Riviera Travel Madeira: The Pearl Of The Atlantic

• Return flights and transfers
• 7nts in 4* superior accommodation
• Selected meals: Daily breakfast & 4 dinners*
• 9 included experiences
• Services of an Riviera Expert Tour Manager
• Checked luggage

*If staying at the Pestana Grand, 7 dinners are included. If staying at the Melia Mare, 4 dinners are included.

• Take a guided tour of Funchal’s old town, and enjoy a tasting of the delicious Madeira wines
• Wander through the beautiful Palheiro Gardens and the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens
• Visit two charming villages, the mysterious Curral des Freiras and the Câmara de Lobos
• Discover the island’s eastern coast, seeing the UNESCO listed Ribeiro Frio forest park
• Explore the western area of the island, including Europe’s highest cape.

Day 1: Arrival in Funchal
Fly from the UK to Funchal. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Funchal
After breakfast, join a local guide for a walking tour of Funchal’s historic centre. Discover the Igreja do Colégio and Se cathedral before exploring the farmers’ market. Take a short break for a tasting of the island’s best-known product – Madeira wine.

In the afternoon, visit the Palheiro Gardens, which houses a wide variety of flora. Explore at your leisure.

Day 3: Western Madeira
Today, venture to the western side of the island. The first stop today is the small town of Ribeira Brava where you’ll visit the church of São Bento with its giant crystal chandeliers. Your next stop is Madalena do Mar, where you’ll see life on a banana plantation before ascending to the Paul da Serra plateau and continuing to Porto Moniz. On arrival you’ll enjoy some free time to take in the views before returning to Funchal via the villages of Seixal and São Vicente, home to a distinctive black and white church, and a network of caves.

Day 4: Monte
Near Funchal is the hilltop town of Monte, which you visit this morning. Enjoy brilliant views of the southern coast. You’re free to wander at leisure or join a guided tour to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Later, return to Funchal by coach, the cable car or if you’re feeling adventurous, the famous Monte toboggan ride.

The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 5: Eastern Madeira
Today, explore the eastern edge of the island. Follow the northern coast, visiting Porto da Cruz and Santana. After, head into the mountainous interior to visit the Ribeiro Frio National Park, home to an ancient Laurel forest and endemic species of flora and fauna. Heading upwards, emerge at Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third highest mountain.

Day 6: Free day
The whole day is at leisure for you to relax or to continue exploring Funchal

Day 7: Curral Das Freiras & Câmara De Lobos
The morning begins with a short drive to the Curral das Freiras or the Valley of the Nuns. Once here, visit Eira do Serrado and the village of Curral das Freiras. The village is famous for its sweet chestnuts which are cultivated on the hillsides, and you’ll get the chance to sample these.

After lunch, head to the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. It’s a charming place to relax or explore which you’ll have chance to do this afternoon. On the way back to Funchal, you’ll stop at Cabo Girão, the island’s highest sea cliff.

Day 8: Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Pestana Grand Hotel****
Located overlooking the ocean, this hotel has direct access to the Lido Promenade. On site there’s an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa and several dining venues. All rooms here have balconies.

Melia Mare, Funchal****
This hotel is close to Praia Formosa Beach and offers a variety of facilities including pools, bars and a spa.

Please note the use of air conditioning and outdoor pool opening is at the discretion of the hotels. The pools usually operate from mid-May to early October, depending on weather conditions.

Fact File

• Currency: Euro
• Flight time:  Approx. 3 hrs to 3 hrs 20 mins
• Language: Portuguese
• Time zone: GMT
• Country: Portugal

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic

Exclusive prices available on request. Our Pricing Policy.