Lisbon and Madeira
Duration: 8 days
Highlights: Lisbon's Bairro Alto and Chiado Districts, Monserrate Gardens and Palace, Madeira Botanical Garden alongside an expert botanist, exclusive visit to Blandy's winery tasting their iconic 1920 Bual alongside a Chefs Table experience.
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Lisbon
Arrive into Lisbon and check in to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Bairro Alto Hotel
Meal Plan: N/A
Day 2 - Lisbon
Meet your local guide for a walking tour of Lisbon’s Bairro Alto and Chiado districts. Known as the city’s bohemian districts, these charming neighbourhoods were frequented by artists and writers in the past. In Chiado, visit the Carmo Archaeological Museum, situated within the ruins of the old Church of Santa Maria do Carmo, considered one of the most beautiful Gothic temples in Lisbon until the earthquake of 1755. Time permitting, take the Funicular de Gloria and enjoy some magnificent views over Lisbon. Round off your tour with a refreshing drink at a historic restaurant.
Overnight: Bairro Alto Hotel
Meal Plan: B
Day 3 - Lisbon
Meet your driver at your hotel and drive to Sintra, where you meet your hiking guide. Follow a pleasant and peaceful corridor of pine trees for around 4.3 miles (7 kilometres); the path links the Capuchos Convent to the Monserrate Gardens and Palace. Cross the Lagoon of the Musketeers, continue until you reach Monserrate Gardens and Palace, one of the most beautiful creations from the Romantic era. You have time to explore the Palace before returning to your hotel.
Overnight: Bairro Alto Hotel
Meal Plan: B
Day 4 - Lisbon
Portuguese cuisine has been influenced by the Mediterranean, the surrounding Atlantic Ocean and the variety of spices that were introduced from Asia during the age of discoveries. Meet your chef this morning and head over to a colourful market to gather the fresh ingredients for your private cooking class, where you get hands on and learn to cook a traditional dishes. Your chef pairs your dishes with local wines, ending of course with a Portuguese espresso!
Overnight: Bairro Alto Hotel
Meal Plan: B, L
Day 5 - Lisbon to Madeira
Fly to Madeira, landing in the city of Funchal. Proceed to a local winery for an A&K-exclusive experience. After a private tour, finish in the vintage room, where you sample the winery’s iconic 1920 Bual, paired with dried fruits, cheese, dark chocolate and madeira cake for a sublime Chef ’s Table experience. Learn how each bottling of this 1920 vintage was unique, owing to variations in heat, humidity and cask size.
Overnight: Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira
Meal Plan: B, L
Day 6 - Madeira
Immerse yourself in Madeira’s fabulous flora today, beginning with a stop at Mercado dos Lavradores. Witness the colourful displays at this bustling market, which sells a whole host of fruit, vegetable, flower and herb varieties. Continue to the Botanical Gardens, located within an area of 80,000 square meters, encounter a truly fascinating collection of more than 2,500 plant species! Continue up to the mountain village of Monte, to visit the famous 19th century Church of Our Lady of Monte. Return to Funchal city centre for a stop at an embroidery factory and a visit to one of the city wine cellars, where you try some typical and sweet Madeira wines, before returning to the hotel.
Please note that in the event of poor weather conditions on the day of this excursion, you may be offered alternative visits.
Overnight: Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira
Meal Plan: B
Day 7 - Madeira
The west side of the island is full of cliffs, valleys, forests, mountains, waterfalls, and cows! Spend this morning with your 4x4 driver-guide, exploring the south-western coastline around the areas of Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol. Start with climbing up the old roads and dirt paths to one of western Madeira’s main attractions, the Paul Da Serra plateau. Later, make your way back to Funchal via the beautiful north-western coastal roads, stopping at waterfalls, volcanic sand beaches and lagoons along the way, where you may wish to enjoy a refreshing swim (weather permitting).
Please note that in the event of poor weather conditions on the day of this excursion, you may be offered alternative visits.
Overnight: Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira
Meal Plan: B
Day 8 - Madeira
Today you are transferred to the airport to board your departure flight.
Overnight: N/A
Meal Plan: B