Madeira island vacation package: Portugal’s Pearl of the Atlantic
Madeira island vacation package: Portugal’s Pearl of the Atlantic
7 Days Starting and ending in Funchal, Portugal
Visiting: Funchal, Jardim do Mar, Madalena do Mar
Tour operator:
Tour code:
T039
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 12
Age range:
15-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat, Vegans, Gluten Free
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Tiny Madeira has it all – vineyards and volcanoes, black-sand beaches and ancient forests, remote trails and a cosmopolitan capital. Add to that its wildlife, balmy climate and mouth-watering local delicacies and it’s easy to see why this rugged, mist-clad island is known as the Pearl of the Atlantic. Our small-group, expert-led Madeira vacation package gently guides you to the heart of this spellbinding island. Led by Dr Vickie Heaney, an artist and ornithologist, who herself lives on an island in England but enjoys regular trips to Madeira. With her, you’ll explore the island’s best sights, enjoy leisurely walks, and savour authentic Madeiran flavours. Relax in a stylish boutique hotel set across five beautifully restored buildings that span 300 years of history, with views across the beautiful Bay of Funchal.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Funchal, Meet Your Tour Leader And Group
Location: Funchal
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Castanheiro Hotel, Funchal
Meals Included: Dinner
An optional short afternoon walking tour of Funchal with your tour leader, before the group gathers early evening for a welcome drink – time for introductions and overview of your Madeira vacation.
Hotel: The Castanheiro Hotel, Funchal
Group dinner at the hotel
Day 2 : Jeep Safari Tour To Mountains And Fishing Villages
Location: Jardim do Mar, Madalena do Mar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Castanheiro Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Full day private 4 x 4 tour, off the beaten track, with local guide taking you through amazing mountains to explore the beautiful fishing villages and banana plantations of Magdelena do Mar. Explore the narrow stone cobbled streets of Paul and Jardim do Mar, with time for tasting local delicacies along the way. There will be plenty of stops for refreshments and photos. See local life, with locals as your guide.
Hotel: The Castanheiro Hotel, Funchal
Free evening to dine in the hotel or choose a nearby restaurant
Day 3 : Morning Wildlife Safari Boat Trip And Afternoon Guided Private City Heritage Tour
Location: Funchal
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Castanheiro Hotel, Funchal
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning sea safari boat trip in Magic Dolphin’s eco catamaran offering good chance of seeing dolphins, whales or turtles. For those who like a more exhilarating trip, choose Magic Dolphin’s fast rib which goes further out to sea.
Afternoon Funchal guided heritage tour with specialist local tour company. The well paced 2.5 hour private walking tour starts at the hotel, takes in the cathedral, the market and the old town.
Hotel: The Castanheiro Hotel, Funchal
Free evening to dine in the hotel or choose a nearby restaurant
Day 4 : Early Pico Do Arieiro Sunrise Trip And Laurissilva Levada Hike And Evening Authentic Madeira Dining Experience
Location: Funchal
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Castanheiro Hotel, Funchal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Early morning trip to see the sunrise at Pico Do Arieiro or Sao Lourenco followed by a walk through the protected UNESCO World Heritage Laurissilva rainforest.
Free afternoon for guests to choose from other local experiences, such as the cable cars, basket toboggans or vintage car ride.
Guests might want to take the ferry to Porto Santo for the day or explore more of Funchal.
Hotel: The Castanheiro Hotel, Funchal
Private authentic evening food experience for the group, meeting local food producers, at their small farm. After a welcome drink, enjoy a tour of the farm with your host, harvesting together some of the ingredients for your 3-course meal, with plenty of vegetarian dishes to taste. Enjoy the fantastic views over Funchal.
Day 5 : Funchal Farmers Market
Location: Funchal
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Castanheiro Hotel, Funchal
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning there’s an opportunity to go and visit Funchal’s farmers market, Mercado dos Lavradores, famous for its excellent regional produce.
Private wine tasting and tour at Blandy’s this afternoon, or a visit to the tea cafe near the hotel to try the Madeiran speciality of blue tea.
Hotel: The Castanheiro Hotel, Funchal
Free evening to dine in the hotel or choose a nearby restaurant
Day 6 : Full-Day 4X4 Jeep Safari And Volcanic Pools
Location: Funchal
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Castanheiro Hotel, Funchal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leisurely drive through the old roads across the countryside to Paul de Serra and then to Porto Moniz. We’ll stop for lunch and an opportunity to swim in the natural volcanic pools. We will return via the north coast villages and see the beautiful waterfalls.
Hotel: The Castanheiro Hotel, Funchal
Final group dinner
Day 7 : Tour Ends
Location: Funchal
Meals Included: Breakfast
This is where your Madeira, Portugal vacation ends. Depart after breakfast.
Note: If required for reasons beyond our control, GeoCultura reserves the right to substitute alternative accommodation of equal or higher quality or adapt the itinerary if required.
What's Included
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Accommodation
All accommodation costs for the nights stated, assuming two people sharing a double room. Single occupancy of a double room is available for a surcharge of £549 for the March 2025 tour and £710 on the October 2025 tour.
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Meals
6 breakfasts, and 3 group dinners. (3 free evenings)
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Transport
All transportation costs once checked into the hotel
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Guides
The services of your expert tour leader who will be with the group throughout the tour, staying at the same hotel.
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Service charge
All service charges and most gratuities
What's Not Included
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Additional Services
Personal expenditures, any alcoholic drinks with meals, and extras at hotels such as laundry bills.
Extra or optional activities not described in the tour are not included. -
Airport Transfers at Destination
Air fares to Funchal not included, please arrange suitable travel to the island.
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Insurance
Travel insurance.
Guests should carry their own health and travel insurance. -
Meals
Lunches not included and 3 dinners not included.
Mode of Transport
Transport will be by 4×4 jeeps, minibus, and passenger boat.
Accommodation
Nights 1 – 6 at the Castanheiro Boutique Hotel, Funchal
This boutique hotel comprises five historically classified buildings, that lead guests on a journey through three centuries in the heart of a historic zone overlooking the Bay of Funchal.
Check out our Q&As
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, the tour price will include all the entrance fees for the planned visits in the itinerary.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, we are happy to discuss your arrival and departure needs and arrange accommodation for any additional nights before or after the tour. We can make these bookings for you and add to the final invoice.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
We ensure all solo travellers have a double-bedded room for their own use. The supplement for this tour is available for a surcharge of £549 for March 2025 and £710 on the October 2025 tour.
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What is the maximum group size?
No more than 10 places on this tour.
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How much walking is involved?
As you will be part of a small group (maximum 10 people) it's easy for us to adapt the itinerary, and any walks, to suit your mobility and fitness level. Sometimes guests choose to opt out of a short walk or only do part of it. If any of the group want a longer walk that can always be arranged.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Detailed itinerary and joining instructions. We also ask about dietary requirements and any other information which you would like to share to ensure the tour meet your needs.
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How do you choose the accommodation?
In England, where distances between our tour stops are shorter, we choose hotels or Inns in small towns or villages, where it's easy for you to wander out to explore, when you have free time. In remote locations, with limited choice, we check out the options to ensure you won't be disappointed. We look for high standards of cleanliness, a warm welcome and an emphasis on good local food.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Please see our terms and conditions. We will always try and offer you an alternative date and tour.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Tuesday - Monday
Mar 18, 2025 - Mar 24, 2025Friday - Thursday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Terms and Conditions