Madeira CANIÇO DE BAIXO 2019 - HF Holidays
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WELCOME TO Madeira In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, off the west coast of Africa, Madeira is a magical volcanic island with rugged mountains draped in lush colourful vegetation and crammed with bright flowers. Just 35 miles long and 13 miles wide, this unique passengers to the hilltop town of Monte. This is tropical gem offers diverse walking landscapes and where the wealthy merchants of Funchal lived much to explore, making this a truly ‘must-see’ to enjoy the cooler air and is well known as the destination. start of the famous wooden toboggan ride down Over its fascinating history, Madeira has attracted the cobbled streets. Madeira enjoys an all year round mild climate and has been an exclusive merchants, explorers and pirates. Christopher holiday destination for the British for the best Columbus married the first Governor’s part of a century. Until the latter half of the 20th granddaughter in the 15th century when the century it was only reached by boat or flying boat. Portuguese settlers arrived. The island has a The building of the airport and its more recent wealthy history of sugar cane plantations, although expansion has opened up Madeira to more and sugar cane is no longer the main crop. This has more holidaymakers, but the island has managed to been replaced with vines that produce the famous maintain its character and charm. Madeira wine. This beautiful island rising from the ocean with steep cliffs and high mountains was once Rainfall is principally, but not exclusively, in the high mountains of the interior. For centuries this valuable believed to be the lost civilisation of Atlantis. water resource has been transported to the drier Funchal is the island’s capital and main port. White coastal areas along man-made water courses, the houses and distinctive tiled roofs flow down to famous “levadas”. This means that there are no dry the harbour, favoured by cruise ships. Reflecting and arid areas typical of other volcanic islands in this its wealth and history, the capital now makes a area of the Atlantic. It also means that the island great destination for shopping and sightseeing. has a remarkable and exotic flora at all seasons of The old town has narrow, cobbled streets and the year. The levadas and their maintenance paths restored fishermen’s houses. The market, built in offer an opportunity to explore areas of the interior 1937, has two storeys and is vibrant and colourful, which would otherwise be inaccessible. Add in the thanks to the wares of its famous flower sellers. coastal paths and the mountain walks and you have At the seafront, a modern cable car station takes a walker’s paradise. 2 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
ACCOMMODATION There is a weekly entertainment programme including live music. Wi-Fi is free throughout the HOTEL GALOSOL public areas of the hotel, including a comfortable 9125-031 Caniço de Baixo Wi-Fi lounge, which offers ocean views. As well as Rua Francisco Santana bars, coffee shop and the main restaurant, which Madeira overlooks the sea and pool area, there is the Tel: 00351 291 930 930 stylish Atlantis restaurant set dramatically into Located on the southeast coast of the island and the foot of the rocky cliffs at sea level. close to the capital, the 4-star Hotel Galosol is MEALS in the village of Caniço de Baixo, well away from the major hotel developments. It offers fine All our holidays include breakfast and evening views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Ilhas Desertas meal. The hotel does cater for most dietary (uninhabited islands and the rocky Madeiran requirements; we advise you to discuss your shore, and is justifiably well-liked by walkers. requirements with the restaurant staff on arrival. BEDROOMS Breakfast There are 123 spacious en-suite bedrooms, The buffet, served from 7.30am until 10am, some with sea views. These rooms are bright includes a wide variety of hot and cold items. and decorated in warm colours, creating a Evening meal cosy atmosphere in conjunction with modern This buffet meal is available from 6.30pm until wooden and wicker furniture. All rooms have air 9pm. The hotel prides itself on serving fresh conditioning, a balcony, satellite TV, minibar, safe produce, sourced locally, and will include daily (small charge), and the spacious bathrooms are meat, fish and vegetarian selections, and plenty well-equipped with a large mirror, vanity mirror, of salads. A show chef is on hand preparing hairdryer, bidet and have either bathtub or a large dishes. For dessert there is a selection of fruit shower. pastries, delicious cakes and other fresh cream FACILITIES desserts. Tea and coffee are served after this meal. Guests have free use of the Onda Revital Club and can join some fitness classes, weekly jogging Lunch and yoga. The Wellness Centre has an indoor You may be able to purchase a picnic lunch pool, saunas and Jacuzzi. There is an outdoor from the hotel. Alternatively it is possible to buy pool at the hotel plus a dramatically situated lido ingredients from local shops or on some days with saltwater pools, accessed via a cliff top lift. to eat at one of the local cafés; your leaders will advise you of the options. Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 3
