Madeira & Algarve: 2-Week Summer Guided Adventure

1. Day 1 Friday: Arrival in Madeira Island

   Welcome to Madeira! Enjoy included airport transfers for your arrival and departure. 

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Take some time to explore your hotel, facilities, and surrounding areas.
2. Day 2 Saturday: Welcome Dinner (Included)

   Thematic Local Dinner (7PM - 10:30PM):

   • Embark on a tantalizing evening of sumptuous cuisine, live folklore demonstration, and maybe even the beautiful sounds of Fado! Get front-row seats to an enchanting night as you savor delectable dishes in a local restaurant. Don't miss out on this unique experience!

   Menu:

   • Aperitif (Madeira Wine)
   • Appetizer (Bolo do Caco with garlic butter)
   • Vegetable Soup
   • Grilled meat served with local fried sweet corn, french fries, and salad (optional side vegetables instead)
   • Dessert (Fruit Salad with Ice Cream)
   • Coffee
   • Digestive
   • Drinks included: Water, Wine or Beer
3. Day 3 Sunday: Santana Excursion (Included)

   • Embark on an unforgettable journey through the beautiful sights of Madeira. From Camacha's famous wicker factory to Pico do Arieiro, towering at a staggering 1810 meters above ground level you will experience breathtaking views from every angle. Uncover the secrets of Ribeiro Frio with its alluring trout farm and world heritage site - the Laurissilva Forest - before taking in Santana’s classic thatched houses for lunch! End this incredible day off admiring Ponta de São Lourenço followed by the Machico en route o your return to Funchal- lunch is included during this full-day tour!

    

4. Day 4 Monday: Funchal City Tour (Included)

   • Discover the stunning points of interest this charming city offers!  From visiting a traditional embroidery factory, strolling through colorful markets filled with delightful fruits and flowers, riding up Monte on an iconic cable car* for breathtaking views, or taking in the secrets behind the Monte Botanical Garden. Make sure you also have some fun by descending down back into town on famous toboggans ridden with wicker baskets*! Don't miss out – this captivating small half-day tour is one that will stay etched in your memory forever!

   * not included

5. Day 5 Tuesday: Porto Moniz Excursion (Included)

   • Come experience the best of Madeira on this memorable coastal tour! Enjoy breathtaking views of an area known for its delicious swordfish - Câmara de Lobos, then marvel at Cabo Girão – Europe's highest cliff with 580 meters. Wander along the stunning coast and take in Porto Moniz's famous natural pools before indulging yourself in lunch in a picturesque location. Ascend up Encumeada - situated atop 1007 meters high where you can revel in sweeping sea views from each side, before heading back down towards Funchal - lunch is included during this full-day tour!
6. Day 6 Wednesday: Free Day for Personal Activities (Madeira)

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Take the Day for a Hiking Adventure: With its many gorgeous mountains and waterfalls, it’s no surprise that Madeira has long been referred to as a “hiker’s paradise”. Many of these trails follow the old irrigation canals called “levadas” that were used to bring water from the north side of the island to the south. Although still used today, many of these canals are also widely used for walking. No matter your preference or experience level, there are many different types of trails all over Madeira. Beginners or those looking for a more leisurely nature walk should stick to the south side of the island, while those looking for a more exhilarating trekking experience should head north to the mountainous side of the island.

   Recommended Hikes:

   • Vale do Paraíso (easy)
   • Rabaçal - 25 Fontes (moderate)
   • Caldeirão Verde (moderate)
   • Ponta de São Lourenço (moderate)
   • Pico do Areeiro - Pico Ruivo (difficult)
7. Day 7 Thursday: Free Day for Personal Activities (Madeira)

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Dip your toes in the refreshing ocean at dawn and spend a leisurely day exploring local shops to pick up artisanal souvenirs and local delicacies (such as bolo do caco and poncha) to bring back home.
8. Day 8 Friday: Arrival in Algarve

   Welcome to the Algarve! Enjoy included airport transfers for your arrival and departure. For your comfort, consider booking an early check-in in advance.

