Essence of Madeira Private Tour – 6 Days of Food, Nature & Culture

Tour Itinerary

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Welcome to Madeira: An Island Arrival & Sunset Sail

Arrive in Madeira. You’ll be met at the airport by your private driver who will transfer you directly to your centrally-located Funchal hotel for 5 nights.

Madeira, often called the “Island of Eternal Spring,” is an enchanting destination known for its spectacular landscapes, mild climate, and warm hospitality. The capital city of Funchal offers the perfect base for your stay, blending history, culture, and ocean views with charming cobbled streets, colorful markets, and inviting cafes. With its scenic bay, colonial architecture, and laid-back atmosphere, Funchal is a wonderful place to begin your island adventure.

Take your time to settle in. We recommend a gentle walk through the nearby Old Town, where you can enjoy the atmosphere, discover the Painted Doors Project, and stop for a drink or light bite at one of the many terraced cafes or wine bars.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a sunset cruise along Madeira’s south coast.

Discover the Secrets of the Atlantic in Style and Comfort! Embark on an exclusive trip aboard one of our private sailboats. It is a tour that offers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the Atlantic, sailing along the stunning south coast of Madeira Island, departing from Funchal Marina and generally sailing to the WEST side to explore the bay of Cabo Girão (the largest cape in Europe with 580m altitude above sea level). Get ready for a luxury experience! During the trip, dolphin and whale watching is a frequent experience (not guaranteed), but for sea lovers the opportunity to swim in the Atlantic is an integral part of the trip, with mild temperatures throughout the year (in summer the temperature seawater reaches 25ºC). Get ready for a relaxing day on the deck of one of our private sailboats, where comfort and service provided by the competent and experienced crew (1 skipper + 1 sailor) complement the experience. The fleet consists of 3 boats, all equipped with snorkeling goggles, SUP boards and towels.

Activities & Services Included Today

Private transfer from Madeira Airport to your Funchal hotel
4-star hotel accommodation in a standard room (upgrade available on request)
Private transfer from your hotel to the Marina in Funchal
Sunset cruise along Madeira’s south coast (shared basis)
Private transfer from the Marina in Funchal to your hotel

DAY 2 Funchal

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Savouring Madeira: A Taste of Funchal from Market to Monte

Start your day at a relaxed pace—we recommend a light breakfast, as you’ll soon be embarking on a delicious exploration of the island’s culinary heritage. Today you'll enjoy a Walking Gastronomic & Cultural Tour through Funchal’s Old Town, where food and history come together in the most flavorful way. As you stroll the cobbled streets lined with colorful murals from the Painted Doors Project, your local guide will share stories of Funchal’s rich past while leading you to some of the best bites the city has to offer.

This tasting experience includes a visit to the lively Mercado dos Lavradores, a sampling of traditional Madeiran cookies, honey cake, Portuguese tea and custard tarts, a stop at Grandma’s Cheese Shop, chocolate tasting, a glass of poncha (the island’s signature spirit), and a typical Madeiran lunch paired with local wines. To top it off, you’ll enjoy a Madeira wine tasting in a charming local spot. It’s a rich and memorable introduction to the flavors and traditions of the island.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit and a tasting at one of the oldest and most renowned wine producers on the island. This tour walks you through the history of Madeira wine. Your visit ends with a tasting of two fine Madeira wines.

If you’re feeling energetic after your tasting, your guide and driver will meet you for a half-day guided tour to explore the scenic hilltop area of Monte. Ride the Funchal cable car to the top, taking in breathtaking views over the bay. Visit the beautiful Monte Palace Tropical Garden, with its koi ponds, exotic plants, and tile panels from around the world. For those up for a little adventure, enjoy the traditional ride down to Livramento in one of the famous wicker toboggans—a truly unique Madeiran experience. You’ll also stop at the Botanical Garden, home to plant species from across the globe and spectacular views of the city below.

Return to your hotel in the early evening.

As always, your Totally Spain guide will provide personal suggestions for dining, evening walks, or a nightcap at a scenic rooftop bar.

Activities & Services Included Today

Full Buffet Breakfast
Walking Gastronomic & Cultural Tour of Funchal with multiple tastings and lunch
Guided group tour and tasting at a Wine Lodge
Private half-day guided tour of Monte with transportation
Entrance tickets
4-star hotel accommodation in Funchal (standard room; upgrade available on request)

DAY 3 Levadas tour

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Levadas & Lunch in the Laurisilva

Today is all about immersing yourself in Madeira’s lush natural landscapes, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and enjoying one of the most authentic experiences the island has to offer.

