Madeira Island Discovery

8 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
From the vibrant markets of the capital to the dramatic mountains and valleys of the interior, discover why Madeira has been crowned 'the pearl of the Atlantic'. On this week-long tour, tick off the must-sees, from the Pico do Arieiro summit to Nun's Valley and the banana plantations of the southern coast. Along the way, get an authentic taste of Madeira with...
$1,570
From$1,220
See departure dates

Overview

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

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?

    From the vibrant markets of the capital to the dramatic mountains and valleys of the interior, discover why Madeira has been crowned 'the pearl of the Atlantic'. On this week-long tour, tick off the must-sees, from the Pico do Arieiro summit to Nun's Valley and the banana plantations of the southern coast. Along the way, get an authentic taste of Madeira with a food tour in Funchal, a traditional bread making demonstration, as well as sampling the island's most famous export - Madeira wine. Food and wine - Discover the history of Madeira's sugar and rum industry and try a glass of the local tipple, poncho. Scenic levada walks - Witness the island's rugged landscapes on an easy walk along part of Madeira's vast levada network.

Details

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

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Attractions

  • Bar
  • Moni
  • Pico
  • Porto

Activities

  • Hiking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Funchal

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...

Day 2 Tour the north and northwest of the island, easy levada walk

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....

Day 3 Boat trip and food tour of Funchal

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 ...

Day 4 Tour east Madeira; Ribeiro Frio levada walk, A-frame houses of Santana, and bread-making demonstration

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...

Day 5 Explore the Nun's Valley and afternoon tea at Reid's Hotel

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 ...

Day 6 Free day with optional extras, including ferry to Porto Santo

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...

Day 7 Discover the south and west of the island, plus levada walk via banana plantations

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...

Day 8 Trip ends in Funchal

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 an ...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,220
Price per day$153
Last Updated: 4/16/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
17 May 2025
24 May 2025
$1,800
$370
14 Jun 2025
21 Jun 2025
$1,800
$330
21 Jun 2025
28 Jun 2025
$1,330
$330
28 Jun 2025
05 Jul 2025
$1,330
$330
05 Jul 2025
12 Jul 2025
$1,330
$330
26 Jul 2025
02 Aug 2025
$1,440
$330
09 Aug 2025
16 Aug 2025
$1,330
$370
20 Sep 2025
27 Sep 2025
$1,940
$370
27 Sep 2025
04 Oct 2025
$1,440
$370
11 Oct 2025
18 Oct 2025
$1,330
$330

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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
10,290
Great
3,299
Average
517
Disappointing
158
Terrible
82
T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2025

Written on

Madeira Island Discovery

Lots of variety, extremely interesting. Only downside was weather wasn't on our side and walks ended up very wet and muddy. Enthusiastic and friendly guide, informat...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2025

Written on

Madeira Island Discovery

The accommodation was good for location; reception staff were excellent. Itinerary was generally good; but boat trip should have been in morning, as per itinerary; ...

N

Nigel

Apr 2025

Written on

Madeira Island Discovery

This was our first time using Explore. We have used other companies before and so this was our 'tester'. 1) Group size is one of our first considerations as it make...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2025

Written on

Madeira Island Discovery

A well thought out and varied itinerary which covers all parts of the island together with lots of different experiences. The knowledge of our guide, Benny, was exem...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2025

Written on

Madeira Island Discovery

Our guide Benny, did a great job adjusting due to weather. Be a...

Write a Review

Other Explore! Reviews

N

Nigel

Apr 2025

Written on

Madeira Island Discovery

This was our first time using Explore. We have used other companies before and so this was our 'tester'. 1) Group size is one of our first considerations as it make...

M

Mary

Apr 2025

Written on

Classical Sicily

This is a very busy trip and you are constantly on the move. We covered a lot of Sicily in just 7 days. I got exactly what I wanted out of the trip and was aware of ...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2025

Written on

Madeira Island Discovery

The accommodation was good for location; reception staff were excellent. Itinerary was generally good; but boat trip should have been in morning, as per itinerary; ...

Write a Review

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat
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
  • Lunch : 2
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
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Trip ID
explore-MDR

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