Guided Walking ITINERARY A unique feature of our Guided Walking holidays is the daily choice of walks. Each evening your leaders will give a short talk about the options for the next day and answer any questions that you may have. In Madeira you’ll have a choice of two guided walks provisional and could be subject to change. For the on each walking day. The cost of the transport to most up to date information, please check our website. and from your walks each day is included in the A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort cost of your holiday. and your leaders will talk every evening about the Please note that the itinerary outlined below is next day’s walks. Easier Walks: 5 to 9 miles Harder Walks: 7 to 11 miles (11 (8-14½km) on good paths with 17½km)on good paths with some some rocky sections. Up to 700 steep ascents and descents. There feet (210m) of ascent in a day. are also some rocky sections. Up to 1,300 feet (390m) of ascent in a day. 4 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
Day 1: Arrival day Easier Walk: Today’s walk follows a gentle levada path to a lovely viewpoint over the hills and woods Today offers the opportunity to relax and enjoy of Rabacal before descending to Levada das 25 the facilities of the hotel and to explore the hotel Fontes which will lead us via a tunnel through a site and surrounding area. mountain ridge to meet our coach. 8 miles (13km) Day 2: Cabo Girao and the with 100 feet (30m) of ascent and 1,000 feet Levada do Norte (300m) of descent Easier Walk: We firstly visit the famous high cliff Harder Walk: We head off on the Levada da Bica of Cabo Girao (Europe’s second highest sea cliff da Cana to reach a higher viewpoint to the East. for views and a little excitement. Test your nerve Returning via our outward route we shall pick on the glass floored viewing platform high above up the route of the easier walk to Rabacal , the the sea and new vineyards below. After coffee Levada das 25 Fontes and then via the tunnel to we continue by coach to commence our first the coach pick-up. 9½ miles (15km) with 260 feet levada walk on the Levada do Norte. This levada (80m) of ascent and 1,000 feet (300m) of descent gives us splendid views out to sea and leads us Day 5: Free day eventually to viewpoints over the dramatic gorge Each week there is a free day when no guided walks of the Ribeira Brava. 7½ miles (12km) with are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax minimal ascent and descent. around the hotel, walk independently or visit local Harder Walk: We also visits the Cabo Girao and places of interest. Some options for your free day after visiting the viewing platform will commence may include: a descent to Levado do Facho, with views over Hotel: Have a relaxing day enjoying the facilities of vineyards and the town of Camara de Lobos. the hotel or book an activity with Loko Loko After a short walk through a levada tunnel and the Adventure Activity Centre where our guests western side of the Cabo Girao promontory we receive a 10% discount. This can be a tour of the join the start of the easier walk to Boa Morte and island by bus, jeep, boat or segway. Other options views of the Ribeira Brava gorge. 11 miles (18km) include horse riding or bike hire. with 130 feet (40m) of ascent. Funchal: Take the local bus into Funchal and Day 3: Sightseeing day explore further, including a visit to the Monte Palace Today we will visit the capital, Funchal. Our local Tropical Gardens via cable car from the harbour interest guide will take us on a guided tour of this area, shopping or visiting one of the city’s small, pretty city to include the cathedral, the museums or the Story of Madeira Exhibition. colourful Mercado dos Labradores and a visit to Local information website: For information on the famous Blandy’s Winery, home of Madeira Madeira please visit www.madeira-web.com wine, with an opportunity to taste the products. Day 6: Poiso Moors & Boca da Corrida In the afternoon, we travel by coach high into the mountains to a viewpoint overlooking the Central Today offers both groups an exhilarating high Highlands and the Curral das Freiras (Valley of the mountain experience. Nuns. Then we can walk down the old path which Easier Walk: Our walk starts on the Poiso Moors leads to the Curral das Freiras. For many centuries and offers the opportunity to reach a ridge with fine this was the only means of reaching this remote views of the Central Highlands. We continue to the valley. fire tower on Pico do Suna. Our walk then descends to the waterhouse at Lamaceiros where we have Day 4: Western moorland and the the opportunity to visit an exciting stretch of the 25 Fontes Levada do Furado. After lunch we descend to the Our walks today take us to the western end of village of Portela for drinks and our coach home. 7 the island. We’ll travel past Funchal and enter the miles (11km) with 300 feet (100m) of ascent and Ribeira Brava Gorge. The coach will then take 2,000 feet (600m) of descent us high onto the western moors. This end of Harder Walk: Our walk starts from a spectacular the island differs greatly from the high volcanic viewpoint near Boca da Corrida looking down to peaks in the east. Here rolling moorland offers Curral das Freiras and up towards Pico Grande. views over the sea in both directions on a clear Then we head off over rolling highland hills and day. Torches are useful on this day, when walking valleys to a high point where we enjoy further views through one of the levada tunnels. of the Central Highlands. Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 5
