Shore Excursions Group
4x4 And Madeira Wine
Hop into a 4×4 vehicle with an open-top roof and get ready to explore some of the highlights of Madeira Island! Your adventure will take you to the Portela area and into the native forest, designated a UNESCO natural heritage site in 1999. This enchanting park is known the world over as having the best conserved Laurissilva of its kind. Enjoy the tranquility of this primitive forest as it surrounds you!
While on tour you will follow off-road tracks for roughly 20 minutes and pass by or be driven through the royal footpaths that were used by the locals to cross the islands as they carried their goods. Down in the villages you will learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the people as you visit the rural areas and observe their day-to-day interactions. Stop at a rum factory for a delicious tasting of Madeira wine and rum crafted from locally farmed sugar cane.
Your guide will take you to Santa Cruz, Machico, Portela, Porto da Cruz, and Pico do Facho to observe majestic cliffs, old terraces, quaint villages, island flora, and fauna and much more.
This 3-hour small-group tour offers you a special glimpse of the authentic Madeira. Book now.
| Day 1 |
Nestled on the sun-drenched southern coast of Madeira, Funchal, the island's capital, offers an enchanting mix of old-world charm, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. This picturesque city, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, is known for its lush botanical gardens, stunning vistas, and year-round mild climate. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the historic Old Town, Zona Velha, where colorful murals adorn the doors of traditional Madeiran houses, or visit the bustling Mercado dos Lavradores, a lively market where locals sell fresh produce, flowers, and handicrafts. The aromas of exotic fruits, spices, and fresh seafood will transport you into the heart of Madeira's unique culinary heritage. For a breathtaking view of Funchal, take the cable car from the Old Town up to the hilltop village of Monte. Here, you can explore the beautiful Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a verdant paradise filled with exotic plants, Koi ponds, and Asian-inspired sculptures. Don't miss the exhilarating toboggan ride down the winding streets of Monte – a traditional Madeiran experience where you’ll be whisked downhill in a wicker basket sled, guided by skilled carreiros. For those interested in history, the 15th-century Sé Cathedral, with its intricate wooden ceiling and striking Manueline-style architecture, offers a glimpse into Funchal's colonial past. Funchal is also renowned for its wine and its namesake Madeira wine, a fortified wine that has been produced on the island for centuries. Wine lovers can visit the Blandy’s Wine Lodge, the oldest winery in Madeira, to learn about the island's rich viticultural history and enjoy tastings of different styles of Madeira wine, from dry to sweet. Afterward, wander along the Avenida do Mar, a scenic promenade that runs along Funchal’s waterfront, where you can relax at one of the many cafes while watching yachts and cruise ships glide by. Fun fact: Funchal is known for its spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display, which was recognized by the Guinness World Records in 2006 as the largest fireworks display in the world. Every year, the skies over Funchal Bay light up in a mesmerizing explosion of colors, attracting thousands of visitors to Madeira to celebrate the New Year in unforgettable style. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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05/03/22 - 04/09/27 |
Starting At $85 |
Get A Quote |
Guests must be able to step in an out of the vehicle. Participants must be 21 years old or older to consume alcohol. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.