The delights of Madeira have been enjoyed by travellers for many a year. This gem of an island, a mere dot in the ocean some 400 miles off the coast of Morocco has escaped the worst of tourism development. True, there is little in the way of beaches, but this has probably been her saving grace as what she lacks on this front she more than makes up for in others.
Madeira is scenically stunning – stark mountain peaks give way to lush cultivated terraces, where every patch of land is utilised to such colourful effect. Wine, bananas and exotic flowers, which form the backbone of the island’s economy, create the amazingly lush landscape and together with the unique architecture make Madeira a very special place. Not only is it visually stunning, it also has a historic and cultural depth rarely found on isolated islands of its size. The first Portuguese settlers arrived in the early 1400’s and exploited Madeira’s fertile soil and perfect climate. Growing ‘white gold’ the island grew rich on abundant sugar cane harvests and diversified into wines and growing provisions for the ever-increasing sea trade.
We have chosen the iconic Reid’s Palace for our stay. Some hotels have such a strong attraction that their appeal can be greater than that of the destination itself. Reid’s Palace is such a hotel, being one of the best-loved resort hotels in the world. A fine tradition, marvellous location and an ownership that has lavished vast sums of money and love means that today it is one of the finest hotels in the world.
Madeira is a wonderful place for a relaxing week and when you can pull yourself away from the beautiful gardens and pool terraces of Reid’s Palace, there is much to explore. We have therefore devised an itinerary which includes ample time to enjoy the hotel but with the added benefit of included guided excursions, with a focus on the island’s wonderful gardens allowing you to experience some of the breathtakingly stunning scenery, stroll around private gardens, learn something of Madeira’s history and sample the wines.
Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel
Set on the cliff tops overlooking the Bay of Funchal and the Atlantic, Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, has, for more than 130 years, been a standard-bearer for excellence. Scotsman William Reid, who in 1891 founded Madeira’s now most celebrated hotel, would take justifiable pride in the world-wide reputation rightly earned by this fine establishment. Many grand hotels with a history find it impossible to adapt to the changing needs of the modern market. Not so Reid’s, which has glided from generation to generation subtly adapting to new market needs, yet never discarding its classic style or forgetting its great heritage. The result today is a superbly comfortable resort hotel, which pays great attention to its individual guests’ requirements and sets the standard in that small club of truly great five-star hotels.
2026 Itinerary
Day 1 London to Madeira, Portugal.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the luxurious Belmond Reid’s Palace for a seven night stay. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel this evening. (D)
Day 2 Quinta do Palheiro.
Madeira is famed for its beautiful flowers and today’s tour will give you a glimpse of some of the vegetation of Madeira. The gardens of Quinta do Palheiro, currently owned by the Blandy family were originally laid out in the 18th century. Some of the original themed gardens have survived to the present day, plus new plants have been introduced, making the gardens even more fascinating. After our visit to the garden, lunch will be served at the Clubhouse Restaurant of Palheiro Golf Course. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. (B, L)
Day 3 Quinta das Cruzes Museum & Quinta da Boa Vista Gardens.
Quinta das Cruzes Museum is located in the centre of Funchal and features a vast collection of decorative art and antiques from the 17th and 18th century. Once the formal residence of Joao Goncalves Zarco, the museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens offering a variety of exotic flowers, trees and other species of flora. After our visit we continue to Quinta da Boa Vista Garden, well known for the many fine varieties of orchids and its 20-year-old orchid exhibition. Today this family run garden is dedicated to the preservation of many species of plants and flowers, some of which are close to extinction. Quinta da Boa Vista is proud to present not just the best orchid collection but rare exotic plants from all around the world. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before meeting this evening for dinner at Restaurante do Forte in the Fortress of Sao Tiago which offers superb regional, national and international gastronomy. Dinner will be served in the middle roof terrace with a view to the sea and mountains (if the weather does not permit the use of the outdoor areas, dinner will be held under cover on the ground floor of the fort). (B, D)
Day 4 Ribeiro Frio, Balcoes & Santana.
