Funchal at sunset - Madeira - Portugal
Save %
FROM: USD $0 pp

PRIVATE TOUR: Set off on a 5-day tour of Madeira, based in the charming city of Funchal. Travel through the island’s east and west coasts, from Santana’s traditional thatched houses to the golden bay of Machico. Continue past Camara de Lobos, towering Cabo Girao and the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz, with sweeping views across rugged valleys and green hills. Choose between whale watching or a walk along the famous Levada do Rabacal before returning to relax in Funchal.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates

Trip Highlights

Funchal - Explore Madeira’s charming capital with its cobbled streets, lively markets and oceanfront setting
Santana - Visit the colourful triangular thatched houses that symbolise Madeira’s rural heritage
Madeira Ocean - Cruise the Atlantic in search of dolphins and whales guided by local marine experts
Pico do Areeiro - Enjoy sweeping mountain views from one of the island’s highest peaks at 1,818 metres
Levada do Rabacal - Walk along peaceful mountain trails beside flowing water channels through lush laurel forest

Included

4 breakfasts
Services of expert English-speaking guides for included sightseeing
Arrival airport transfer on day 1 & departure airport transfer on day 5
The choice of a Whale watching or hiking tour on day 4
4 nights in 4 star hotels
Transportation in private vehicles
2 Tours of the east and west coasts of Madeira

Not Included

International flights & visas
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!
City Taxes
Meals not specified in itinerary
Entry fees to monuments and museums

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Madeira!

Once you have arrived at Madeira Airport, a transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel, where you will stay for the next four nights.

After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You may like to take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Funchal, ride the cable car, and end the day with dinner at a traditional restaurant, where you can sample some of Madeira’s local cuisine.
Overnight: Funchal

Day 2

Discovering the East of Madeira

Funchal – Santana – Machico – Funchal. Today, you will explore the eastern side of Madeira, a region rich in natural beauty and tradition. The first stop is Terreiro da Luta, followed by a drive towards Pico do Areeiro. Standing 1,818 meters above sea level, it is the island’s third highest peak and offers magnificent views over the surrounding mountains and valleys.

From here, you will descend through the forest towards the coast to see one of Madeira’s last traditional thatched houses. Passing through picturesque villages and along scenic coastal roads, you will reach the island’s easternmost point, where you can enjoy panoramic views of both the northern and southern shores.

On the northern slope, the tour continues to Ribeiro Frio, a well-known area for walks along one of the island’s scenic water channels. This region is home to trout ponds and surrounded by the ancient Laurissilva forest, a lush remnant of Madeira’s original vegetation. You will then stop in Santana, where you will have time for lunch, a charming village famous for its triangular thatched houses.

In the afternoon, travel towards Ponta de Sao Lourenco, where dramatic cliffs and striking rock formations meet the sea. The day concludes in Machico, where you can admire views over the bay and its golden sandy beach before returning to your hotel.
Overnight: Funchal  |  Breakfast

Day 3

Discovering the West of Madeira

Funchal - Camara de Lobos – Ribeira Brava – Sao Vicente – Porto Moniz – Funchal. This morning, you will begin your tour at the traditional fishing village of Camara de Lobos, known for its colorful boats and seaside charm. The journey then continues to Cabo Girao, the second highest cliff in the world and the tallest in Europe, offering breathtaking views over the coastline and ocean below.

Reaching Ribeira Brava, you will travel north through the narrow valleys of Serra d’Agua towards Encumeada, a stunning viewpoint at the top of the valley where you can see both the southern and northern coasts of the island.

You will then continue to Sao Vicente, one of the largest villages on Madeira’s north coast, before arriving at Porto Moniz. Here, you will have around an hour to enjoy lunch and admire the impressive natural volcanic pools formed by ancient lava flows.

On the return journey, you will cross the island’s highest plateau, Paul da Serra, taking in the sweeping panoramic views that stretch across Madeira’s rugged landscape.
Overnight: Funchal  |  Breakfast

Day 4

Ocean Encounters or Mountain Trails

You will have the choice between two exciting experiences: a dolphin and whale watching excursion or the famous Levada do Rabacal hike.

Dolphin & Whale Watching
If you choose the dolphin and whale watching option, you will join local guides who will take you to the best areas for observing these incredible animals in their natural environment. Nature leads the way on this adventure, so each trip offers a new surprise. While the common dolphin is most frequently seen, you may also spot other species such as bottlenose dolphins, minke whales and sea turtles.

Levada do Rabacal
Alternatively, you may prefer to experience the Levada do Rabacal on a four-hour hiking tour. This scenic walk follows one of Madeira’s beautiful water channels through lush greenery and peaceful mountain landscapes. Hiking routes are flexible and may vary depending on the season and weather conditions, so please contact us for further details.
Overnight: Funchal  |  Breakfast

Day 5

Farewell to Madeira

After your final breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.

At a Glance

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Funchal
Ends
Funchal
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 8
Hotel Rating
4-star hotels
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing
Meals
Breakfast: 4
Countries
Minimum Age
No minimum age
Arr. Transfer
Yes - day 1
Dep. Transfer
Yes - day 5
OTG005626Madeira Discovery - 5 daysEuropeEuropefalsehttps://www.onthegotours.com/Portugal/Madeira-Discovery-5-dayshttps://www.onthegotours.com/repository/Funchal-at-sunset--Madeira--Portugal-1092671763741726_crop_flip_300_300_f2f2f2_center-center.jpgPrivate_Tours