Onwards then to Pico da Cruz for views of the Ribeira Brava gorge and down to end our walk in In the evenings the village of Fontes Do Santo Paul. 8 miles (13km) The friendly atmosphere of our Guided with 1,300 feet (390m) of ascent and 2,000 feet Walking holidays continues into the evening. (660m) of descent We’ll enjoy a leisurely meal and then you may Day 7: Sao Lourenco peninsula also like to join your leader for an evening stroll, listen to local musicians, relax with a and the cliffs book in a quiet lounge or enjoy a drink at the Our walks on our final day are at the far eastern bar with your fellow walkers talking about end of the island. your day. On one evening during the week, Easier Walk: This group will travel through the we’ll take a coach trip to enjoy a walk and a Canical Tunnel to the town of Canical and on drink in Funchal. to the most easterly point of the island, the St Laurence peninsula. The walk here gives us great views of both the northern and southern cliffs and fine views out to sea. After lunch we return by coach to Canical with an opportunity to visit a café and/or the Whaling museum , before returning to our hotel. 4 miles (6½km) with 600 feet (180m) of ascent. Harder Walk: Today we’ll travel east from our hotel to commence our walk at the Canical Tunnel. Here we climb steadily towards the viewpoint on Pico do Facho (ascent to the viewpoint is optional. We then embark on a splendid coastal path towards the port of Canical , enjoying great views of the sea and coastline. After refreshments in Canical we rejoin our coach to reach the start point of the easier walk along the St. Lawrence peninsula. 7 miles (11km) with 1,000 feet (300m) of ascent. Day 8: Departure day 6 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
WALKING INFORMATION Your walking leaders: HF Holidays’ leaders are a who will accompany you on a walk to enrich and pivotal feature of our Guided Walking holidays. enhance your enjoyment of the area by giving you During the day they will guide you on the walks in an insight into its history and culture. Tips for local a caring and considerate way, showing you places interest guides have not been included in the price of interest en route. All our leaders have been of your holiday. This is at your own discretion and selected on an intensive residential course so we invite you to do this directly with the local guide. you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that Maps: Your leaders will of course carry all the maps you are in safe hands. Our leaders welcome your and detailed walk instructions needed for the comments on the holiday survey; constructive walks. The map available for this area is Madeira suggestions for things that they might do Tour & Trail Map 1:40,000. differently are very helpful. Maps can be obtained by mail order from We take pride in the quality of our holidays and The Map Shop, tel: 0800 0854080 or visit work closely with all our providers to ensure our www.themapshop.co.uk. holidays meet your expectations. If for any reason Children: We welcome unaccompanied children you are not satisfied with any element of your of 14 or over on our walks on the basis that they holiday, our leaders are the best people to help. can take full responsibility for themselves. Children Local interest guides: In some of our resorts we under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an may employ the services of a local interest guide adult. Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 7
your guest registration form any health condition or WALKING disability you may have. The leaders will treat this confidentially and may be able to take it into account SAFETY on the walks; for example, by not delaying lunch if We are committed to running our Guided Walking they know they have someone with diabetes in their holidays in a safe manner and your co-operation with party. this is much appreciated. No outdoor activity can be EU citizens should ensure they have a European 100% risk free; however, if you take sensible Health Insurance Card (EHIC) prior to their holiday. precautions and adhere to your leaders’ instructions, There can be problems with medical authorities and your holiday will be both safe and enjoyable. On the insurance companies if you cannot produce this first evening of your holiday (dependent on arrival when you require treatment – details are available at time), the leaders will give a short talk about safety on dh.gov. uk/travellers EHIC cards have an expiry the walks – we would ask everyone to attend. date – please check yours is valid before you travel. Walking as a