Madeira: 8-Day Guided Adventure
Uncover the best of Madeira with our excursion-inclusive adventure on a completely hassle-free experience!
What's Included?
Why we love this deal:
This one-of-a-kind Madeira Island adventure is your chance to ditch the planning and dive into an unforgettable experience. Our immersive exploration takes care of everything, so you can focus on what truly matters - creating memories that last a lifetime.
- Unleash Your Inner Explorer (and Relax in Paradise!): This isn't just another vacation. It's the perfect blend of exhilarating adventure and blissful relaxation. Explore the island's breathtaking landscapes, uncover hidden gems, and savor delicious local cuisine, all while enjoying the comfort of pre-arranged activities and downtime.
- Make Friends Who Share Your Passion: Our guided group tours are a fantastic way to connect with like-minded adventurers. Share stories, explore together, and create lasting friendships with people who understand your wanderlust.
- Experience Madeira Like a Local (Award-Winning for a Reason!): Madeira wasn't awarded the World's Leading Island Destination for nothing! Our expert local guides will lead you on a curated journey, revealing the secrets of Funchal, breathtaking natural wonders like Santana and Porto Moniz, and indulging your taste buds with delectable local cuisine.
- Unforgettable Moments, Start to Finish: Kick off your adventure with a unique thematic dinner, setting the perfect tone for your incredible journey. Over the next four days, you'll embark on three unforgettable tours, with lunches included.
Ditch the planning, embrace the adventure! Madeira is calling.
Itinerary
Welcome to Madeira Island! Relax and unwind from the moment you arrive. We'll handle your airport transfers on arrival and departure, ensuring your adventure's seamless start and finish.
Suggestion for the day: Stroll Around Downtown Funchal
Step back in time and explore the vibrant tapestry of Funchal, the heart of Madeira Island! Nestled amidst lush hills and overlooking the vast Atlantic, this city boasts a rich history dating back to the early 15th century. Founded by Portuguese explorers, Funchal quickly blossomed into a cosmopolitan center, a vital stop on trade routes between Europe and the New World. Today, Funchal exudes Portuguese charm, offering a captivating blend of its historical legacy and lively modern spirit.
*Want to maximize your time in paradise? Consider pre-booking an early check-in during the booking process. This way, you can hit the ground running and start exploring sooner! Don't hesitate to contact our booking agents if you have any questions or need assistance setting this up.
Thematic Local Dinner (7PM - 10:30PM)
Embark on a tantalizing evening of sumptuous cuisine, live folklore demonstration, and maybe even the beautiful sounds of Fado! Get front-row seats to an enchanting night as you savor delectable dishes in a local restaurant. Don't miss out on this unique experience!
Menu:
- Aperitif (Madeira Wine)
- Appetizer (Bolo do Caco with garlic butter)
- Vegetable Soup
- Grilled meat served with local fried sweet corn, french fries, and salad (optional side vegetables instead)
- Dessert (Fruit Salad with Ice Cream)
- Coffee
- Digestive
- Drinks included: Water, Wine or Beer
Santana Full-Day Tour (8:30 AM - 5 PM)
- Embark on an unforgettable journey through the beautiful sights of Madeira. From Camacha's famous wicker factory to Pico do Arieiro, towering at a staggering 1810 meters above ground level you will experience breathtaking views from every angle. Uncover the secrets of Ribeiro Frio with its alluring trout farm and world heritage site - the Laurissilva Forest - before taking in Santana’s classic thatched houses for lunch! End this incredible day off admiring Ponta de São Lourenço followed by the Machico en route to your return to Funchal- lunch is included during this full-day tour
City Tour in Funchal (8:30 AM - 1 PM)
- Discover the stunning points of interest this charming city offers! From visiting a traditional embroidery factory, strolling through colorful markets filled with delightful fruits and flowers, riding up Monte on an iconic cable car* for breathtaking views, or taking in the secrets behind the Monte Botanical Garden. Make sure you also have some fun by descending back into town on famous toboggans ridden with wicker baskets*! Don't miss out – this captivating small half-day tour will stay etched in your memory forever!
