DAY 1

There is a scheduled transfer from Funchal airport to your hotel near Santana where you are briefed on the week’s walking.
Hotel Quinta do Furão, Santana

DAY 2

A panoramic coastal path leads you to the ancient cobbled route linking Santana to the peaceful village of São Jorge. Agapanthus and cacti line the descent to the sleepy port of Calhau, where fisherman cast their nets to the rhythm of Atlantic breakers crashing against the headland. Balcony views along the coastline accompany your ascent to São Jorge, with the village’s lighthouse glimmering above the azure waters. Mighty Pico Ruivo frames the horizon as you return to Santana.
Hotel Quinta do Furão, Santana

DAY 3

A transfer takes you on the 10-minute ride up to the Parque das Queimadas and the trailhead. The walk follows the beautiful and shady Levada Caldeirão Verde (the Green Caldron Water Channel) into the Vale da Lapa. The scenery is magnificent: the views of the sea, of hilltop villages, and of the lofty central peaks are quite stunning. You head up the valley through a series of impressive levada tunnels to the majestic waterfall at Caldeirão Verde. Then it’s back down the Lapa Valley to Ilha for a refreshment before taking the local bus back to Santana.
Hotel Quinta do Furão, Santana

DAY 4

A scenic 30-minute ride takes you to Ribeiro Frio. You join the Levada do Furado, a verdant paradise of bay laurel, heather, and pine, with waterfalls tumbling into the gushing river. Tiny firecrest and tame finches flit between the trees, which occasionally part to reveal stunning views of white hilltop hamlets. You descend to Santo da Serra’s vibrant square with its lively market; wood smoke fills the air as meats grill al fresco—try the traditional espetada (delicious meat skewered on bay laurel twigs).
Estalagem Serra Golf, Santo da Serra

DAY 5

Today is a free day to explore nearby Machico, with its pleasant seafront promenade, 18th-century fort, and bustling market, ablaze with local color. Dating back to the 14th century, it is the oldest town on the island, named after its founder Robert Machin. If you’re feeling energetic, there’s a lovely 10-km/6-mile walk (route notes provided) along the Levada Nova with its sparkling waterfalls and rock pools.
Estalagem Serra Golf, Santo da Serra

DAY 6

It’s a 15-minute transfer to Camacha, where you will have time to visit the wickerwork factory and shop before heading off on the broad, eucalyptus-fringed paths of the Levada da Serra. Lilies, rhododendrons, and amaryllis burst with color while glimmering sea views open up as you approach Funchal. There’s time to explore historic Monte with its botanical gardens and extravagant 18th-century church before descending by cable car (included in your tour cost) to bustling Funchal, where you spend your final two nights. Here your four-star hotel offers fine dining, beautiful gardens, a panoramic pool, and tennis court.
Quinta da Bela Vista, Funchal

DAY 7

You spend your last day exploring at leisure in Funchal; the city itself is nestled in a great natural amphitheater, facing the ocean with a back drop of dramatic mountains. Perhaps start in the bustling market near the harbor. Enjoy lunch on the harbor—although save room for an afternoon cream tea at Reids! Then there is ample time to relax by the pool or in the beautiful exotic gardens of your hotel.
Quinta da Bela Vista, Funchal

DAY 8

A scheduled morning transfer is provided to the Funchal Airport for your flight home or onward travels.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1, 2 & 3

Hotel Quinta do Furão
Santana, Madeira

This four-star, cliff-top hotel has an exceptional location with ocean views surrounded by vineyards (September guests may join the grape harvest!), vegetable plots, orchards, and manicured gardens with rare dragon trees and proteas, and a backdrop of two peaks. Rooms are spacious and modern, with pine furniture and colorful décor. Amenities include a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool, fitness room and sauna, two bars, a reading room, and private wine cellar with occasional tastings. Separately housed, the restaurant has a sea-view terrace and serves a three-course menu of local specialties.

Nights 4 & 5

Estalagem Serra Golf
Santo da Serra, Madeira

In the same family since its original construction in the 1920s, this four-star hotel, formerly a tea house and later a golf clubhouse, has spacious, elegantly furnished guestrooms, extensive grounds and gardens, and is adjacent to a 27-hole golf course (preferential rates for guests). A traditional three-course dinner is served in a formal dining room next to an inviting salon for before or after dinner drinks. Situated on the edge of a charming village with a main square, bars, shops, a park and zoo, and a market on weekends.

Nights 6 & 7

Quinta da Bela Vista
Funchal, Madeira

This five-star family-run resort commands fabulous panoramic views of Funchal from a hillside location on the city’s edge. In a compound of buildings and established gardens constructed around an original quinta manor house, guestrooms are tastefully furnished with thick carpets and mahogany antiques; with an arboretum, heated outdoor swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, and tennis court. Two restaurants with a multi-course dinner menu and two bars are on site. Weekdays, free daytime shuttle bus to the center of Funchal (check at reception for times).

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.