Madeira: Pico do Arieiro, Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz

7 Days Funchal Return
Madeira: Pico do Arieiro, Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz
Madeira: Pico do Arieiro, Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz
Madeira: Pico do Arieiro, Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz
New Release
G Adventures
Trip Operated By:
G Adventures
 (151) Reviews
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.
Our Price From
A$5,026 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Check Availability
Trip Length
7 Days
Trip Starts
Funchal
Trip Ends
Funchal
All-Inclusive Level
Budget
Premium
Age Range
0-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
EPMF
Countries Visited:

Itinerary

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.

Accommodation: Editory House Garden
Included Meals: Dinner
Included Experiences
  • Arrival Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
  • Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. 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.

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.

Accommodation: Editory House Garden
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
  • Visit to Pico do Arieiro: Stand atop Pico do Arieiro to witness jagged volcanic peaks, where crisp mountain air meets dramatic, high-altitude stone skywalks snaking along a backdrop of magnificent island and ocean views.
  • Hike from Ribeiro Frio to Levada dos Balcoes: Enjoy an easy 3.1km trail following historic levada water channels, hand-carved by 15th-century settlers to irrigate the island. Walk through the endemic, UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest—filled with ancient laurel trees and friendly native birds—before reaching the dramatic Balcões viewpoint for sweeping views of the valley and ocean.
  • Porto da Cruz Visit: Nestled on Madeira’s rugged northeastern coast, Porto da Cruz is a dramatic, timeless village where the island's raw volcanic geology meets a laid-back surfing culture and centuries-old agricultural traditions.
  • Visit Ponta de São Lourenço (the Dragon's Tail): Ponta de São Lourenço—affectionately nicknamed The Dragon's Tail—is a dramatic, wave-battered peninsula on the easternmost tip of Madeira. Experiencing it feels like stepping off a subtropical island and directly onto a wild, prehistoric Martian landscape.

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.

Accommodation: Editory House Garden
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
  • CEO Led Walking Tour of Funchal: Join your CEO for a walk in the historic Zona Velha (Old Town), a maze of narrow streets dating back to the 15th century. Once a sleepy fisherman's quarter, it has been transformed into an open-air art gallery through the "Art of Open Doors" project. The highlight of the walk is stepping into the bustling Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers' Market). Housed in a grand 1930s Art Deco building, the entrance is lined with beautiful hand-painted tile panels (azulejos) depicting traditional island life.
  • Visit the Heritage Museum for Artisan Workshop: A visit to the Heritage Museum in Funchal offers an intimate look into one of the island’s most revered, century-old cultural traditions: the art of authentic Madeira embroidery (Bordado da Madeira). The heartbeat of the visit is the live demonstration, where you get to sit alongside a master embroiderer (bordadeira) and learn this artform up close.
  • Cable Car Ride to Monte with Included Traditional Toboggan Ride: Gliding upward by scenic cable car for panoramic Atlantic views, afterwards you may opt for a thrilling, high-speed descent down mountain streets in a traditional, driver-steered wicker toboggan.
  • Dinner with Folklore Dancing: Savor traditional dishes during a lively evening of vibrant Madeiran folklore music, dynamic dancing, and interactive audience participation.

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.

Accommodation: Estalagem da Ponta do Sol
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
  • Levada Hike or E-bike tour of the South Coast: Option 1: Levada Hike where giant ferns and moss-covered laurel trees block out the modern world. The paths gracefully hug the contours of deep valleys, guiding you past sheer rock faces dripping with mountain moisture Option 2: South Coast E-Bike Tour along scenic coastal roads perched high above the Atlantic, threading through sleepy seaside hamlets, historic fishing harbors, and vibrant, bright green banana plantations.
  • Poncha Tasting in Camara De Lobos: Travel to the historic fishing village of Câmara de Lobos where you enter a rustic, wood-paneled tavern for a taste of the soul of Madeira. The magic happens right at the counter, a proper poncha is never pre-made; it is mixed to order right in front of you. The bartender grabs a thick wooden mixing stick—the uniquely named caralhinho—and gets to work making your tasty drink.

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.

Accommodation: Estalagem da Ponta do Sol
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
  • Cabo Girão Cliffs and Skywalk: Take in Cabo Girão's beautiful panoramic views of the sea. Visit the skywalk, jutting out of the cliffs at over 580m above sea level.
  • Espetada Lunch and Wine Tasting: Relish artisan vintages amid dramatic northern peaks, paired with a flame-cooked feast of savory meats and buttery local bread.

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.

Accommodation: Estalagem da Ponta do Sol
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
  • Walk Through Fanal Forest: Walking the high-altitude plateau of Fanal is like stepping into a prehistoric fairy tale. This fog-shrouded woodland is home to centuries-old Til trees whose gnarled, sculptural trunks rise dramatically from rolling green pastures.
  • Visit Porto Moniz and Natural Pool Swimming: Explore a rugged northern outpost of Porto Moniz for the chance to plunge into crystalline basalt basins, replenished daily by surging tides against cooled magmatic shelves. Enjoy free time for lunch in this seaside town.

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.

Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
  • Departure Transfer: You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.

Trip Inclusions

  • 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.

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your OM
  • G 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
  • Private vehicle, walking, gondola
  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout

  • Hotels (6 Nights)

  • 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Geluxe Collection
Geluxe Collection

Putting comfort first, stay in handpicked accommodations, including one unforgettable “OMG Stay” and “OMG Day” with two extraordinary experiences to suit hikers, history buffs, and food lovers Read more

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Book confidently. Always.

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Guides so good we call them CEOs

The biggest reason travellers book our trips again and again? Our legendary Chief Experience Officers, aka CEOs. Read more

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Dates & Pricing

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Sunday 18 Apr 2027 18 Apr 27 Funchal
Saturday 24 Apr 2027 24 Apr 27 Funchal
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $5,129
A$5,026
Save $103
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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