Madeira Island Discovery
Overview
Highlights
- Explore Madeira's best known sights and learn why it's known as 'the pearl of the Atlantic'
- Stay in the centre of the vibrant island capital, Funchal
- Take an easy walk along a small part of Madeira's vast levada network
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Our trip begins in Funchal, Madeira's capital and our base for the next week. Funchal takes its name from 'funcho', meaning fennel and according to local legend, when Zarco landed here in 1419, he named this spot after the abundance of the herb he found. Visiting sail...
Today, we'll leave Funchal for a full-day tour of the north and northwest of the island. Driving west from the capital to Ribeira Brava and then up away from the coast and into the mountains to Encumeada. From here, we'll have the chance to take an easy 3-kilometre/1....
After breakfast, we'll walk to the marina and board a boat for a trip along the south coast. As if Madeira's unparalleled island landscapes weren't enough, the crystal-clear waters of the archipelago offer even more beauty. The sea, which in some areas reaches depths ...
Each part of Madeira has its own character and today we'll explore the eastern side of the island. We'll drive up into the mountains to Pico do Arieiro (1,810 metres/5938 feet above sea level). From here, we'll take in the views of the rolling green hills and rocky mo...
This morning, we'll drive to the Nun's Valley to visit the viewpoints at Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado, and then the Nun's Valley itself, which is located in the heart of Madeira's mountains. We'll stop in Curral das Freiras, a small parish surrounded by huge ...
Today has been left free for you to further explore Funchal or there'll be the chance to go on a full-day excursion to the island of Porto Santo by ferry. The journey takes approximately two and a half hours each way. Porto Santo is a popular beach destination with th...
This morning, we'll drive west along the sun-drenched southern coast to Madalena do Mar, surrounded by banana plantations. We plan to complete a 2-kilometre/1.2-mile easy walk along a levada through the plantation. Along the way, our tour leader will explain more abou...
Our tour ends this morning 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 a...
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Dates & Availability
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.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Dawn
May 2024
Madeira Island Discovery
Benny was a fantastic enthusiastic knowledgeable leader, he brought Madeira to li...
Trusted Customer
May 2024
Madeira Island Discovery
Great tour in general. Tour leader should have more flexibility to return to sites not possible due to weather but suddenly available again. Seeing something not o...
Trusted Customer
May 2024
Madeira Island Discovery
I had the best experience with Explore on this very pretty island of Madeira. Our guide "Benny" was a great guy,always willing to help us and impart his very interes...
Katherine
Apr 2024
Madeira Island Discovery
An excellent trip. Benny introduced us to some wonderful places and took us to a range of restaurants where we could try local dishes. Highlights for me included the...
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May 2024
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Tour Operator
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.
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- Lunch : 2
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