Walking in Madeira (New Year)

The trip begins in Santana a beautiful village on the north coast. Home to Madeira's famed 'Bordado da Madeira' (embroidery) and traditional thatched 'A' frame houses known as 'palheiros'.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7.30pm 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 Santana at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Madeira Airport (FNC), which is a 40 minute drive from the airport. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

Christmas and New Year celebrations in Madeira offer a varied programme of cultural, folk and artistic events. You'll have your first glimpse of this in Santana tonight, walking through the decorated streets. Stay: Hotel O Colmo, Santana (Comfortable)

This morning we drive through a peaceful agricultural area, where the rich soil helps to yield up to 3 crops yearly, to the starting point of today's walk in Machico. We follow the levada through weaving through rural surroundings, where small plots are planted with various fruits and vegetables grow side by side with exotic forests. We follow the path to Boca do Risco, one of the most beautiful natural viewpoints on the East side of the Island. From here we walk along the cliff tops, with fine panoramic views and good wildlife opportunities including the Madeira Firecrest, an endemic bird species on the islands and a vast array of beautiful plants. The walk finishes at Porto da Cruz.

We drive back to Santana, 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.

Today's 8 kilometre/4.97 miles trek is expected to take around three hours with 100 metres/328 feet of ascent and descent. The cliff-side path is narrow in places, with small sections without railing protection where there is considerable exposure. Stay: Hotel O Colmo, Santana (Comfortable) (B)

This morning we drive up to Boaventure, a hamlet of houses perched on the hillside at the top of the valley. The trail begins with almost two hundred meters of incline, the rest is relatively flat, taking us from the top of the valley and winding down towards the coast. We walk to a hidden waterfall before entering the thick, lush UNESCO protected laurel forest and follow the Levada dos Tornos. The Levada dos Tornos is one of the most important levadas that passes through a big part of the Madeira Island to bring water from the north to the south. At breaks in the trees we will be afforded sweeping views of the valley, the cliff-side levada becomes more scenic as the views down to the coast open up.

From Faja do Penedo our vehicle takes us right along the north coast to Porto Moniz. The 16kilometres/9.94miles stretch of road from Sao Vicente to Porto Moniz took 16 years to complete and was built entirely by hand! Porto Moniz has unusual rock pools, created by volcanic activity. In summer the sun warms the trapped sea water making them excellent places to swim or simply bask after a day's walking. When the weather is rougher, the waves crash dramatically over the seawall and it is hard to believe that the rock pools really exist!

In the evening you can admire the Christmas lights and decorations at Porto Moniz. The festive season in Madeira starts in December when streets are magnificently decorated, and the colourful lights are switched on until early January.

Today's 13 kilometre/8.07 miles trek is expected to take around five hours with 280 metres/918 feet of ascent and descent. There are several small sections of the hill-side levada without railing protection. Stay: Hotel Euro Moniz (Comfortable) (B)

Today's walk starts at Rabaçal where we follow the Levada do Alecrim (rosemary), one of the most beautiful levadas of Madeira. Along the trail there is a high rate of endemic flora and amazing views onto the Rabaçal and Ribeira da Janela valleys. We will reach the majestic Lagoa do Vento a river basin formed by the water which falls from the top of the cliff, coming from the Ribeira do Lajeado and moving towards the waterfall of Risco. After a quick stop and swim we have an hour walking amongst the Laurel forest to reach the house of Rabaçal where we will stop for lunch.

After lunch we follow the Levada do Risco to the waterfall that feeds this levada. After enjoying this magnificent viewpoint we continue to the 800metres/2624feet Tunel dos Cavaleiros through which the beautiful valley of Calheta and the sea is visible. We drive to Ponta del Sol, a small coastal town in the south of the island.

