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Last comment, if you Book Direct with Strawberry World you get the 29 Euros Price, we saw prices in the Hotels and Agencies of up to 55 Euros for same Tour.... Read review
Advantages: Good value tour. Disadvantages: The weather can block the views.
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And we had all been able to have Wine with our Lunch, no driving.
Last comment, if you Book Direct with Strawberry World you get the 29 Euros Price, we saw prices in the Hotels and Agencies of up to 55 Euros for same Tour. ... more
We the Quatro Fontanas (or four Fountains) were on a trip to Madeira, we decided that an organised Tour would be better than hiring a car, as the Driver would not be able to have a Drink.
I fell upon STRAWBERRYWORLD.COM on the net.
The offer seemed very good they had three tours on offer, BEST OF THE WEST, BEST OF THE EAST or a Central tour of Nuns Valley.
After consulting my better half (Jane) the Gardner amongst us, she said WEST IS BEST.
Cost for Full Day Tour was 29 Euros per person (About £20) this included pickup at our Hotel, about 20 kilometers from Funchal, where the official Bus Started.
So Pick up at 08:00 on the dot, good job Breakfast started at 07:30.
Taken to the Hotel District in Funchal where the Tours Office was where we paid for our tickets. We had booked online, but did not have to pay at that stage, a plus incase you have to change plans. Also having booked three weeks before online we must have been the first so had the front 4 seats on the Bus, a bonus with the views.
Summary of places seen.
RIBEIRA BRAVA.
Main sight Church of Sao Bento. Baroque Bell Tower, two very beautiful Chanderleirs.
PORTO MONIZ
Remotest point on the West, small Tourist Resort with rock pools for swimming. We had Lunch here, used the Restaurant Recommended by the Guide, very pleasant and good value, but choose yourselves, all places looked good, and prices were failry standard. Lunch for 4 with drinks 44 Euros.
SEIXAL
Small Hamlet that makes its living from Agricultue rather than fishing. The local Grape , Serical, produces the Driest Madeiran Wine.
SAN VICENTE
Attractive Village at the foot of Spectacular Steep Sided Valley.
PAUL DA SIERRA
Inhospitable yet Strangely Beautiful windswept Moorland Plateau about 4 to 5 thousand feet above Sea Level.
BOCA DA ENCUMEDA
One of the Best Lookout Points on the island, but depends on the Weather, it was Misty so can not comment on the View, but from the Rest must have been Stunning.
The Guide was a very pleasant young lady who obviously Loved her Island and Culture, much information was gained, especially about the Life Cycle of The Banana Plant.
I would point out this is a sightseeing Tour , although there were adequate stops for Coffee, and Lunch etc (Lunch not included in the price).
Also unlike some Tours there are no SHOPPING STOPS, where you get locked into some local Carpet factory or Glass or Pottery Shop until you buy something.
We were returned to Funchal for 16:50 to connect with the Hotel Curtesy Bus at 17:30 to Vila Gale at Santa Cruz, important you must reserve the place on the Hotel Bus yourselves at the Hotel.
We gave a Tip as the Guide and Bus Driver deserved it for a very Sceinic and imformative day.
And we had all been able to have Wine with our Lunch, no driving.
Last comment, if you Book Direct with Strawberry World you get the 29 Euros Price, we saw prices in the Hotels and Agencies of up to 55 Euros for same Tour.
