Walking vacation in Madeira

Planet

Activity:
As we spend the most part of this trip climbing and traveling by foot, the need for fuel chugging transport is largely eliminated. We operate with a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy in order to protect the colourful flora and fauna we see along the way. At Funchal, clients have the chance to soak up some culture by seeing the Sé Cathedral, which was built between 1493 and 1514. Alternatively, we can support local craft and business by taking part in a tasting session of some of Madeira’s world renowned wines.

Accommodation and Meals:
Throughout your trek you will stay in good quality hotels and simple pensions. All of the accommodation is locally owned and run, which contributes to local employment levels. Each hotel is on a bed and breakfast basis, with a continental spread of fresh fruit, cheese, eggs, meats and bread. Lunches can be purchased at supermarkets or cafes recommended by your guide and dinners are a wonderful opportunity to become acquainted with Portuguese cuisine. Typical dishes include cod fish with potatoes and cream, grilled black scabbard fish, skewered or fried beef and honey cake.

UK Office:
It all starts at home so we have first worked at reducing our carbon footprint in our UK Offices. Through energy conservation measures and recycling policies, we are proud to be actively reducing the waste produced and our impact on the environment. We support various projects all over the world to try and give something back to the places we visit.

Group Size:
This small group tour has a maximum of 16 participants, meaning that we have a low impact on the environments and communities we visit and are able to ensure that we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people. The small number also allows us to stay in unique, family-run hotels that cannot benefit from coach tours and other mass tourism due to their limited sizes.

People

Community:
We make several stops at villages and towns on our route, including Porto da Cruz, Santana, Encumeada , Curral das Freiras and Corticeiras. Several of these locations are quite rural and on an already small island, the local communities here depend heavily on tourism as a means of income. We use locally run shops, restaurants, transfers and public transport which helps boost the economy of each area on the trip. The 'Mercado dos Lavradores' (workers’ market) at Funchal is a highlight in terms of supporting small businesses in the area. Locals and tourists gather here to do business, buy and sell colourful fruit, fresh fish and souvenirs.

A Fair Deal:
We work closely with our local operator and ensure that all of our guides are local and that in exchange for their expertise that they are paid and treated fairly. The leaders will give a briefing on Responsible Tourism issues to help you understand how you can help reduce your impact and maximise the benefits to the local community from your visit