DAY 1 - WELCOME TO FUNCHAL
Arrival to Funchal Airport - welcome to Madeira‘s capital! Transfer and check in to your hotel where you will spend the following 9 nights.
Overnight in Funchal.

DAY 2 - CALDEIRÃO VERDE - LEVADA WALK
Your first day on Madeira Island will take you straight onto a fairy tale walk through a lush forest. It starts off at 980 meters above sea level at Queimadas Forest Park and will lead you through a mossy paradise as part of the Laurissilva Forest - UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. Encounter the variety of Madeira‘s extensive fauna and flora such as rare bird species and numerous endemic plants. After passing through tunnels naturally shaped by vegetation you reach Caldeirão Verde. This amazing waterfall feeds into an emerald lagoon.
Return to Funchal for your overnight stay.

DAY 3 - SANTANA & THE MOUNTAINS OF MADEIRA
Your day starts off with a visit to Pico Ruivo, Madeira‘s third highest mountain with an altitude of 1818 meters. Take in the breathtaking views from up there before continuing on your journey towards Ribeiro Frio and the Laurissilva Forest. The next destination of today is Santana, known for its “Casas de Santana“ - traditional, triangular houses with thatched roofs. Further along the north coast, in Porto da Cruz, you will visit a rum factory and the city of Machico where the Portuguese first landed in 1419. Before you return to Funchal you stop off in Camacha, famous for its wickerwork. Conclude your day with a sailing trip and spot some whales and dolphin if you are lucky.
Overnight in Funchal.

DAY 4 - KAYAK EXPERIENCE PONTA DE SÃO LOURENÇO OR DOLPHIN & WHALE WATCHING
Transfer from your hotel in Funchal to Marina Quinta do Lorde where a water taxi will take you to Cais do Sardinha. This is the starting point for your kayak adventure through the Ponta de São Lourenço. Your experienced guide will introduce you to kayaking and give you valuable recommendations how to best enjoy your experience. Once you are fully confident to head out on your own, the amazing nature reserve awaits to be explored at your own personal pace. Afterwards take some time to take advantage of the beautiful beach at Cais do Sardinha or relax and unwind at the Nature Spot Café with its amazing views. Return to Funchal in the evening for your overnight stay at the hotel.
Alternatively: Head out on a whale and dolphin watching experience. After a quick security briefing and introduction to the species that can be found on Madeira‘s coast you board your boat at Funchal Harbour. It will take you along the magnificent south coast of the island and to several lookouts that almost guarantee the sighting of dolphins. Other animals you will most likely see are whales, seal monks and turtles. In between take in the incredible views of the breathtaking coastline and Madeira‘s mountain range.
Overnight in Funchal.

DAY 5 - HIKING TOUR VEREDA DO LORANO
This trip for more experienced hikers takes you on the path from Machio to Porto da Cruz, a former trade route. It starts of fairly easy with a walk through the Levada dos Maroços lined with Mimosa trees and surrounded by agricultural land. Accompanied by the fantastic views of Machio City you make your way up to the Boca do Risco view point. With the Atlantic Ocean below you, you can see as far as Porto Santo Island (weather permitting). After a short break you will continue your hike along a coastal path towards Porta da Cruz, immersing yourself into Madeira‘s extraordinary fauna with many species exclusive to the island. You will also come across one of Madeira‘s most iconic rock formations - Penha D‘Aguia. In Porta da Cruz you can visit the traditional sugar cane mill that is used for extracting the juice of the sugar cane used in the Portuguese alcoholic drink aguardente.
Transfer back to Funchal and overnight.

DAY 6 & 7 - CAMPING ADVENTURE
Today you will go on an overnight camping adventure to explore more of Madeira‘s fascinating nature. Early in the morning a 4x4 jeep will pick you up from your hotel and take you onto your tour to the island‘s secret, unspoiled spots, perfect to observe the diverse fauna and interesting wildlife of the island. You have the opportunity to take part in different activities throughout the day such as kayaking or walking tours. Conclude the day by watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean while enjoying a tasty BBQ prepared by your guide. Overnight in a tent in a safe environment, away from the hustle and bustle of civilization.
Wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy a hearty breakfast provided by your tour guide. Depending on your exact location and weather conditions your guide will outline the tour program for today which may include several physical activities to your own liking, walking tours and off-road trips in the 4x4.
Overnight in Funchal.

DAY 8 - FUNCHAL & SURROUNDINGS
Today you will discover the surroundings of Funchal with its hilly hinterland. Your first stop is the Pico dos Barcelos with 355 metres from where you have a fantastic view over the capital. From Eira do Serrado, your next stop, you can overlook Nun‘s Valley where the village Curral das Freiras is situated. It is famous for its chestnut festival and the cherry drink Ginja. You continue on to Monte with its iconic wooden sledges that you can ride down the hill on (not included). Two men will steer the wicker sledge on its racy journey which takes about ten minutes with a speed of almost 50km/h at times. Definitely an adventure! Finish off the day with a visit to an Embroidery Factory where you will also have the opportunity to taste the famous Madeira wine.
Overnight in Funchal.

DAY 9 - LOCAL MARKET & COOKING EXPERIENCE
Today you will embark on an adventure of a different kind. Since Madeira is not only a paradise for nature lovers, but also for foodies you will be introduced to the island‘s local cuisine by actively taking part in a cooking experience. To get all the ingredients you need to make the traditional fish dish Ceviche, banana guacamole and beef on skewers, your day starts off at the local market. Packed with fresh local produce such as tropical fruit, unusual fish and seasonal vegetable, your passionate food guide will assist you in picking everything you need. After a short walk to the restaurant take a quick break to enjoy the spectacular view over Funchal. Have fun in preparing a traditionally Maderian meal under Expert Chef instructions which you get to enjoy afterwards of course including chosen Madeira wines to go with.
Overnight in Funchal.

DAY 10 - BOAT TRIP DESERTAS ISLANDS OR BOAT TRIP „BEAUTIFUL BAYS“
The Desertas Islands are three uninhabited island that are part of the Madeira Archipelago. They are ideal for watching wildlife and experiencing nature in a special, completely undisturbed way. A boat will take you on a 2h45 trip to the small rocky islands in the Atlantic Ocean, about 35km southeast of Funchal. Once your boat as anchored you will have the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal clear water surrounding the Desertas (gear provided). Your guide will then take you on a 45-minute walking tour of the island, followed by a traditional lunch served on board your catamaran. (Please be aware that the trip might be cancelled at short notice due to weather conditions or events beyond the local organiser‘s control.)
Alternatively you can take a boat tour towards Machico Bay, also located southeast of Funchal. Your journey continues on to Baía d‘ Abra, another marvellous bay and nature reserve full of wildlife and unspoiled natural beauty. You will anchor there to go for a swim or snorkel in the clear, cool water of the Atlantic Ocean. Relax and unwind on board the boat and look out for dolphins and whales which can be occasionally seen on this trip. Lunch will be served on board.
Overnight in Funchal.

DAY 11 - DEPARTURE
After an adventurous week in Madeira a transfer will take you to the airport for your departure.