Best of Madeira

8 Days/7 Nights Self Drive Tour or Private Tour

Day 1 FUNCHAL
Arrival at Funchal airport and private transfer to your hotel or pick-up of the rental car. Rest of the day at disposal. Overnight in Funchal.

Day 2 FUNCHAL | EIRA DO SERRADO | CURRAL DAS FREIRAS | CAMARA DE LOBOS| FUNCHAL (Half day)
Breakfast at the hotel. This is a journey to the center of Madeira Island, where dramatic, cloud-topped mountains descend to verdant valleys in a most spectacular way. Departure from the hotel to Eira do Serrado where you will find one of the most exclusive and beautiful views, not to mention a great “green” location unlike any other in Madeira. The journey down to the Nuns Valley (Curral da Freiras) village takes approximately 20 minutes where guests will enjoy the countryside, forest brushes mixed with populated areas with quaint houses typical of the Madeiran society. Once the tour reaches Nuns Valley, you will immediately see a small village nestling between almost perpendicular mountains in the heart of the island. The huge cauldron in which Nuns Valley is sitting was either formed by erosion, which is the more recent theory, or as many still believe, by volcanic activity. The village is very isolated, and locals mainly live off what they cultivate. The local chestnuts are delicious and are used in everyday cooking. Every year locals celebrate the ‘Chestnut Festival’ for which the village is famous. Upon your return we stop at the stunning fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. This is where Winston Churchill spent his time painting his beautiful landscapes and where you will be able to try the famous local drink – Poncha. Return to Funchal and afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Funchal.

Day 3 FUNCHAL | CABO GIRÃO| RIBEIRA BRAVA | SERRA D’ÁGUA| PORTO MONIZ| FUNCHAL (Full day)
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from the hotel in direction of Cabo Girão, the second highest sea cliff in the world and the highest sea cliff in Europe. Continue to Ribeira Brava and head north, up through the deep and narrow valleys of Serra D’Água. From sea-level in Funchal, cross the mountain pass (from where both sides of the island are visible) down to the rugged beauty of the north coast, were Atlantic rollers describe a line of white surf below heroic cliffs. Proceed to the beautiful village of Porto Moniz (passing by São Vicente, one of the most predominant villages of the northern coast of Madeira) where you can admire the amazing volcanic swimming pools (you can also have lunch at Porto Moniz). In the afternoon traverse Madeira’s highest plateau with all its spectacular panoramas before heading for home again. Driving to Paul da Serra lies one of the biggest natural park reserves of the world. Overnight in Funchal.

Day 4 FUNCHAL | PICO DO ARIEIRO |SANTANA| PONTA SAO LOURENÇO | MACHICO| FUNCHAL (Full day)
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from the hotel in direction of Pico do Arieiro. At an altitude of 1818 metres it is the third highest peak on the island and affords breathtaking views. After visiting the highest (driveable) peak in Madeira, go head down to the coast through original forest to the last home of Madeira’s emblematic straw-roofed houses. Passing pretty villages and stunning seascapes, we arrive at the very eastern point for some superb views of the bold north and sunny south coasts in one panoramic vista. On the northern slopes of the island the tour reaches a popular starting point for ‘levada’ walks, Ribeiro Frio. With its interesting trout pools, this area still has much of its original vegetation. The island was once completely covered by ‘Laurissilva’ forest, a relic from prehistoric times. Continue to Santana, declared Reserve of the Biosphere in 2011 by Unesco. The municipality was for a very long time inaccessible by sea and by land, its inhabitants have preserved characteristics that have not undergone external influences. One of the examples of this isolation is the architectonic style of its typical houses with thatched roof more commonly known as “Santana’s small houses.” Then we will go towards Ponta de São Lourenço, situated in the eastern part of the island, this is the place where a fantastic combination of rocks, sea and nature combine. The last town to be visited is Machico, a point view where you can look over the bay and the golden sandy beach. Return to Funchal. Overnight in Funchal.

Day 5 FUNCHAL | PORTO DA CRUZ AND FAIAL | SAO JORGE| PONTA DELGADA| FUNCHAL (Full day)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we invite you to make a tour to the north of the island! Leaving the hotel in Funchal you will go along the eastern coast with a first stop in the village of Porto da Cruz. Continue through the parish of Faial, with another stop at Cabanas de São Jorge, a unique village situated above the sea and surrounded by mountains and vineyards, which offers one of the most spectacular panoramas in Madeira. Stop at Ponta Delgada to lunch and visit this picturesque village where the surrounding natural spaces can be admired in all their splendor. The return way to Funchal takes us through spectacular valleys and ravines, carved into the island over millions of years, passing through the Ribeira Brava area before heading to the hotel in Funchal. Overnight in Funchal. Note: On the way down to Ribeira Brava, you will pass by São Vicente village, idyllically set in a most beautiful valley. Here you will find the best underground volcanic features ever found in the Island, São Vicente Caves – currently closed for maintenance.

Day 6 FUNCHAL | PONTA DO SOL | MADALENA DO MAR AND PAUL DO MAR| PONTA DO PARGO| CALHETA| FUNCHAL (Full day)
Breakfast at the hotel. Todays tour will take you through peaceful and beautiful villages by the sea will take you on a wonderful journey. The villages of Ponta do Sol, Madalena do Mar and Paúl do Mar are very well known for its large production of sugar cane, banana. Continue your trip to Ponta do Pargo, you are able to admire one of the most emblematic lighthouse situated further west of island. Ponta do Pargo is where we suggest to have a break for lunch, various snack bars, restaurants or coffee shops will be given as choice for lunch. In Calheta village you will find one of the two man-made golden sandy beaches that Madeira has to offer. You will have the opportunity to visit the Engenho da Calheta (sugar cane factory) where you can admire how the sugar cane rum is made and have the opportunity to walk around the distillery. Return to Funchal. Overnight in Funchal

Day 7 FUNCHAL – DAY AT LEISURE
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure. Overnight in Funchal

Day 8 FUNCHAL
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Private transfer from your hotel to Funchal or rental car drop off at Funchal airport.

INCLUSIONS:

SELF-DRIVE TOUR
• 07 nights of accommodation with breakfast.
• City tax (per night per person)
• Car rental

PRIVATE TOUR (with guide)
• 7 nights accommodation with breakfast
• City tax (per night, per person)
• Private transfer in Funchal from the airport to the hotel
• Private transfer in Funchal from the hotel to the airport
• Air conditioning transportation during the mentioned itinerary
• Local official English guide during the private tours

This package can be personalized to your taste with different car sizes and hotel options. All our self-drive packages are also offered with a private car& driver at your disposal.