Go gardening in Madeira with Frances Tophill
EXCLUSIVE offer for MoS readers: Join the Love Your Garden expert on this brilliant tour
THANKS to its wonderful subtropical climate, Madeira is home to some of the world’s greatest gardens. On this exclusive holiday, you will have the chance to explore them with the brilliant Frances Tophill, who has co-presented ITV1’s Love Your Garden since 2012.
This unmissable trip will include private guided tours of the island’s best gardens in her company, as well as afternoon tea at the famous Belmond Reid’s Palace, the hotel where Winston Churchill wrote his wartime memoirs.
You will also get the chance to join Frances for dinner and ask all your gardening questions.
Throughout this unforgettable break, you will be staying in superb style at the five-star Pestana Casino Park hotel, which boasts glorious ocean views.
FIVE REASONS TO BOOK
1. Meet Frances Tophill
You will be joined in Madeira by the gardener, presenter and author Frances Tophill, who will be sharing her green-fingered expertise on tours of the island’s finest gardens. During an exclusive dinner, she will share behind- thescenes stories from working in TV and gardening – plus you’ll have the chance to ask your own questions during a private Q&A.
2. Glorious gardens
Enjoy guided tours of Madeira’s best gardens, including Quinta do Palheiro; the Botanical Gardens with its 2,000 plant varieties; the glorious Monte Palace Gardens, which is known for its collection of exotic plants; and rarely opened private venues.
3. Brilliant excursions
Discover what makes Madeira such a magical place with a host of fantastic activities. These include a gentle stroll along the levadas, Madeira’s 16th Century network of irrigation channels; a traditional wicker toboggan ride and cable-car ride in Monte; and an optional fullday island tour taking in hidden beaches, magnificent viewpoints and delightful towns.
4. Belmond Reid’s Palace
Visit the majestic Belmond Reid’s Palace in Funchal, the hotel that played host to Sir Winston Churchill as he wrote his wartime memoirs. You will get the chance to tour its beautiful hillside gardens and enjoy a traditional (and delicious!) afternoon tea.
5. Five-star hotel
Stay at one of the finest hotels on the island, the Pestana Casino Park, which overlooks the ocean. Its facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and a choice of excellent restaurants and bars.