Madeira: Pico do Arieiro, Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz

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  • thumbnail map_madeirapicodoarieirofanalforestportomoniz_7-days

Duration: 7 days

Begins: Funchal

Ends: Funchal

Trip Code: EPMF

From

£2,699 per person

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    Madeira wears two faces, and this trip shows you both. One is wild — volcanic ridges above the clouds, ancient forests thick with mist, ocean pools carved from black rock. The other is warm — long lunches with local families, folklore dinners that spill into dancing, poncha poured a little too generously. Somewhere between the two, the island's soul comes through.
    Is this tour for me?
    Travel Style
    The Geluxe Collection
    With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations, and comfort at their very core, these premium active trips are adventure at its finest.
    Service Level
    Upgraded
    Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
    Physical Rating
    3 - Average
    Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
    Trip Type
    Small Group
    Age requirement
    12+
    All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
    What's Included
    • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
    • Your OMG Day: Levada Hike or E-bike tour of the South Coast, Funchal
    • Your Foodie Moment: Espetada Lunch and Wine Tasting, São Vicente
    • Complimentary arrival and departure transfers
    • Pico do Arieiro visit
    • Dragon’s Tail viewpoint
    • Walk in Fanal Forest
    • Porto Moniz and swim inside natural pools
    • Choice of levada walk or E-Bike ride
    • Meet a local family at a wine tasting and vineyard lunch
    • Dinner with folklore dancing
    • Hands-on artisan workshop experience
    • Poncha tasting in traditional local tavern
    • Levada hike
    • Visit to local villages
    • Tips for all included meals and activities, except for CEO and Porterage
    • Departure transfer
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

    Allow USD215-280 for meals not included.

    Day 1 : Funchal: Welcome to Madeira

    Touch down in Funchal for a week of active discovery and cultural immersion. Transfer to your hotel in Funchal where you will meet your fellow travellers. Prepare for a trip of a lifetime including the cinematic Pico do Arieiro, trek along an emerald levada path, visits to hidden valleys and sun-drenched seaside villages. Every wild Atlantic vista is paired with curated comfort and deep local flavor.

    Arrive and transfer direct to your hotel. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group and CEO later this afternoon. Afterwards, enjoy an orientation walk and dinner with your CEO.

    Arrival Transfer

    Funchal 0h30m - 1h

    You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

    Meet Your CEO and Group

    1h

    Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

    Meals Included:

    Dinner

    Day 2 : Madeira: Pico do Arieiro and Levada Hike

    A winding morning journey sweeps you up to the majestic peaks of Pico do Arieiro to wander soaring walks above the clouds. Next, immerse yourself in nature on a gentle, levada trek through emerald forests to a panoramic lookout. Savor a leisurely, multi-course lunch pairing fresh regional flavors with dramatic Atlantic views at Quinta do Furão. Conclude your day exploring the sun-drenched coastal hamlet of Porto da Cruz and witnessing the raw, sculpted volcanic beauty of Ponta de São Lourenço (the Dragon's Tail) at golden hour, before returning to Funchal for an evening at your own pace.

    Enjoy a private transfer to Pico do Arieiro for viewpoint exploration. Next, come back down the mountain and stop for a guided 3km Balcões levada hike through the forest along the open-air irrigation channel, followed by a multi-course lunch at Quinta do Furão, a cliffside winery and retreat. End the day with a CEO-led visit to the seaside town of Porto da Cruz and Ponta de São Lourenço overlook. Return by private transfer to your hotel in Funchal for a free evening.

    Private Vehicle

    Funchal - Pico do Arieiro 1h

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Visit to Pico do Arieiro

    Pico do Arieiro 1h

    Stand atop Pico do Arieiro to witness jagged volcanic peaks, where crisp mountain air meets dramatic, high-altitude stone skywalks snaking along a backdrop of magnificent island and ocean views.

    Hike from Ribeiro Frio to Levada dos Balcoes

    Santana 1h45m - 2h 3km

    Enjoy an easy 3.1km trail following historic levada water channels, hand-carved by 15th-century settlers to irrigate the island. Walk through the endemic, UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest—filled with ancient laurel trees and friendly native birds—before reaching the dramatic Balcões viewpoint for sweeping views of the valley and ocean.