* not included
Porto Moniz Full-Day Tour (8:30 AM - 5 PM)
- Come experience the best of Madeira on this memorable coastal tour! Enjoy breathtaking views of an area known for its delicious swordfish - Câmara de Lobos, then marvel at Cabo Girão – Europe's highest cliff with 580 meters. Wander along the stunning coast and take in Porto Moniz's famous natural pools before indulging yourself in lunch in a picturesque location. Ascend up Encumeada - situated atop 1007 meters high where you can revel in sweeping sea views from each side, before heading back down towards Funchal - lunch is included during this full-day tour!
Suggestion for the day: Levada Adventure (Hiking)
Madeira, the "hiker's paradise," offers diverse trails for all levels. Explore levadas (ancient irrigation canals) or scenic paths. The south boasts gentle walks, while the north offers challenging treks through majestic mountains and waterfalls.
Recommended Hikes:
Levada do Balcões: This moderate trail winds through Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Distance: 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Duration: 4-5 hour
Levada das 25 Fontes: This moderate trail leads you to waterfalls, crystal-clear pools, and lush Laurissilva forest.
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Duration: 3-4 hours.
Vereda do Fanal: This magical moderate trail leads you through an ancient forest teeming with endemic flora, including the beautiful Laurissilva laurel trees.
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Duration: 3-4 hours
Ponta de São Lourenço: The most popular trail is the PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço which offers stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding mountains.
- Distance: 6,3 km (4 mi)
- Duration: 3-4 hours
Suggestion for the day: Ocean Magic
Embark on a Whale & Dolphin Watching Excursion
- Madeira's beauty goes beyond stunning landscapes! Just offshore, deep ocean trenches create a haven for marine life. Sitting near the vast North Atlantic whale sanctuary, teeming with over 28 species, you're almost guaranteed to encounter dolphins or whales.
- Expect to see giants like Sperm Whales, Humpbacks, and Fins, or playful Bottlenose Dolphins and Spotted Dolphins. Madeira is even a sanctuary for the rarest seal in the world, the Monk Seal! Keep an eye out for Manta Rays, Sea Turtles, and unique seabirds too!
We've arranged your hotel transfer to ensure a smooth journey to the airport.
Thank you for choosing us to be your travel companions on this adventure! It's been a pleasure assisting you in creating unforgettable memories. We wish you happy travels and until next time!
*Itinerary presented is a suggestion and the length of stay may vary. All tours are suggestions unless clearly stated.
Flexibility Policy
About the Destination:
Dare to explore the many facets of Madeira Island and its delights. Immerse yourself in a paradise where lush landscapes, exotic flora, crystal-clear waters, delicious cuisine, and unique culture combine into an unforgettable experience like no other! Soak up the sunshine - or embrace cooler climates for outdoor activities such as water sports or mountain trekking. Embrace colorful Funchal's vibrant energy by meandering through lively markets filled with local treasures; savor their award-winning gastronomy. Venture forth on this dreamy island getaway that will transport you from life's stresses while allowing your spirit to unwind amidst breathtaking views.
What Can You Expect During Each Season in Madeira
So, when is the best time to visit Madeira? The answer is simple: all year long. Located about 350 miles west of Africa, and about a 90-minute plane ride south of Lisbon, Madeira is practically drenched in year-round sunshine, and dry, warm temperatures. Though the island boasts a pleasantly mild Mediterranean climate year-round, visitors will encounter varied microclimates spanning from the damp and windy northeast to the dry, protected bays of the south. Average temperatures throughout the year:
- Spring: between 20.4°C (68.7ºF) and 21.6°C (70.8ºF)
- Summer: between 22ºC (71.6ºF) and 25ºC (77ºF)
- Autumn: between 19°C and 26°C (66°F to 79°F)
- Winter: between 16°C (61°F) to 20°C (68°F)