Today's 12 kilometre/7.45 miles trek is expected to take around five hours with 475 metres/1558 feet of descent. Stay: Hotel do Carmo, Funchal (Comfortable) (B)

Today we drive to the south coast of the island, making a stop at Ponta do Vigia, the westernmost tip of the island. The lighthouse here stands on the cliffs 300 metres/984 feet above the waves. Built in 1922, it houses a small museum containing exhibits on the lighthouses of Madeira. Our walk todays begins from Lombada just inland from Ponta de Sol. We follow the Levada Nova, guiding us round the hillside with views over the coastline and villages of Ribeira Brava. The landscape here gives us a great insight into local livelihoods and traditions, passing banana plantations, cultivated fields and colourful endemic flor, which the tour leader will point out along the route.

The walk ends in Ribeira Brava, where we can stop for a refreshment. From here the bus takes us onto Funchal, our base for the next 4 nights. 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.

Tonight there is the option to have a three-course dinner at your hotel, please see the optional excursion section for more details. This can be arranged by your leader at the beginning of the trip. New Year's Eve is celebrated everywhere on the island, the highlight of the festivities is the spectacular fireworks display that illuminates the skies over Funchal. As the clock strikes 12 the sky lights up, with an unforgettable non-stop Fireworks display, a wonderful way to see in the New Year. You can get a brilliant view from the hotel's rooftop terrace!

Today's 10 kilometre/6.21 miles trek is expected to take around four hours with 50 metres/164 feet of ascent and descent. There are several small sections of the hill-side levada without railing protection. Stay: Hotel do Carmo, Funchal (Comfortable) (B)

Today's walk starts at Pico Arieiro (1,862metres/6109feet). From here we follow the trail to the summit of Pico Ruivo (1,862metres/6109feet), Madeira's highest point, where on a clear day we are rewarded with stunning views down over the island. This route includes walking part of the famous Balcony Walk and through several tunnels (a torch is necessary) including the Túnel do Pico do Gato. This walk can be more challenging than the previous walks, and there are some short, steep sections involving stone steps and metal staircases.

From the pico we descend to Achada de Texeira (1,542metres/5059feet) before returning by minibus to the island's capital. The old part of town has many restaurants where you can try Espada, a long flat fish unique to the waters around Madeira (and some islands in Japan). This fish has very large eyes and can live at depths below 800metres/2624feet. The Madeirans serve it with banana, which is a delicious combination!

Perhaps the best way to spend the evening is on the harbour front, sampling a glass of the famous Madeira wine, enjoyed by many throughout the ages, including Sir Winston Churchill. To note that the 1st January is a national holiday in Madeira so many shops, market and services are closed however most restaurants and bars remain open.

Today's 11 kilometre/6.83 miles trek is expected to take around five-and-a-half hours with 320 metres/1049 feet of ascent and descent.

*Please note that the walk from Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo can be closed in bad weather. In this case your tour leader will offer you the best alternative walk for the weather and the group. Stay: Hotel do Carmo, Funchal (Comfortable) (B)

This morning there is the option for your tour leader to guide an hour's orientation walk around the old town or explore on your own. Discover the narrow, cobbled lanes, passing renovated fishermen's cottages, restaurants, art and craft shops. Visit the Mercado dos Lavradores, farmers market an Madeiran embroidery workshop. Take time to admire the art work painted on the doors of oldest street, Rua de Santa Maria. There is the opportunity to visit the Brady's wine cellar and taste the different varieties of Madeira wine, the famous fortifies wine produced in the island since the 17th century.

In the afternoon there is choice of activities. You could take a half day cruise and try your luck searching for whales and dolphins. You may simply wish to enjoy more time exploring Funchal, strolling through the botanic gardens, taking afternoon tea at the atmospheric Reids Palace Hotel, or riding the cable car up to the tropical gardens at Monte. There is also the option of a half day excursion to Nun's Valley and visit a Christmas village with many decorations and nativity scene, where details and scenes of Madeiran daily life are well represented. 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 Airport (FNC), which a 25 minutes' drive . (B)