Portugal's Floating Garden

Scenic Walks, Mountain Views, and Floral Wonders Await on Madeira Island

“The earth laughs in flowers” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Today’s Newsletter Presented By

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Botanical garden in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal -Shutterstock

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In today’s email:

• Portugal's Floating Garden

• A Weekend in Reims

• Around the World: A Gothic Jewel of Madeira; Welcome to Blandy’s Wine Lodge; Italy's Most Beautiful Beaches and a whole lot more…

• 🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

• Seasonal & Special Occasions To Add To Your List

• Into Orbit: Airbus says Space Business Turnaround going Well

• From Social Media: Monteriggioni is a medieval fortified village located in the heart of Tuscany, near Siena

• Travel Grub: Creamy Chicken Madeira

• Curious Cove: Exploring Madeira, Europe's far-flung floating garden

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Portugal's Floating Garden

Madeira, a stunning Portuguese island in the Atlantic, is known for its warm climate, lush landscapes, and dramatic mountain scenery. Once a favourite of British aristocrats, it remains a top destination for nature lovers and walkers. The island’s nickname, “Floating Garden,” comes from its vibrant flowers like the Bird of Paradise and rich greenery. Visitors can explore its spectacular peaks, including Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest mountain at 1,862 metres. The island’s famous levadas - ingenious irrigation channels carved into the mountains - offer scenic walking routes through valleys and hills. These trails, once essential for survival, are now a major draw for tourists. With breathtaking views, misty summits, and floral beauty, Madeira promises a truly memorable and unique experience

Panoramic view of the small village of Canical, near Ponta de Sao Lourenco. Madeira Island, Portugal - Shutterstock

A Weekend in Reims

Welcome to Reims, a charming city in the heart of the Champagne region of France, where history, culture and culinary delights converge to create an unforgettable experience.

Whether you're marveling at the stunning Gothic architecture of the iconic Reims Cathedral or indulging in tastings at renowned champagne houses,

From ancient Roman ruins to medieval basilicas, from world-class museums to picturesque parks, there's something for everyone to discover and enjoy

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Around the World

A Gothic Jewel of Madeira

Built in the late 15th century, Funchal Cathedral is a national monument known for its Gothic and Manueline architecture, intricate wooden ceiling, and stunning gilded altarpiece. It remains a central symbol of Madeira’s religious and artistic heritage

Welcome to Blandy’s Wine Lodge

Located in a historical building in the very center of Funchal, Blandy’s Wine Lodge has been the heart of the family’s wine business for 7 generations, ageing the finest Madeira wines using traditional canteiro method

The Heart of Funchal

Avenida Arriaga is Funchal’s vibrant cultural avenue, lined with grand trees, mosaic pavements, historic monuments, and charming cafés. Stretching from Largo da Sé to Rotunda do Infante, it’s a must for a leisurely stroll through Madeira’s capital

CR7 Museum, Funchal

A tribute to local legend Cristiano Ronaldo, the CR7 Museum opened in December 2013 and expanded in 2016 beneath the Pestana CR7 Hotel. The 400 m² (now 1,400 m²) space displays over 150 trophies - including his five Ballon d’Or and four Golden Boots

A Journey of Flavour and Origin

Located at the Altis Belém Hotel & Spa, the Michelin-starred Feitoria restaurant aims to provide experiences that go far beyond a dinner. With signature cuisine and a vision focused on the origin of the product, the entire experience at Feitoria revolves around enormous respect for the producers and the product

Italy's Most Beautiful Beaches

Italy’s coastline is incredibly diverse, offering something for every kind of beach lover. Whether you’re drawn to the golden stretches of Chia Beach in Sardinia or the dramatic cliffs surrounding the hidden cove of Furore on the Amalfi Coast, each beach brings its own kind of magic.

Stroll through the secluded bay of San Fruttuoso in Liguria or relax on the turquoise shores of Tropea in Calabria, often compared to the Caribbean. In Tuscany, Follonica offers family-friendly calm waters, while Punta Prosciutto in Puglia remains quiet and unspoilt. Finish your journey at San Vito Lo Capo in Sicily—a wide, golden beach framed by clear seas and rugged mountains

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🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

Are you ready to prove your travel smarts? Don’t miss the chance to play the hottest new trivia game for travel lovers!

Here’s a taste: Where is the famous Kylemore Abbey located?

Think you know? Don’t wait—thousands of trivia buffs are already hooked. Play Travel Quizzer now!

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Seasonal & Special Occasions To Add To Your List

Explore this list of seasonal activities not to be missed.

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Into Orbit

Airbus says Space Business Turnaround going Well

Airbus executives say they are making good progress to turn around the company’s space business unit even as they consider combining it with those at two other European companies

Curiosity Blog, Sols 4577-4579: Watch the Skies

During the plan covering Sols 4575-4576, Curiosity continued our investigation of mysterious boxwork structures on the shoulders of Mount Sharp. After a successful 56-meter drive (about 184 feet), Curiosity is now parked in a trough cutting through a highly fractured region covered by linear features thought to be evidence of groundwater flow in the distant past of Mars

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From Social Media

Monteriggioni is a medieval fortified village located in the heart of Tuscany, near Siena

Travel Grub

Creamy Chicken Madeira

Curious Cove

Exploring Madeira, Europe's far-flung floating garden

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