Summary
Short description
Explore the beautiful landscapes of Madeira and Porto Santo on this twelve-day itinerary
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, you’ll transfer to your home for the next five nights – the Quintinha de Sao Joao. Having welcomed travellers from around the world, who sought a mild climate and security of the Island as a refuge to heal and rest, you can expect the finest in spa treatments, gourmet dining and luxury rooms furnished in sleek contemporary style. You’ll also enjoy a privileged, garden-fringed setting, with bay views and Funchal's heritage delights within easy reach.
Stay: Quintinha de São João, Madeira (Deluxe)
Days
2-3
Funchal
After breakfast experience 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 then to Monte for panoramic views over the city and surroundings, take a walk through the botanical gardens, and experience the "basket car" back down to lower ground.
Stay: Quintinha de São João, Madeira (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
4
Curral das Freiras
After breakfast, your guide will meet you for the drive to visit the Nuns Valley. Stopping first at the Pico dos Barcelos, enjoy the magnificent views over Funchal Bay and the city, with the Desertas Islands in the background. Then continue to Currals das Freiras, situated on a small rise in the middle of the valley, the village was founded in the sixteenth century by the nuns of ‘Santa Clara’ that fled from pirate attacks in Funchal and were completely hidden from the outside, with steep mountains on all sides. Be sure to try one of the small chestnut cakes available in the village shops - a local delicacy.
Stay: Quintinha de São João, Madeira (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
5
Porto Moniz
Today after breakfast, your guide will drive you to Porto Moniz, situated on the northern coast of the Island, with its natural lava pools providing a beautiful setting in which the natural greenery contrasts with the black cliffs and the blue sea. Porto Moniz is an important fishing village with pleasant local restaurants were you can try the local sea food such as a locally caught Codfish dish Bacalhau do Porto or Black Scabbard Fish served with banana. Return to Funchal where you have the rest of the day at leisure to relax.
Stay: Quintinha de São João, Madeira (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Days
6-7
Funchal to Santana
After breakfast, 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. You'll also have time to explore; colourful thatched houses form pretty villages and sweeping vineyards dot green hills. It's all marked by levada aqueducts. Dating back to the 16th century, they make for spectacular walks among the region's bright verdure.
Stay: Quinta do Furão, (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
8
Funchal to Porto Santo
Today your transfer will take you back to Funchal 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 All-inclusive resort Hotel Pestana Porto Santo, located on Porto Santo beach and surrounded by lush gardens.
Stay: Hotel Pestana Porto Santo (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Days
9-11
Porto Santo Island
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: Hotel Pestana Porto Santo (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
12
Departure
Catch the ferry back to Funchal, 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 itinerary from £2,035 pp incl. flights
Superior / Deluxe
Low Season
from £2,035 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £2,420 pp. incl. flights
Validity: 01 May - 31 October
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights from London Gatwick
- Return private airport transfers
- Return private transfers between hotels and ferry ports
- 7 nights BB accommodation in a mixture of famous Madeiran Quinta and hotel accommodation on Madeira
- 4 nights All-Inclusive accommodation on Porto Santo
- Half day private-guided Funchal and Monte excursion
- Half day private-guided Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley) excursion
- Full Day private-guided Porto Muniz excursion
- 1st class return ferry tickets between Funchal and Porto Santo
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7664 2268
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