed under staffed although all staff were very good.

Review by Reid who travelled 10-February-2025

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Review by Anonymous who travelled 10-February-2025