Excursions                                                          

Operating Tuesdays / Morning

* Approximate prices: Adult: 34 Euro / Children: 19 Euro Picnic Lunch Supplement 9 Euros

Length: 4 hrs / Walking: 10 kms / Paving: Uneven, hilly and slippery

Descending from the plateau of Paúl da Serra to the Risco waterfall then down to the to the Levada. After a while, you will reach a small lake at the bottom of a cliff which towers above, and from this cliff face, 25 natural springs cascade into the small lake. Walking back to the vehicles, you will go through a tunnel which carries the water to the south side of the Island.

Eastern Delights

(Full Day)

Operating Monday, Wednesday & Friday / Includes Lunch

* Approximate prices: Adult: 44 Euro / Children: 19 Euro

Length: 10 hrs / Walking: 2.5 kms optional walk to Balcoes / Paving: Uneven

The chance to visit the Peaks of Madeira and experience the contrast between East and West. Leaving Funchal, the first stop is at Pico do Arieiro, for some amazing views over the volcanic mountains - Pico do Arieiro is the second highest peak on the island located at 1810 m of latitude. From here, you will go down across the leafy forest of Laurisilva to Natural Park Ribeiro Frio where you can do a short walk through narrow canals made by man, used for transporting water for irrigation purposes, which wind their way around the Island. You will walk to the impressive viewpoint of Balcões, before to continue to Santana, for lunch. Famous for its "A-framed" cottages, Santana provides the opportunity for you to step back in time and see how the locals used to live. You will continue drive through some fantastic scenery, passing Porto da Cruz, Portela and Machico and its bay where discoverers landed, before returning to Funchal.

Gardens of Madeira

(Half Day)

Book locally

* Approximate prices: Adult: 31 Euro / Children: 15 Euro

Length: 5 hrs / Paving: Uneven, cobbled and in wet weather very slippery

The Palheiro Gardens, also known as Blandy Gardens, are famous for the variety of plants and the beauty of the setting, in the hills to the east of Funchal. The collection has trees and shrubs from every corner of the globe. Also you will have the opportunity to get to know the Botanical Gardens - here you will find one of the best collections of exotic and sub-tropical plants, as well as superb views over Funchal and the Harbour. See plants from all over the world, including the Bird of Paradise, various cacti and orchids.

Madeira Evening

(Night)

Operating Tuesday through Friday Evenings / Includes Dinner

* Approximate prices: Adult: 35 Euro / Children: 15 Euro

Length: 4 hrs / Walking: 50 meters / Paving: Uneven

Sample traditional food while you listen to the soulful sounds of the Fado singer, and be entertained by folk dancing. The Espetada is the most popular dish on the island - tender, marinated chunks of beef barbecued on a skewer with laurel leaves (this gives the meat a unique flavour), cooked over an open wood fire, and then served hanging from a hook over your table. A fun night.

Operating Monday, Tuesdays, Thursday Afternoon & Sunday Morning

* Approximate prices: Adult: 28 Euro / Children: 10 Euro

Length: 4 hrs / Walking: 200-300 meters / Paving: Uneven

A short distance away from Funchal centre, is the view point of Pico dos Barcelos - from here you have fabulous views of the city and the surrounding villages scattered over the green slopes. Continue through beautiful countryside to the belvedere of Eira do Serrado, which commands spectacular views over the Curral das Freiras village and the Nuns Valley. Enjoy the local chestnut cake and the cherry liqueur unique to this village. Visit Monte, a small village perched up in the hills overlooking Funchal. It was formerly a health resort for Europe's high society. The Austrian Emperor Charles I lived in Monte after abdicating during the First World War.

Book locally

* Approximate prices: Adult: 32 Euro / Children: 14 Euro

Length: 4.5 hrs / Walking: 200-300 meters / Paving: Uneven

An excellent introduction to the Island's capita, Funchal, to discover the local market or Mercado dos Lavradores, with its colourful display of tropical fruits, vegetables and fish. Visit an embroidery factory where you can enjoy and admire the delicate and traditional Madeira Embroidery; enjoy spectacular and panoramic views over Funchal and the harbour from your Cable Car ride up to the village of Monte. Here you have the opportunity of taking the famous Toboggan ride (optional and with extra charge) down to Livramento. Finish the tour by sipping a glass or two of Madeira Wine at one of the wine lodges.

Western Wonders

(Full Day)

Operating Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday / Includes Lunch

* Approximate prices: Adult: 44 Euro / Children: 19 Euro

Length: 10 hrs / Walking: 150-200 meters / Paving: Uneven

From Funchal, to the viewpoint of Pico da Torre, overlooking the village of Camara de Lobos, and on to Cabo Girão, the second highest sea cliff in the world - the highest in Europe (580m) - for some fantastic views. After a stop at Ribeira Brava, the tour continues across the Island via Encumeada, along one of the most scenic roads Madeira has to offer; passing through the village of São Vicente, and the exciting cliff road through rock tunnels and tumbling waterfalls, to the small seaside resort of Porto Moniz with its natural volcanic rock pools, where lunch will be served. In the afternoon, the drive follows along the majestic plateau of Paul da Serra, down to Calheta and Ponta do Sol, before returning to Funchal.