Madeira Island Discovery

Our trip begins in Funchal, which will be our base for the next seven nights from which we will explore Madeira's highlights. Funchal takes its name from 'funcho', meaning fennel and according to local legend, when Zarco landed here in 1419, he named this spot after the abundance of the herb he found. Visiting sailors used to call the city 'Little Lisbon' because of the grandeur of its cathedral and the buildings that line its harbour.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Funchal at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Madeira International Airport (FNC), which is about 25 minutes' drive from our hotel . Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

Tonight you might like to try one of fresh seafood dishes that Madeira is known for, such as tuna with fried maize or black scabbard with fried banana, and for dessert perhaps have a taste of passionfruit pudding. Stay: Hotel do Carmo, Funchal (Comfortable)

Today, we leave Funchal on a full day tour of the north and north-west of the island. Driving west from the capital to Ribeira Brava and then up away from the coast and into the mountains to Encumeada. From here there's the chance to take an easy three kilometre walk along Levada Folhadal. Madeira's levadas are a unique series of mini-canals used for irrigation. There are a number of great walking trails on the island that follow these channels. After our walk we journey down through the forested area of Chao dos Louros to the pretty town of Sao Vicente on the north coast. From here, we drive along the dramatic corniche road along the north coast to the wonderfully remote town of Porto Moniz, once only connected by boat or arduous hiking routes to the rest of the island. Remember your swim suit and towel today as we'll have the chance for a refreshing swim at the natural rock pools of Porto Moniz, which is the perfect way to relax after a day spent exploring.

Finally we have yet another dramatic scenic drive back across the island making a stop at Miradouro do Tanque for captivating sea views before reaching the hotel in Funchal.

Depedning on the season, the Tour Leader might choose to reverse the itinerary to avoid the crowd in Porto Moniz and make the most of the natural swimming pools. Stay: Hotel do Carmo, Funchal (Comfortable) (B)

This morning, we drive to the Nun's Valley to visit the viewpoints at Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado, and then the Nun's Valley itself, which is located in the heart of the Madeira's mountains. We will stop in Curral das Freiras, a small parish surrounded by huge mountains. With its unique location, in a deep valley resembling a volcano crater, the parish of Curral das Freiras is one of the most picturesque places on the island of Madeira. Its surroundings are marked by the imposing presence of the mountain peaks that shelter the town. The town was named after the nuns of the Santa Clara Convent who, in 1566, found this to be the ideal refuge when pirates attacked Funchal: Curral das Freiras is one of the few places on the island that, being hidden between the mountains, is not visible from the sea.

After a morning of exploration, we have time to relax and soak up the history at Reid's Hotel, where Churchill used to stay in 1950s, and where we'll partake in afternoon tea inside before returning to our hotel in the late afternoon. For the afternoon tea please wear smart casual clothing and avoid wearing shorts, flip flops or sportswear, such as trainers to maintain the elegance of this timeless experience. Depending on the size of the group, the afternoon tea will either takes place inside or outside. Stay: Hotel do Carmo, Funchal (Comfortable) (B/L)

Each part of Madeira has its own character and today we are going to explore the eastern side of the island. We drive up into the mountains to Pico do Arieiro, which is at 1,810 metres above sea level. From here, we take in the view of rolling green hills and rocky mountain peaks. We continue through Laurissilva Forest to Ribeiro Frio for a walk along the levada to admire more of the unspoilt nature in this hilly part of the island.

When people think of Madeira many picture the traditional and colourful A-framed houses that are found in the northerly Santana area. We'll visit the Quinta do Furao to learn how this relatively flat region was one of the first to be settled for farming centuries ago.

We then continue to the most Eastern part of the Island, Ponta de Sao Lourenco, the easternmost point on the island and at Cristo Rei Viewpoint, in Garajau, we make a stop to admire the view towards Funchal and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

Finally, we will visit a local house in Camacha to learn how to make traditional bread from Madeira. A quiet and picturesque parish, Camacha is known for keeping alive many of its ancient customs and traditions. While waiting for the bread to cook in the oven, you will also have the opportunity to taste the most traditional drink of Madeira, Poncha and watch how to make it which is an experience in itself. Stay: Hotel do Carmo, Funchal (Comfortable) (B)

After breakfast, we walk to the marina and board a boat for a trip along the south coast. As if the unparalleled landscapes revealed in every corner of Madeira weren't enough, the crystal-clear waters of the archipelago are also home to a lively world. The sea, which in some areas reaches a 3000 metres depth, is home to an extremely rich fauna. While taking advantage of a pleasant boat ride, you are likely to come across a lively group of dolphins or catch a glimpse of whales.

Please note that in the event of poor weather it may be necessary to cancel this boat trip or change the day of operation.

We then return to Funchal where we take a walking tour around the capital and have the chance to taste typical Madeira food and drinks - at least three tastings are included with a few surprises!

