Portuguese Islands to treasure

Portuguese Islands to treasure: Idyllic escapes to Madeira and the Azores in 2018 –

With vibrant flora and fauna, majestic mountain peaks, emerald green forests and delicious fresh cuisine, Madeira suits both adults and families alike. Similarly enticing, the Azores, an intriguing archipelago in the mid-Atlantic, boasts dramatic volcanic landscapes, whale watching, crater lakes and colourful fishing villages. Both destinations have a flight time of under four hours from the UK, making them an ideal short-haul getaway.

Here are some of the action-packed itineraries available this year with adult-only tour operator Artisan Travel and its sister company, family holiday specialist, Activities Abroad:

Adult holidays to Madeira and the Azores with Artisan Travel:

Explore the stunning floating garden island of Madeira from £1,205 pp including flights

Portugal’s Garden Island is a seven-night itinerary which takes in some of the most colourful and interesting sights of Madeira. Famed for its beautiful gardens and terraces, as well as its winding Levada walks and jagged mountains, the tour combines visits to botanical gardens and public parks with swims in lava pools, wine tasting and delicious local cuisine. The price is from £1,205 pp (two sharing), including flights, transfers, seven nights’ B&B hotel accommodation, four lunches, one dinner and guided activities listed. Departs March to October 2018. Call Artisan Travel on 01670 785085 (www.artisantravel.co.uk).

Head to The Azores’, the Atlantic’s ‘Middle Earth’ from £1,295 pp, including flights

With nine volcanic islands resembling Tolkien’s ‘Middle Earth’ scattered in the North Atlantic, The Azores resemble parts of Costa Rica, England, Hawaii and colonial Portugal. A Volcanic Wonderland is an action-packed itinerary which includes whale watching, swimming with dolphins, taking a dip in the hot springs, cycling by the Lagoon of Seven Cities, exploring a lava tunnel, waterfalls and much more. The price is from £1,295 pp (two sharing), including flights, transfers, seven nights’ B&B hotel accommodation, five lunches and guided activities listed. Departs April to October 2018. Call Artisan Travel on 01670 785085 (www.artisantravel.co.uk).

Madeira’s wildlife and nature, from £1,215 pp including flights

Madeira’s sub-tropical climate makes it a haven for wildlife, most notably dolphins and whales. The seven-night Island Wildlife and Nature trip includes an East Island tour with wine-tasting and folklore, a boat trip to Desertas Islands, a West Island jeep tour, whale and dolphin watching, snorkelling with dolphins and exploring the Levada do Rei, passing waterfalls and laurel forest on the way. The price is from £1,215 pp (two sharing), including flights, transfers, seven nights’ B&B boutique hotel accommodation, four lunches, one dinner and guided activities listed. Departs March to October 2018.  Call Artisan Travel on 01670 785085 (www.artisantravel.co.uk).

NEW: Island hopping in the Azores, from £1,035 pp excluding flights

Rich in natural beauty, a tour of Faial, São Jorge and Pico in the Azores archipelago makes for a diverse trip. A Three Island Tour includes a visit to the volcanic crater of Caldeira on Faial, lush forest walks on São Jorge and wine tasting at an UNESCO World Heritage site on Pico. The Atlantic provides an ocean backdrop, with ferry transfers and hotels close to the water allowing ample chances to experience coastal vistas. The price is from £1,035 pp (two sharing) including nine nights’ B&B hotel accommodation, four lunches, transfers and ferries, and activities listed. Flights extra. Departs May to October 2018. Call Artisan Travel on 01670 785085 (www.artisantravel.co.uk).

Family trips to Madeira and the Azores with family travel specialists, Activities Abroad:

NEW: Magical Madeiran adventure from £1,325 per adult/£895 per child, including flights

>Based in the capital Funchal, with its markets and waterside restaurants, the Magical Madeiran Adventure includes whale and dolphin watching, a visit to a volcanic cave and tunnel, swimming in lava-formed saltwater pools, a boat trip along the coast to Machico and time to explore Baia d’Abra nature reserve. There is also dolphin snorkelling, sea kayaking, a Jeep tour of Madeira’s mountains, valley and cliff walks, plus a trek through the emerald green forests of Pico das Pedras. Prices are from £1,325 pp (adults) and £895 pp (children aged 8-11) including flights, transfers, seven nights’ B&B, five lunches, two dinners, guided activities and instructors. Departs March to October 2018. Contact Activities Abroad on 01670 789 991 (www.activitiesabroad.com). 

NEW: Action-packed Azores, from £1,375 per adult/£985 per child including flights

Based on São Miguel Island in the Azores, the action-packed Lava Lands and Dolphin Swimming in the Azores trip includes whale watching, kayaking, mountain biking, canyoning and snorkelling with dolphins.  Visit volcanic Lake Furnas and the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, relax in hot springs and explore a lava tunnel. Prices are from £1,375 pp (adults), £1,215 pp (children aged 13-18) and £985 pp (children aged 8-12), including flights, transfers, seven nights’ B&B accommodation, five lunches, two dinners, guided activities and instructors. Departs March-October 2018. Contact Activities Abroad on 01670 789 991 (www.activitiesabroad.com). 

For more information, or to speak to an expert, please visit Artisan Travel (01670 785 085; www.artisantravel.co.uk)  or Activities Abroad (01670 789 991; www.activitiesabroad.com).