    Porto da Cruz Visit

    Porto da Cruz 0h30m - 0h30m

    Nestled on Madeira’s rugged northeastern coast, Porto da Cruz is a dramatic, timeless village where the island's raw volcanic geology meets a laid-back surfing culture and centuries-old agricultural traditions.

    Visit Ponta de São Lourenço (the Dragon's Tail)

    Ponta de São Lourenço 0h30m

    Ponta de São Lourenço—affectionately nicknamed The Dragon's Tail—is a dramatic, wave-battered peninsula on the easternmost tip of Madeira. Experiencing it feels like stepping off a subtropical island and directly onto a wild, prehistoric Martian landscape.

    Private Vehicle

    Ponta de São Lourenço - Funchal 0h45m - 1h

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Private Vehicle

    Pico do Arieiro - Funchal 1h

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 3 : Funchal: Highlights and Culture

    Uncover the heart of Funchal on a CEO guided walk. Meander into the vibrant local market, where you're free to sample fruits or relax at a cafe for lunch. Afterward, ascend to Monte via a panoramic cable car for breathtaking Atlantic views, with the option to descend via a thrilling, wicker toboggan ride. Delve into Madeira's living heritage during a private embroidery workshop and artisan demonstration, before concluding your day with a convivial, locally sourced dinner brought to life by spirited folklore dancing.

    Spend the day exploring Funchal. Start with a two-hour CEO-led walking tour and market visit with free time for lunch. Experience local culture at the Instituto do Vinho, do Bordado e do Artesanato da Madeira craft center. In the evening, enjoy a traditional group dinner with live folklore dancing.

    CEO Led Walking Tour of Funchal

    Funchal 2h - 2h 2km

    Join your CEO for a walk in the historic Zona Velha (Old Town), a maze of narrow streets dating back to the 15th century. Once a sleepy fisherman's quarter, it has been transformed into an open-air art gallery through the "Art of Open Doors" project. The highlight of the walk is stepping into the bustling Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers' Market). Housed in a grand 1930s Art Deco building, the entrance is lined with beautiful hand-painted tile panels (azulejos) depicting traditional island life.

    Visit the Heritage Museum for Artisan Workshop

    Funchal 1h30m

    A visit to the Heritage Museum in Funchal offers an intimate look into one of the island’s most revered, century-old cultural traditions: the art of authentic Madeira embroidery (Bordado da Madeira). The heartbeat of the visit is the live demonstration, where you get to sit alongside a master embroiderer (bordadeira) and learn this artform up close.

    Cable Car Ride to Monte with Included Traditional Toboggan Ride

    Funchal 1h - 1h30m

    Gliding upward by scenic cable car for panoramic Atlantic views, afterwards you may opt for a thrilling, high-speed descent down mountain streets in a traditional, driver-steered wicker toboggan.

    Dinner with Folklore Dancing

    Funchal 1h30m

    Savor traditional dishes during a lively evening of vibrant Madeiran folklore music, dynamic dancing, and interactive audience participation.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 4 : Madeira: Your OMG Day

    Today is all about you. Choose your own unforgettable morning adventure: explore more of Madeira’s iconic, emerald levada paths on a curated trek, or coast past dramatic Atlantic cliffs on an exhilarating e-bike tour of the sun-drenched south coast. After a leisurely lunch, journey to the historic fishing village of Câmara de Lobos with your CEO, stepping into a rustic waterfront tavern to sample authentic, citrus-infused poncha. Conclude your day in picturesque Ponta do Sol, unwinding at your hotel in the heart of this vibrant seaside hamlet.

    Morning transfer by private vehicle for your choice between a guided levada hike or a south coast e-bike tour, followed by an included lunch. An afternoon transfer includes a CEO-led visit to the local village of Câmara de Lobos where you have a traditional poncha tasting. Continue to your new hotel for check-in and time to relax in Ponta do Sol.

    Private Vehicle

    Funchal - Ponta do Sol 1h

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Levada Hike or E-bike tour of the South Coast

    Funchal - Ponta do Sol 3h

    Option 1: Levada Hike where giant ferns and moss-covered laurel trees block out the modern world. The paths gracefully hug the contours of deep valleys, guiding you past sheer rock faces dripping with mountain moisture Option 2: South Coast E-Bike Tour along scenic coastal roads perched high above the Atlantic, threading through sleepy seaside hamlets, historic fishing harbors, and vibrant, bright green banana plantations.

