Mad for Madeira

Portugal’s favorite island offers a wealth of experiences, from its lush, tropical gardens and sandy beaches to its relaxed café culture. We’ll explore the island’s highlights, including a locally guided tour of Funchal, a scenic cable car ride to the quirky Monte Palace Gardens, and an exhilarating traditional wicker toboggan ride. You’ll also have time to wander through Funchal’s vibrant market, enjoy some retail therapy, and share a traditional dinner with your fellow travelers.  As Madeira’s most famous son, Cristiano Ronaldo, would say—visiting this unique island is a real winner!

Itinerary Overview 

Day 1 – Arrive Funchal, Madeira 

Day 2 – Funchal, Madeira 

Day 3 – Funchal, Madeira  

Day 4 – Funchal, Madeira 

HIGHLIGHTS 

• Ride a cable car high above Funchal and explore the exotic Monte Palace Gardens 

• Stroll Funchal’s delicious farmers market and delightful botanical gardens on a guided tour of the city 

• Whizz down Funchal’s steepest streets on a traditional wicker toboggan ride 

• Enjoy a cultural evening and espectada dinner 

 

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 Funchal, Madeira 

Arrive Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport and meet your transfer driver in the arrivals hall. Transfer to the Melia Madeira Mare Hotel, for your three-night stay in Madeira’s capital city. Your city host will greet you at the hotel, assist with your check-in and provide local advice. Your day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel. 

Located only a short distance from the center of Funchal, the Meliá Madeira Mare offers a breathtaking view over the Atlantic Ocean and easy access to the sea-front promenade. Our rooms offer a sea view and feature air-conditioning, LCD TVs, and free Wi-Fi access. The hotel has a selection of on-site restaurants and bars, a health club with a fitness center, gym, and Jacuzzi, a spa, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. 

Accommodation: Meliá Madeira Mare – sea view room

Day 2 Funchal, Madeira

This morning, we ascend the heights of the Funchal to the eclectic suburb of Monte. Approached by cable car, the Monte Palace Garden is perched on a hilltop with panoramic views over Funchal’s bay. Surrounded by exotic flora, sculptures and works of art, this sprawling 18th century estate was established by Charles Murray, the English consul, but it was the eccentric Alfredo Guilherme Rodrigues, who built a palatial residence and created the eclectic gardens which entertain and educate. 

The modern-day Monte Palace Madeira Garden’s spread over 70,000 square meters and display some 100,000 plant species collected from around the world. Standing out from this extensive collection are the centenary cycads, considered living fossils. Sculptures, stone lanterns, peacocks, swans and a vast selection of Portugal’s famous tiles are scattered throughout the grounds. 

Our descent from the suburb affectionately known as Monte, is uniquely Madeiran. Our local ‘drivers’ guide us down the steep streets to Funchal city, on a traditional wicker basket toboggan. This fun ride gathers pace as our professional driver steers us the two kilometers on this specially designed sled, a tradition which dates back over a century when residents used the weaved baskets as a mode of transportation. 

The afternoon is yours to relax or explore the island independently, this afternoon before we head out on the town for a traditional dinner. Nothing says Madeira like Espetada. Juicy grill-seared chunks of beef served over thick slices of artisan bread, Espetada, or Portuguese Beef Skewers, are an island favorite. We indulge in a variety of Madeiran dishes at a local eatery over a glass or two of Portuguese wines, while our local host tells tales of living on this island paradise. 

Accommodation: Meliá Madeira Mare – sea view room
Meals: Breakfast, dinner 

 

Day 3 Funchal, Madeira 

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before exploring Funchal this morning on a locally guided city tour.   

Set within a natural amphitheater along the south coast of Portugal’s island of Madeira, Funchal is the capital city of the Madeira Archipelago. Perfectly positioned against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters and forested mountains, Funchal is renowned for its grand gardens, rich heritage, and al fresco cafes.  Our tour showcases the Gothic and Romanesque architecture of the Se Cathedral and the 15th-century Sao Tiago Fortress, before heading to the famed Madeira Botanical Gardens which are decorated with over 2000 plants. Funchal’s consistent tropical climate makes its location a gardener’s delight. The islands famous flower festival attracts visitors from around the world, while garden aficionados are guaranteed a variety of blooming species of flowers, perfectly trimmed topiary and sightings of rare plants year-round.  

Returning to our hotel, there’s time to enjoy lunch (own expense), and a leisurely afternoon. This evening, we farewell Funchal with a group dinner at one of the city’s popular restaurants. 

Accommodation: Meliá Madeira Mare – sea view room
Meals: Breakfast, dinner 

 

Day 4 Funchal, Madeira 

As our time on Madeira comes to an end, we transfer as a group to Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, after breakfast. Note: We suggest that your flight departs after 12:00pm. (Private transfers can be requested for alternative times – own expense)        

Meals: Breakfast 

 

TOUR INCLUSIONS 

• Services of an English-speaking city host dedicated to our group 

• Gratuities for city host / local guide and driver 

• 3 nights’ accommodation at the Melia Madeira Mare in a sea view room 

• Breakfast daily  

• Two dinners including a Espectada evening 

• Cable car ride to Monte Palace 

• Visit to Monte Palace Gardens 

• Guided Wicker toboggan ride 

• Funchal city tour with a visit to the farmer’s market and Funchal Botanical Gardens 

• Transport when applicable on private coach 

• Group transfers on Day 4 hotel to Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (Madeira Airport) 

• All coach parking fees and coach permits 

• VAT and city taxes  

• Porterage for 1 piece of luggage 

• Gratuities for city guides and drivers  

 

TOUR EXCLUSIONS  

• International or domestic flights  

• Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary  

• Airport arrival or departure taxes  

• Passport, visa, reciprocity fees and vaccination charges  

• Hotels and meals not listed  

• All items of a personal nature including but not limited to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, additional gratuities, Wi-Fi if not included at hotel, email or phone charges  

 

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