Madeira – Pearl of the Atlantic

Funchal’s Charm to Mountain Majesties: Explore the Enchantment of Madeira’s Landscapes and Traditions

An 8-day journey through Madeira Island.

Madeira is a gem of a destination, affectionately known as the Pearl of the Atlantic. Discover the delightful capital Funchal and admire breathtaking scenery as you explore the mountains, valleys, villages, and coasts that make up this delightful island.

Highlights

Levadas (Hiking alongside the water channels)
Traditional Poncha (spirit drink) and honeycake
Botanical Gardens
Toboggan ride
Tea at Reid’s Palace
Embroidery experience.

Why choose this tour

Cultural Immersion: Experience the rich history and heritage of Madeira through guided tours and traditional culinary experiences
Diverse Experiences: Explore the island’s natural beauty, visit historical landmarks, and indulge in local cuisine
Exclusive Culinary Adventures: Engage in unique culinary experiences such as wine tasting, traditional lunches, and Poncha tasting
Personalized Tours: Enjoy guided tours with expert insights into Madeira’s culture and traditions
Scenic Drives and Luxurious Accommodations: Relax in comfortable accommodations and explore Madeira’s stunning landscapes through scenic drives and excursions.

What is included in the price?

7 Nights’ accommodation at Pestana Grand (Double room) or similar
Welcome dinner on arrival
Airport transfers
Admission fees for all mentioned attractions
English-speaking guide on excursions
Guidelines for visiting the destinations mentioned in the itinerary.

Comprehensive package of excursions

Tour Plan

Day 1: Madeira Arrival

Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.

Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Pestana Grand (Double room) or similar

Day 2: Funchal Old Town Walking Tour - Afternoon Tea at Reid's Palace

Madeira is considered the “Pearl of the Atlantic” due to its beautiful natural landscape and has a rich history as it was the first place the Portuguese settled overseas in the 15th century. Today, enjoy a two-hour walking tour of Funchal, the capital of Madeira, which will provide a personal and in-depth overview of lovely Funchal. Be enchanted by the picturesque and narrow cobblestone streets of Funchal’s Old Town, lined with buildings that date back to the 15th century. Pass by permanent outdoor art exhibitions, painted on the doors of Rua de Santa Maria, which display over 200 works of art by guest artists. Next, explore the city’s medieval heart, dating back to Portugal’s Golden Age of Sugar, before discovering the emblematic Funchal Cathedral, from the 17th century. Wander through the municipal gardens to discover and learn about the unique flowers that grow on Madeira. End your tour with a visit to the Mercado (Market) dos Lavradoes which will take you on a sensory journey. After the walking tour, enjoy the elegant tradition of afternoon tea at Reid’s Palace. Choose from delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and homemade pastries, all accompanied by your choice from a selection of 24 teas. Dress code: Smart casual (to maintain the elegance of this timeless experience, we kindly ask you to avoid wearing sportswear, including t-shirts, flip flops or similar footwear)

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Pestana Grand (Double room) or similar

Day 3: Vineyard Tour - Traditional Madeiran Lunch - Visit Porto Moniz

On the north coast of the island we will visit Quinta do Barbusano, a winery with vineyards that produce several varieties of high-quality wines with unique flavors. Here you will have the chance to tour the entire estate where the local guide will share how the wine is made and his passion for wine production. The foothills of the north coast make this a magnificent landscape. Enjoy a tasting of six different wines paired with a traditional lunch to truly experience the flavors of Madeira and like a true Madeiran!

Start time: 11:30 and 14:00
Finish time: 14:00 and 16:30

Located on the north-west tip of Madeira, Porto Moniz has some of the most beautiful images of the Madeira Region. Built against a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the charming seaside village of Porto Moniz is known for its natural salt-water swimming pools surrounded by volcanic rock formations. Life here revolves around the outdoors; the village started out as a fishing and farming outpost, and you’ll see the tropical fruit plantations along the hillside as you walk around.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Hotel: Pestana Grand (Double room) or similar

Day 4: Visit Botanical Garden - Toboggan Ride - Madeira Embroidery Experience

Your tour begins with a visit to Madeira’s Botanical Gardens. Since the 17th century Madeira had been waiting for a botanical garden, a dream that came true in 1960. Located 3 kilometers from the centre of Funchal at Quinta do Bom Sucesso - a private Quinta belonging to the Reid family - the climatic conditions favour exuberant vegetation. The Botanical Garden boasts harmonious forms, contrasting colours, and more than 2,000 plants. Throughout the gardens you can find the plants labelled with their scientific names, common name, and origin. Next, you will embark on an exciting, ten-minute wicker sleigh ride from Monte back to Livramento. Once upon a time, this was a well-established form of transportation in hilly Madeira! Your sleigh is pulled by two people and does not travel fast. Madeira embroidery is an integral part of the history and culture of the island. Each point has its secrets, art, and technique. It is with the repeated passage of the needle and the thread through fine fabrics, and with the help of patient and passionate hands, that real timeless works of art are born. Take a workshop to learn about this craft from traditional Madeiran embroiderers. - Start time: 10:30 - Finish time: 12:00 - Tour only happens on Thursdays - Black Out Dates: Bank Holiday

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Pestana Grand (Double room) or similar

Day 5: Discover Cruise - Madeira by Sea

Did you always want to know what sailing on a 15th century galleon felt like? This wonderful and unique experience gives you this opportunity on the ‘Santa Maria’, a replica of Columbus’s ship, which is cruising daily along Madeira’s beautiful south coast. Embark in Funchal Peer and feel what it was like when the island was discovered some 500 years ago. During the excursions, you can see a galleon ship crew doing their daily routine work while enjoying breathtaking views over the sea… and if you're lucky, you’ll even spot some dolphins! Madeira wine and honey cake are given during the trip. Starting Time: 10:30 or 15:00 | Duration: 03 Hours

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Pestana Grand (Double room) or similar

Day 6:p Pico Areiro Jeep Tour - Madeiran Lunch with Boncha tasting

This Jeep tour will show you Pico Areiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, sitting at 1,818 meters. You will also discover Santo da Serra, renowned for its famous farms and cider drink, which you’ll taste. You’ll also be guided on a short mountain walk before heading to the Portela viewpoint, overlooking the charming town of Porto da Cruz in the north of the island. Here the Jeep will go off-road through laurel forest to the town of Machico, a town with a charming blend of history and nature. The island’s first settlers landed here in the 15th century, leaving behind a rich heritage of churches, forts, and museums. After touring the town, you’ll stop for a typical Madeiran lunch paired with a tasting of the traditional alcoholic drink ‘poncha’. - START TIME: 09:00 or 14:00 - BOD: 24Dec, 25Dec, 01Jan

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Pestana Grand (Double room) or similar

Day 7: Evening Madeiran Traditional Dinner and Dance Show

During the day, enjoy free time exploring Madeira at your leisure. Tonight feel like a true Madeiran! Your driver will pick you up from the hotel to take you to a fun night of folklore in a typical Madeira restaurant. Enjoy the famous and delicious ‘espetada’ from Madeira. ‘Espetada’ is made from chicken or tender cubes of beef rubbed in rock salt and marinated in garlic and bay leaves, cooked in wood, and served with cubes of corn, salad, and ‘bolo do caco’ spread with garlic butter - a delicious dish! During dinner, watch a live performance by Madeira folk dancers of the traditional Bailinho da Madeira. The dance portrays traditional livelihoods characteristic of the island. After the delicious meal, you're invited to participate in the performance and learn some of this Portuguese dance! The driver will be waiting to take you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Hotel: Pestana Grand (Double room) or similar