Walking in Madeira

8 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
Discover the Pearl of the Atlantic on our week-long walking tour in Madeira. It might be small, but this volcanic island is bursting with beauty, from its unique geological formations to its breathtaking coastlines and, not forgetting its time-old traditions. Take in the landscapes, walking along cliff tops to the Ponta da Sao Lourenco and past alluring water...
19%
$1,476
From$1,200
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • One-week holiday traversing Madeira Island on foot
    • Follow the levadas as they meander along the southern slopes
    • Enjoy swimming in natural rock pools in Porto Moniz

What's this trip about?

    Discover the Pearl of the Atlantic on our week-long walking tour in Madeira. It might be small, but this volcanic island is bursting with beauty, from its unique geological formations to its breathtaking coastlines and, not forgetting its time-old traditions. Take in the landscapes, walking along cliff tops to the Ponta da Sao Lourenco and past alluring waterfalls, then, at the end of the day, get acquainted with local life, sipping Madeiran wine in quaint, local towns and villages. Levada Paths - See Madeira's beauty at its best on several picturesque walks alongside the island's unique irrigation channels. The Balcony Walk - Take in the spectacular mountain views along this famous path between the peaks of Arieiro and Ruivo. Funchal - Explore the laid-back capital with its beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and colourful farmers' market. Christmas and New Year Departures - Get into the swing of the festive season with Christmas markets, midnight mass and Funchal's epic fireworks.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityFunchal
End CityFunchal

Travel Themes

  • Trekking & Expeditions

Attractions

  • Lisbon
  • Moni
  • Pico
  • Porto

Activities

  • Trekking

Itinerary

Day 1 Join trip in Santana

Our tour begins today in Santana on Madeira's north coast. The beautiful village is home to the famous 'Bordado da Madeira' embroidery and traditional thatched, A-frame houses known as 'palheiros'. For those arriving in time, your Tour Leader will meet you in the h...

Day 2 Scenic coastal walk along the Vereda do Larano to Porto da Cruz

This morning, we'll drive to the starting point of today's walk via peaceful agricultural land where the rich soil yields up to three crops per year. We'll follow a levada (Madeira's unique irrigation canals), weaving through a rural landscape where fruits and vegetab...

Day 3 Walk through UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest to Faja do Penedo

This morning, we'll drive up to Boaventura, a hamlet of houses perched on the hillside at the top of the valley. Our trail kicks off with almost 200 metres/656 feet of incline, but the rest of the way is relatively flat, taking us from the top of the valley and windin...

Day 4 Hike Levada do Alecrim from Rabaçal to Risco Waterfall

Today's walk starts at Rabaçal, from where we'll follow the Levada do Alecrim (rosemary), one of the most beautiful levadas in Madeira. Along the trail, we'll spot several species of flora that are endemic to Madeira and take in the views down into the Rabaçal and Rib...

Day 5 Visit the westernmost tip of the island and levada Nova Valley walk

Today, we'll drive to the south coast, making a stop at Ponta do Vigia, the westernmost tip of the island. The lighthouse here stands on the cliffs 300 metres/984 feet above the waves. Built in 1922, it houses a small museum containing an exhibit about the lighthouses...

Day 6 Explore the streets of Funchal. Free afternoon, optional wine tasting and whale watching

This morning there will be the option to get to know Funchal with a guided, hour-long orientation walk with our tour leader. Alternatively, you can explore the old town at your own pace. Take the opportunity to discover the narrow, cobbled lanes as you pass by ren...

Day 7 Walk to Pico de Ruivo, Madeira's highest point

Today's walk starts at Pico Arieiro (1,818 metres/5,965 feet). From here, we'll follow the trail to the summit of Pico Ruivo (1,862 metres/6,109 feet), Madeira's highest point. Our route takes us along part of Madeira's famous Balcony Walk and passes through several t...

Day 8 Trip ends in Funchal

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Funchal. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Funchal at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an air...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,200
Price per day$150
Last Updated: 5/15/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
18 May 2024
25 May 2024
$1,780
$330
Sold Out
25 May 2024
01 Jun 2024
$1,530
$340
Sold Out
01 Jun 2024
08 Jun 2024
$1,490
$340
Sold Out
08 Jun 2024
15 Jun 2024
$1,560
$340
1 spots left
15 Jun 2024
22 Jun 2024
$1,370
$340
1 spots left
22 Jun 2024
29 Jun 2024
$1,490
$340
Sold Out
29 Jun 2024
06 Jul 2024
$1,490
$340
3 spots left
13 Jul 2024
20 Jul 2024
$1,200
$330
8 spots left
03 Aug 2024
10 Aug 2024
$1,490
$340
2 spots left
31 Aug 2024
07 Sep 2024
$1,330
$340
2 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,883
Great
2,289
Average
386
Disappointing
121
Terrible
58
K

Kevin

May 2024

Written on

Levada Trails of Madeira

An excellent walking holiday in Madeira with Explore. Very well led by Joao, an excellent itinerary with a range of different walks through the Madeira countryside. ...

L

Lucie

May 2024

Written on

Levada Trails of Madeira

Excellent guide. Well prepared and documented trails....

P

Prem

May 2024

Written on

Levada Trails of Madeira

Thoroughly enjoyed the trip

J

John

May 2024

Written on

Levada Trails of Madeira

Great experience. Outstanding guide!! Would do it again! We arrived from the US a day early to minimize airline or US March winter weather delays, and jet lag. Explo...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Minibus,

Transportation & flights

Minibus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Portugal: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 7
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-TM

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