Mad for Madeira: Flower Festival Edition

Portugal’s favorite island is in full bloom this Spring as it celebrates its annual Flower Festival. Spanning the month of May Madeira’s capital hosts parades, flower-themed performances, and traditional ceremonies showcasing its unique flora. Based in Funchal, we join the flower-filled celebrations whilst exploring Madeira’s highlights, with a locally guided city tour, a scenic cable car ride to the quirky Monte Palace Gardens, and an exhilarating traditional wicker toboggan ride all included. As Madeira’s most famous son, Cristiano Ronaldo, would say— Madeira’s famous flower festival kicks all the goals!

Itinerary Overview 

Day 1 – Arrive Funchal, Madeira 

Day 2 – Funchal, Madeira 

Day 3 – Funchal, Madeira  

Day 4 – Funchal, Madeira 

Day 5 – Depart Funchal, Madeira 

HIGHLIGHTS 

• Ride a cable car high above Funchal and explore the exotic Monte Palace Gardens 

• Stroll Funchal’s delicious farmers market and delightful botanical gardens on a guided tour of the city 

• Whizz down Funchal’s steepest streets on a traditional wicker toboggan ride 

• Join in the Flower Festival celebrations at flower-themed exhibits and gardens, including a flower festival performance, the Wall of Hope ceremony and classic car parade  

The sequence of events in this package may vary, as tickets for the Flower Festival and detailed schedules have not yet been released. While our local operator will make every effort to secure tickets for the listed events, we cannot guarantee their availability. 

 

DETAILED ITINERARY 

Day 1 Funchal, Madeira 

Arrive Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport and meet your transfer driver in the arrivals hall. Transfer to the Melia Madeira Mare Hotel, for your three-night stay in Madeira’s capital city. Your city host will greet you at the hotel, assist with your check-in and provide local advice. Your day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel. 

Located only a short distance from the center of Funchal, the Meliá Madeira Mare offers a breathtaking view over the Atlantic Ocean and easy access to the sea-front promenade. Our rooms offer a sea view and feature air-conditioning, LCD TVs, and free Wi-Fi access. The hotel has a selection of on-site restaurants and bars, a health club with a fitness center, gym, and Jacuzzi, a spa, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. 

Accommodation: Meliá Madeira Mare – sea view room

 

Day 2 Funchal, Madeira 

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before exploring Funchal this morning on a locally guided city tour.   

Set within a natural amphitheater along the south coast of Portugal’s island of Madeira, Funchal is the capital city of the Madeira Archipelago. Perfectly positioned against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters and forested mountains, Funchal is renowned for its grand gardens, rich heritage, and al fresco cafes.  Our tour showcases the Gothic and Romanesque architecture of the Se Cathedral and the 15th-century Sao Tiago Fortress, before heading to the famed Madeira Botanical Gardens which are decorated with over 2000 plants. Funchal’s consistent tropical climate makes its location a gardener’s delight.  

This afternoon we’ll view the Wall of Hope ceremony; a poignant tradition considered a beloved highlight of the festival. The island’s famous flower festival attracts visitors from around the world, while garden aficionados are guaranteed a variety of blooming species of flowers, perfectly trimmed topiary and sightings of rare plants year-round.  Created as a symbolic appeal for peace, the Wall of Hope is a floral tribute. The charities and elderly of the island are invited to place flowers amongst its design as an annual tribute to those less fortunate than themselves. 

This evening, we head out on the town for a traditional dinner. Nothing says Madeira like Espetada. Juicy grill-seared chunks of beef served over thick slices of artisan bread, Espetada, or Portuguese Beef Skewers, are an island favorite. We indulge in a variety of Madeiran dishes at a local eatery over a glass or two of Portuguese wines, while our local host tells tales of living on this island paradise. 

