The Azores & Madeira: Solo 16-Day Guided Adventure

1. Day 1 Friday: Arrival in Madeira Island

   Welcome to Madeira! Your journey begins with convenient airport transfers included upon arrival and departure. We recommend considering an early check-in for your comfort.

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Take some time to explore your hotel, facilities, and surrounding areas.

    

2. Day 2 <b>Saturday: Welcome Dinner (Included)</b>

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

   • 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 <b>Sunday: Santana Excursion (Included)</b>

   • 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 to your return to Funchal- lunch is included during this full-day tour!
4. Day 4 <b>Monday: Funchal City Tour (Included)</b>

   • 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 back into town on famous toboggans ridden with wicker baskets*! Don't miss out – this captivating small half-day tour will stay etched in your memory forever!

   * not included

5. Day 5 <b>Tuesday: Porto Moniz Excursion (Included)</b>

   • 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 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 Island)

   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 Island)

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Take the day for a local food & wine scene. Situated in the Atlantic between Portugal and the coast of Morocco, Madeira is in a unique location at the intersection of many different flavors and influences. What can you expect to find on the menu here? Fresh tuna steak, fried cornmeal, kabobs, breads, mackerel, octopus, homemade couscous, wheat soup, and of course, loads of fresh fruit and delicious Madeira wine! 
     • Safari + Madeira Table Wine Tasting & Tapas
     • Vineyards and Cellars Full-day Tour
8. Day 8 Friday: Free Day for Personal Activities (Madeira Island)

   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.
9. Day 9 Saturday: Transfer to the Airport & Arrival In São Miguel Island

   Welcome to the Azores! Your journey begins with convenient airport transfers included upon arrival and departure. We recommend considering an early check-in for your comfort.

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Indulge in a leisurely day at your hotel's facilities and its surroundings.

    

10. Day 10 <b>Sunday: Ponta Delgada City Tour (Included)</b>

    This tour takes place in what is considered the "capital" of São Miguel Island – the city of Ponta Delgada. During this tour, we will discover the main historical, cultural, and noteworthy sites of this wonderful city.

    Highlights of this tour include:

    • Old churches and convents
    • Monument of Portas da Cidade 
    • Pineapple plantations (* if not possible during the City Tour, this visit will take place during the Full-Day Tour of Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo)
    • Historical Beautiful gardens
    • São Brás Fortress and São Francisco square
11. Day 11 <b>Monday: Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo Tour (Included)</b>

    9 AM - 5 PM: Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo Tour

    A full-day tour that takes you to the two most famous lagoons of São Miguel Island. 

    Sete Cidades: One of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, this show-stopping, lake-filled crater has become one of the signature and most famous images of the Azores. There are (amazingly) 11 lakes in total scattered around Sete Cidades, but they can only be seen from certain angles from the various miradouros (viewpoints in Portuguese) in the area. 

    Lagoa do Fogo: Lagoa do Fogo, which translates roughly into "Lagoon of Fire", is a crater lake located at the center of São Miguel Island. This protected nature reserve sits tucked away atop the impressive Pico da Barrosa, far above the whir, hum, and hurry of civilization below. 

    Highlights of this tour include:

    • Pineapple plantations (* if already visited during the City Tour, it will be substituted for a different point of interest)
    • Escalvado viewpoint (offering a magical view to Mosteiros)
    • Sete Cidades parish
    • Santiago lagoon
    • Vista do Rei viewpoint (overlooking the most famous lagoons of Sete Cidades) 
    • Pico do Carvão
    • Lunch at a local restaurant 
    • Local ceramics factory (Cerâmica Vieira)
    • Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint
    • Ribeira Grande city center, with a visit to the local liquor shop
12. Day 12 <b>Tuesday: Furnas Tour & Hot Springs (Included)</b>

    9 AM - 5 PM: Furnas Tour

    Furnas Valley is famous worldwide for its bubbling caldeiras and hot springs, where visitors can relax while soaking in a thermal bath any time of year, but this mystical volcanic valley is full of many more interesting surprises. 

    Highlights of this tour include: 

    • Vila Franca do Campo (offering a viewpoint of the iconic islet)
    • Furnas Lake (here, learn how the famous "cozido" dish is cooked underground by heat from the actual volcanic vents!)
    • Furnas parish (you will have free time to bathe in the thermal waters here, or visit the Terra Nostra Garden)
    • Cozido lunch 
    • Visit Furnas "calderas" to see the volcanic activity
    • Pico do Ferro viewpoint
    • Tea Factory
    • Santa Iria Viewpoint

    Please note: Terra Nostra Park and/or Dona Beija entrance fees (8€-16€ each) are not included. Also, it is advised that you bring dark-colored bathing suits, an old towel, and a change of clothes (bathing in the thermal waters is known to stain fabrics). And blondes who dye their hair are cautioned to close pay attention as well, as the waters here contain iron and can stain hair the lighter hair pigments.

13. Day 13 <b>Wednesday: Whale Watching Experience (Included)</b>

    08:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Whale & Dolphin Watching Excursion

    Take the opportunity to observe some of the dozens of cetacean species that are usually seen in the Azores. While nature is indeed wild, and offers no guarantees, whales and dolphins are regularly seen during our half-day tours. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to observe turtles, birds, and other marine species. Before you embark on the boat trip, expert biologists hold a small informative talk to explain which cetacean species can be observed, the safety measures and protocols for behavior on board – including how we respect animals and what the rules for observation at sea are. You will even learn some fascinating historical facts.

14. Day 14 Thursday: Free Day for Personal Activities (São Miguel Island)

    Suggestion for the day:

    • Azorean Gin Masterclass: the Azores may be a tiny archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, but that hasn't stopped it from producing several excellent gins. Botanicals and ingredients grown on the islands are also used in several gins made in mainland Portugal. Baleia, which means “Whale” in English, is one of the gins you will try and is created by your host and gin curator here at the Solar Branco Eco Estate, Ali Bullock. 
15. Day 15 Friday: Free Day for Personal Activities (São Miguel Island)

    Suggestion for the day:

    Venture beyond the tourist crowds and delve into the heart of São Miguel Island with our guided hiking adventures. Explore the island's breathtaking beauty firsthand:

    • Serra Devassa (moderate)
    • Sanguinho/Salto do Prego Waterfall (moderate)
    • Nordeste Waterfalls (moderate)
    • Lagoa do Fogo (moderate to difficult)
16. Day 16 Saturday: Transfer to the Airport & Return Flight Home

    We're thrilled that you had an incredible time exploring the islands with us. Have a safe flight home until we meet again!

Available Experiences

Included

Experience Pack: Best of São Miguel Solo Adventure (4 Guided Tours & 2 Lunches)

Included

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

Optional

Hiking: Rabaçal / 25 Fontes Levada Walk

Additional cost applies

Optional

Hikes: Lagoa do Fogo

Additional cost applies

Optional

Hikes: Moinho do Félix - Waterfalls + Tea Plantations

Additional cost applies

Optional

Special Offer: Azorean Gin Masterclass

Additional cost applies

Optional

Jeep Tour: Sunset Safari Ponta do Sol

Additional cost applies

Optional

Wine & Food Tours: Safari + Madeira Table Wine Tasting & Snacks

Additional cost applies

Optional

Food &amp; Wine: Dinner with Live Fado Show

Additional cost applies