Your day begins when your private mountain guide and driver pick you up from your hotel for a full-day hike along one of Madeira’s famous levadas—the historical irrigation channels that snake through the island’s forested mountainsides.

With over 3,000 km of walking routes available across the island, your guide will help choose the best path based on current weather conditions and your preferred level of difficulty. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk surrounded by beauty, there's a trail just for you.

Expect to encounter lush green valleys, natural rock tunnels, and crystal-clear lagoons as you wind your way through the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to a rich variety of endemic flora and fauna. Every step offers another stunning viewpoint or botanical discovery, with your guide offering insights into the local ecosystem and history along the way.

Midway through your walk, your guide will surprise you with a typical Madeiran barbecue-style lunch in nature. Picture a rustic setup surrounded by forest, where “espetada” (grilled meat on skewers) or a fresh local fish dish is cooked over the fire and served with homemade bread, fresh salad, regional fruits, and a selection of wines, juices, and mineral water. It’s a peaceful and unforgettable meal in a one-of-a-kind setting.

After lunch, you’ll continue exploring before being transferred back to your hotel in the late afternoon to relax and freshen up.

Your evening is at leisure. You might want to unwind with a quiet dinner nearby or enjoy a drink under the stars, reminiscing about the beauty of Madeira’s landscapes.

Activities & Services Included Today

Full Buffet Breakfast
Full-day private hiking experience on a Levada or Vereda trail
Certified mountain guide and private driver (Mercedes C Class)
“Surprise lunch in nature” featuring a traditional Madeiran barbecue
Transfers to and from your hotel
4-star hotel accommodation in Funchal (standard room; upgrade available on request)

DAY 4 Jeep tour

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Peaks, Poncha & the Road Less Travelled

Today offers an exciting change of pace as you explore Madeira’s dramatic landscapes by 4x4 jeep, journeying across the island’s rugged eastern and northern regions. Your private driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast to take you deep into areas less traveled, where sweeping views and cultural landmarks await.

Your route begins with an ascent to Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest peak at 1810 meters, where you’ll have time to take in spectacular panoramic views over Madeira’s central mountains. From here, you’ll descend toward the lush Ribeiro Frio Natural Park, stopping to enjoy a walk along a levada trail to the Balcões viewpoint, where you'll look out over a deep green valley framed by jagged peaks.

Back in the jeep, the route continues with a series of off-road adventures through Cruzinhas and Lombo Galego, passing remote villages and terraced farmlands. Eventually, you’ll reach Santana, known for its iconic triangular thatched houses, and enjoy a break for lunch at Quinta do Furão, one of Madeira’s most scenic restaurants, perched on a cliff overlooking the coast and vineyards.

After lunch, you’ll head to Porto da Cruz, where you’ll stop at the local Sugarcane Mill for a taste of Madeira’s famous poncha, a traditional punch made with sugarcane rum, honey, and lemon. The day wraps up at the windswept cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost point of the island, where you can admire views of both the north and south coasts at once before heading back to Funchal in the late afternoon.

The evening is yours to relax, reflect, or perhaps explore more of the capital at your own pace.

Activities & Services Included Today

Full buffet breakfast
Private full-day 4x4 jeep tour through Madeira’s east and north
Certified driver-guide
Off-road experiences and guided stops at the viewpoints and villages mentioned
Visit to Santana’s traditional houses
Lunch at Quinta do Furão
Tasting of Madeiran poncha at the Sugarcane Mill in Porto da Cruz
Transfers to and from your hotel
4-star hotel accommodation in Funchal (standard room; upgrade available on request)

DAY 5 Cooking class

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Cooking, Cruising & Câmara de Lobos

Today is all about flavor and fun, beginning with a private culinary masterclass and ending with a scenic ride along the coast in a motorbike sidecar.

Your driver will collect you from your hotel, taking you to the countryside home of a local chef for an unforgettable private cooking experience. This hands-on Madeiran Cooking Masterclass invites you into the kitchen for a 3.5-hour journey into the island’s culinary traditions. In the relaxed setting of the chef’s own home, you'll prepare a full regional menu using authentic ingredients and techniques, while learning stories behind each dish.

Expect to make and enjoy:

Poncha, the traditional sugarcane rum drink
Bolo do caco, soft local bread served with garlic butter
A starter, main course, and dessert
Served with wine, garden tea, coffee, and water

After a leisurely lunch with your creations, your driver will transfer you to the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, a place famously painted by Winston Churchill, for a 3-hour motorcycle sidecar tour that offers a totally different way to see Madeira’s coast.

