![Small town surrounded by mountains full of flowers, cactuses and palm trees](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_ALAMY_T461BY-1.jpg.webp?itok=9aYmh9wg)
![Beachside port full of boats and buildings](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_767385247.jpg.webp?itok=Cok-t38T)
![Three glasses of red wine on a table.](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2023/BDUS_GMU_ST_21_180.JPG.webp?itok=LVppa4rB)
![Piles of small weaved baskets](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_375935458.jpg.webp?itok=S1Wewsu6)
![Stone stair way with metal railings leading towards the peak of a mountain](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_430530334.jpg.webp?itok=_-P04vB9)
![Gravel pathway surrounded by plants leading towards the beach](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_1256584051.jpg.webp?itok=r6EUFHUV)
![Dolphin jumping out of the ocean water](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_1284167140.jpg.webp?itok=2QdAZuWh)
![Photo of guests taking selfie.](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2023/MPGI-Z_BDA_Guest_22_001.jpg.webp?itok=5Z5dvTCs)
![Man close to the edge of a cliff looking down at the ocean](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_1325699567.jpg.webp?itok=Z8PrGf58)
![Dirt trail in a foggy forest surrounded by trees with wavy branches](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_2431244979.jpg.webp?itok=DeTnC81A)
![Woman standing on a rock looking at a lake](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_1924225907.jpg.webp?itok=PjuRpOUd)
![Sky view of a oceanside town with large mountains in the background](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_2357773267.jpg.webp?itok=3TCRuxG2)
![Vendor stall full of fruits and vegetables](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_2279629639.jpg.webp?itok=YxW5iDaX)
![Green plantains with two people walking away in the distance](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_2403556173.jpg.webp?itok=uK6fYjJ3)
![Person walking on a gravel path towards larger cliffs by the ocean](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_2413417805.jpg.webp?itok=aW5C7XIf)
![Woman walking on a stone path descending on a mountain](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_2429642205.jpg.webp?itok=VHdoKKOk)
![Stone pathway leading towards foggy mountains](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_2425767147.jpg.webp?itok=ekqd2V3_)
Portugal's Madeira Walking & Hiking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
From $5,299 - $5,399 /person
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
Portugal's Madeira Walking & Hiking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
2025: Mar-Dec
![Small town surrounded by mountains full of flowers, cactuses and palm trees](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_ALAMY_T461BY-1.jpg.webp?itok=9aYmh9wg)
![Beachside port full of boats and buildings](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_767385247.jpg.webp?itok=Cok-t38T)
![Three glasses of red wine on a table.](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2023/BDUS_GMU_ST_21_180.JPG.webp?itok=LVppa4rB)
![Piles of small weaved baskets](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_375935458.jpg.webp?itok=S1Wewsu6)
![Stone stair way with metal railings leading towards the peak of a mountain](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_430530334.jpg.webp?itok=_-P04vB9)
![Gravel pathway surrounded by plants leading towards the beach](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_1256584051.jpg.webp?itok=r6EUFHUV)
![Dolphin jumping out of the ocean water](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_1284167140.jpg.webp?itok=2QdAZuWh)
![Photo of guests taking selfie.](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2023/MPGI-Z_BDA_Guest_22_001.jpg.webp?itok=5Z5dvTCs)
![Man close to the edge of a cliff looking down at the ocean](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_1325699567.jpg.webp?itok=Z8PrGf58)
![Dirt trail in a foggy forest surrounded by trees with wavy branches](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_2431244979.jpg.webp?itok=DeTnC81A)
![Woman standing on a rock looking at a lake](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_1924225907.jpg.webp?itok=PjuRpOUd)
![Sky view of a oceanside town with large mountains in the background](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_2357773267.jpg.webp?itok=3TCRuxG2)
![Vendor stall full of fruits and vegetables](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_2279629639.jpg.webp?itok=YxW5iDaX)
![Green plantains with two people walking away in the distance](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_2403556173.jpg.webp?itok=uK6fYjJ3)
![Person walking on a gravel path towards larger cliffs by the ocean](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_2413417805.jpg.webp?itok=aW5C7XIf)
![Woman walking on a stone path descending on a mountain](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_2429642205.jpg.webp?itok=VHdoKKOk)
![Stone pathway leading towards foggy mountains](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_gallery_full/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_2425767147.jpg.webp?itok=ekqd2V3_)
Epic Trails & Ancient Forests on the Atlantic's Garden Isle
With mountain ridges soaring up from the azure sea, waterfalls cascading down sky-high cliffs and the world’s largest surviving laurel forest, Madeira has more than earned its title as the Pearl of the Atlantic. Take it all in as you hike trails bordered by ferns and orchids, visit terra cotta-roofed fishing villages and lounge on sun-drenched beaches. Like the wine, life here is sweet.
