Discover Madeira

Arrive at the airport for your flight. On arrival in Funchal, you will transfer to your hotel for seven nights.
Tonight, enjoy a welcome drink to get to know your fellow travellers. 

Following breakfast, a walking tour of Funchal awaits; a local guide will take you through what's often known as 'Little Lisbon', with its impressive 18th Century buildings, sun-sheltered courtyards and outstanding views of the Atlantic harbour. Navigate slender streets that weave their way through the city centre, leading to leafy avenues and bustling squares.

With its simple, unadorned façade, one may not expect the extravagant Baroque interior concealed within the Igreja do Colégio, a popular 16th Century church which is well worth a visit. As is the nearby Cathedral in Sé; one of few remaining colonial buildings, it features intricate gilded paintings, grand arches and a surviving 16th Century altar, all underneath the beautiful, original wooden ceiling.

Afficionados of more contemporary architectural design will be impressed by the Mercado do Lavradores - the Art Deco farmers' market - where vibrant crowds of shoppers buy and barter for the islands produce, freshly ripened by the pleasant, Atlantic sunshine. Art abounds in this district, with decorative, meticulously hand-crafted pavements and colourfully frescoed doors and windows inviting connoisseurs to imbibe the vivid ambiance.

Then, a delight for the palette as you indulge in a tasting of Madeira's most famous namesake, its wine. Originally produced by serendipity, sailors in the 16th Century discovered that wines collected in Madeira had acquired a much richer flavour as the casks heated and cooled during their tropical passage.

Madeira wines range from subtly dry to exquisitely sweet, with the medium Verdelho giving rise to Madeira's other prominent namesake - the British Madeira cake. Traditionally served alongside Verdelho, this delicate, sweet sponge is a fitting tribute to the island's popular, luscious vintage.

In the afternoon, it's a visit to the Count of Carvalhal's blooming masterpiece, the Palheiro Gardens. Set amongst Funchal's magnificent surrounding hillscape, the count - a French landscape architect - originally laid out the gardens in the early 1800s. Acquired by the vintner Blandy family in the latter half of the century, the gardens command splendid views of the city from their hilltop home.

With Madeira's fertile, volcanic earth and mild climate, the island has proved a haven for the diverse plant life of the gardens. South African proteas, Asian camellias and North American sequoia trees all flourish here; an idyllic place to wander, soaking up the sights and scents from around the world.

First, we venture up 1,980 feet to the top of the island's highest sea cliff, Cabo Girão, where you can brave the translucent viewing platform and behold the sheer drop into the crashing waves beneath you - a sincerely exhilaratory experience.

Onward to the Ribeira Brava, nestled between steep bluffs, this town is named for the 'angry river' which carved out the very valley in which it sits. Home to the Madeira Ethnographic Museum, you can peruse its fascinating displays of Madeiran ethnic heritage; or saunter through the pleasant streets, take in the domineering ridges of the surroundings, and make sure to take time to admire the resplendent crystal chandeliers of the 16th Century São Bento church.

Naturally, with its wonderful sub-tropical climate, Madeira is perfectly suited to the cultivation of bananas, and so we visit the little fishing village of Madalena do Mar where you can see the hand-farming methods still used on a small, traditional banana plantation. Then we head away from the coast, climbing almost 5,000 feet to the Paúl da Serra plateau - the most level area on Madeira, before proceeding to our next destination.

Next, we'll visit a local rum distillery for a tour and tasting. Madeira is renowned not only for its wine but also for its rum, which dates back to the 15th century when Portuguese settlers introduced sugar cane. Timeless distillation methods combined with exceptional craftsmanship create rums that boast unique flavours. Madeira's rum has gained global recognition, winning numerous awards at international competitions.

During our distillery tour, we'll learn about the production process and explore different types of rum, concluding with a tasting that will help us discover what makes Madeiran rum's distinctive flavours so special. 

To the far Northwest tip of the island is our next stop, the distant Porto Moniz. This enchanting locale is so removed from everything around it as to feel one is standing at the world's end. Created from the cooling of volcanic lava, the nearby rocks have formed beautiful, natural saltwater pools, that are constantly renewed by the azure waves of the ocean that clash against the jagged coast. It's an ideal retreat to survey the splendour of the sea from a café terrace as you take in the rejuvenating salty air.

Further along the island is the painterly São Vicente, an unassuming village that hides an explosive secret (literally), as it's believed to house the deep volcano that is responsible for the creation of Madeira itself. See where this deep fire of the earth meets the deep fire of faith at the Capelinha do Calhau, a chapel carved from a basalt stone outcropping. Or why not dig deeper into the geological past in the vast network of explorable caves? There's plenty to unearth in this intriguing settlement - where man is both master and servant of the land underfoot - before heading back to Funchal.

Commanding marvellous coastal and capital views, Monte has long served as a resort for the wealthiest European families. A significant pilgrimage location on the island: the town's 18th Century church is a local landmark, easily recognisable by its monochrome frontage and dual towers. It's also holds the honour of being the burial place of the last Austro-Hungarian Emperor, Charles I von Habsburg-Lorraine.

Explore the Monte Palace Tropical garden either at your own pace or by joining a guided tour; mimicking the palaces of the Far East, this Oriental garden features impeccably observed detail in its arches, bridges and koi pond. It also houses an extensive collection of historic tilework, obtained from across Portugal's grand homes, churches and royal residences.

