Adam Frost established his own garden design and landscape gardening business in 1996. Since then he has gone on to design gardens around the world and win seven gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show. Adam is a presenter on the popular BBC television programme Gardeners' World, he is an an RHS Ambassador for Education and Community Gardens and is also the founder of the Adam Frost Garden School in Lincolnshire. His first book, Real Gardens, was published in 2015 and tells the story of his award-winning gardens at Chelsea and his most recent, How to Create Your Garden, is available now.

Escorted Tour
Experience the Madeira Flower Festival 2021 with Adam Frost

We are delighted to offer a new 2021 date for this popular tour.
For up-to-date advice on travel and COVID-19, see our homepage.
Thanks to its balmy subtropical climate, Madeira is home to many of the world's most beautiful gardens. Rising from the ocean floor 600 miles southwest of Lisbon, it captures the hearts of all who visit - even Winston Churchill was seduced by its charms when he stayed in 1950.
Blessed with fertile volcanic soil, Madeira is also a plant-lover's delight, with an enormous diversity of species, from imported purple-blossomed jacaranda trees, orchids and bird of paradise plants to its UNESCO-listed native laurel forest.
On this exclusive eight-day holiday, readers will get an opportunity to visit Madeira's best gardens in spring including Quinta do Palheiro, the Quinta Jardins do Largo and the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, in the company of expert Adam Frost. You will also spend an evening in Adam's company as he gives an exclusive talk about his life and career presenting Gardeners' World before he opens himself up to a private question and answer session.
Your half-board base will be the four-star Enotel Quinta do Sol in Funchal, also known as 'Little Lisbon'. Nestled in a great natural amphitheatre, facing the blue Atlantic with a backdrop of dramatic mountains, the birthplace of footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is the island's largest city. You will also get to sample the fortified wine Madeira is famous for and enjoy scenery ranging from breathtaking cliffs to lush forest.
The winner of seven gold medals at Chelsea Flower Show and a regular on Gardeners' World, Adam will accompany you as you pay a visit to Madeira's famous flower festival and experience the flower parade through the streets of Funchal.
Adam says:
I love the gardens of Madeira. From the orchid nurseries at Palheiro Gardens to the vibrant colours of Monte Palace Tropical Garden - which is home to a huge array of exotic species - the island has something for every plant lover. Visiting during the flower festival makes it even more exciting - I can't wait to join you there."















Reasons to book

Garden visits with Adam Frost

Hear from Adam

Madeira Flower Festival

Explore Funchal

Natural beauty

Câmara de Lobos
Your expert guide

Price includes
- Direct flights from a selection of UK airports and transfers to your hotel
- Seven nights' half-board accommodation at the four-star Enotel Quinta do Sol in central Funchal
- Services of an expert travel director
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Delicious daily breakfast
Also...
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Sample the local cuisine during your half-board stay
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Hear insights and expertise from Adam Frost during a talk and Q&A
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Visit some of Madeira's best gardens, including Quinta do Palheiro, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Jardin do Largo
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Tour the island's mountainous eastern coast
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Explore picturesque Funchal with a local guide
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Take afternoon tea at the exclusive Belmond Reid's Palace
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Taste world-famous Madeiran wines
Availability
Itinerary
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Day1Arrive in FunchalFunchal, Madeira, Portugal
Fly to Funchal before transferring to the centrally-located four-star Enotel Quinta do Sol hotel, located between the Old Town and Lido promenade. Enjoy free time this evening to settle in
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Day2Tour FunchalFunchal, Madeira, Portugal
Join a local guide on a walking tour of the historic centre of Funchal, with its spectacular harbour. See the 15th-century Sé Cathedral, the island's main religious building. Foodies can also discover the art deco Mercado dos Lavradores or farmers' market, before a tasting of local Madeira wine and an excursion to the beautifully manicured Botanical Gardens in the hills overlooking Funchal.
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Day3Eastern MadeiraPorto da Cruz, Portugal
Visit sleepy Porto da Cruz, a 16th-century parish that is renowned for producing sugar cane spirit and a dry red wine made from the Americana grape. Continue onwards for a stroll around Santana, with its A-frame thatched houses with brightly painted doors and windows, before a visit to the Unesco-listed Ribeiro Frio National Park and Pico do Arieiro, Madeira's third-highest mountain, for wonderful views of the island.
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Day4Valley of the NunsEira do Cerrado, Portugal
This morning you will visit Eira do Serrado, part of a natural cauldron of jagged peaks and chasms, for glorious views down to the Valley of the Nuns. Visit Funchal's Santa Clara convent and sample the sweet chestnuts it produces. Continue on to Câmara de Lobos fishing village, built around a bay with Europe's highest cliffs forming a breathtaking backdrop. Wander the cobbled streets and visit Saint Anthony's Chapel, or relax with a glass of poncha, a local elixir of sugar cane spirit, honey and lemon juice.
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Day5Palheiro GardensFunchal, Madeira, Portugal
Visit the blissful Palheiro Botanical Gardens, world famous for its variety of flora and its beautiful tranquil setting in the hills overlooking Funchal. Treat yourself to a delicious afternoon tea at Reid's (supplement of £38pp)
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Day6Monte PalaceFunchal, Madeira, Portugal
Join Adam on a delightful visit to Monte Palace Tropical Garden to hear his horticultural insights. Explore these exquisite oriental gardens, which include Asianstyle bridges, arches and a pond filled with Koi carp. They also house a historic tile collection gathered from Portuguese palaces, churches and private residences. The journey is a steep one, so not for absolutely everyone. In the afternoon, head to Quinta Do Largo garden. This evening join Adam for an exclusive talk and Q&A session.
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Day7Madeira Flower FestivalFunchal, Madeira, Portugal
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the hotel or exploring the surrounding area. This afternoon, join Adam as you discover the island's glorious native spring flowers on an excursion to Madeira Flower Festival, one of the most popular events in the island's calendar. Enjoy Adam's insights and savour the sights and scents of this remarkable event in the heart of Funchal.
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Day8Depart MadeiraFunchal, Madeira, Portugal
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Accommodation


Enotel Quinta do Sol
Laid-back hotel set in lush gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
Enotel Quinta do Sol lies only a 15-minute walk from Funchal ferry terminal, 2 km from the 15th-century Cathedral of Funchal and 4 km from the lively Praia Formosa. Some rooms feature balconies with sea views and gorgeous seating areas. Breakfast is served in a bright restaurant and the hotel additionally features an outdoor pool area with sunloungers, a gym and a heated pool, plus a spa complex with sauna.
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