group: Our leaders always consider Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking. the safety of the group as a whole, and will show more Therefore if you have not already arranged caution over potential risks (such as bad or insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and exceptionally hot weather) than an individual or advise us of the insurance company and policy couple might make on a private outing. Walks may be number. modified or cancelled following the leaders’ Even with an EHIC card, medicines and out-patient assessment of the day-to-day situation. Your leaders treatment normally have to be paid for at the will refuse to accept any guest whose clothing, time and the costs reclaimed afterwards – details equipment, behaviour or walking ability is considered are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Therefore unsuitable, and where it could affect insurance is extremely important, as is access to the safety and enjoyment of other guests on the emergency money, preferably a credit card. proposed walk. It is your responsibility to follow the leader’s guidelines, for the benefit and safety of the group as a whole. If you leave the group, then your HOLIDAY TIPS leader will no longer have responsibility for you. Language: Portuguese For safety reasons, we stipulate a minimum party size Currency: Euro of two guests in addition to the leader. Changing money: There are several ATM First aid: In line with current practice, each leader machines in Funchal and one in Caniço de Baixo carries a group first aid kit but is not able to supply any where you can obtain money. ‘medication’, including aspirin, paracetamol, Electricity: 220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; antihistamines and antiseptic cream. you will need an adaptor for any appliances Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to brought from the UK. keep hydrated. You will need to carry a minimum of Tap water: Is considered safe to drink, but if you two litres of water with you on walks, more during hot prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased weather or on more demanding walks. from the hotel or local supermarkets. One good way of hydrating is to use a two litre Telephone code: If the international number hydration pack which allows drinking without constant you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the stopping. This can then be filled up from additional starting digit when dialling the number. water sources as required. Your leader will inform you of the possibilities for replenishing your water during To dial a UK number 0044 the walks. To dial a Portuguese number 00351 Your health: It is essential that you describe on 8 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is • spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar or Kendal essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment mint cake are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. • torch Please note that some of our Atlantic island and You may also wish to consider bringing: Mediterranean destinations are also in mountainous • camera areas and at high altitudes (up to 4,000 feet) the • personal first aid kit temperatures can be as low as 0°C. You will need: • walking pole(s) – many guests find these useful, • comfortable outdoor clothing • particularly for descents • ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles • water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot climates) FOOTWEAR and a thermos flask if you wish We recommend wearing walking boots on all our walks, • sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses as these provide the best ankle support • small rucksack and grip. Modern ‘approach shoes’ offer appropriate The following are also recommended to all walkers, and levels of grip and may be worn on some low are essential for mountainous and hilly areas: level walks, but users should be aware that they offer • walking boots less ankle support. • spare pullover or fleece Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and waterproof capes • hat and gloves are not recommended for any walks. TRANSFER INFORMATION If you have booked your holiday ‘with flight’ you will arrive at Funchal Airport. From the UK we offer flights from several airports which may arrive at different times. Please note that meals are not provided on most European flights, although some airlines may offer a small snack. Where possible you will be met in the arrivals hall by an HF Holidays’ leader. Look out for their distinctive badge and clipboard. Occasionally we will ask our transfer coach company to meet you. The driver will be in the arrivals hall holding an ‘HF Holidays’ sign. The onward journey to Caniço de Baixo by coach takes approximately 15 minutes. For independent travellers: For guests who have booked their holiday ‘without flight’ HF Holidays can help you to reach the hotel in the following ways: HF Holidays’ transfer coach from Funchal Airport. These are timed to meet the HF Holidays’ flights (provisional HF Holidays’ flight times can be found on www.hfholidays.co.uk or by calling +44 (0)20 8732 1220. Cost per single journey is £8.50. Please note that HF Holidays is not responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach under any circumstance. Our Airport Taxi service service operates at this resort, offering quick and easy transfers for guests booking their own flights. All prices are per taxi for single journeys, allowing you to mix and match different transfer options. From Funchal Airport £30 per taxi single journey. Transfers and taxis must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer or taxi please call +44 (0)20 8732 1220. Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031 or book online at holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 9