Highlights
- Traverse the island via a 600-year-old system of levadas—aqueducts that crisscross its emerald mountains and carry water to its lower lands
- Partake in an array of food-centric experiences including a tour of a banana plantation, a local wine tasting and a Michelin-starred dinner
- Watch sperm whales breach and bottlenose dolphins play as you take to the seas like an ancient Portuguese explorer
- Discover Madeira's seafaring history in its capital city, Funchal, and drive east to admire tropical plants at Palheiro Gardens
![Portugal Madeira Walking and Hiking Tour map](/sites/default/files/styles/trip_page_map/public/2024/25_EM_WMEI.jpg.webp?itok=s95TOI17)
Start/End Funchal
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_430530334.jpg.webp?itok=TbBXsOPN)
Days 1-2
Start your journey with lunch in the village of Camacha, the center of Madeira’s thriving wicker industry • Follow a section of levadas past ponds, leafy ferns and majestic oak trees • Explore the island's highest peaks, ascending nearly 6,000 feet to gaze at privileged views of the surrounding mountain ridges • Wander through roses and camellia trees on a guided tour of the colorful Palheiro Gardens.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Casa-Velha-do-Paleiro_004_0.jpg.webp?itok=HY18wwte)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Casa-Velha-do-Paleiro_002.jpeg.webp?itok=RfneErHB)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Casa-Velha-do-Paleiro_005.jpg.webp?itok=wG51EGGg)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Casa-Velha-do-Paleiro_006.jpg.webp?itok=kRAIcrX2)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Casa-Velha-do-Paleiro_007.jpeg.webp?itok=GHYd6cOc)
Nights 1-2
High up in the hills above Funchal, this tranquil hotel—originally built in 1804—has kept its old-world charm and is filled with antiques, fresh flowers and floral patterns inspired by its proximity to the lovely Palheiro Estate and Gardens. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_1924225907.jpg.webp?itok=aldUA6sO)
Day 3
Hike inside of dramatic Laurissilva, an ancient laurel forest recognized as a World Heritage site • Get to know some of Madeira’s endemic flora and fauna • Trace levadas past mountain faces streaked with waterfalls and end at a pristine lagoon • Experience Calheta, a town built upon one of Madeira’s prettiest white-sand beaches.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Saccharum-Resort-Spa_007.jpg.webp?itok=V1oC9zXQ)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Saccharum-Resort-Spa_002.jpg.webp?itok=2mtrDlNA)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Saccharum-Resort-Spa_004.jpg.webp?itok=Z3YLvzv6)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Saccharum-Resort-Spa_008.jpg.webp?itok=grzQIgZb)
Night 3
Converted from an old sugar mill, this sleek hotel has been redesigned with modern decor and rooms boasting floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on the Atlantic and surrounding green mountains. (pool, spa)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/ME_shutterstock_1284167140.jpg.webp?itok=0IHSU_G5)
Days 4-6
Admire crystal-clear waters as you search for dolphins, turtles and whales on a boating excursion • Learn about banana trees on a guided tour of an organic banana farm, only accessible by boat or cable car • Savor a variety of farm-fresh Madeiran dishes and wines for lunch • Venture to the rugged Ponta de São Lourenço, a stretch of remarkable basalt coastline that sharply contrasts with the island’s lush interior • Summit Pico do Facho for breathtaking panoramic views of valleys, mountains and the nearby Desertas Islands • Dine on Michelin-starred cuisine after watching a spectacular sunset • Walk Funchal's cobblestoned streets and take a cable car up to Monte for aerial views of the city.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Reids-Palace_004.jpg.webp?itok=TqDHTsed)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Reids-Palace_001.jpg.webp?itok=7LzH38qG)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Reids-Palace_005.jpg.webp?itok=XMwS-J2R)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Reids-Palace_006.jpg.webp?itok=jqN7yMl5)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Reids-Palace_007.jpg.webp?itok=rvu3sYy0)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Reids-Palace_008.jpg.webp?itok=LQ6QRu_5)
Nights 4-5
A Belmond hotel with iconic baby-pink walls, this palatial structure built onto the clifftops near Funchal has been an island mainstay for the past 100 years. Though modernized, it still enjoys a roaring 20s flair. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Casa-Velha-do-Paleiro_004_0.jpg.webp?itok=HY18wwte)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Casa-Velha-do-Paleiro_002.jpeg.webp?itok=RfneErHB)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Casa-Velha-do-Paleiro_005.jpg.webp?itok=wG51EGGg)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Casa-Velha-do-Paleiro_006.jpg.webp?itok=kRAIcrX2)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Casa-Velha-do-Paleiro_007.jpeg.webp?itok=GHYd6cOc)
Nights 1-2
Premiere Hotel
High up in the hills above Funchal, this tranquil hotel—originally built in 1804—has kept its old-world charm and is filled with antiques, fresh flowers and floral patterns inspired by its proximity to the lovely Palheiro Estate and Gardens. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Saccharum-Resort-Spa_007.jpg.webp?itok=V1oC9zXQ)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Saccharum-Resort-Spa_002.jpg.webp?itok=2mtrDlNA)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Saccharum-Resort-Spa_004.jpg.webp?itok=Z3YLvzv6)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Saccharum-Resort-Spa_008.jpg.webp?itok=grzQIgZb)
Night 3
Premiere Hotel
Converted from an old sugar mill, this sleek hotel has been redesigned with modern decor and rooms boasting floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on the Atlantic and surrounding green mountains. (pool, spa)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Reids-Palace_004.jpg.webp?itok=TqDHTsed)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Reids-Palace_001.jpg.webp?itok=7LzH38qG)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Reids-Palace_005.jpg.webp?itok=XMwS-J2R)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Reids-Palace_006.jpg.webp?itok=jqN7yMl5)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Reids-Palace_007.jpg.webp?itok=rvu3sYy0)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/itinerary_533/public/2024/MEI_PR_24_Reids-Palace_008.jpg.webp?itok=LQ6QRu_5)
Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
A Belmond hotel with iconic baby-pink walls, this palatial structure built onto the clifftops near Funchal has been an island mainstay for the past 100 years. Though modernized, it still enjoys a roaring 20s flair. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Looks like you’re traveling with a smaller group
Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
More Trips for You
Our Help Center is full of useful tips on finding your perfect trip, managing your reservation and much more.