Accommodation: Meliá Madeira Mare – sea view room
Meals: Breakfast, dinner 

 

Day 3 Funchal, Madeira 

Today is a day of leisure, offering plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the flower festival exhibits, unwind by the pool, or explore the island at your own pace. For those interested, consider joining an optional locally guided tour to discover the natural pools of Porto Moniz, São Vicente, and Santana, or explore the scenic west coast, with its charming towns of Câmara de Lobos and Ribeira Brava, as well as the stunning landscapes of Ponta do Sol, Ponta do Pargo, and Paúl do Mar. Your city host is available to suggest options and assist with booking your ideal day tour. 

Later this afternoon / early evening the festival presents a series of flower themed performances. A vibrant highlight of the festival are the groups of performers that take to the stage in costumes inspired by the island’s flowers, showcasing both the beauty of nature and Madeiran traditions. These lively dances fill the air with celebration, creating a festive atmosphere. We’ll enjoy one of these performances for an hour or two of flower-filled fun. 

This evening is free to sample some local cuisine solo (optional tours and dinner own expense). 

Accommodation: Meliá Madeira Mare – sea view room
Meals: Breakfast, dinner 

 

Day 4 Funchal, Madeira 

This morning, we ascend the heights of Funchal to its most eclectic suburb. Approached by cable car, the Monte Palace Garden is perched on a hilltop with panoramic views over Funchal’s bay. Surrounded by exotic flora, sculptures and works of art, this sprawling 18th century estate was established by Charles Murray, the English consul, but it was the eccentric Alfredo Guilherme Rodrigues, who built a palatial residence and created the eclectic gardens which entertain and educate. 

The modern-day Monte Palace Madeira Garden’s spread over 70,000 square meters and display some 100,000 plant species from around the world. A stand out are the centenary cycads, considered living fossils. Sculptures, stone lanterns, peacocks, swans and a vast selection of Portugal’s famous tiles are scattered throughout the grounds. 

Our descent from the suburb affectionately known as Monte, is uniquely Madeiran. Our local ‘drivers’ guide us down the steep streets to Funchal city, on a traditional wicker basket toboggan. This fun ride gathers pace as our professional driver steers us the two kilometers on this specially designed sled, a tradition which dates back over a century when residents used the weaved baskets as a mode of transportation.  

This afternoon it is time to join our local guide to view one of the Flower Festival favorite parades. Hosted by the Classic Automotive Club of Maderia the classic car parade is a highlight of the festival. The islands car aficionados garnish their vehicles with floral displays to showcase the best of Madeira’s car culture as the residents of Funchal cheer them on from the sidelines. This evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner at a popular waterfront restaurant.  

Accommodation: Meliá Madeira Mare – sea view room
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

 

Day 5 Funchal, Madeira 

Our time on Madeira comes to an end after breakfast on our group transfer to Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport.

Note: We suggest that your flight departs after 12:00pm. (Private transfers can be requested – own expense)        

Meals: Breakfast 

 

TOUR INCLUSIONS 

• Services of an English-speaking city host dedicated to our group 

• Gratuities for city host / local guide and driver 

• 4 nights’ accommodation at the Melia Madeira Mare in a sea view room 

• Breakfast daily  

• Two dinners including an Espectada evening 

• Cable car ride to Monte Palace, with a visit to Monte Palace Gardens 

• Guided Wicker toboggan ride 

• Funchal city tour with a visit to the farmer’s market and Funchal Botanical Gardens 

• Flower festival events: Wall of Hope ceremony, Flower group performance and Classic Car Parade. As these events are busy and often involve crowds, a local guide will accompany you 

• Transport when applicable on private coach 

• Group transfers on Day 5 hotel to Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (Madeira Airport) 

• All coach parking fees and coach permits 

• VAT and city taxes  

• Porterage for 1 piece of luggage 

 

TOUR EXCLUSIONS  

• International or domestic flights  

• Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary  

• Airport arrival or departure taxes  

• Passport, visa, reciprocity fees and vaccination charges, travel insurance  

• Hotels and meals not listed
• Optional tours offered by your city host are payable direct (own expense) 

 

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