Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Funchal
Your driver meets you upon arrival in Madeira and takes you to your hotel in Funchal. The afternoon and evening are free, so you can settle into your room, grab a bite if you're hungry, and get a feel for the area on your own terms.
- Day 2
West Madeira Tour
After breakfast, you'll head west across the island stopping at the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, then continue to Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, and Calheta. From there you cross the Pául da Serra plateau and reach Porto Moniz where the natural lava pools are and you'll have lunch. The drive back takes you along the coastal road through São Vicente, over the Encumeada Pass, past Cabo Girão, and back to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (at Porto Moniz)
Included Activities
- Visit Câmara de Lobos fishing village
- Visit Ribeira Brava
- Visit Ponta do Sol
- Visit Calheta
- Cross Paúl da Serra plateau
- Visit Porto Moniz lava swimming pools
- Drive through São Vicente with waterfalls
- Cross Encumeada Pass
- Visit Cabo Girão
Landmarks/POIs Câmara de Lobos Ribeira Brava Ponta do Sol Calheta Porto Moniz Encumeada Pass Cabo Girão - Day 3
Levada Hike near Prazeres
After breakfast you travel to Prazeres in the southwest to begin an easy levada hike that's roughly 12 km and mostly flat. Walking through fertile fields, orchards, and forests with endemic laurel trees, you'll see the fishing village of Pául do Mar and get views of how the blue sea contrasts with the green mountains. You head back to Funchal in the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Levada hiking trail near Prazeres (easy hike, flat route, approximately 12 km)
Landmarks/POIs Prazeres Paúl do Mar - Day 4
Free Day in Funchal
This entire day is yours to do as you wish in Funchal. Relax at your hotel, wander the streets, grab meals wherever appeals to you, or your guide can help arrange optional activities if you'd rather have something structured.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Optional excursion program available through tour guide
- Day 5
Eira do Serrado and Monte
After breakfast you travel to Eira do Serrado at 1,094 m altitude and visit Pico dos Barcelos for panoramic views of Funchal Bay. A short walk gets you to the Miradouro overlooking Curral das Freiras (Nun's Valley) from nearly 800 m above. Then you head to Monte to see the famous pilgrimage church, and there's an option to ride a traditional basket sledge if that interests you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint
- Walk to Miradouro viewpoint at Eira do Serrado
- Visit pilgrimage church in Monte
Optional Activities
- Ride traditional basket sledge in Monte
Landmarks/POIs Pico dos Barcelos Eira do Serrado Curral das Freiras (Nun's Valley) Monte Pilgrimage Church - Day 6
Pico Arieiro and Northeast Madeira
You'll drive via Camacha, known for its basket weaving, to reach Pico Arieiro at 1,818 m where the views across the island are hard to beat. Next is a visit to a trout farm in Ribeiro Frio, followed by lunch in Santana. On the way back to Funchal you pass through Porto da Cruz and the Portela Pass, with a stop in Machico.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (in Santana)
Included Activities
- Visit Camacha basket weaving center
- Visit Pico Arieiro viewpoint
- Visit trout farm in Ribeiro Frio
- Visit Machico
- Cross Portela Pass
Landmarks/POIs Camacha Pico Arieiro Ribeiro Frio Santana Porto da Cruz Portela Pass Machico - Day 7
Free Day in Funchal Old Town
You have the freedom to walk through Funchal's old town on your own schedule. There are parks to check out, Madeira wine cellars to visit, the colorful market hall, and various other attractions scattered throughout the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Madeira wine cellars
- Visit colorful market hall
- Explore parks in Funchal old town
- Day 8
Departure from Funchal
After breakfast your driver transfers you to the airport for your flight home. If you'd like, you can also arrange to stay longer and extend your time in Madeira instead of departing today.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Extension on Madeira (available upon request)
