Colors Of Madeira Small Group Tour - 7 Days/6 Nights

Welcome to Madeira Island!! Arrival at Funchal airport and travel to the heart of Funchal staying for six nights at the charming central hotel. This evening enjoy a welcome drink followed by dinner in a local restaurant.

Meals: Dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Funchal

Welcome to Madeira Island! The deep natural harbor of Madeira’s capital, Funchal, attracted early settlers in the 15^th century. The city’s historic core still overlooks the harbor and has an air of grandeur, with its stately 18^th century houses.With the help of your expert guide, you’ll discover the first city built by the Portuguese in its maritime expansion, visiting the Saint Catarina Chapel, one of the first churches to be constructed on the island, and the 15th century Cathedral, dating back to the XV Century.Continue to the Lavadores market Lavadores market, one of the highlights that Madeira has to offer, full of the colour and bustle of island life,attracts flower-growers,basket-weavers,farmers and fishermen from all over Madeira.After time on your own for lunch, board the typical Funchal Teleferico to visit the Botanical Garden with its wide variety of trees and plants, brought from all over the world, some of which endemic.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Funchal

Begin your day with an exploration of the diverse landscapes from craggy coastlines to ancient forests. Ponta do Rosto is Madeira’s easternmost point located on a sliver of land jutting out into the Atlantic, and offers dazzling panoramas. Following the northern coast, we call at sleepy Porto da Cruz, named after a large cross displayed to identify it to passing sailors. We’ll arrive in the town of Santana, famous for its A-frame thatched houses. Made from stone, wood and anything else to hand, they have brightly painted doors and windows and each sits on its own plot of land used to grow food.After an included lunch in a local quinta, we head towards the mountainous interior and one of the highlights of the tour – the UNESCO-listed Ribeiro Frio National Park and Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest mountain at 5,930 feet.Enjoy dinner on your own this evening.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Funchal

This morning’s tour begins with a visit to Cabo Girao, the island’s highest sea cliff – a sheer drop of 1,980 feet.We then move to the charming small town of Ribeira Brava, set in a steep valley carved out by the ‘wild river’ that gives the settlement its name. Madeira’s tropical climate is perfect for growing bananas and in the fishing village of Madalena do Mar you can experience life on a small banana plantation, where much of the work is still carried out by hand. After an included lunch in a local restaurant, we continue to Porto Moniz blessed with natural saltwater pools, formed from solidified volcanic rock and replenished by the waves as they break against the rocks.We return on the northern coastal route via the village of Seixal to see one of Madeira’s most famous waterfalls – the Bridal Veil – cascading down the side of the mountain into the sea. Our final stop is Sao Vicente, a village nestling in a deep verdant valley and believed to be the volcanic birthplace of the island.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Funchal

Our morning discovery starts with a short drive north to Madeira’s dramatic interior and the Curral das Freiras ( Valley of the Nuns). We’ll drive to Eira do Serrado, over 3,500 feet above sea level, part of a natural cauldron of jagged peaks and chasms, with time to soak up the glorious views down to the village of Curral das Freiras itself. Continue to Camara de Lobos, a pretty fishing village built around a bay with Europe’s highest cliffs forming a breathtaking backdrop.This is one of Madeira’s main centers for catching scabbard fish (peixe espada),which feature on every local menu.After an included local wine tasting, we will drive to Funchal for time at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Funchal

This morning touring experience takes you to discover Madeira island from the sea on a 3hrs luxury private boat tour,having the possibility to observe dolphins, whales or turtles in their natural environment.Return to Funchal for lunch and time on your own for shopping .Tonight we’ll celebrate your adventure with a farewell dinner at one of the typical regional restaurants.Eat as a local!!

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included, lunch on your own

Accommodation: Overnight in Funchal

Morning transfers to Funchal airport

Meals: Breakfast included