This morning we head towards the central mountain range, over Poiso Pass to Pico de Arieiro, the third highest peak of the island which offers magnificent views on a clear day. After a stop at the Terreiro da Luta viewpoint, we continue to Ribeiro Frio and enjoy a short leisurely walk to Balcoes. This area is also known for the Laurisilva forest and several Laurisilva forest species and some indigenous flora and fauna can be observed along the walk. We will see the village of Santana, famous for the traditional houses with thatched roofs before a stop for lunch at one of the nearby vineyards. As we make our way back to the hotel, we will stop at a viewpoint to enjoy the views from Porto da Cruz village on the way. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure. (B, L)
Day 5 Reid’s Palace.
Today we will have a full day to enjoy this legendary hotel and its beautiful grounds. Relax by the pool, stroll through the subtropical gardens or take a rejuvenating dip in the Atlantic from the private sea platform. Alternatively, head into Funchal and explore Madeira’s characterful capital. This afternoon we will meet to experience the hotel’s elegant afternoon tea. (B, T)
Day 6 Botanical Gardens.
Since the 17th century, Madeira had wanted a Botanical Garden – a dream that came true in 1960. The Botanical Gardens, with an area of over 35,000 square metres, has more than 2000 exotic plants from all continents, some of which are endangered species. This fantastic garden has several ornamental trees and shrubs, an orchid area, lawns, and lovely viewpoints. After our visit to the garden, we will drive up towards the eastern end of the island to the parish of Sao Gongalo, for lunch in a typical Madeira restaurant. After lunch we return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. (B, L)
Day 7 Monte Palace Tropical Garden & Eira do Serrado.
This morning we visit Monte, a charming village high in the hills overlooking Funchal. We will reach Monte by cable car experiencing wonderful views along the way. Once at Monte we will visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. This garden collection has been enriched with plants from all over the world and about 100,000 plant species have been planted. The garden also features a collection of cycads (encephalartos) which, because of their age, are considered living fossils. We continue to Eira do Serrado from where we will enjoy incredible views over Curral das Freiras – ‘Nun’s Valley’, a small village situated deep in an extinct crater not far from the highest peak of Madeira. Enjoy a final afternoon at leisure before we meet this evening for our farewell dinner at the hotel. (B, D)
Day 8 Madeira to London.
Transfer to the airport for the return scheduled flight to London. (B)
2025 Itinerary
Day 1 London Gatwick to Madeira, Portugal.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this evening and transfer to the luxurious Belmond Reid’s Palace for a seven night stay.
Day 2 Quinta do Palheiro.
Madeira is famed for its beautiful flowers and today’s tour will give you a glimpse of some of the vegetation of Madeira. The gardens of Quinta do Palheiro, currently owned by the Blandy family were originally laid out in the 18th century. Some of the original themed gardens have survived to the present day, plus new plants have been introduced, making the gardens even more fascinating. After our visit to the garden, lunch will be served at the Clubhouse Restaurant of Palheiro Golf Course. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before meeting for our welcome dinner at the hotel this evening. (B, L, D).
Day 3 Quinta das Cruzes Museum & Quinta da Boa Vista Gardens.
Quinta das Cruzes Museum is located in the centre of Funchal and features a vast collection of decorative art and antiques from the 17th and 18th century. Once the formal residence of Joao Goncalves Zarco, the museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens offering a variety of exotic flowers, trees and other species of flora. After our visit we continue to Quinta da Boa Vista Garden, well known for the many fine varieties of orchids and its 20-year-old orchid exhibition. Today this family run garden is dedicated to the preservation of many species of plants and flowers, some of which are close to extinction. Quinta da Boa Vista is proud to present not just the best orchid collection but rare exotic plants from all around the world. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before meeting this evening for dinner at Restaurante do Forte in the Fortress of Sao Tiago which offers superb regional, national and international gastronomy. Dinner will be served in the middle roof terrace with a view to the sea and mountains (if the weather does not permit the use of the outdoor areas, dinner will be held under cover on the ground floor of the fort). (B, D)
Day 4 Ribeiro Frio, Balcoes & Santana.
This morning we head towards the central mountain range, over Poiso Pass to Pico de Arieiro, the third highest peak of the island which offers magnificent views on a clear day. After a stop at the Terreiro da Luta viewpoint, we continue to Ribeiro Frio and enjoy a short leisurely walk to Balcoes. This area is also known for the Laurisilva forest and several Laurisilva forest species and some indigenous flora and fauna can be observed along the walk. We will see the village of Santana, famous for the traditional houses with thatched roofs before a stop for lunch at one of the nearby vineyards. As we make our way back to the hotel, we will stop at a viewpoint to enjoy the views from Porto da Cruz village on the way. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure. (B, L)
Day 5 Reid’s Palace.
