Departing your ship, drive along Avenida do Mar to reach the terminal. There you’ll board your cable car for a ride over the city and harbor on the way to the Village of Monte, located in the outskirts of Funchal. At Monte you'll have the opportunity to take a trip back to the past when you join the toboggan ride to Livramento. The ride downhill in a wicker sledge is an exciting one, providing you with a taste of the Madeira of past decades, when this was the established form of transport from Monte to Funchal. After a short drive along a winding road you’ll reach Eira do Serrado, offering spectacular views of the interior of the island.

Take a short walk up to the viewpoint on Pico do Serrado at an altitude of approximately 3,592 feet (1,095 meters), for an amazing view down onto the village of Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley), a small village located in the heart of the island, nestled between almost perpendicular mountains. In 1566, the nuns from the Santa Clara convent fled from pirates attacking Funchal and found seclusion here where they also brought the convent’s treasure. Your last stop before returning to your ship will be at one of the famous wine lodges in Funchal, where you'll sample and may purchase the world famous Madeira wine.

Savor a variety of traditional Madeira beverages and dishes in the mountain village Serra D’Agua and in a private home in the suburbs of Funchal. As an introduction to the island’s gastronomy, you will be served a glass of poncho in the village. This traditional drink of Madeira may have originated in India with the British then introducing it to the island. Although poncho is sometimes made with the juice of passion fruit or tangerines, it typically contains lemon juice, honey and alcohol distilled from cane sugar. Continuing on to a private home in the Funchal suburb of Santo António, you will delve into the local cuisine with a tasting of various delicacies. Chances are, the menu will include Carne Vinho e Alhos, a traditional dish of pork marinated in wine and garlic. Side dishes may include favorites such as artisanal bread, sweet potatoes, fried corn and local cheeses.

• Gain a remarkably in-depth understanding of Madeira’s cuisine and drinks through tastings.
• Sample poncho, a traditional citrus drink that made have originated in India.
• Imbibe and dine in a mountain village and in a suburb of Funchal, two representative settings.

Head towards Camara de Lobos to a well-known fishing village used by Sir Winston Churchill to create beautiful island paintings. You’ll see its lovely, quaint setting of red-tile-roofed houses clustered on the rocky point and the brightly painted fishing boats anchored in the harbor. Passing by Estreito de Camara de Lobos, known for its vineyards, you’ll reach Quinta do Estreito which is found among vineyards on the southern slopes of the main wine producing area of Madeira, offering a wonderful close contact with nature and a marvelous view over the south coast of Madeira Island. Then proceed to Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world. Soaring 1,900 feet (579 meters), its etched face tells the tale of its volcanic origins.

From this impressive promontory, you’ll have breathtaking views along the island’s southern coast. Before reaching Cabo Girao, you’ll have the opportunity to taste Poncha, a famous local drink made out of rum and honey. Continue in the old street towards Ribeira Brava (wild stream), a small town on the southwest coast of the island. The town boasts many street cafes and shops and is certainly a place to spend some time taking in the sights and sounds. Ribeira Brava was one of the first parishes of the island and was inhabited early in the island’s history.

This panoramic tour will take you to Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world offering breathtaking views. Next you’ll visit Camara de Lobos, the traditional fishing village that inspired Sir Winston Churchill to paint its lovely surroundings. It was named by explorers Joao Goncalves Zarco and Tristao Vaz Teixeira because of the shape of its bay and the many sea lions (lobos de mar) that lived there at the time. Here you’ll have free time to explore this traditional, picturesque village. You’ll then be driven towards Funchal to sample the famous Madeira wine at the Madeira Wine Company.

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Climbing up towards the central mountain range, your tour takes the road that leads to Monte, a village notable for its many fine properties and gardens. At Monte you'll have the opportunity to take a trip back to the past when you join the toboggan ride back to Livramento. The ride down the hill on the wicker sledges is an exciting one, providing you with a taste of the Madeira of the past decades, when this was the established form of transport. Then, proceed to Pico do Arieiro, the third highest peak on the island with an altitude of almost 6,000 feet (1,818 meters). Views are spectacular up here and on a clear day, it is even possible to see Porto Santo, the neighboring island, which is situated 30 nautical miles to the north.

Continue towards the south eastern coast, where your driver will take you to Ponta do Garajau. Here, you’ll find a towering statue of Christ inaugurated in 1927, before the Christo Rei in Rio de Janeiro. Looking out to sea with outstretched arms, this viewpoint is definitely worth a visit to capture the views of Funchal in the far distance. The coastline is a conservation area and has one of the first underwater nature reserves in Europe. It provides sanctuary to whales, dolphins and seals.

Your coach will take you inland, passing through Sao Martinho to the Socorridos ravine. Eira do Serrado is reached after a short drive along a winding road, offering spectacular views of the interior of the island. Here, it's a short and easy walk up to the viewpoint on Pico de Serrado at an altitude of approximately 3,592 feet (1,094 meters), for an amazing view down onto the village of Curral das Freiras. Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley) is a small village nestling between almost perpendicular mountains in the heart of the island. In 1566, the nuns from the Santa Clara convent fled from pirates attacking Funchal and found seclusion here where they also brought the convent’s treasure. Your next stop will be at Monte.

This small village, perched up in the hills overlooking Funchal, was formerly a health resort for Europe's high society, including Austrian Emperor Charles I. One of its long-lost features was a rack railway, which connected Monte with Funchal. From here you will board the cable car and see Madeira from the air, experiencing the wonderful views all the way down to Funchal. The cable car is made up of 40 small cabins with a capacity of up to eight people per cabin and it has an approximate duration of 15 minutes. Your last stop will be at an important wine lodge, where a sample of the famous Madeira wine will be offered.