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Take the day to explore your hotel facilities and surrounding areas.
9. Day 9 Saturday: Free Day for Personal Activities (Algarve)

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Leisurely Algarve Exploration:
     • Start your day by visiting Ponta da Piedade. Enjoy the stunning views of the limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters. You can take a boat tour to explore the sea caves and grottoes.
     • Then, head to Praia do Camilo, a beautiful beach known for its golden sands and clear turquoise waters. Relax on the beach, soak up the sun, and take a refreshing swim in the ocean.
     •  End your day by watching the sunset at one of the nearby coastal viewpoints, such as the Ponta da Piedade lighthouse or the cliffs overlooking Praia do Camilo.
10. Day 10 Sunday: Free Day for Personal Activities (Algarve)

    Suggestion for the day:

    • Benagil Boat Tour: Start your Algarve adventure by taking a Benagil boat tour! This exciting excursion will allow you to explore the area’s renowned caves, grottos, and hidden secrets while admiring magnificent rock formations and soaking up the stunning scenery. Along the way, you can also look out for dolphins or sea turtles that often frequent these waters. 
    • Then, it's beach time in the Algarve!
      • Praia da Rocha
      • Praia dos Três Irmãos
11. Day 11 Monday: Traditional Algarve Experience (Included)

    9AM - 5PM 

    • Embark on a captivating journey through the traditional Algarve, where each step unveils the region's authentic charm. Begin in the historic town of Loulé, then traverse the untamed beauty of Querença, Barranco do Velho, and Salir, before reaching the enchanting village of Alte.
    • This exclusive experience invites you to witness the timeless traditions, vibrant cultures, and stunning landscapes that define the Algarve. Don't forget your camera – every moment is a snapshot of this sun-kissed paradise, a unique chance to capture the real essence of the Algarve. Immerse yourself in the stories of remote villages and savor the beauty that awaits at every turn. This is more than a visit; it's an enchanting journey through the heart of the Algarve.
12. Day 12 Tuesday: Grand Lagos & Cape St. Vicent Tour (Included)

    9AM - 5PM

    • Discover the coastal wonders of Lagos as you visit the golden church of St. Anthony, the historic slave market, and the breathtaking rock formations at Ponta da Piedade.
    • Continue west to Sagres, where a well-preserved fishing port and a 15th-century fortress beckon, offering a glimpse into maritime history.
    • Cap off your journey at Cape St. Vincent, known as the "end of the world," where a lighthouse stands sentinel over the dramatic meeting of land and sea. Each stop is a snapshot of history and nature's grandeur—a coastal adventure that transcends time and captures the essence of the Algarve.
13. Day 13 Wednesday: Best of East Experience (Included)

    9AM-5PM

    • Discover the cultural treasures of the Algarve, beginning in Faro with its ancient cathedral and city center. Explore the lively streets of Olhão, visit traditional markets, and enjoy free time.
    • Next, wander through the historical city of Tavira, featuring a Roman bridge and castle. Conclude your tour in the charming Vila Real de Santo António, capturing the essence of the Algarve's rich heritage. This is a journey through history and culture, a condensed exploration of the region's timeless allure.
14. Day 14 Thursday: Free Day for Personal Activities (Algarve)

    Suggestion for the day:

    • Algarve Wine Experience: For wine lovers visiting Algarve, a day spent exploring the local wineries is an absolute must. Take a guided tour of the vineyards, learn about traditional wine-making methods, and sample some truly delicious wines that have been made by generations of local producers. Not to mention, there are plenty of opportunities to take in views of the spectacular landscape throughout your visit. With many varieties of wines to choose from, it’s the perfect way to echo Portuguese flavors while sipping on some amazing wines.

     

15. Day 15 Friday: Seville City Tour, Spain (Included)

    7AM - 7 PM

    • Discover Seville's storied past and vibrant culture! Tour the majestic Royal Alcazar Palace, explore the stalls of Santa Cruz market, or venture to the 1929 1st Iberian-American Exhibition pavilions. Step through time as you navigate one of Spain's oldest cities – a thrilling adventure awaits!
16. Day 16 Saturday: Return Flight Home

    Thank you for choosing Portugal Getaways! Wishing you a safe and cozy flight back, and eagerly look forward to exploring more adventures with you shortly.

Available Experiences

Included

Experience Pack: Best of Madeira (3 Guided Tours + 1 Thematic Dinner)

Included

Experience Pack: Best of Algarve (4 Guided Tours)

Optional

Boat Tour: Sunset

Additional cost applies

Optional

Food & Wine: Blandy’s Wine Lodge - Wine Tasting

Additional cost applies

Optional

4x4: Sunrise Above the Clouds

Additional cost applies

Optional

Boat Ride: Benagil Caves & Coastline

Additional cost applies

Optional

Food & Wine: Sunset BBQ

Additional cost applies

Optional

Food & Wine: Sunset Dinner in the Vineyard

Additional cost applies