Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
We really enjoyed discovering Madeira. Our guide Benny was awesome, informative, enthusiastic, caring and a great leader who showed us the best parts of the island. We walked alongside levadas and clifftops avoiding the main tourist rails wherever possible, the walks were easy and could have been longer but time was taken as Benny explained all aspects of the culture and terrain of the island as we went along. On the last day we climbed up to Miradouro do Juncal which was very satisfying.
The hotels varied. Hotel Ol Colmo in Santana looked 'tired' and in need of attention. the fibreglass bath in our room was 'pitted' and stained and in need of replacement and there was also a resident cockroach in the bathroom! The hotel in Porto Moniz was light and airy and spacious and Hotel Do Carmo in Funchal was centrally placed although the rooms were small.
Benny directed us to local restaurants in the evenings which all served a variety of fish and meat dishes, as a vegetarian who loves vegetables, I struggled to find suitable dishes despite all the vegetables grown on the island. There were a few excellent establishments and a couple that should be avoided in future. The cost of eating out every night added considerably to the cost of the holiday, I would have prefered a cheaper option or a choice of a restaurant or a cafe.
I would definitely recommend this holiday to anyone who loves walking and exploring as Madeira ia an amazingly fertile island with some fantastic trails and beautiful gardens to visit.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Funchal, Santana, Porto da Cruz
Funchal, Santana, Porto da Cruz, Faja Do Penedo, Rabaçal, Pico, Madeira
Jordan went beyond my expectations. The scenery was breathtaking the people so friendly and welcoming. Our tour guide, Saleh, was exceptional. A truly wonderful experience
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A spectacular area to hike. The village of Sotres is small and friendly. The family hotel was welcoming and the food was consistently great. Juan was an interesting and engaged hiking guide. Overall a very good experience.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Bilbao, Picos de Europa National
Bilbao, Picos de Europa National Park, Northern Spain
Really enjoyed this tour itinerary to the amazing, colourful country of Costa Rica . Our group had a fantastic guide and driver in Oscar and Jesus. Both really made the trip for us in particular Oscar with his fantastic knowledge and eagle eyed spotting of wildlife everywhere we went in addition to knowing some great local restaurants The whole trip was fun and enjoyable and will never forget the sloths, toucans, hummingbirds, iguanas, monkeys, macaws and all the other vibrant flora and fauna we encountered along the way. And we were lucky with the weather too !
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation excellent, but could be a little less hotel chain like.
Itinerary is busy and days should start earlier to avoid late meal time.
Guide very knowledgeable and caring about customers but could better pace the hikes, not easy as the group had very different walking speed.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This trip is a great way to pack a lot in, with a limited amount of time. The sights do not disappoint and even though it’s been 10 years since we both last visited India, the love affair continues! A special mention goes to our wonderful guide, Neha. Unflappable, kind & a superb ambassador for her crazy, colourful country. We were blessed with a fantastic group, all taking in what India has to offer in our varied strides.
I would probably give the Motor Museum a miss at the end of the tour and replace with a bit more of Delhi (India Gate perhaps?) But just a mild criticism of a great week in a beautiful & vibrant country.
Rickshaw, cycle or local transport tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
