Excursions in Madeira
Evening with folklore (evening, Tue) £xx
Enjoy an entertaining fun evening in a typical Madeira restaurant with a traditional ‘espetada’ beef dish. During dinner guests will be entertained by fado singers and a folklore group that will welcome audience participation.
Rabaçal walk (full day, Tue) £xx
One of the best ways to discover the interior of the island and experience some of Madeira"s finest scenery at first hand. The tour takes guests up to Paul da Serra at over 4,000ft and then on to Rabaçal, a lush green valley, where the walk begins. Folowing the levadas to Risco and the 25 springs.
Taste of Madeira (West Island Tour) (full day, Wed) £xx
The tour follows the picturesque southern coast, passing by the picturesque village of Camara de Lobos and views of Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe, before making a stop in the seaside village of Ribeira Brava. The tour then takes a scenic drive across the mountains to Porto Moniz on the north coast. After lunch (included) the return journey follows part of the northern coast to Sao Vicente before returning across the island via Encumeada.
Palheiro Gardens & Walk (half day, Thu) £xx
This tour will provide an introduction to some of Madeira"s wonderful flora. The gardens of Quinta do Palheiro, currently owned by the Blandy family, were originally laid out in the 18th century. Some of the themed gardens continue to this day, whilst new plants have also been introduced. Following the visit of the gardens, we set off to follow one of the levadas that feeds water from the mountains to the plantations and houses below. Enjoy a pleasant walk with lovely views and fresh, clean mountain air.
Touch of Madeira (East Island Tour) (full day, Fri) £xx
Departing from Funchal, we drive up to Pico do Arieiro, the third highest peak at almost 6,000ft, from where there are magnificent views over the island. The winding road then leads down to Ribeiro Frio for a visit to the trout hatchery and a leisurely walk along the levada to Balcoes. The tour then continues to the north coast and the village of Santana, famous for its triangular thatched houses. Included lunch is taken at the Quinta do Furao, set in its own vineyard overlooking the ocean. The return journey follows the coast past Porto da Cruz and over the mountains to the fishing village of Machico before returning to Funchal and a guided visit of the Madeira Wine Lodge and tasting of a 10 year old vintage wine.
Levada Walk (half day, Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun) £xx
A guided walk alongside one of the unique irrigation channels - the Levadas that bring the water from the high mountains to the fields and villages. A walker’s paradise for mountain air and breathtaking scenery.
Best of Madeira (half day, Sat) £xx
A chance to see Funchal from above as you take the cable car up to Monte where you can visit the twin-towered church and if you choose, you can experience the famous toboggan ride in a wicker basket. The tour continues to Eira do Serrado for incredible views over the "Nun"s Valley", a small village situated deep in an extinct volcanic crater not far from Madeira"s highest peak. Taste some of the local Ginja, a speciality liqueur from the area, before returning to Funchal.
Nau Santa Maria - Sailing Trip (half day, daily) £xx
Enjoy either a morning or afternoon cruise along Madeira"s south coast, on board the Santa Maria - a replica of Christopher Columbus"s 15th century galleon. The wooden ship was lovingly built at Camara de Lobos and provides a wonderful experience with sails billowing from the three masts.
Whales and Dolphins (half day, daily) £xx
Owing to its unique location Madeira has waters that plunge to great depths and attract a large number of whales and dolphins. This excursion starts with a short introduction, on land, by marine biologists before proceeding on to the water. Observers on land will direct the boats to where the animals are spotted. On most trips you have the opportunity to spot pilot whales, bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins or other species. The specialised speed boats are semi-rigid fast secure boats with a capacity for 12 people.
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