Island peaks & coastal charm

Arrive in Funchal, the capital city of Madeira, which is home to outstanding gastronomy, natural landscapes, and the Madeira Wine Company. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day discovering Funchal—its regional products, monuments, and museums. Overnight stay in Funchal.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, explore Madeira’s scenic south coast and continue west for a tour of the island’s dramatic landscapes. Start strong with a drive through a mountain pass for panoramic views of the island. As you descend, see the Atlantic waves crashing against rugged sea cliffs, Madeira’s natural beauty on full display.

Next, experience more coastal drama at Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff and the second-highest in the world. Continue to Ribeira Brava, a town known for its fertile soil and cultivation of local crops like bananas and other exotic fruits.

Pass through the picturesque village of Canhas on your way to the Paúl da Serra plateau, where you’ll see all shades of green stretching in every direction. At roughly 4,900 feet above sea level, this is the starting point for many of Madeira’s famous levadas (irrigation channels). On a clear day, you can see both the north and south coasts from this point.

Continuing on, you’ll stop in Porto Moniz, where you can visit the volcanic natural pools. To finish the tour, head to Seixal, a seaside village nestled between the ocean and mountains, before arriving in São Vicente, known for its centuries-old cobblestone streets, 18th-century manor houses, and mountain surroundings. Overnight stay in Funchal.

Breakfast at the hotel. Having explored Madeira’s west side, today is all about discovering the east. Begin at the Terreiro da Luta viewpoint for sweeping views over Funchal, then continue to Pico do Arieiro—one of the island’s highest driveable peaks—where you'll be treated to one extraordinary panorama after another.

As you descend toward the coast, the route takes you through ancient laurel forests and past Santana, the last remaining village with traditional triangular, straw-roofed houses.Next, stop at Ribeiro Frio, a popular starting point for levada walks. This forest park is perfect for nature lovers, featuring trout pools and endemic flora like the laurel tree and Madeira mahogany.

Stop in Santana before heading to Ponta de São Lourenço, a volcanic peninsula at the island’s eastern tip. The dramatic landscape is part of a protected Partial Natural Reserve. End the day in Machico, a peaceful bay and the historic landing site of explorers Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, who discovered Madeira over 600 years ago. Overnight stay in Funchal.

Breakfast at the hotel. After a busy day yesterday, today is all about doing exactly what you feel like. Whether you want to take it slow or dive into some local culture, there are plenty of options—from exploring Magical Night in Madeira with Traditional Dinner and Music* to touring Blandy’s Wine Lodge and sampling Madeira’s famous wine. Overnight stay in Funchal.

*Magical Night in Madeira with Traditional Dinner and Music: Shake up your evening in Madeira with a fun-filled tour that offers the full cultural package, from live entertainment to delicious local food. Experience the lively Bailinho da Madeira, a traditional folk performance, and taste signature dishes like Espetada (juicy beef skewers) and Bolo do Caco (warm garlic flatbread).

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you’ll head inland to discover some of Madeira’s most captivating sights on your way to Curral das Freiras, a village named after the nuns of the Santa Clara Convent. Before arriving, the minibus will climb to Eira do Serrado, a panoramic viewpoint offering some of the island’s most jaw-dropping views.

After a 20-minute drive through countryside and forests, and passing typical Madeiran homes, you’ll reach Curral das Freiras. Nestled in a deep valley shaped like a volcanic crater, this unique village is sustained largely by agriculture, with many residents growing their own food. Trying local delicacies—particularly chestnuts—is a must.

On your way back to Funchal, stop in Câmara de Lobos, a tranquil fishing village so beautiful that it inspired Winston Churchill’s landscape paintings. And don’t miss the chance to try Poncha, Madeira’s emblematic sugarcane spirit. Overnight stay in Funchal.

Breakfast at the hotel. For your last full day on Madeira, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. With six centuries of history, there’s no shortage of activities celebrating culture, art, and tradition, whether it’s exploring Cristiano Ronaldo’s career at the CR7 Museum or admiring art from the 15th to 19th centuries at the Museum of Sacred Art of Funchal.

Maybe you’ll want to connect with the seaside lifestyle of Madeira, from boat trips to whale watching, which is a year-round activity here. Overnight stay in Funchal.

Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the US. Arrive in the US and end your unforgettable trip to Madeira.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.