Portugal Madeira Tour

Your adventure begins at our premium hotel in Funchal, offering panoramic views of the capital and its picturesque bay from the rooftop. A main briefing is scheduled for 6 PM, followed by a welcome dinner at the hotel. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss the upcoming adventures and address any questions you may have.

The day commences with a guided tour of the hillside village of Monte, highlighted by a visit to the Monte Palace Gardens, home to an exotic collection of plants from around the world. A brief stop at the Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint offers a stunning panorama of Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean. Next, explore the historic fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, known for its espada (black scabbard) fish. The tour includes a tasting of poncha, a traditional local drink made with aguardiente de cana. Conclude the day with a group dinner at PVP – Pão, Vinho e Petiscos (Bread, Wine, and Snacks) – a traditional restaurant serving regional specialties.

Discover the natural splendor of Madeira with a 1.9-mile (3 km) guided walk through the Laurissilva Forest, a 20-million-year-old subtropical rainforest and UNESCO World Heritage site. This round-trip journey leads to the Balcões Viewpoint, offering breathtaking views over the Ribeira da Metade valley, where rolling hills are adorned with endemic tree species. Our next destination is Santana, a charming village known for its distinctive A-framed houses. Enjoy free time to explore before indulging in a picnic lunch featuring traditional Madeiran cuisine. We then proceed to the fishing village of Porto da Cruz for a guided tour of Engenhos do Norte, a renowned rum distillery that preserves its original production methods. Here, gain insights from experts and savor a tasting experience. Concluding the day, we embark on a guided tour of Machico, visiting the island's largest church and exploring the historic center.

Departing from the main island, we board a ferry from Funchal harbor to the picturesque island of Porto Santo. Upon arrival around 10:30 am, we embark on a half-day tour with a local expert. Highlights include the Casa Colombo, a museum believed to be the former residence of Christopher Columbus, and leisure time in Vila Baleira, where you can relax on the 7.5-mile (12 km) sandy beach. We then return to Funchal and transfer to our hotel.

Today, we explore the western region of Madeira, beginning at the Cabo Girão Skywalk, a suspended glass platform offering panoramic views of the coastline, Câmara de Lobos, and Funchal. Our journey continues with a guided tour of the Madeira Ethnographic Museum, providing We offer a guided tour of Porto Moniz, featuring an optional swim in the natural pools (entrance fee of €3 not included). Following lunch, we will join a local guide for a tour of the Quinta do Barbusano winery, where we can enjoy stunning views and sample six of their exquisite wines.

Dinner with Folk Performance Today, we embark on a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Funchal. Accompanied by a local guide, we will visit key landmarks such as Santa Catarina Park, Arriaga Avenue, Funchal Cathedral, a farmers’ market, and Santa Maria Street in the Old Town. Lunch will be at Restaurante O Regional, renowned for its Madeiran cuisine. Afterwards, we will explore the Quinta das Cruzes Museum, which houses a collection of local and international art, furniture, and jewelry. The afternoon is free for further exploration, followed by dinner featuring a performance of traditional folk dancing and singing.

Venture into the countryside for a scenic 3-mile (5 km) walk along the Levada do Caniçal, an aqueduct-style waterway. This picturesque journey is expected to take approximately two hours, depending on the group’s pace. We will then visit the Ponta do Rosto Viewpoint, offering views of both the north and south coasts of the island. Lunch will be in the fishing village of Caniçal, followed by a guided tour of the Whaling Museum, where we will learn about the island's whaling history and modern conservation efforts. The day concludes with a group dinner at Il Vivaldi restaurant, where we will enjoy Mediterranean cuisine and reflect on our adventures.