Summary
Short description
Explore the beautiful landscapes of Madeira and Porto Santo on this twelve-day itinerary
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Highlights
- Enjoy Funchal, its history, culture and gastronomy
- Explore the central mountains of the island at Curral das Freiras
- Try fresh seafood at Porto Moniz
- Stay in traditional Quinta accommodation in Northern Madeira
- Walk on the undiscovered sandy beaches of Porto Santo
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Beach | Food & wine | History & culture | Natural world | October holidays | Spa
Madeira and Porto Santo are part of a group of Portuguese Atlantic islands located 90 minutes away from Lisbon. The islands have a rich history, founded by feats of bravery, hard work and traditions, enriched by the production of sugar cane, its famous wine and, more recently, by tourism. Funchal, on the southern coast of Madeira, is a strongly beating reminder of exploration past. This bespoke tour takes in old and new, cultural and contemporary, culinary highlights, and stays in traditional and modern hotels, all made effortless with a personal driver to take you from one experience to the next. Then cross the seas to Porto Santo for deserted beaches, and some relaxation time.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Madeira
Begin your trip with complimentary airport lounge access before your flight to the Funchal. On arrival your driver will transfer you from Funchal across the island to Quinta do Furão, a charming hotel on the clifftop near Santana. All rooms come with sea views and the hotel boasts a number of traditional quirky elements, including two wine presses, while Jacuzzi, pool and sauna soaks offer more contemporary relaxation.
Stay: Quinta do Furão (Superior)
Day
2
Santana
After breakfast you'll also have time to explore the colourful thatched houses and pretty villages where vineyards sweep down the green hills. The landscape is marked by levada aqueducts which date back to the 16th century, they make for spectacular walks among the region's bright verdure.
Stay: Quinta do Furão (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
3
Funchal and Monte
After breakfast transfer back to Madeira's capital with its bustling maze of ancient lanes and charming squares lined with street-front cafes, but also just moments from the natural beauty of the archipelago - the garden by the sea. Your guide will take you through its historic parishes, to experience the flavours and aromas of the farmers markets, and included Madeira wine tasting, and then to Monte a village in the suburbs of Funchal with lush vegetation and the church of Nossa Senhora do Monte. This village is also known for its wicker basket cars, where you can experience a 10-minute trip on this exclusive means of transport (not included), controlled by two 'carreiros'; and which were originally used to transport timber and other products to the city.
Stay: Quintinha de São João, Madeira (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
4
Pico do Arieiro, Eira do Serrado and Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley)
After a morning at leisure, your half day private tour will take you to the heart of Madeira starting towards Pico dos Barcelos for a viewpoint overlooking the beautiful bay of Funchal before continuing to Eira do Serrado, with breathtaking views of the valley of Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley).
Stay: Quintinha de São João, Madeira (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
5
Porto Muniz
A full day tour starts by visiting Câmara de Lobos, a typical fishing town. Continue along the coast for a stop at Cabo Girão, the highest cape in Europe, before arriving at the village of Ribeira Brava, with its beautiful church. Then climb to Paul da Serra, the only plateau of the Island, before descending to Porto Moniz, on the northwest coast, a village known for its volcanic pools and where you will enjoy a lunch and a taste of the local alcohol Poncha. Next, pass by the village of São Vicente and Encumeada, with views of both sides of the island (north and south) and enjoy the Laurissilva forest. On the way back to Funchal, pass through the valley of Serra D' Água.
Stay: Quintinha de São João, Madeira (Deluxe)
Meals: B L
Day
6
Ferry to Porto Santo
Today your transfer will take you to board the ferry to Porto Santo, the crossing takes just over two hours, and provides spectacular views of the eastern and northern coasts of Madeira. On arrival you will be met at the harbour and transferred to your accommodation for the next four nights, the Porto Santo Hotel & Spa, located on Porto Santo beach and surrounded by lush gardens.
Stay: Porto Santo Hotel and Spa (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Days
7-9
Porto Santo
Porto Santo is one long beach with a bit of an island attached. Along its six miles of soft white sands, you’ll find only a handful of hotels and restaurants, making Porto Santo one of the last ‘undiscovered’ resorts in Europe. Its volcanic sands have long been held to have curative powers for all manner of aches and ills. The island boasts a rugged interior and there’s an intriguing touch of history, too, as Porto Santo's capital, Vila Baleira was once home to Christopher Columbus.
Stay: Porto Santo Hotel and Spa (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Days
10-11
Ferry to Funchal
Catch the ferry back to Funchal, and spend the rest of your time in the cosmopolitan city, visit the famers' markets, explore the old alleys now frequented by local artists, maybe enjoying the local dish of Espetada in one of the local restaurants on the outskirts of the city with the opportunity to enjoy the Madeiran folk dances and their traditional costumes, or join a tour covering the history of Madeira wine followed by a tasting.
Stay: Quintinha de São João, Madeira (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
12
Departure
where you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
12-day tailor-made holiday
from £1,380 pp incl. flights
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