linger a little LONGER Two weeks or more at some of our European destinations, including Make the most of your break and enjoy a longer Discovery or Garden Tours, Photography, Painting, holiday – either two weeks of walking at one or Yoga. resort or by combining complementary holidays, Worldwide such as Tenerife and Lanzaorte in the Canary From Alaska to Vietnam our Worldwide Journeys Islands. We arrange the transfers between the invite you to explore world famous destinations, resorts so that you don’t have to. See our and some lesser known gems, on six continents brochure or website for more information. including Europe. Self-guided Walking For those who prefer to explore independently, on our Self-guided Walking holidays, in selected European destinations, you can discover unspoiled scenery, historic sites and the local culture at your own pace by following our carefully planned walking routes. Leisure Activities We offer a range of Leisure Activities holidays SAVE ON OUTDOOR CLOTHING From time to time our outdoor clothing partners have special offers for our guests. Visit hfholidays.co.uk/partnerships to see the current offers. 10 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
RECOMMEND A FRIEND JOIN US TODAY AND SAVE UP TO £50 AND BENEFIT TOMORROW Do you know someone who would enjoy our HF Holidays is the only UK holiday holidays as much as you do? Invite them to provider that’s a co-operative. We’re book a holiday and you’ll receive up to £50! owned by our members who help shape If you recommend HF Holidays to a friend, our business for future generations. who then makes their first ever booking with Join our award-winning and sociably us, we’ll give you £50 off your next 7 night responsible society that’s passionate holiday or £30 off your next 3 or 4 night short about helping others to enjoy holidays in break. Plus as a welcome, we’ll give your beautiful countryside. friend, or friends, up to £50 off their holiday For a minimum purchase of 100 £1 shares too, meaning savings for everyone! you can benefit from: M embers’ loyalty scheme – earn points Claim up to £50 in three easy steps… When your friend books a holiday, ask on your holidays and use as a discount on your next holiday them to mention your name, address M ember-only events and holidays and the ‘Recommend a Friend’ scheme M embers come first with advance at the same time. registration for the holiday you want 1 0% discount at our country house bars I f they have never been on holiday with 1 5% discount at Cotswold Outdoor us, we’ll give them a discount of up to 1 5% discount at Rohan £50 per person. 2 5% discount at Hi-Tec We’ll send you a voucher for up to £50 A nnual interest on your shares off a future HF Holidays’ break for each friend you have recommended. ALREADY A MEMBER? There are many ways for you to further Terms & conditions apply, visit hfholidays.co.uk/raf for details. your support: Help choose our Board Attend member events Encourage others to join us Increase your shares at any time T op up to 1,000 shares to become an investment member with PATHWAYS FUND enhanced benefits Last year guests donated £19,500 to our Give membership as a gift Pathways Fund and we spent £25,000 on projects. For more information on the projects the Pathways Fund has supported, plus how to donate, please visit hfholidays.co.uk/pathways HF Holidays continues to work in partnership with the Family Holiday Association to provide Feel To join or increase your investment call Good Breaks – designed to reward families who our Membership team on could not otherwise afford it with the gift of a 0208 732 1290, break in the outdoors and the chance to spend email membership@hfholidays.co.uk quality time together. Help us continue this work or visit hfholidays.co.uk/membership by donating to the Pathways Fund. Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 11
Contact details HF Holidays Ltd Catalyst House 720 Centennial Court Centennial Park Elstree Borehamwood, WD6 3SY hfholidays.co.uk For any questions before your holiday, we’re here to help, so please contact us on: +44 (0)20 8732 1250 Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm. Email: info@hfholidays.co.uk Emergency contact details: In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be our HF Holidays’ leaders. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays’ emergency contact details are as above or between the hours of Friday 7pm to Monday 9am are: +44 (0)7918 737777 or emergency@hfholidays.co.uk
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