Today we will have a full day to enjoy this legendary hotel and its beautiful grounds. Relax by the pool, stroll through the subtropical gardens or take a rejuvenating dip in the Atlantic from the private sea platform. Alternatively, head into Funchal and explore Madeira’s characterful capital. This afternoon we will meet to experience the hotel’s elegant afternoon tea. (B, T)
Day 6 Botanical Gardens.
Since the 17th century, Madeira had wanted a Botanical Garden – a dream that came true in 1960. The Botanical Gardens, with an area of over 35,000 square metres, has more than 2000 exotic plants from all continents, some of which are endangered species. This fantastic garden has several ornamental trees and shrubs, an orchid area, lawns, and lovely viewpoints. After our visit to the garden, we will drive up towards the eastern end of the island to the parish of Sao Gongalo, for lunch in a typical Madeira restaurant. After lunch we return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. (B, L)
Day 7 Monte Palace Tropical Garden & Eira do Serrado.
This morning we visit Monte, a charming village high in the hills overlooking Funchal. We will reach Monte by cable car experiencing wonderful views along the way. Once at Monte we will visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. This garden collection has been enriched with plants from all over the world and about 100,000 plant species have been planted. The garden also features a collection of cycads (encephalartos) which, because of their age, are considered living fossils. We continue to Eira do Serrado from where we will enjoy incredible views over Curral das Freiras – ‘Nun’s Valley’, a small village situated deep in an extinct crater not far from the highest peak of Madeira. Enjoy a final afternoon at leisure before we meet this evening for our farewell dinner at the hotel. (B, D)
Day 8 Madeira to London Gatwick.
Enjoy a morning at leisure before we depart the hotel for a brief tour of Funchal, followed by lunch. Later this afternoon, transfer to the airport for the return scheduled flight to London Gatwick. (B, L)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 26 April to 3 May 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Superior Room | £3895 | |
| Deluxe Sea View Room | £4195 | |
| Superior Room for sole use | £5195 | |
| 18 to 25 April 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Superior Room | £4195 | |
| Deluxe Sea View Room | £4495 | |
| Superior Room for sole use | £5495 | |
Tour Reference Code: LAMADEIRA
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Seven nights accommodation at Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel - Meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner) • Wine, beer and soft drinks included with meals • Tour Manager • Guest Speaker • Local guides • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel
Set on the cliff tops overlooking the Bay of Funchal and the Atlantic, Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, has, for more than 130 years, been a standard-bearer for excellence. Scotsman William Reid, who in 1891 founded Madeira’s now most celebrated hotel, would take justifiable pride in the world-wide reputation rightly earned by this fine establishment. Many grand hotels with a history find it impossible to adapt to the changing needs of the modern market. Not so Reid’s, which has glided from generation to generation subtly adapting to new market needs, yet never discarding its classic style or forgetting its great heritage. The result today is a superbly comfortable resort hotel, which pays great attention to its individual guests’ requirements and sets the standard in that small club of truly great five-star hotels.
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Hotel Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the hotel or click on the booklet to download.
Step into a world of timeless elegance at Reid’s Palace, a breathtaking island retreat overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. For more than 130 years this elegant hotel, set in 10 acres of lush gardens, has delighted guests with its mix of refined luxury, discreet service and superb, contemporary cuisine. On the “Island of Eternal Spring”, discover a place you will never want to leave. With 126 rooms and suites, each unique room is beautifully designed, offering old-world charm and sophisticated elegance. Rooms at Reid’s Palace are a relaxing oasis, providing contemporary comfort complemented by stunning view.
