Madeira island vacation










This is a highlights vacation – that means seeing as many of Madeira’s most magnificent sights as is sensible in an eight-day tour. You’ll be based in Funchal, taking day trips out into subtropical mountain forests, and boat trips out in search of seals, whales and dolphins.
Tour of Funchal East Madeira Tour Boat trip to the Desertas Islands Free day to spend at leisure South and West Madeira exploration Levada walks Ponta do Pargo
Price
US $1340ToUS $1480 excluding flights
More info
Prices based on 2 adults sharing.
Single supplement available.
Mimimum age 16.
Single supplement available.
Mimimum age 16.
Last minute
Late availability on these dates: 17 Feb
Description of Madeira island vacation
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Price information
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Travel guides
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Reviews
2 Reviews of Madeira island vacation
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2023 by Fiona Watson
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting the Rum Factory which was using steam driven equipment to crush sugarcane. The factory was built in 1927 but the equipment was salvaged from 5
other factories. It deserves some research but the equipment had to be built in the late 1800's. To see it in active service was watching history. Afternoon Tea
at Reids hotel was also special and did not appear that many other groups were accessing the hotel.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Use the Nike Logo .......... Just Do It! Madeira was fascinating, the food, drinks scenery and the sites we visited were all excellent. The group consisted of two
couples and eight single ladies, so be prepared to make friends and explore their experiences and stories they are all interesting.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We ate and drank at local restaurants and bars so we were benefiting the local economy. Any human presence affects the environment from air flight CO2
emissions so I don't think we positively affected the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Brilliant particularly due to the tour guide ( Joao Camara) who was excellent at exposing us to the culture and experiences of Madeira
Reviewed on 31 Oct 2022 by Jean Powell
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The amazing mountainous scenery! So much more than I expected.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take comfortable walking shoes. It is not too strenuous at all, but the island is so mountainous that you can't avoid steep-ish walks sometimes - but it is always worth it! Also be prepared for mosquitoes! I hadn't given them a thought in my preparations, but because it was always warm - and we had quite a few showers - the mosquitoes were about and I had lots of bites!
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to all three. We were shown all over the island, saw the local crafts and the wonderful, and clever levadas.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
For me it was a really good vacation. I think it was very well planned with lots of activities but also free time if you wanted it. An excellent tour with an excellent guide. I was very impressed with the tour operator and would certainly recommend them and travel with them again.
Responsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) vacation so that you can travel knowing it will help support the places and people that you visit, and the planet. Read how below.
Planet
The stunning scenery we travel through is some of the most verdant you will see, and this is something which we all strive to maintain. Our local leaders actively encourage travelers to not only collect their own waste and dispose of it in a suitable manner, but also rubbish they find along paths to ensure the environment is unharmed and left as it should be.Due to its remote location, those who live on the island are equally conscious about the marine-life and as a result, one of the days on this trip is spent visiting the Desertas Islands. This is a recognised Biogenetic Reserve which received the European Certificate of Protected Areas from the Council of Europe. During our trip here we learn about the work taking place and what we can do to assist in protecting the marine life. Going hand-in-hand with this, the local company who runs the dolphin and whale watching experience to the Desertas Islands are actively involved in conservation projects to further protect marine life and part of the boat trip cost we pay goes towards these projects.
As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.
People
Throughout the itinerary, you have the opportunity to visit and experience local shops, including the Bordal Embroidery Factory and artisans where you are encouraged to buy local products should you wish too, which all goes into the local island economy. We also do our very best to eat in locally owned and operated restaurants.To gain a further understanding into the history and heritage of Madeira, we work with local leaders who pass on their own stories, culture and traditions. Nearly 80% of the staff are permanent workers with more than 10 years experience in the industry, with many of our leaders having significantly longer leading experience.
As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.
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