    Poncha Tasting in Camara De Lobos

    Câmara de Lobos

    Travel to the historic fishing village of Câmara de Lobos where you enter a rustic, wood-paneled tavern for a taste of the soul of Madeira. The magic happens right at the counter, a proper poncha is never pre-made; it is mixed to order right in front of you. The bartender grabs a thick wooden mixing stick—the uniquely named caralhinho—and gets to work making your tasty drink.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 5 : Madeira: Cabo Girão Skywalk and Winery Visit

    Ascend to the breathtaking heights of Cabo Girão, standing on one of Europe’s highest cliff viewpoints to marvel at the sheer drop into the crashing Atlantic below. Your journey continues to a family-run estate in São Vicente, where you'll walk the sun-kissed vines, meet the winemakers, and savor a guided tasting of crisp Madeiran wines. Afterward, indulge in a traditional espetada lunch—succulent, garlic-marinated beef skewers grilled over open flames—paired with sweeping vineyard views. Return to Ponta do Sol for a relaxed, independent evening in this sun-drenched coastal haven.

    Your day begins with a private transfer to the Cabo Girão skywalk for sweeping ocean views. Continue to a São Vicente estate for a family-guided vineyard tour and wine tasting, followed by a traditional espetada lunch. Return to Ponta do Sol for a free afternoon and evening in town.

    Private Vehicle

    Ponta do Sol - Cabo Girão 0h30m

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Cabo Girão Cliffs and Skywalk

    Cabo Girão

    Take in Cabo Girão's beautiful panoramic views of the sea. Visit the skywalk, jutting out of the cliffs at over 580m above sea level.

    Espetada Lunch and Wine Tasting

    São Vicente 1h30m

    Relish artisan vintages amid dramatic northern peaks, paired with a flame-cooked feast of savory meats and buttery local bread.

    Private Vehicle

    São Vicente - Ponta do Sol 0h30m

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 6 : Madeira: Fanal Forest and Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

    Immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of the mystical Fanal Forest, wandering beneath the twisted boughs of ancient, moss-draped laurel trees. Next, trace the dramatic coastline to Porto Moniz to gaze at cascading waterfalls and take an invigorating dip in the iconic, black-volcanic natural swimming pools carved into the Atlantic. After time for lunch on your own, return to your hotel for a relaxed afternoon. Celebrate your final evening with your CEO and fellow travelers, at a handpicked ocean-front restaurant for a farewell dinner celebrating authentic Madeiran gastronomy against a backdrop of crashing waves.

    Embark on an excursion to the famous Fanal Forest for a guided walk. Next continue by private vehicle for a coastal drive to Porto Moniz, passing waterfalls along the way. Upon arrival, enjoy an included opportunity for swimming in the natural seawater pools in the town. After time for lunch on your own, return to your hotel in Ponta do Sol for a free afternoon. Conclude your memorable journey with an included farewell dinner overlooking the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.

    Private Vehicle

    Ponta do Sol - Ponta do Seixal 0h45m

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Walk Through Fanal Forest

    Ponta do Seixal 0h30m - 0h45m

    Walking the high-altitude plateau of Fanal is like stepping into a prehistoric fairy tale. This fog-shrouded woodland is home to centuries-old Til trees whose gnarled, sculptural trunks rise dramatically from rolling green pastures.

    Visit Porto Moniz and Natural Pool Swimming

    Porto Moniz 3h

    Explore a rugged northern outpost of Porto Moniz for the chance to plunge into crystalline basalt basins, replenished daily by surging tides against cooled magmatic shelves. Enjoy free time for lunch in this seaside town.

    Private Vehicle

    Porto Moniz - Ponta do Sol 1h

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Dinner

    Day 7 : Departure Day

    Today your adventure comes to an end, but the memories made during your time in Madeira will live on.

    Your journey ends today with an included transfer to the airport in Funchal for your onward flights.

    Departure Transfer

    Ponta do Sol - Funchal 1h

    You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

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