After arriving at Funchal Airport, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel the Quinta Bela Sao Tiago, which is located close to the sea and the old town section of Funchal. It even has its own beautifully presented gardens: perfect for exploring!

The activities included in your itinerary are largely group-based, focusing on island exploration and discovery. With so much to see and do, you’ll no doubt create lasting memories of your trip to this fantastic island.

Changes to the itinerary: very occasionally, the itinerary and/or duration of activities may change according to local conditions, events or guest preferences. Decisions will be based first and foremost on your safety and comfort.

Included Meals:  None

After breakfast at your hotel, you will have the morning free to relax, or perhaps explore your surroundings. Close to the old town section of Funchal, you are perfectly placed to explore the city and all it has to offer. Buzzing cafes and restaurants and exciting shops and markets mean you’ll have plenty to see and do.

In the early afternoon, you will be picked up and taken to Palheiro Gardens in the hills behind Funchal. These gardens were planted during the 18th Century with all sorts of colourful flowers and trees. Thanks to its prominence as a historical stop for traders and travellers, plants from all over the world can be found here. The gardens are currently owned by the Blandy family, one of the most prosperous on Madeira and owners of the famous Blandy’s vineyards.

After exploring the gardens, you will set off on a short and relatively easy guided walk (approximately one hour) to the Jasmin Tea House. This beautiful walk will take you along the first section of the Levada Dos Tornos, which is lined with trees and shrubs, offering views down towards Funchal. The levada is regarded as one of the easier options on Madeira and you are only walking along a short section of it, however, it should be noted that suitable walking footwear should be worn and there are a couple of points with relatively steep drops. On arrival, the Jasmin Tea House is the perfect place to stop for refreshments, savour the gardens and enjoy the views over Funchal.

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

The Madeiran landscape varies from coast to coast in a fascinating way and today you will take part in a tour of the east portion of the island, travelling through picturesque villages, along the winding coast and across the dramatic mountains. The scenery is utterly breathtaking and this is the perfect way to get a sense of the island’s changing beauty.

Your journey today will take you from Funchal towards Pico do Arieiro, which offers magnificent views on a clear day. Driving on to the charming village of Ribeiro Frio, high up in the hills of Madeira, you will pass through thick green forests, savouring the natural beauty of the island. Here you will enjoy a short walk to Balcoes – an outstanding balcony viewpoint, which looks out onto the mountains and villages below; hopefully, you will be greeted with clear views today.

On to Faial and Santana, you will see the famous thatched rooves of the traditional Madeiran houses and the terraced vineyards that stretch far across the hillsides. Lunch will be served in the beautiful Hotel Quinta do Furao, which commands incredible views of the imposing coastline and beautiful blue seas. Here you will also get to taste some local Madeiran wine and learn about the different techniques used in their creation. After this, it is on to Porto da Cruz, Portela and finally, Machico, before heading back to Funchal to relax after a day of wonderful exploration.

For dinner, why not head into town to try one of the many excellent local restaurants.

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast in the hotel, this morning you will be transferred to the valley of Machico, where you will enjoy a guided walk along the Levada dos Maroços.

This levada walk takes approximately two hours and covers roughly four miles, journeying along the agricultural terraces that line the hills (shorter levada walks are available on request). Bordered with flowers, crops and beautiful vegetation, this walk will take you through farmland, past traditional houses and gardens and along beautiful sections of the countryside; sometimes the local farmers even sell their fresh produce to those walking the levada!

Although this walk is relatively easy, there are some sections with steep drops, so please use appropriate footwear. A picnic lunch is included today, so you can enjoy some refreshments as you take in the scenery of this part of Madeira.

Returning to the hotel, you will have the afternoon free to relax by the pool, or perhaps explore Funchal.

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

After exploring the wonders of the east, today you will journey over to the west to experience the varying beauty of this island.

From your hotel, you will drive to the charming village of Camara de Lobos; a traditional fishing village with an attractive harbour, surrounded by terracotta-roofed houses and tree-lined roads. Heading inland, you’ll head up to Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe, to enjoy the wonderful views of the endless ocean.

Through the luscious mountains and on to the north coast and the town of Sao Vicente where you will be greeted with wonderful views of the dramatic coastline. Driving on to Porto Moniz, you will break for lunch at a local restaurant and then have the chance to swim in the lava pools, which offer some of the best saltwater swimming on the island. These natural pools were formed by cooling lava and they are filled with crystal-clear sea water; perfect for a refreshing dip. Make sure to bring your swimming gear, towel and a change of clothes for the journey back.

Climbing sharply from Porto Moniz, you will arrive at the magnificent Paul da Serra plateau, which is 1500m above sea level and offers a stark contrast to the thick, luscious forests lower down. This heathland is beautifully flat and, thanks to its height, you can often drive through the clouds as you journey across the island. Driving back to Funchal, you’ll pass through Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Brava along gorgeous, flower-lined roads, before returning to your hotel.

Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch

Discovered in 1418, Porto Santo is often referred to as the ‘Paradise Island’ and for good reason; this small island boasts a nine-kilometre beach of beautiful, golden sand and turquoise waters. Although only twenty-seven miles northeast of Madeira, the landscape is very different and largely free of dense vegetation, however, it is still incredibly stunning and a wonderful place to explore.

Departing early in the morning, you will be transferred to Funchal harbour and then take the local ferry to Porto Santo at 8 am (check-in is at 7:30 am), which takes two and a half hours. Watch out for whales and dolphins and admire the other islands as you cruise through the blue sea.

Upon arrival, a local bus transfer will take you and the other passengers into the town centre, or you can choose to walk along the beach (approximately 15-20 minutes). You will have plenty of time to swim in the warm sea, relax on the beach and explore the town with its restaurants, cafes and shops. There are also plenty of activities to book locally, such as horse-riding and guided hiking, as well as several museums and galleries to enjoy.

The ferry will depart in the evening and you can either walk back to the ferry port or take the bus. Arriving at Funchal, you will be met at the harbour and transferred back to your hotel.

Included Meals:  Breakfast

Today has been left free for you to do as you wish.

After a week of adventure, you may want to rest and relax by the pool, or perhaps you’ll want to head into Funchal and explore the shops, restaurants and cafes. The local markets are bursting with all sorts of fresh fruit, vegetables, spices and sweets and you can lose yourself for hours going from one tasting to another.

Furthermore, there are a variety of public parks and gardens in and around the city, which are brimming with bright flowers and beautiful landscaping. You can also take one of the many cable cars to the hills above Funchal and enjoy the dramatic views below; a real highlight is the one that leads to the incredible Monte Palace Tropical Garden, which is renowned for its collection of plants and waterways.

Included Meals:  Breakfast

Sadly the time has come for you to bid farewell to Madeira. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Included Meals:  Breakfast