Our guide Benny was everything I have come to expect from an Explore Guide. Genuine, enthusiastic, interested and interesting. All questions were answered; about our itinerary, the island, our hotels, recommendations for restaurants, food (including allergies/intolerances), drinks, customs, flora and fauna. Benny's knowledge of his homeland is encyclopaedic. I had been to Madeira many times before, and of course the island has changed, whilst maintaining it's essential qualities that I have long treasured. For my husband David, it was his very first visit. Luckily for me, he fell in love with the place too, and we are already trying to fit in a return visit asap.
I was suffering from injuries to both achilles tendons and had thought I would be unable to take part in any of the walks, but decided we would still go on the holiday anyway and make the very best of things. I rang the Explore office about a week beforehand to fill them in and asked them to pass on the information to our guide. I was delighted to find at our initial meeting that Benny had indeed been advised about our situation. Having discussed things with Benny, we gave it a go, and loved the walks that we did. We had a few days off to allow recovery on the days between the walks we did. The walks were stunning in terms of locations. The terrain was very varied, the variety of flora and fauna was better than expected, given the time of year.
The three hotels in which we stayed were in excellent locations, they were spotlessly clean, the staff were very friendly and helpful. The last hotel, in Funchal was a little "tired" but the staff have explained that this year they are undergoing an extensive program of refurbishment to the public areas and to the rooms. Again, I stress, we had NO complaints. We actually stayed there a few additional days after the end of the tour, and thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
I would not hesitate to recommend our guide Benny, this tour, and Explore Holidays in general. Five star ratings from us both!
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
23% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
This holiday provided straightforward walking in exceptional and sometimes unusual scenery in great company and with an experienced and characterful guide. It was exactly what we were looking for in a short break from the British winter. The accommodation was excellent and the whole trip was well organised, and good value. Everyone involved that we met (eg hotel staff, transfer vehicle drivers etc) were without exception helpful and friendly. We found the holiday relaxing and rewarding.
Trekking and HikingBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Funchal, Madeira, Porto da Cruz
Funchal, Madeira, Porto da Cruz, Queimadas, Pico Ruivo
Choose this self-drive tour around Madeira and spend 8 memorable days exploring the superb culture and landscapes of this island. Drive along the emerald coastline passing through the charming fish villages Santo da Sierra and Boaventura, take in to the beautiful waterfall called “Veu da Noiva” (The bride’s veil) and discover the legend about the unfulfilled love. Melt into the flavours and aromas by the typical dishes of the local gastronomy in Ponta do Sol and in Funchal, experience the vivid and attractive vibe of the Portuguese culture and traditions. This trip will fill all your senses and will leave great memories for the lifetime.
Self-drive or vehicle rental
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Madeira, Santo Da Serra, Boavent
Madeira, Santo Da Serra, Boaventura, Ponta Do Sol, Funchal
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Join us on this guided sightseeing tour of Funchal, the largest city and capital of Portugal's Madeira region and see some of the city's most important sights. We will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and drive you to see some of the most important sights in the city first.
Take a walk around Funchal's historic city center and see some of the most important monuments of the city. You also have the option to stop at local restaurants and enjoy traditional Madeira food before heading out to visit the local market and see exotic local produce.
Included in the tour price is a local delicacy, a sandwich prepared with a black scabbardfish fillet. Go for an exciting ride downhill on a traditional toboggan sled in Monte. Your day comes to an end at one of the best viewpoints of the island. We will drive you to your accommodation after that.
Set off on a six-day Premium hiking adventure through Madeira’s dramatic coastlines, volcanic landscapes and lush forests. Hike the 25 Fontes trail and visit Risco Waterfall, relax in natural volcanic rock pools at Porto Moniz, take in the sweeping ocean views on your hike to Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco and hike to the highest point on the island on the Vereda do Pico do Ruivo. Along the way, visit small mountain villages, learn about the region’s local culture and indulge in Madeira’s most famous local produce, wine and rum. With its mild climate and diverse terrain, Madeira offers the perfect escape and hiking destination all year round.
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Santiago De Compostela, Leon, As
Santiago De Compostela, Leon, Astorga, Molinaseca, O Cebreiro, Samos, Palas De Rei, Funchal
18% OFF TODAY
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The basket ride in Madeira was great, seeing how our fuernas lunch was cooked was unique. The drives along the shores of the islands was breathtaking. I also liked trying all the different foods of the islands
The people of Portugal were wonderful——. Helpful, friendly and very nice.
Experience the passionate and vibrant Portuguese culture with this tour of Lisbon and the enchanting island of Madeira in the North Atlantic Ocean as you travel to Portugal! Your journey will begin in Lisbon, a captivating coastal city known for its colorful buildings, famous landmarks, and twisting cobblestone streets. From there you will take a flight to Funchal, the capital of the beautiful Island of Madeira where sunny skies, gorgeous coastlines, and golden beaches are commonplace. Take some time to lay back and relax in one of the most beautiful regions in the area and enjoy the famous sweet wine of the region. Visit Camara dos Lobos to experience life in the colorful small fishing villages and as admire the best views of some of the highest cliffs in Europe. Visit Porto Moniz, known for its natural swimming pools formed by volcanic lava and naturally filled with crystal-clear sea water. Your journey will then take you to Camacha, the center of Madeira’s willow craft industry, and to Pico do Areeiro where you will admire the beautiful views of pointy mountains, lush valleys. Travel to Santana, a picturesque village famous for its traditional, brightly colored timber and thatch palheiros houses. Your tour comes to an end with your flight back to Lisbon!
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
We loved Porto. Even though Porto is a smaller city than Lisbon - it was quaint yet with a city appeal-but very easy to navigate-we loved the river area
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Resort, Hotel
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lisbon, Cascais, Madeira, Funchal
Lisbon, Cascais, Madeira, Funchal
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
