Sunvil Discovery expands its Portugal & Madeira programme

Feb. 15, 2011 - PRLog -- The Madeira programme has been considerably expanded to include a unique range of off-the-beaten-track, self-catering properties, from mountain cottages with wood-burning fireplaces to coastal estalagems.

Comments Rosanna Melaragni, Sunvil Discovery’s Product Manager: “We believe we have found a gap in the market in Madeira. Most UK tour operators focus on the big hotels on the coast, but we’ve delved a little deeper and discovered some characterful self-catering properties in beautiful, little-known areas of the island. These really bolster our existing self-catering programme and create an interesting alternative, especially for walkers.”

In the Alentejo – a beautiful relatively-unknown region of sweeping sunflower fields, forests, rivers and white-washed villages in south-central Portugal – Sunvil has expanded its online offering to accommodate the introduction of a new weekly BMI direct flight into Beja, in the heart of the area. The flight will be exclusively chartered by Sunvil and will depart on Sundays from 22 May to 9 October. Prices start at £462 pp (two sharing) including seven nights' B&B at the Casa da Eira in Vila Nova de Milfontes, return flights (Heathrow to Beja) and transfers.

NEW PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2011:

• Casas Valleparaizo, Camacha, Madeira – Set within a 50-acre country estate, this cluster of mountain cottages has been converted from old farm buildings, all with open wood-burning fireplaces. The village of Camacha is famed for its annual apple festival (held in mid-October). Prices from £548 pp * (four sharing self-catering).

• Estalagem Brisa Mar, Seixal, Madeira – Located on the dramatic north coast, this three-star property offers modern decor, great views of the rugged coastline, a panoramic restaurant serving traditional dishes and close proximity to the ‘Laurisilva’ forest (laurel wood), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prices from £460 pp* (two sharing B&B).

• Casa da Faja, Calheta, Madeira – Surrounded by banana plantations, Casa da Faja is the perfect hideaway for guests wanting to enjoy Madeira’s lush countryside in a comfortable, well-equipped property. Its cliffside location offers fantastic views along Madeira’s south coast. Prices from £503 pp* (four sharing B&B).

• Quinta da Alegria, Funchal, Madeira – A traditional three-bedroom quinta, restored to a high standard and located in the residential Livramento district. It offers peaceful surroundings, a private pool set amid camellias, scented climbers and avocado trees as well as lovely views over the bay of Funchal. Prices from £652 pp* (four sharing self-catering).

• Hotel Reid’s Palace, Funchal, Madeira – a five-star deluxe hotel, extensively and sensitively renovated, offering impeccable attention to detail. This luxurious clifftop property, located in the heart of Funchal, has hosted European royalty and world-renowned figures during its illustrious 119-year history. Prices from £1,391 pp* (two sharing B&B).

• Hotel Vidago Palace, Vidago, Portugal – One of Portugal’s finest hotels, this impressive Edwardian palace has been sumptuously decorated. It nestles in a 40-acre estate, landscaped with towering cedar, pine and holly trees. Its double sweeping staircase is a magnificent feature. Prices from £667 pp* (two sharing B&B).

• Quinta da Veiga, Sabrosa, Portugal – Overlooking the River Douro, sandwiched between Regua and Pinhao, this converted Manor House is a producer of Port and Douro wines. Sabrosa was the birthplace of 15th century navigator, Fernao de Magalhaes, the first man to sail around the world. Prices from £673 pp* (two sharing B&B).

*Prices include seven nights’ accommodation as stated, return flights and car hire (transfers for the two Funchal properties).

Activities in Madeira include big game fishing, canyoning, Levada walks and paragliding. In Portugal, sightseeing cruises along the Douro River, guided city tours, Port Wine tasting and island tours are available. It’s also possible to combine Portugal with Madeira, or either destination with the nine Atlantic islands of the Azores.

The lead-in price is from £403 pp (two sharing), staying at the Hotel Mercure Porto Centro, located in the heart of Porto. The price includes return flights (Heathrow), transfers and three nights’ B&B.

For at-a-glance information on accommodation choices or properties ideal for honeymoons, special occasions, spa breaks and families, please see pages 10-11 of the brochure. For details on the Pousadas of Portugal, see pages 12-13.

To order the new 2011 Sunvil Discovery – real Portugal & Madeira brochure, call 020 8758 4747. Alternatively, visit www.sunvil.co.uk for further information and a pdf copy downloadable in sections.

Ends
15 February 2011

Press:  For more information, please contact Sarah Belcher at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or s.belcher@travelpr.co.uk.

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