The trip back to Funchal is up to you, either a short coach trip, the stunning 15-minute cable-car descent, or for the venturesome, the renowned Monte toboggan ride. Dash down the tight, sloping streets, cushioned in a mounted wicker sledge directed by adept drivers clinging to your rear. Not for the timid, this Victorian attraction can reach speeds of almost 50 kilometres per hour!

Then, in the afternoon, step into a timeless world of timeless elegance and indulgence this afternoon at Reid's Palace, an iconic luxury hotel with a history of hospitality spanning 130 years. Nestled amidst enchanting subtropical gardens and perched above the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, its setting is nothing short of spectacular. Here, you'll savour the quintessentially luxurious experience of afternoon tea. Delight in freshly backed scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and an array of irresistible cakes and pastries, all perfectly paired with your choice of Reid's signature blend tea or aromatic coffee.

On a promontory at the furthest east of the island lies Porto do Rosto, protruding into the Atlantic, the town promises astounding panoramas of the coast. When the weather is clear enough, you can even say the island of Porto Santo gleaming in on the distant waters.

Proceeding along the northern coast, you'll once have found a monumental cross looking out to sea, easily identifiable to passing sailors. Whereas this landmark no longer shows the way, we'll still make the trip to its namesake: Porta da Cruz. Overseen by the precipitous Eagle Rock - Penha d’Aguia - this small 16th Century settlement has made a name for itself over the years, known for both its Americana red wine and its once-prominent sugar industry.

Further along the coastline, we move into the Madeiran farmlands. Small communities surrounded by agriculture lead the way to Santana, with its notable, thatched, A-frame houses. Built from whatever local materials available, these wood and stone homesteads are brightly decorated dwellings standing atop their own petite pastoral patches. Exceptionally preserved since the 16th Century, these traditional homes offer an authentic glimpse into the daily struggles of island survival in the 1500s.

After exploring the charming village of Santana, we’ll head to a renowned local winery perched on stunning hillside terraces overlooking the Atlantic. Here, you’ll uncover the secrets behind their exceptional wines while savouring a guided tasting of their finest selections. Following the tour, indulge in a delightful lunch featuring Madeiran cuisine, all while soaking up the splendid views of the ocean and vineyard landscapes.

From there, we're drawn inward towards the islands montane centre and a peak feature of the tour, the Ribeiro Frio National Park. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the vast majority of the park is beset by ancient laurel trees, the 'Laurisilva', and its environment abounds with indigenous plants and wildlife. The whole region is fundamental to Madeira's ecosystem with the island’s waterways, over 1,300 miles in length, being fed by the moisture captured by the forest.

Towering above even the clouds and bathed in cumulus, eucalyptus-scented mists is the grand Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest mountain on Madeira. With a peak at 5,930 feet, the vistas here are some of the most genuinely breathtaking and unforgettable you'll see. On a clear day, you might catch a glimpse of the Valley of the Nuns nestled far below, with nearly all of Madeira unfolding before you – including the island’s highest peak, the majestic 6,100-foot Pico Ruivo.

In the morning, for art enthusiasts, the Sacred Art Museum, housed in a 17th Century former bishop's palace is a must-visit. It boasts one of the world's finest collections of religious art, featuring masterpieces by renowned 15th and 16th Century Flemish painters such as Pieter Coeck van Aalst, commissioned by wealthy Madeiran merchants seeking spiritual redemption.

If you didn't care for the cable car at Monte earlier, why not make time for it today? Alternatively, you could ascend the steep path to São João Baptista do Pico, a commanding 17th Century fortress that has stood guard over Funchal for centuries, offering breathtaking views of the city.

Immerse yourself in Funchal's vibrant traditions by exploring its charming craft shops, each uniquely decorated and showcasing artisan tiles, exquisite wickerwork, and intricate embroidery. Follow this with a leisurely stroll along the Lido promenade and savour a seafood lunch by the water. For garden enthusiasts, Madeira's Botanical Gardens offer a final flourish of the island's spectacular flora.

Our morning unfolds with a journey into Madeira's beautiful interior, leading us to the Curral das Freiras, or Valley of the Nuns. The adventure begins at Eira do Serrado, standing over 3,500 feet above sea level, where you'll be greeted by jaw-dropping vistas of jagged peaks and deep chasms, offering a bird's-eye view of the secluded village nestled below.

Descending to Curral das Freiras, the valley's sense of isolation becomes clear. In 1566, the nuns of Funchal's Santa Clara convent sought refuge here, escaping a pirate attack. Today, this peaceful village is famed for its sweet chestnuts, grown on terraced hillsides and celebrated for their versatility. Sample these local delicacies, from cakes to soups to liqueurs, and discover the charm of an annual festival dedicated to this prized nut.

After lunch, we make our way to Câmara de Lobos, a picturesque fishing village situated around a tranquil bay, with Europe's highest cliffs providing a dramatic backdrop. This charming spot, with its colourful boats and whitewashed buildings topped with terracotta roofs, captivated Winston Churchill, who famously painted the harbour during his visit to Madeira in 1950.

Câmara de Lobos remains a thriving fishing port, where boats are hauled ashore after nightly excursions for the prized black scabbard fish, known locally as espada. Wander the cobbled streets, soak in the village's authentic charm, and step into Saint Anthony's Chapel, a humble sanctuary where fishermen's families have prayed for generations.

For a more leisurely pace, settle at a harbour café with a glass of poncha, the traditional blend of sugar cane spirit, honey, and lemon juice. Beloved by fisherman returning from their morning catch, this potent elixir is even said to be a cure for the common cold.