We start in the historic centre of Funchal's Old Town, where you can find a large selection of restaurants and bars and also a permanent outdoor art gallery displaying over 200 works of art by guest artists that are painted onto the doors of Rua de Santa Maria. We'll have the opportunity to admire the colonial architecture outside Santiago Fort, the Regional Government Palace and the fort and palace of Sao Lourenco.

We then stop at the Mercado dos Lavradores - a fascinating fruit market where there's every fruit and vegetable imaginable and it offers a huge array of colours and sweet smells. Another market well worth seeing is the fish market where the fresh catches of day will be on sale. Next, we head to the Bordal Embroidery Factory, which produces some of the finest traditional embroidery and tapestries to be found on the island. We will also visit a century-old confectionery factory, Funchal Cathedral and to finish the Madeira Wine Company for a wine tasting.

The rest of the afternoon is free to discover more of the capital at your own leisure. Stay: Hotel do Carmo, Funchal (Comfortable) (B)

Today has been left free for you to further explore Funchal or there'll be the chance to go on a full day excursion to the island of Porto Santo by ferry. The journey takes approximately two and half hours each way. Porto Santo is a popular beach destination with the locals, and with its nine kilometre unspoilt white sand beach stretching all the way from Vila Baleira to Ponta de Calheta, it's easy to understand why. Whilst on the island you may also choose to visit the Columbus House Museum, which is the former home of the legendary explorer Christopher Columbus.

If you'd prefer to stay closer to Funchal then there are some great swimming opportunities nearby including the Lido Bathing Complex, Ponta Gorda Complex, Formosa Beach and Barreirinha Beach, which are all easily reachable by public bus. We recommend a visit to Blandy's Wine Lodge to understand more about how the four modern day Madeira wines came about, the island's long association with wine through the centuries and the Estufagem process. Followed by a tasting of this famous export of course!

For those who what something more active then there's the chance to walk around the lakes of Madeira. This full day trip is around the Rabacal area. The walk covers around 13 kilometres, takes five to six hours and is graded as moderate. If you'd like to go for a walk, but fancy something that's a bit shorter, then you could take the half day Vale Paraiso walk, which begins in Camacha. The walk covers around six and a half kilometres, takes two and a half hours and is graded as easy. Both walking options include your transfers and a local guide.

If you're looking to take things at a more relaxed pace then you may wish to take the cable car to Monte or to the Monte Botanical Gardens. The cable car to Monte takes approximately 15 minutes and then to the gardens it's a further nine minutes each way. The gardens have been open since the 1960s and are one of Madeira's best known tourist attractions. The huge gardens display over 2,500 exotic plants that provide an exuberance of colour and scents. You may decide to return from Monte to Livremento in Funchal (around 15 minutes' walk from our hotel) by a ride on a traditional wicker toboggan. The downhill journey takes about 10 minutes along a two kilometre long road course. The toboggan will be steered by two operators and can reach up to 48kms per hour.

If you are into food, ask your Tour Leader for 'the Madeira Genuine Food Experience'. The objective is to show a 3-course menu with drinks, where the products from the island and the local plantation will be highlighted. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with a welcome drink. Then, you will visit the agricultural production, where the products harvested will be present on the menu. During the dinner, you will be an integral part of the family and have the chance to create some bonds. At the end of the dinner, you will have the opportunity to taste a local digestif from Madeira. Stay: Hotel do Carmo, Funchal (Comfortable) (B/L)

This morning we drive west along the sun-drenched southern coast we reach Madalena do Mar, surrounded by banana plantations. We plan to follow a 2km easy walk along a levada through the plantation and the Leader will explain more about banana cultivation on the island and its importance for Madeira's economy.

Continuing along the scenic drive we head to Prazeres to visit Quinta Pedagogica and the Tea House, a place where you can try the Quinta's own herbal teas and buy local produce. Continuing the journey we reach Ponta do Pargo on the westernmost point of the island - an area less-visited by tourists and defined by its dramatic cliffs where the escarpment falls into the sea. The atmospheric setting of the lighthouse here offers a great viewpoint, towering some 290 metres above the sea. Most of the inhabitants of the charming, small village of Ponta do Pargo work in agriculture in the surrounding fields.

Then, we drive to Calheta to visit a sugar cane mill for a rhum tasting. We'll learn of the importance of sugar cane cultivation or 'white gold' and the production of local rhum.

On our route back to the capital we'll visit the Ethnographic Museum to learn more about Madeira's culture and traditions through the ages such as wine, fishing, transport and much more. Finally we will make a stop in Camara de Lobos, where we see a plaque and statue dedicated to Sir Winston Churchill who used to holiday on the island and would sit at this spot to paint the beautiful coastline scene. We'll also take a look at the street art here created from recycled drink cans used to decorate doors. Stay: Hotel do Carmo, Funchal (Comfortable) (B)

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Funchal.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Funchal at any time.

If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Madeira International Airport (FNC), which is about 25 minutes' drive from our hotel. (B)