- A blooming island in the middle of the Atlantic
- Funchal with its traditional flower and fish market
- Hiking to taste around the irrigation canals of the “levadas”
- Wild mountainous hinterland with lush vegetation
- Laurel forest – UNESCO natural heritage site
Tour program:
DAY 1: PRAGUE – FUNCHAL BY AIR
By air Prague – Funchal (ev. with a change in Lisbon), accommodation in the city centre.
2. DAY 2: EASTERN PART OF THE ISLAND – SANTA CRUZ, SAO LORENҪO PENINSULA
Drive along the coast to C. Ronaldo Airport outside Santa Cruz (admirable landings on a unique runway built on pillars at the edge of the ocean), then on to Caniҫalu, a hike to a narrow rocky islet jutting out into the ocean, the Sao Lorenҫo Peninsula. Back to Funchal, walk along the beaches of Formosa with the possibility of swimming.
3. DAY 2: NORTH OF THE ISLAND – CASA DAS QUEIMADAS, CALDEIRÃO DO INFERNO A VERDE
Transfer to the northern coast to the town of Santana, from inland to Casa das Queimadas, from there a hike along the levada to Caldeirão Verde (the “Green Cauldron” with a pond into which falls about 300 m waterfall, one of the most secluded parts of the island with many views and lush vegetation), depending on the condition, it is possible to continue to Caldeirão do Inferno (“Hell’s Cauldron” characterized by rock passages, a deep canyon and at the end a rock cauldron with trickles running down the walls). Drive along the northern coast to São Vincente, with the possibility of visiting a volcanic cave.
4. DAY 4: FUNCHAL CAPITAL
Visit the Town Hall Square with its Baroque Town Hall, Sé Cathedral, Santa Clara Monastery, the famous Mercados dos Lavradores (busy market with flowers, fruit and fish). Departure to the outskirts of Funchal, Monte (formerly a resort of European nobility), visit to the church of Igeja Nossa Senhora do Monte and the beautiful Jardim Botánico (botanical garden, a paradise for flower lovers), for those interested a ride down the so-called Monte roller coaster (ride down to Funchal in a wicker sleigh).
5. DAY 5: WEST OF THE ISLAND – RISCO WATERFALL, LEVADOU 25 SPRINGS AND PORTO MONIZ
Departure to the plateau of Paul da Serra at 1600 m (the only flat place in Madeira), then towards Rabaҫal, from where you will hike to the impressive Risco waterfall and then to the 25 springs of the lava (a lushly vegetated couloir with numerous trickles of water). The next stop will be in the northwestern corner of the island, the small town of Porto Moniz with volcanic lakes suitable for swimming (possibility of visiting the marine aquarium).
6. DAY 6: CENTRAL PART OF THE ISLAND – PICO ARIEIRO AND RUIVO, VERADA DOS BALCÕES
Transfer to the mountainous, central part of the island and drive to the scenic peak of Pico Arieiro (1818m). From here we will continue to Ribeiro Frio, from where we will walk along the levadas through native laurel forests to the Verada dos Balcões viewpoint (beautiful views of the rugged mountainous interior). Transfer to Achada do Teixeira and climb the highest peak of the island, Pico Ruivo (1862 m). On the way back, stop in the picturesque town of Santana with its traditional brightly painted houses with reed roofs.
7. DAY 7: CENTRAL PART OF THE ISLAND – PAUL DA SERRA, LEVADA DO PAUL AND CABO GIRÃO
Central (flat) part of the island – drive to the Paul da Serra plateau, from there hike along the Levada do Paul (a vast plateau with views of the sea and the mountainous part of the island). Transfer to the Encumeada mountain saddle and then to the sea to the second highest cliff in Europe – Cabo Girão (580 m) – a viewpoint with a glass floor; afternoon free time in Funchal.
8. DAY 8: BUSINESS TRAIL FROM MACHICA TO PORTO DA CRUZ
A panoramic walking tour along the old trade route from Machico to Porto da Cruz, with spectacular views of the sea along the way. In the afternoon, optional boat trip for dolphin and whale watching (depending on the season). In the evening a final tasting of a local traditional drink – poncha:-).
9. DAY: BY AIR PRAGUE – FUNCHAL
By air Prague – Funchal (according to the flight schedule with or without transfer).
Further information
The price of this tour usually includes:
- the services of a Czech guide
- international airfare
- accommodation – 8x hotel – 3*** level with breakfast (double room)
- transport by minibus
- information materials
- CK insurance against bankruptcy
The price of this tour usually does not include:
- Optional excursions (boat trip to Porto Santo Island, Montana water slide, Columbus sailing trip, traditional Madeira evening)
- single room supplement
- other meals
- entrance to monuments
- insurance for medical expenses or cancellation fees (we will be happy to arrange)
Optional excursions:
- boat trip to Porto Santo Island (60 EUR/person)
- dolphin and whale watching cruise (50 EUR/person)
- Montana water slide (25 EUR/person)
- São Vincente Cave entrance (8 EUR/person)
- traditional Madeira evening (25 EUR/person)
- botanical garden (6 EUR/person)
- visit to a winery with wine tasting (EUR 7)
Organiser.
Note: The program can be modified according to your request (for example, shorten the day or add more hiking, or tour without Czech guide….). Suitable group size 5-8 persons.