Ride a double-decker bus around Funchal and into the villages on the outskirts, hopping on and off at places that interest you most. With a detailed map in hand that describes the more than 20 destinations where the buses stop, you will find all sorts of attractions to your liking. For the ultimate sweeping view, head out Pico dos Barcelo’s, the highest point in Funchal, where amazing views are waiting for you. If you’re interested in shopping, be sure to hop off the bus at Funchal’s vibrant Farmer’s Market and at Bordal, an extraordinary embroidery factory. The serene Municipal Gardens is a must-see for nature lovers, just as Old Town attracts history buffs and those who appreciate architecture. Funchal Cathedral is yet another glorious venue well worth a visit. An interesting highlight of our tour is the connection with Camara de Lobos, a beautiful villa near Funchal with views of the Atlantic Ocean and small colorful boats moored in the bay. Included in your tour is a wine tasting at Blandy's Wine Lodge, a place with more than 200 years of experience in Funchal's wine history, just show your Hop On Hop Off ticket!

HIGHLIGHTS
• Ride a double-decker bus around Funchal, taking in the sights along the way. • Hop off the bus at attractions that you find most intriguing and stay as long as you like. • Hop on another bus whenever you wish and ride it to the next interesting attraction. • Hear commentary that describes each attraction, so you can easily pick your favorites. less

Leaving the pier you'll proceed towards Pico dos Barcelos, where you can see distant Funchal and the surrounding villages scattered over the green slopes. Continue towards Camara de Lobos, a well-known fishing village used by Sir Winston Churchill to create beautiful island paintings. There, you’ll see its lovely, quaint setting of red-tile-roofed houses clustered on the rocky point and the brightly painted fishing boats anchored in the harbor. Your tour will then proceed to Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world. Soaring 1,900 feet (579 meters), its etched face tells the tale of its volcanic origins.

From this impressive promontory, enjoy breathtaking views along the island’s southern coast. Pass by Estreito de Camara de Lobos, known for its vineyards, arriving at Quinta do Estreito which nestled among vineyards on the southern slopes of the main wine producing area of Madeira, offering a wonderfully close contact with nature and a marvelous view over the south coast of Madeira Island. In the typical Adega da Quinta Restaurant you’ll sample some of the local wines and Portuguese cheeses.

Leaving the pier on your 4x4 vehicle, this tour takes you inland to one of the most beautiful forest areas of the island, passing through typical streets which are mainly used to transport agricultural goods that supply the population living in these rural areas. Explore the best examples of the protected environment and natural vegetation hidden by the mountains of this island of volcanic origin. This is beyond a doubt the best way to discover truly unspoiled, peaceful and majestic areas which can’t be seen any other way, as the routes will take you on tracks that meander through the mountains, across small rivers, through valleys and amongst small waterfalls, providing incredible views.

Join one of the most thrilling marine wildlife observations along Madeira’s southern coast. Your host will be “Rota dos Cetáceos” (Cetaceans Path) owners and descendants from a family of whalers who still use the old methods of searching for whales. They will guide you on an unforgettable adventure, a very close observation of dolphins and whales.

You’ll be briefed by a marine biologist before boarding a Zodiac-type boat which will allow you a close range observation of marine life in a very ecological and animal friendly manner - that follows the worldwide Voluntary Viewing Guidelines. At all times the marine biologist will be there and explain the different aspects and curiosities of the species observed. This eco-adventure is designed for adventurous, active people who are in good health and like to watch marine mammals in their own environment.

OVERVIEW

Sample several characteristic Madeira wines followed by an extraordinary lunch of grilled fish prepared in a simple and traditional way. The venues for these inspiring experiences are along the island’s precipitous southern coast, where you will first pause at Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. From the glass-floored skywalk that juts over the escarpment, the views will be breathtaking. Nearby, you will find Otavio Ferraz, a family-owned winery on a property that was once a banana plantation. The terroir is even better suited for growing red grapes such as Tempranillo and whites that include Verdelho and Arnsburger. A tasting of varietals and blends will reveal their attributes. At the restaurant Vila do Peixe in the Old Town section of Câmara de Lobos, you will dine on fresh fish caught that day. It will be seasoned solely with rock salt and olive oil before being grilled over an open flame.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the views from a skywalk that extends over one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs.
• Enjoy a sampling of wines that reflect the unique terroir of southern Madeira.
• Dine on a Madeira specialty – grilled fish seasoned with rock salt and olive oil only.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover the natural wonders and seaside parishes that define Madeira’s northern coast, which you will reach on a circuitous drive through the interior’s forested mountains. The parish of Porto da Cruz is distinguished by its black sand beaches, the result of past volcanic activity. On the outskirts of this beautiful little spot, you will tour a distillery that produces its white rum from sugar cane using steam-powered machinery. It is one of the few distilleries in Europe to do so. A tasting of the finished rum will confirm that this traditional means of production is well worth the effort. Just up the coast lies the parish of Faial, which is named for the area’s indigenous shrubbery. From the nearby Guindaste lookout on the edge of the sea, you will enjoy a sweeping view of the island’s northern coast. You will then dine – most likely on the deep-sea fish black scabbard – in the larger village of Santana.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through Madeira’s lushly forested interior to the island’s gorgeous northern coast.
• Tour a unique distillery that produces its sugar-cane rum with steam-powered machinery.
• Enjoy a rum sampling to whet your appetite for lunch in the nearby village of Santana.
• Admire the panoramic view of Madeira’s northern coast from the Guindaste lookout.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.