7-Day Madeira Adventure

Itinerary

1. Day 1 - A Taste of Madeira

   Welcome to Madeira. On arrival at Funchal Airport, your private driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel, where you can settle in before your first introduction to the island.

   In the evening, discover one of Madeira’s most distinctive culinary traditions with a private espetada experience. Learn the local preparation of this classic skewered beef dish, traditionally seasoned with rock salt, garlic and bay leaf, then cooked over an open fire. Take part in preparing your own espetada before sitting down to enjoy a traditional Madeiran dinner in an authentic local setting.

   ACTIVITY

   → Private airport transfer
   → Traditional Madeiran espetada workshop
   → Local dinner experience

2. Day 2 - Funchal, Vineyards & Island Flavours

   Begin the day with a private walking tour through Funchal, exploring the historic streets of the Old Town, colourful painted doors along Rua de Santa Maria, the cathedral, municipal gardens and the lively Mercado dos Lavradores. The experience offers an intimate introduction to the city’s history, architecture and everyday life.

   Later, travel to Quinta do Barbusano on Madeira’s north coast. Tour the vineyard with a local guide, learn about the winemaking process and taste six wines produced on the estate. Complete the experience with a traditional Madeiran lunch overlooking the surrounding landscape.

   ACTIVITY

   → Private Funchal Old Town walking tour
   → Mercado dos Lavradores visit
   → Private Quinta do Barbusano vineyard tour
   → Six-wine tasting and traditional Madeiran lunch

3. Day 3 - Madeira in a Glass

   Spend the day discovering some of Madeira’s most characteristic local drinks. Meet your guide for a private tasting journey centred around the island’s sugar cane rum and its most iconic cocktail, poncha.

   Sample different variations of poncha while learning about its island origins, then continue to a rustic local bar to taste ginja, a smooth cherry-based liqueur. The experience offers a relaxed and flavourful way to connect with Madeira’s social traditions and drinking culture.

   ACTIVITY

   → Private Madeiran drinks experience
   → Sugar cane rum and poncha tasting
   → Traditional ginja tasting

4. Day 4 - The Art of Madeira Embroidery

   Discover one of Madeira’s most treasured craft traditions with a private embroidery workshop at Bordal. Step inside the workshop to learn how local artisans transform fine fabrics into intricate handmade pieces using techniques passed down through generations.

   Follow the different stages of Madeira embroidery, from drawing and picote to stamping and stitching, before trying the craft yourself with guidance from an experienced embroiderer. Each participant receives an embroidery kit and a certificate of attendance at the end of the workshop. The programme notes that this experience operates on Thursdays.

   ACTIVITY

   → Private Madeira embroidery workshop
   → Guided visit through the production process
   → Hands-on embroidery experience

5. Day 5 - Madeira by Sidecar

   Set out on a private sidecar adventure to discover Madeira from a different perspective. Travel west from Funchal with your chauffeur, learning about the island’s history and culture as the landscape unfolds around you.

   Pass through Câmara de Lobos, a traditional fishing village known for its local products and coastal character, before continuing to Cabo Girão. Step onto the glass skywalk high above the Atlantic for sweeping views across the coastline. From here, follow an old coastal road towards Ribeira Brava, enjoying a dramatic combination of mountain and sea scenery along the way.

   ACTIVITY

   → Private Madeira sidecar tour
   → Câmara de Lobos visit
   → Cabo Girão Skywalk
   → Scenic old coastal road journey

6. Day 6 - Whales, Dolphins & the Atlantic

   Take to the Atlantic aboard a private eco-friendly catamaran and admire Madeira’s coastline from the sea. Keep watch for dolphins and whales as you cruise through the waters surrounding the island, with opportunities to observe marine life in its natural habitat.

   Continue towards Cabo Girão, one of Madeira’s most dramatic coastal landmarks. During the warmer months, there is also an opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim before returning to shore.

   ACTIVITY

   → Private catamaran cruise
   → Dolphin and whale watching
   → Views of Cabo Girão from the Atlantic
   → Seasonal swimming opportunity

7. Day 7 - Farewell Madeira

   Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before your private driver meets you for the transfer to Funchal Airport.

   Take one last look at Madeira’s dramatic landscapes before continuing your onward journey, bringing your island experience to a close.

   ACTIVITY

   → Private transfer to Funchal Airport