Funchal | Exploring Madeira Island

Itinerary What's Included Pricing Hotels Map Request

Day 1: Arrive in Funchal

Bem-vindo a Madeira Island! On arrival at Funchal Airport, retrieve your luggage and meet your driver who will be waiting to comfortably transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or start exploring Funchal on your own.

Day 2: East Island Tour

Madeira is an island of fascinating diversity, with rugged volcanic mountains, lush tropical greenery, dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and charming towns. During today's tour, you'll explore the island's stunning east. Departing from Funchal, our first destination will be the village of Camacha for a visit to the wickerwork factory. The journey then continues inland, ascending to Poiso on our way to Pico de Arieiro, at 1818m one of the highest peaks in Madeira. After taking in the breathtaking views of the imposing mountain massif, we descent toward Ribeiro Frio where you may visit a trout farm as well as admire an important part of the Laurissilva forest of Madeira, the largest surviving area of laurel forest which was recently awarded World Heritage status. We then continue our trip to the charming town of Santana, known for its peculiar thatched roof houses, and then stop for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, our journey continues to Ponta de São Lourenço, the narrow eastern point of the island characterized by rocky soil & rugged cliffs overlooking the blue sea. Our final stop will be in the charming town of Machico, Madeira's first capital which lies hidden in the bay and stretching out over the hillside, before returning to Funchal in the late afternoon. (B)

Day 3: Funchal

Today is free to spend as you choose. Relax and take in the panoramic views from your hotel pool or set out to explore Funchal on your own. Make sure to stroll along the promenade and through the charming old town with its historic 18th-century buildings. Wine lovers may enjoy a visit to Blandy's Wine Lodge located right in the centre of town. We also suggest taking the cable car up to the Monte district for a birds-eye view over the city and a visit to the fascinating Botanical Garden and then, if you are up for some fun take the toboggan ride (wicker basked sleds) back downhill. Or perhaps set out for a walking tour along one of Madeira's unique "levadas", an ancient system of narrow channels & aqueducts created to transport water from the mountains to the farmland below and which make for perfect 'trails' through the island's remarkable landscapes. (B)

Day 4: Skywalk, Cliff & Valleys Jeep Tour

A fun and exciting half-day tour of Madeira by Jeep awaits you today. Starting our tour with amazing views over Funchal´s Bay, we drive uphill to Boca dos Namorados, at nearly 1000 mts high above sea level, where we will be able to see the famous village of Curral das Freiras (Nun's Valley). Continuing higher to Boca da Corrida through a spectacular off-road with an elevation of about 1200 mts, you will be astonished by the main volcanic complex and highest mountains of the island. From there, we go downhill to Jardim da Serra, a place known for its cherry production. Here we will have a quick stop, where you can enjoy a Portuguese coffee, natural tea, or a  "Poncha", a traditional drink of lemon or orange juice, honey & aguardente de cana (sugar cane spirit) freshly made by a local (not included). We then continue towards Cabo Girão, the highest cliff in Europe and second in the World with 589 mts, famous for its suspended glass floor viewpoint offering stunning panoramic views. Our final stop will be at the charming and traditional fishing village of Câmara de Lobos visiting a Madeira Wine Lodge, where you'll have the opportunity to taste the famous Madeira wine (sweet, medium sweet, dry, medium dry). Your Madeira wine tasting is included in today's tour. With a maximum of 8 passengers per Jeep, this tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours and you then have the possibility to add an optional 3-hour Dolphin watching tour by Catamaran. Or return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the pool. (B)

Day 5: Departure

Today marks the end of your visit to Madeira Island. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your driver transfers you to the airport in time to board a flight to your next destination. Alternatively, ask about extending your stay in Funchal or customizing the itinerary to suit your personal travel style. (B)

Departure Dates

Exploring Madeira Island Tour departs every weekday except on Thursdays. 
Some excursions included do not operate daily and the itinerary will be modified to suit.