Description

Madeira, the “floating garden” or the “pearl of the Atlantic”, is a unique sub-tropical paradise in the Atlantic Ocean with dramatic and breathtaking scenery (57km long/22 km wide).

Its mild climate, average temperatures of 25ºC in the summer and 17ºC in the winter, make it the ideal island for a relaxing or active break at any time of the year. Madeira’s lush vegetation hides the fascinating indigenous Laurel Forest, a UNESCO’s Nature World Heritage Site since 1999.

Diving, surfing, canyoning, walking in the mountains or by the sea, are just some of the possible activities to enjoy on this island. Swimming in the ocean or in natural rock pools, strolling through colorful gardens, tasting the well-known Madeira fortified Wine and trying the traditional gastronomy will fulfill your senses and create a happy state of mind.

Funchal, the capital city and its bay, where architecture and nature are charmingly combined, invites you for a delightful stroll, discovering the narrow traffic-free streets paved with black and white mosaics and lined by jacaranda trees. In the old town, the Farmer’s Market offers you a display of the great variety of local flowers, fruit and vegetables, the result of Madeira’s rich volcanic soil.

Discover Madeira island by planned and guided tour.

Itinerary

Day 1

Private Transfer to the Hotel. Rest of the day free.

Day 2 - Full Day Tour: Porto Moniz - Pick-up at 09:00 AM

This is the most popular day out, taking in the whole of the western side of this island, the most dramatic and breathtaking scenery. Pass by the picturesque fishing town of Câmara de Lobos, visit the viewpoint (Skywalk) at Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world (580m). Travel inland across the mysterious plateau of Paúl da Serra to Porto Moniz with its natural volcanic rock pools, where we have lunch by the sea (optional). Our journey continues along the northwestern coastal road where waterfalls cascade down the rockface into the deep blue ocean, to São Vicente, a pretty mountain village. On the way up to the Encumeada, delight your senses with the luxuriant vegetation of the Laurissilva Forest. Local glass of ‘poncha’ (local drink) included.

Optional Lunch: 25 euros per person (3-course meal with drinks included)

Day 3 - Half Day Tour: City Tour – Pick-up at 09:00 AM

This is the Classic City Tour of Funchal. Enjoy the atmosphere in the center of the town.

Departure towards the Old Town and the Farmers Market. Guests will have the opportunity to see flowers, vegetables and fish sections. The next visit will be at the embroidery factory to see all the stages which our famous handmade embroidery goes through, before it is made available for sale at the shop. To finalize, a Madeira wine taste in a local wine cellar, and stroll through the center of the town towards the seafront.

Please note: Not available on Saturdays afternoons, Sundays and Public Holidays. In case of a Sunday suggest exchanging it with day 6, making the Sunday a leisure free day.

Day 4 - Full Day Tour: Santana - Pick-up at 09:00 AM

Leaving Funchal we take the forest road that leads to Poiso and down to Ribeiro Frio set in the Laurissilva Forest (Unesco’s World Natural Heritage). Visit Ribeiro Frio which is known for its beautiful gardens where plants and trees live in perfect harmony. Then we continue to Santana, a village known for its thatched roofed houses and where we stop for lunch (optional). On the way back to Funchal we stop at the viewpoint Portela overlooking Porto da Cruz and Penha D’Águia (the Eagle Rock) on the northeast of the island.

Optional Lunch: 25 euros per person (3-course meal with drinks included)

Day 5 - Half Day Tour: Eira do Serrado - Pick-up at 09:00 AM

Visit Pico dos Barcelos, a viewpoint from where you can see distant Funchal and the surrounding villages scattered over the green slopes. Then travel to the belvedere of Eira do Serrado (1094m), from where we can see the Curral das Freiras Valley (Nun’s Valley). It is located within a deep valley which has one of the island’s most spectacular landscapes, where dizzying views will possibly take your breath away.

The tour continuous to Monte, a village in the suburbs of Funchal, well-known for its mild climate and lush vegetations. Then, a visit to the church of Nossa Senhora do Monte – patron of the island, where you find the tomb of the last Emperor of Austria.

Optional: Toboggan ride: 20€ per person

Optional: Cable car (one way): 14€ per person (due to long queues it will be decided on the spot to avoid long waiting)

Day 6 - At leisure

Day to spend relaxing, shopping and visiting last minute sites.

Day 7 - Departure

Hotel Check-out and departure to Funchal Airport via private transfer.