This was a great trip. Madeira is a stunning island, with an abundance of natural beauty. We were very lucky to have sunny clear weather for the Pico Ruivo, and the views were well worth the at times tricky climb. The food and wine were lovely in Madeira!
This is generally, carefully organised and planned walking trip, being good way of experiencing Camino without having to workout all the details of travel, carriage and stops, knowing that you do have an emergency back-up in case of unexpected trouble. Having luggage carried to your next night stop means that you can comfortably walk with day-pack and assured of your next night's accommodation. It is enjoyable and there are many other pilgrims doing the same walk, giving a sense of commitment and achievement.
Having spent a couple of days in Lisbon arranged by ourselves prior to the start of the holiday, we joined up with the group tour back at Lisbon Airport at the start of the trip. We thoroughly enjoyed the week walking along the cliff tops and down to the beaches; the group was so friendly and dynamic. This was a full group with 15 people which really added something with people from other parts of the UK, US, and Canada. Francisco and Ines were amazing and probably two of the best leaders we have ever had on a group holiday; they were very thorough with their briefings and couldn't do enough for us all. Their knowledge of the flora and fauna was very extensive, and what they weren't sure of they looked it up instantly in a reference book! The three hotels we stayed in were all very good quality. The weather was fantastic, sunshine every day with a cooling breeze.