ADAPTORS
An international adapter is provided in every room and a limited number of adaptors for tablets, mobile phones etc. can also be borrowed from the Concierge, located on 6th floor of the hotel.ADDRESS
Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel
Estrada Monumental 139
9000-098 Funchal
Madeira, PortugalAIR-CONDITIONING
Air-conditioning is available in all rooms and public areas of the hotel.COMMUNICATIONS
If you wish to contact the hotel please call + 351 291 71 71 71. This is a Portuguese number so calls to this number are charged at an international rate. There is a phone in your room, which has access to an outside line. You can make room-to-room calls free of charge (see section on Telephone Calls). You can contact the hotel by email at reservations.rds@belmond.com. A Business Centre is available at the hotel with computers and printers (located by reception). Use of the centre is free of charge along with the Wi-Fi which is available throughout the hotel.DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced in the hotel and delivered to your room at turndown each evening.DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department at Noble Caledonia. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once you have checked in to the hotel, please speak to the Chef or Maître D’ at dinner on your first night to reconfirm your requirements.DINING & DRINKING
Breakfast is served daily at the Pool Terrace from 7.30 am to 10.30 am.
Lunch is served daily at the Pool Terrace from 12.00 pm to 3.00 pm. There is also an all-day menu served between 10.30 am and 6.00 pm.
Afternoon Tea is served at the Tea Lounge and Tea Terrace daily from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Dinner is served in the Villa Cipriani daily from 7.00 pm to 10.30 pm.
The Dining Room is open November through to June with a ‘Feast of Madeira Legends’ on Tuesday.
For a creative dining experience, the Michelin-starred William Restaurant serves dinner from Wednesday to Saturday year round from 7.30 pm to 11.00 pm.
From July to October you can enjoy ‘Madeira Taste’ evenings by the pool on every Tuesday.
The Gastrobar is open daily from 3.00 pm; choose from a range of signature cocktails and beverages as well as light snacks.
Please note that opening times for the hotel’s dining and drinking venues are subject to change locally.DRESS CODE
Afternoon Tea: To ensure that Afternoon Tea is a special occasion for all, the hotel respectfully requests that guests dress in smart casual attire. Please avoid wearing shorts or sportswear.
The Dining Room: Smart Casual
The William Restaurant: Smart Casual
Villa Cipriani: Smart CasualELECTRICITY
The voltage in the hotel is 220 volts. All bathrooms are equipped with a shaver socket.EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event that an emergency should occur during your stay, we ask that you remain calm and follow the instructions of the staff. We request that as soon as you enter your room, you carefully read the safety instructions fixed on the inside of your hotel room door.END OF STAY QUESTIONNAIRE
We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and the services provided and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests. Your comments are important to us therefore we request that you complete the questionnaire that will be provided to you by your Tour Manager.LAUNDRY SERVICE
A laundry and dry cleaning service is available in the hotel. Laundry bags and a price list can be found in the wardrobe in your room. Please fill in the laundry list and leave it on your bed together with the items to be laundered.LIFT
There are six lifts in the hotel which service all areas.LOST PROPERTY
Before you check out, please check your hotel room to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia directly. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and to advise of any associated costs.MEDICAL FACILITIES
A hospital is located five minutes from the hotel and a doctor can be called at any time at the hotel.PUBLIC AREAS
Library – Choose from a selection of books, videos and board games.
Swimming pools – Enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean while basking under the sun in one of the three luxurious swimming pools. Two contain seawater, one of which is heated, and the other is heated with freshwater. Make use of the exclusive pool terrace, or wander down to the sea level platform and jump straight into the ocean.
Fitness – Whether you’re after a total body workout or a light stretch after a day by the pool, the fitness room offers everything you need. The hotel offers two tennis courts and a table tennis court which can be used free of charge. In addition, there are daily Pilates classesROOM ACCOUNT
All guests will have their own “room account” once credit card details have been given to Reception on arrival which allows you to sign for any expenses and then settle your bill at the Reception Desk at the end of your stay. Prices are shown and charged in Euro.
Your room account can be paid by:
• Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express).
• Cash (Euros)ROOMS
All Reid’s Palace rooms face the sea and gardens, offering wonderful views. All rooms feature a private balcony, complimentary mini bar for non-alcoholic drinks, tea and coffee making facilities, complimentary internet, air-conditioning, bathrobes, in-room safe, cable television and hairdryer.
Superior Rooms: These offer balconies or private patios, sea views or garden views, private marble baths and one king or two twin beds.
