Madeira Pearl of the Atlantic Tour

Day 1 – Travel to Madeira

We depart Dublin on our direct Scheduled flight to Funchal, Madeira. On arrival, you’ll be met by our tour leader who will lead the group to our local tour guide. You will then transferred by coach to the centrally located 4* Vila Baleira hotel where you will be staying.

Day 2 – Funchal, Blandys Garden, Eira do Serrado

After breakfast at your hotel you’ll have a short bus ride to Funchal. Your guide will then take you on a fascinating walking tour of the city. This will give you an opportunity to soak in the atmosphere as well as taking note of where you’d like to revisit on your free days. A must-see is the Market a feast for the senses, full of noise, aroma and colour. You’ll get some free time here to indulge your taste for treats as you make the deliciously difficult choice of where to have lunch.

After lunch we visit the beautiful “Blandy’s Garden, home to over 200 species of exotic plants and flowers a horticulturalist’s dream. Then onwards and upwards to Eira do Serrado, a viewing point overlooking the Nun’s valley where a beautiful, traditional village lies nestled between the verdant mountains. Here in stunning isolation the locals live off what they grow themselves as they have done for centuries.

At the end of the day, you’ll be driven back to your hotel. Dinner is included.

Day 3 – Day at Leisure, Typical Madeiran Evening

Today is a free day for you to enjoy Madeira at your leisure.

In the evening you’ll experience a mouth-watering selection of dishes at a typical Madeiran restaurant. The highlights are Espetada succulent marinated beef cooked over an open fire on a laurel skewer and Milho Frito delicious golden fried maize. And of course, you can sample the superb local wines. There’ll be traditional music and entertainment and a warm welcome from your hosts who’ll ensure you have a great time.

Day 4 – Camara de Lobos, Cabo Girao, Porto Moniz

After breakfast it’s on to Camara de Lobos, a seaside village where the famous ‘espada’ or scabbard fish is caught. It’s not the prettiest catch you’ll ever see but it’s delicious. Afterwards you’ll visit Cabo Girao which at 580m is Europe’s highest sea cliff a surefire photo opportunity indeed. Then it’s on to the beautiful city of Ribeira Brava for some sightseeing before boarding your coach and making your way up to the plateau of Paul Da Serra 1400m above sea level. This is a breathtaking location that is well worth the journey. The descent from the plateau will bring you to the charming town of Porto Moniz where you can see the natural pools carved out by ancient lava flows. We will stop here, giving you some free time for lunch.

After lunch you’ll begin the return to your hotel. Along the way you’ll pass through the towns of Seixal and Sao Vicente as the road takes you to a height of almost 1700m and you can see the coast on both sides of the island.

Day 5 – Day at Leisure

This is a full day of leisure giving you ample opportunity for sightseeing, souvenir hunting or

relaxing. Or perhaps all three!

Day 6 – Camacha, Ribeiro Frio, Santana, Ponta de Sao Lourenco, Machio

After breakfast you will go to the village of Camacha and to Madeira’s highest mountain Pico do Arieiro. This magnificent peak allows you to look down upon the clouds on most days. On a clear day you can see the neighbouring island of Porto Santo. Having taken your fill of fresh air and giddy heights you’ll drive back down to the gorgeous village of Ribeiro Frio and its equally gorgeous national park. Time permitting you’ll visit a local trout farm and the Laurisilva Forest which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your journey will then continue on to the village of Santana where you will stop and have some free time for lunch.

After lunch you’ll visit Ponta de Sao Lourenco, the island’s easternmost point where the scenery shows evidence of Madeira’s volcanic past. Last stop on your journey will be a visit to the island’s original capital Machio. We will finish the day visit with the Rum Tour.

Day 7 – Day at Leisure

A free day to allow you to savour the beauty and tranquillity of this charming destination. Maybe return to a cafe or restaurant you found earlier in the trip. Last minute souvenirs or selfies?

Day 8 – Fly home

Breakfast at your hotel.

Then it’s time to transfer to the airport and say farewell to Funchal, Madeira and a truly memorable journey.

Please note that this is our planned itinerary but sometimes due to circumstances outside our control we may have to alter it slightly.