Madeira & The Estreito Wine Festival

Fly from London to Funchal, where you will be welcomed by your guide before transferring to your hotel where you will have a welcome presentation, with all the information you need to know about your upcoming tour. Afterward, enjoy dinner as you settle into the hotel.

Today you will tour the island, visiting a wonderful array of towns and cities. The first city you will visit is Santa Cruz, a small city on the east coast. Known for its seafront promenade lined with palm trees and restaurants, it is the perfect municipality for nature, culture, and beach lovers. Next, you will visit Machico, where the Portuguese first landed in 1419, and settlement began in 1425. A one-hour tour of Machico will teach you about the history of the town, including a visit to the oldest chapel. After your tour in Machico, visit Porta da Cruz and one of the last sugar factories, learning about the importance of England for Madeira. Stop for a three-course lunch with coffee, water and wine in Santana, famed for it's traditional thatched roofs, before heading to Ribeiro Frio, and over the Poiso Pass back to Funchal. Weather permitting, then visit the highest motorable mountain, the Pico do Arieiro with its 1818 meters.

Start the day by visiting Cabo Girao, the highest cliff in Europe with a fantastic view of Funchal. Translating to the 'Cape of Return', this is where in the 15th century, captain João Gonçalves Zarco is said to have turned his ship around here on his first recce of the coast. You will then travel to Pico dos Barcelos, a magnificent viewpoint with a view over the bay and Funchal. From there it goes over a winding mountain road to a viewpoint with an overwhelming view of the mountains and the Valley of the Nuns, where you will stop for a visit. Carry on to Camara de Lobos , one of the oldest fishing villages on the island, best known for the visit of Winston Churchill in 1950. Enjoy a wine tasting in this pretty fishing town with remote beaches at the bottom of soaring cliffs. Finally, you will visit the Cabo Girao, the highest cliff in Europe with a fantastic view of Funchal. In the afternoon, you will embark on a boat trip with the 'Santa Maria' Colombus ship, to take in the breathtaking scenery.

Today you will take a 2.5 hour hike from Prazeres to Faja Ovelha through forests and gardens, always with stunning views of the mountains and the sea. Rest your legs as you take an adventurous drive on a mountain road through old, hand-cut tunnels to the coast in the small picturesque town  of Paul do Mar where you will stop for a three-course lunch with coffee, water, and wine. After lunch, return via Calheta and the coastal town of Ribeira Brava.

Take a cable car from the Old Town to Monte, where as you ascend the environment will evolve from urban to green slopes, valleys, and hills, showing the true natural beauty of Madeira. Visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a vast tropical garden located on the top of a hill with beautiful views over the Bay of Funchal. With over a thousand species of exotic plants from all over the world, two oriental gardens, azulejos, wildlife, and more, this garden is a must-visit in Madeira.  Please note that you can do an optional toboggan ride for an extra €16 for a double on this day.  

Visit the wine harvest festival in the village of Estreito, this festival celebrates the joyful but hard work of the wine harvest. Singing, dancing and live music will in abundance - with wine of course!

Today you will visit the popular farmers market in Santo da Serra, where you will have the opportunity to see and try local products. Here you will find locally grown products, flowers, crafts and more, alongside delicious food and drink to try. Next door, you can also visit the market which sells souvenirs and a variety of other products.  If the weather restricted you from seeing the Pica Arieiro 1818 meters on the first attempt, you will have another opportunity to see it today. Spend the afternoon at leisure.