Deluxe Sea View Rooms: These offer an average of 31 square metres of living space and are located in the most sought after locations with balconies and great sea views. Please note that there are a limited number of Deluxe Sea View Rooms with walk-in showers and that these should be requested at time of booking.SAFE
In the closet of your room is an electronic safe which can be programmed with a personal code. Should you require any assistance, please contact Reception.SMOKING POLICY
Reid’s Palace offers a smoke-free environment. Smoking is not permitted inside the hotel. Smoking is only permitted outside. The hotel kindly requests that smokers take the comfort of other guests into consideration.SPA
With a soothing temperate climate, gentle sea breezes and secluded location, The Spa at Reid’s Palace is an oasis of tranquillity. Inside you’ll find a fine selection of treatments famed for their restorative powers. Each treatment room offers an ocean view and a private terrace. The indoor-outdoor therapy suite features its own private whirlpool. Experience total rest and relaxation in the hands of the skilled spa therapists who use world-class spa brands, namely Aromatherapy Associates and Natura Bisse.TELEPHONE CALLS
Calls to other rooms can be made free of charge by dialling the room number. You can make an external telephone call from your room. Lift the handset and press 9. Enter the country code then city code without zero (0) in the beginning followed by the telephone number and then pound key. Example for UK: 0 44 (0) phone number #. Costs are available from Reception and charges are automatically billed to your room account.TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
Concierge Dial 3
Reception Dial 2
Housekeeping Dial 5
Room Service Dial 4
In case of Emergency Dial 112TELEVISION
All suites are equipped with a television with a built-in DVD player. DVD’s are available to borrow from the library.TOILETRIES
All hotel rooms are supplied with the following complimentary amenities: shower gel, hair shampoo, hair conditioner, body lotion, soap, shower caps, nail file, tissues.WAKE UP CALL
Wake up calls can be requested through the Concierge Desk.WATER
Water from the taps in your room is safe to drink.PLEASE BE ADVISED: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
Travelling with You
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Rosemary Legrand
Rosemary is a former nursery owner and daughter of the late George Hyde, who was a hybridist of azaleas and rhododendrons. Many of his award-winning hybrid plants can be seen at the Royal Horticultural Society’s gardens at Wisley, Surrey, the de Rothschild rhododendron gardens at Exbury, Hampshire, and the National Trust Gardens at Kingston Lacy in Dorset.
Rosemary had the honour of presenting Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth with a collection of her late Father’s azaleas named after the Late Queen’s former Head Gardener, Fred Nutbeam, at Chelsea Flower Show in 1996.
Her enjoyment of photography is used to great effect in creating the atmosphere of the gardens she discusses in her range of illustrated talks. She has travelled extensively to gardens in many parts of the world including Japan, where she was inspired by the unique and exquisite gardens of which she has amassed a substantial library of pictures.
Rosemary is an experienced public speaker and has given presentations to a wide range of organisations since 1992. She is on the RHS Speakers Register, and a speaker for NAFAS. She wrote a number of contributions for the book ‘1001 Gardens You Must see Before You Die’ and articles for horticultural publications. She is the Chairman of the New Forest Branch of the Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia Group affiliated to the RHS.
Rosemary Legrand will be on the following tour dates: 26 April to 3 May 2025 -
Caroline Holmes
Caroline Holmes is a garden historian of places, people and plants, a speaker, author of 12 books, TV and radio broadcaster and consultant designer who specialises in evoking historic, artistic and symbolic references. She has travelled extensively across, researched in and written on France and Italy, both rich sources of the harmony we find in architecture, gardens and music. Academic but not dry, Caroline has been a speaker on every continent except Antarctica, she is a lecturer for The Arts Society (formerly NADFAS) for whom she has also toured in Australia and New Zealand as well as Europe. She is a Course Director for the University of Cambridge’s ICE International Summer Programme exploring English Houses and Gardens, how they define Englishness or express personalities, politics, British royalty and wealth.
She has lectured on many specialist tours around Florence, Siena and Rome. Garden design consultancies include: Humanist Renaissance inspired gardens for Notre Dame de Calais; Knots, Orchards and Operatic Borders for the Royal Opera House at High House, Essex; and devising the plantings and lore for the Poison Garden in The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland. She has devised two theatrical productions celebrating gardens ‘Impressionists in their Gardens – living light and colour’ and ‘How does your garden grow Mr. Shakespeare?’.
Caroline Holmes will be on the following tour dates: 18 to 25 April 2026
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000