Madeira: Pico do Arieiro, Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz
About Portugal - From $3,599.00 USD
Madeira wears two faces, and this trip shows you both. One is wild — volcanic ridges above the clouds, ancient forests thick with mist, ocean pools carved from black rock. The other is warm — long lunches with local families, folklore dinners that spill into dancing, poncha poured a little too generously. Somewhere between the two, the island's soul comes through.
Travel Style
The Geluxe Collection
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your OMG Day: Levada Hike or E-bike tour of the South Coast, Funchal
Your Foodie Moment: Espetada Lunch and Wine Tasting, São Vicente. Complimentary arrival and departure transfers. Pico do Arieiro visit. Dragon’s Tail viewpoint. Walk in Fanal Forest. Porto Moniz and swim inside natural pools. Choice of levada walk or E-Bike ride. Meet a local family at a wine tasting and vineyard lunch. Dinner with folklore dancing. Hands-on artisan workshop experience. Poncha tasting in traditional local tavern. Levada hike. Visit to local villages. Tips for all included meals and activities, except for CEO and Porterage. Departure transfer. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Stand above the clouds on Pico do Arieiro's volcanic ridges, Take in coastal cliffs from the wind-swept Dragon's Tail peninsula, Wander the ancient groves of the mystical Fanal Forest, Swim in Porto Moniz's crystal-clear basalt ocean pools, Choose between a levada walk or an e-bike ride, Meet a local family for a wine tasting and vineyard lunch, Dance the night away at a folklore dinner, Get hands-on with a local artisan workshop, Taste poncha in a local tavern
What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?
Max 16, Avg 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, walking, gondola
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (6 nts)
Itinerary
-
Funchal: Welcome to Madeira
Touch down in Funchal for a week of active discovery and cultural immersion. Transfer to your hotel in Funchal where you will meet your fellow travellers. Prepare for a trip of a lifetime including the cinematic Pico do Arieiro, trek along an emerald levada path, visits to hidden valleys and sun-drenched seaside villages. Every wild Atlantic vista is paired with curated comfort and deep local flavor. Arrive and transfer direct to your hotel. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group and CEO later this afternoon. Afterwards, enjoy an orientation walk and dinner with your CEO.
-
Madeira: Pico do Arieiro and Levada Hike
A winding morning journey sweeps you up to the majestic peaks of Pico do Arieiro to wander soaring walks above the clouds. Next, immerse yourself in nature on a gentle, levada trek through emerald forests to a panoramic lookout. Savor a leisurely, multi-course lunch pairing fresh regional flavors with dramatic Atlantic views at Quinta do Furão. Conclude your day exploring the sun-drenched coastal hamlet of Porto da Cruz and witnessing the raw, sculpted volcanic beauty of Ponta de São Lourenço (the Dragon's Tail) at golden hour, before returning to Funchal for an evening at your own pace. Enjoy a private transfer to Pico do Arieiro for viewpoint exploration. Next, come back down the mountain and stop for a guided 3km Balcões levada hike through the forest along the open-air irrigation channel, followed by a multi-course lunch at Quinta do Furão, a cliffside winery and retreat. End the day with a CEO-led visit to the seaside town of Porto da Cruz and Ponta de São Lourenço overlook. Return by private transfer to your hotel in Funchal for a free evening.
-
Funchal: Highlights and Culture
Uncover the heart of Funchal on a CEO guided walk. Meander into the vibrant local market, where you're free to sample fruits or relax at a cafe for lunch. Afterward, ascend to Monte via a panoramic cable car for breathtaking Atlantic views, with the option to descend via a thrilling, wicker toboggan ride. Delve into Madeira's living heritage during a private embroidery workshop and artisan demonstration, before concluding your day with a convivial, locally sourced dinner brought to life by spirited folklore dancing. Spend the day exploring Funchal. Start with a two-hour CEO-led walking tour and market visit with free time for lunch. Experience local culture at the Instituto do Vinho, do Bordado e do Artesanato da Madeira craft center. In the evening, enjoy a traditional group dinner with live folklore dancing.
-
Madeira: Your OMG Day
Today is all about you. Choose your own unforgettable morning adventure: explore more of Madeira’s iconic, emerald levada paths on a curated trek, or coast past dramatic Atlantic cliffs on an exhilarating e-bike tour of the sun-drenched south coast. After a leisurely lunch, journey to the historic fishing village of Câmara de Lobos with your CEO, stepping into a rustic waterfront tavern to sample authentic, citrus-infused poncha. Conclude your day in picturesque Ponta do Sol, unwinding at your hotel in the heart of this vibrant seaside hamlet. Morning transfer by private vehicle for your choice between a guided levada hike or a south coast e-bike tour, followed by an included lunch. An afternoon transfer includes a CEO-led visit to the local village of Câmara de Lobos where you have a traditional poncha tasting. Continue to your new hotel for check-in and time to relax in Ponta do Sol.
-
Madeira: Cabo Girão Skywalk and Winery Visit
Ascend to the breathtaking heights of Cabo Girão, standing on one of Europe’s highest cliff viewpoints to marvel at the sheer drop into the crashing Atlantic below. Your journey continues to a family-run estate in São Vicente, where you'll walk the sun-kissed vines, meet the winemakers, and savor a guided tasting of crisp Madeiran wines. Afterward, indulge in a traditional espetada lunch—succulent, garlic-marinated beef skewers grilled over open flames—paired with sweeping vineyard views. Return to Ponta do Sol for a relaxed, independent evening in this sun-drenched coastal haven. Your day begins with a private transfer to the Cabo Girão skywalk for sweeping ocean views. Continue to a São Vicente estate for a family-guided vineyard tour and wine tasting, followed by a traditional espetada lunch. Return to Ponta do Sol for a free afternoon and evening in town.
-
Madeira: Fanal Forest and Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
Immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of the mystical Fanal Forest, wandering beneath the twisted boughs of ancient, moss-draped laurel trees. Next, trace the dramatic coastline to Porto Moniz to gaze at cascading waterfalls and take an invigorating dip in the iconic, black-volcanic natural swimming pools carved into the Atlantic. After time for lunch on your own, return to your hotel for a relaxed afternoon. Celebrate your final evening with your CEO and fellow travelers, at a handpicked ocean-front restaurant for a farewell dinner celebrating authentic Madeiran gastronomy against a backdrop of crashing waves. Embark on an excursion to the famous Fanal Forest for a guided walk. Next continue by private vehicle for a coastal drive to Porto Moniz, passing waterfalls along the way. Upon arrival, enjoy an included opportunity for swimming in the natural seawater pools in the town. After time for lunch on your own, return to your hotel in Ponta do Sol for a free afternoon. Conclude your memorable journey with an included farewell dinner overlooking the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
-
Departure Day
Today your adventure comes to an end, but the memories made during your time in Madeira will live on. Your journey ends today with an included transfer to the airport in Funchal for your onward flights.
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
