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THE BIG SHORT BREAK BOOK PERK
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HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
Year-round warm microclimate > Some of the best walking in Europe > Chic city of Funchal > Choupana Hills resort & spa

A volcanic outcrop in the Atlantic Ocean, 500 miles southwest of its parent country Portugal, Madeira is an outstandingly beautiful island with a wonderful sub-tropical climate. The island has shed its fusty image and re-invented itself as a prime short-break destination.

The year-round warmth provided by Madeira’s special micro-climate makes it an ideal outdoor destination, with a wide array of activities on offer, from windsurfing to mountain-biking, paragliding and big-game fishing. Madeira is also a renowned destination for walking or hiking. Its mountain slopes are irrigated by a network of small canals known as ‘levadas’, which criss-cross the island. There are over 1,000 miles of these in total, and they double as superb walkways, taking you through dramatic landscapes and past small villages with their vineyards and terraced fields. The jagged peninsula of Sao Lourenco, with its panoramic views of the ocean, makes for particularly scenic walking country.

Funchal is the small, largely pedestrianised, capital city. Its unspoilt, cobbled streets host hundreds of bars, cafés, and restaurants, plus excellent shopping and plenty of cultural attractions.

The choice of accommodation on Madeira has improved dramatically in recent years. One option is to stay at one of the island’s attractive ‘quintas’. These are converted country houses, offering high standards of service in an intimate environment. Original Travel has selected two of the best: Quinta Jardins do Lago, and Quinta da Bela Vista, both built in the traditional Portuguese colonial style and set in the hills just outside Funchal.

Alternatively, Choupana Hills is a chic and contemporary resort, created in a Southeast Asian style by the same team that built the renowned Datai in Malaysia. Choupana Hills offers a great view of Funchal and the ocean, an excellent fusion restaurant, and an immaculate spa.

Finally, Reid’s Palace, a famous Madeira landmark for over a century, has recently undergone a complete makeover, with a brand new spa among the many features bringing this historic property into the 21st century. Reid’s has a fine waterfront location on the clifftops just outside Funchal.

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PRICES
The price shown above is based on the sample itinerary, with flights in economy class, accommodation on a B&B basis (or more where stated), transfers and activities specific to this trip. Where prices fluctuate throughout the year, the price is based on low season rates and where more than one accommodation option is listed, on the cheapest available. We would be delighted to put together a current and 100% accurate quotation based on your specific travel requirements, so please contact the relevant member of our expert team.

TAILORED TO YOUR EXACT SPECIFICATIONS
Almost every one of our Big Short Breaks and Beyond the Big Short Breaks can be entirely tailormade from scratch, so you can enjoy the holiday exactly how you want it, exactly when you want it, and for exactly as long as you want it. Our expert team, who have been to every one of our destinations, are here to talk you through all the options available in order to create the trip best suited to you.