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Escape the winter chill and experience the pleasant mild climate of Madeira this February. With an average temperature of 18C it is perfect for leisurely walks, outdoor activities, and relaxation on our fabulous bridge holiday.
The 4-star Hotel Vila Gale enjoys a stunning oceanfront location, surrounded by the serene beauty of Santa Cruz. This traditional Madeiran town is a perfect destination for elderly guests as its flat easy streets are easy to navigate, and gentle scenic walks offer stunning views across the ocean and wave shaped hills full of vegetation and banana plantations.
The hotel itself boasts superb facilities. The centre piece is its Olympic size outdoor swimming pool, set in gardens facing the Atlantic Ocean. The perfect place to unwind and catch some winter sun and sample a glass of “Poncha “in the company of your newfound bridge friends. The all-inclusive board offers excellent value for money for Madeira and provides a friendly and sociable getaway for bridge players.
No visit to Madeira is complete without spending time in its vibrant capital Funchal, which is easily reached within 20 mins by the hotel’s daily courtesy bus or by frequent local buses. Included is an excursion to Funchal’s vibrant market and lush botanical gardens famous for its unique flora and an impressive collection of plants from around the world. Sample local produce in the colourful fruit and flower markets, offered by the local vendors in traditional costumes, or pick up a handicraft providing taste of Madeiran culture.
On our second full day included tour we discover the breathtaking beauty of the east side of the island. Explore charming, traditional villages, marvel at coastal panoramas and awesome mountain ranges and forest trails. Witness traditional thatched houses and visit a sugarcane mill to learn about Madeira’s rum production process along the way.
The more adventurous may wish to head for the Levadas, and walk the scenic trail of a traditional irrigation channel in Madeira amidst waterfalls, beautiful valleys, and lush landscapes.
Whether you wish to relax or explore, there is plenty to do on the island of Madeira. And of course, take time to join our bridge sessions at the delightful Hotel Vila Gale Santa Cruz where our friendly bridge host, Ro Kaye will ensure everyone has a wonderful time, whilst leaving the bridge room in the capable hands of our bridge director, John Skjonnemand.
For guests arriving at Funchal International airport on our specific change over days, join the group and transfer to the Hotel Vila Gale Santa Cruz. (Transfer time approximately 10 minutes.)
There will be a singles meeting where partners will be found for single players, followed by dinner and a short session of evening bridge, for those who arrive on time and wish to play bridge on arrival evening.
Our Leisurely Hand bridge programme is included throughout your stay. Each evening, after dinner at 18:30, you are invited to join us in the bridge room for relaxed duplicate bridge sessions, playing Teams or Pairs, lasting until late.
We also offer a selection of daytime bridge sessions or workshops during your holiday, thoughtfully scheduled to complement our excursion programme and other group activities outside the bridge room.
Your final bridge programme will be provided with your travel documentation approximately two weeks before departure.
During your stay enjoy two excursions
Join us for our Flavours of Funchal Tour this morning, which will last approximately four hours. This fabulous tour gives you an excellent opportunity to get to know this incredible capital city with its many charms. We experience the vibrant market to appreciate exotic flowers, tropical fruits, vegetable, fish and local craftwork, and then take in the wonderful panoramic view of the city from the Botanical Gardens with its unique flora and impressive plants from all over the world. A visit to a wine lodge is also included where you can sample the exquisite Madeira wine and Madeira honey cake.
Today we discover the breathtaking beauty of Madeira’s east side of the island on this unforgettable full day, leisurely excursion.
Begin with a visit to Ponta São Lourenço, where you can take in the dramatic coastal views and enjoy the serenity of the area. Continue to the historic town of Machico, Madeira's second largest city, where we take a brief stop.
Next, stop at the peaceful Ribeira de Machico for refreshments, before heading to the stunning viewpoint at Portela, offering panoramic views of the northern coast, and surrounding mountains. In Porto da Cruz, we visit the traditional sugarcane mill and learn about Madeira’s rum-making heritage.
After passing through the picturesque villages of Faial and Guindaste, we enjoy a relaxed, light lunch in the iconic village of Santana, famous for its iconic, thatched houses. The tour continues to Ribeiro Frio, a serene spot known for its beautiful forest trails and natural beauty, perfect for a photo opportunity and a moment of peace. We conclude with a visit to Poiso, a mountain pass offering stunning views of Madeira's central mountain range.
This easy-paced tour is designed to ensure you enjoy the sights, culture, and beauty of Madeira in comfort.
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Full operator terms and conditions apply. Prices are per person based on two adults sharing a room unless otherwise stated, subject to availability and change. For flight inclusive prices or to tailor-make your Bridge Holiday with land stays, added excursions and more, call today. Please note, for guests making their own travel arrangements, please speak to our friendly Bridge team prior to confirming your flight arrangements. Bridge hosts/directors may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Local tourist tax payable locally if applicable.
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