Walking the Waterways and villages of Madeira
Walking the Waterways and villages of Madeira
Walking the Waterways and villages of Madeira
8 Days Starting in Madeira and ending in Maderia
Visiting: Madeira, Ribeira Brava, Pico Ruivo, Pico Grande, Lagoa do Vento, Paul do Mar, Faja da Ovelha, Funchal, Rua de Santa Maria, Machico, Pico do Castanho, PR8 Verada da Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeira Island, Ponta do Sol, Levada do Moinho, Levada Nova, Organic Phenomena
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W07MS
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Physical rating:
Leisurely / Moderate
Age range:
12 to 99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
One of Madeira's many charms is its infinite variety; each day's walking and every levada - the island's unique network of water channels - is different. Landscapes vary from cultivated vine terraces and verdant slopes dotted with white hamlets to coastal cliffs with balcony views over the azure seas. Also a nature lover's paradise, there are over 120 endemic species of flora and fauna including the pride of Madeira, the bird-of-paradise, along with jacaranda, tiny bisbis birds, chaffinches and hawks - the list is endless. On this self guided walking holiday in Madeira you are free to explore at your leisure as car hire is provided and you drive to and from the start of the walks each day. Walking many of the levadas for which Madeira is so famous for you explore the best the island has to offer. With fantastic vistas of the island from Paul do Mar in the west to the hills on the Eastern side of the island around Machico which was originally the capital of Madeira. Discover the lakes of Madeira and the impressive Lagoa do Venta waterfall and walk to one of the highest peaks on island the Pico Grande. Take time to discover the capital Funchal, known for its historical centre and bustling market place.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Madeira
Location: Madeira
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrival in Madeira and pick up your hire car before driving to your hotel (approx 45 mins).Below is a suggested itinerary for the week, however, as you have your own hire car and you are staying at the same hotel all week, this holiday offers complete flexibility and you are free to pick and choose when and where you walk each day.
You stay at Bio Hotel Quinta da Serra (dinner included).
Day 2 : Pico Grande
Location: Ribeira Brava, Pico Ruivo, Pico Grande
Meals Included: breakfast
Start your walking from a height of 1200m to the Pico Grande; one of the highest peaks of the Island with stunning views over Nun's Valley, Ribeira Brava and Pico Ruivo. The climb to the top of Pico Grande is challenging but very worthwhile especially on sunny and clear days. Walking poles are recommended for this walk.
You stay at Bio Hotel Quinta da Serra (Breakfast included)
Day 3 : Lakes Of Madeira
Location: Lagoa do Vento
Meals Included: breakfast
Walk alongside the Levada do Alecrim enjoying fantastic views over the Rabacal valley. You walk past 3 waterfalls, the most impressive being the second one; Lagoa do Vento. After passing the waterfalls you make your way back, there is a shelter house in Rabacal where you can enjoy a drink and a snack before taking the shuttle bus (3€ payable locally) to return to the car park.
You stay at Bio Hotel Quinta da Serra (Breakfast included)
Day 4 : Paul Do Mar
Location: Paul do Mar, Faja da Ovelha
Meals Included: breakfast
This circular walk takes you to one of the most beautiful villages of the island, Paul do Mar. An impressive walk, if a little steep in the first part until sea level. Stop in the centre of the village for a break before passing through the countryside to Faja da Ovelha where you'll follow the levada back to Prazeres.
You stay at Bio Hotel Quinta da Serra (Breakfast included)
Day 5 : Free Day
Location: Funchal, Rua de Santa Maria
Meals Included: breakfast
Spend a day exploring at leisure in the capital, Funchal. Explore the historic centre with its Gothic cathedral built in the 16th century, the collegiate church with impressive gilt work and soak in the atmosphere. Try the local flavours in the bustling farmers market with exotic fruits and the traditional honey cake and don't forget to visit Funchals most colourful street, the Rua de Santa Maria where the doors have been brightly painted with murals. There's a myriad of places to enjoy a perfect lunch down by the harbour.
You stay at Bio Hotel Quinta da Serra (Breakfast included)
Day 6 : Machico Area
Location: Machico, Pico do Castanho, PR8 Verada da Ponta de São Lourenço
Meals Included: breakfast
This walk takes you into the hills of Machico which was the first capital of the island. After the walk through the mountains you will be rewarded with superb views over the North coast and the enchanting Risco view point. Climb in the direction of Pico Castanho, heading towards the fishing village of Canical with super views over Ponta de Sao Lourenco. Take the levada back to your car.
You stay at Bio Hotel Quinta da Serra (Breakfast included)
Day 7 : Leave Madeira
Location: Madeira Island
Meals Included: breakfast
Leave hotel and return your hire car back to the airport.
Day 7 : Lombada And The Levada Nova
Location: Ponta do Sol, Levada do Moinho, Levada Nova, Organic Phenomena
Meals Included: breakfast
Starting at the church in the village of Loabada there are excellent views today with panoramic views of the valley and the beautiful village of Ponta do Sol. Following the levada do Moinho you will climb the path that leads to Levada Nova where you'll reach its impressive waterfall before arriving back in Lombada.
You stay at Bio Hotel Quinta da Serra (Breakfast included)
What's Included
What's Not Included
Food
All continental buffet style breakfasts,
Madeira is well known for its excellent fresh fish and seafood, tasty soups and mouth-watering fresh fruit. Grilled meats especially chicken (often cooked on a natural wood grill), also make a good choice for your evening meal. A more traditional dish is espetada - skewered beef cooked on an open grill served with lots of salad and boiled potatoes.
Portions are generous, especially in smaller, less touristy restaurants and main dishes come with the traditional salad and potatoes. You will also get a basket of bread on the table, even if you don’t ask for it. Some restaurants also bring you portions of soft cheese and fish paste with the bread and will add these to your bill.
Wine
Madeira’s wine is probably the island’s most famous export. This strong, fortified wine, which tastes a little like port or sherry, comes in a range of flavours (from dry to very sweet) and is renowned throughout the world. It was used to seal the signing of the American Declaration of Independence and is still used today to toast those offered the Freedom of the City of London.
Accommodation
The delightful 5-star BIO Hotel - Hotel Quinta da Serra is situated in Jardim da Serra Village, in a lush green valley, approximately 2,691 feet above sea-level. Next to the hotel's garden area there is an indoor pool, hot tub and a Spa & Wellness centre.
Each of the Quinta da Serra’s modern air conditioned rooms and suites comes equipped with a flat-screen cable TV, minibar.
The hotel’s garden area has a varied flora, which includes the island’s tallest recorded eucalyptus tree. The old Quinta building has a games room with billiards, a fireplace and a library.
The Funchal centre is within a 30-minute drive and features many restaurants, bars and shops. Madeira Airport is a 45-minute drive from the BIO Hotel - Hotel Quinta da Serra.
All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory single room supplement payable in advance.
Check out our Q&As
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews of this Operator
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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