With the wind in your hair and panoramic views unfolding at every turn, your local guide-driver will take you along scenic cliffside roads toward this colorful village. There’ll be stops for photos, opportunities to chat with locals, and plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere. Before heading back to Funchal, enjoy a glass of freshly made poncha, prepared the traditional way with local rum, honey, and citrus.

Your private driver will collect you and return you to your hotel to relax and enjoy the rest of the evening at your own pace.

Activities & Services Included Today

Full buffet breakfast at your hotel
Private transfer from your hotel to the cooking class
Private Madeiran Cooking Masterclass with a professional local chef (Preparation of traditional menu including poncha, bolo do caco, starter, main dish, and dessert)
Lunch with drinks (wine, tea, coffee, water) included
Private transfer from the cooking class to Câmara de Lobos
Motorcycle sidecar tour (3 hours) along the coast to and around Câmara de Lobos (2 pax per bike, driver included)
Private transfer back to your hotel from Câmara de Lobos
4-star hotel accommodation in Funchal (standard room; upgrade available on request)

DAY 6 Departure

Departure,

A Sweet Goodbye to Madeira

After a memorable stay on the island of Madeira, it’s time to say farewell.

Enjoy a relaxed morning and one final buffet breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight time, you may wish to take a last stroll through Funchal or simply unwind and soak in the views before your departure.

Your private driver will collect you from your hotel and transfer you comfortably to Funchal Airport, ensuring a smooth and stress-free end to your trip.

Activities & Services Included Today

Full buffet breakfast at your hotel
Private transfer from your hotel to Funchal Airport

Additional Information

WHO MIGHT THIS TOUR APPEAL TO?

This 6-day private adventure in Madeira blends natural beauty, cultural encounters, and rich flavors—ideal for travelers who want to explore deeply without rushing. It’s designed for those who value comfort but still crave a bit of adventure, discovery, and connection with local life.

The Culture Seeker

Love diving into local traditions? This tour takes you beyond the surface, from Funchal’s historic streets to family-run vineyards and artisan workshops that reveal the island’s soul.

The Nature & Adventure Enthusiast

If your ideal day includes scenic trails, forest picnics, or off-road explorations, you’ll feel right at home here. Think hikes through UNESCO-protected laurel forests, a jeep safari into rugged landscapes, and dramatic coastal views.

The Food & Wine Explorer

For travelers who taste their way through a destination, Madeira delivers—fresh Atlantic seafood, tropical fruit markets, a hands-on cooking class, and the island’s famed wines are all on the menu.

Want to explore but skip the logistics? With five nights in Funchal and private transport throughout, you’ll enjoy seamless travel with plenty of time to relax between experiences.

ORIGINAL AND RELATED POSTS FROM TOTALLY SPAIN'S BLOG

MADEIRA: PORTUGAL'S ENCHANTING ISLAND

What's included

Accommodation (based on 2 people sharing)
5 nights accommodation in a quality 4-star hotel in Funchal in a standard room. Upgrade options available on request.

Meals
Full Buffet breakfast daily
Gastronomic tastings and typical Madeiran lunch during the Funchal Walking Tour. All food and drink included.
Surprise barbecue-style lunch in nature following the guided Levada walk. All food and drink included.
Lunch at Quinta do Furão during the full-day Jeep Tour. All food and drink included.
Regional menu lunch with wines during the private cooking masterclass. All food and drink included.

Transport
All private transfers between airport, hotel, and scheduled activities as indicated above

Guided Tours & activities
Private full-day Levada walk with expert English-speaking mountain guide
Private full-day Jeep Tour East/North of Madeira with local driver-guide
Private Madeiran Cooking Masterclass with local chef in their home
Small group Walking Gastronomic & Cultural Funchal City Tour. All food and drink included.
Winery visit and tasting
Half-day guided tour of Funchal including Monte and Botanical Gardens

Pre-Booked Entrance Tickets

Special Highlights
Sunset Cruise from Funchal Marina including transfers and drinks
3-hour Moto Sidecar experience to Câmara de Lobos including poncha tasting

Other
Comprehensive personalized trip documentation including maps, guides and local tourist information
Totally Spain’s specialist trip planning service and support

NOT INCLUDED
Flights, Personal Travel Insurance, Porterage (not commonly available in Portugal), Tips, Meals, drinks or hotel extras other than those described above. Anything else not specified above.

Please note that Madeira charges visitors a tourist tax per night which is not included. It must be paid locally at your hotel. This information is for reference only and may be subject to change without notice.