The town of Funchal is set in a delightful bay against a backdrop of soaring mountains and has a distinctly Portuguese flavour. Take a walk through the cobbled streets of the old town where you will find a good selection of shops, bars and cafés, or stroll along the promenade to the harbour teeming with beautiful yachts. If you choose to stay in the three star Hotel Dom Pedro Baia, your base will be in the resort of Machico. To help you make the most of your time, we have put together a fabulous programme of optional excursions.

Choice of optional excursions

Funchal - A half day tour of Funchal including a tasting of Madeira wine, the fortified wine produced exclusively on the island. We also pay a visit to the Botanical Gardens.

Crater & Toboggan - A half day excursion to see the extinct volcano crater at Nun’s Valley. We continue to the village of Monte, where you have the opportunity to experience the famous toboggan run down the steep hill into Funchal. The wicker toboggans with wooden skis are steered by two men dressed in white trousers, shirts and straw boater hats, who use the rubber soles of their boots as brakes!

Levada Walk & Camacha - Enjoy beautiful scenery as you walk along the path of a Levada, or water channel, created to bring water from the highlands. There are over 1,500 miles of Levadas on the island, hydrating the sun-parched south with water collected in the wet regions of the north of the island. The Levada walk is followed by a visit to Camacha, famous for its wicker products. We pay a visit to the wickerwork centre during our visit (approx. 2 hours’ walk).

Folklore Evening - Treat yourself to a night out at a local restaurant and be entertained by Madeiran folk dancers.

Additional optional excursions will also be available.