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Price from £995pp
VISITING: Madeira BROCHURE CODE: 5523
All prices include: transfers, accommodation, guided activities and meals; all as listed.
This seven-night holiday takes in some of the most colourful and interesting sights of Madeira. From its beautiful gardens and terraces to its winding Levada walks and jagged mountains, you’ll explore by foot, boat and road to really experience this landscape of sheer beauty.

What's included?

  • Transfers: all transfers included
  • Accommodation: 7 nights’ hotel accommodation in standard land view double/twin rooms
  • Meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches
  • The following activities are included in the holiday: Palheiro Gardens, Levada dos Tornos and Jasmin Tea House, east island tour with wine tasting, Levada dos Marocos, west island tour and swimming in the lava pools, day trip to Porto Santo (the order of activities is subject to change)
  • Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities

Although relatively small in size, Madeira is absolutely brimming with flora and fauna. Thanks to the sub-tropical climate, the island enjoys warm temperatures for most of the year. The tall mountains capture the water from the clouds and irrigate the lands below, creating landscapes full of colour and beauty. Flowers and fruit trees line the hills and terraces and every possible bit of space is utilised to grow fresh fruits and vegetables in the fertile volcanic soil.

The island has several fantastic landscaped gardens, as well as many beautiful household plots. This trip includes a visit to one of the smaller, yet more interesting private gardens of Palheiro, as well as stops at vineyards and picturesque villages across the island. From your base in Funchal, you can also visit other botanical gardens and public parks, which are filled with colour and fascinating plant species.

A trip to Madeira wouldn’t be complete without walking along one of the many levadas that weave through the island, which is why we have included two. Levadas are small irrigation channels that transport water from the mountains, down to the fields and villages below. They gently wind through the mountains, hugging the contours as the water flows from the steep, jagged peaks up high, to the terraces and gardens below. The levada routes make for fantastic walks as you follow the water on its path downhill and enjoy spectacular views of the mountains, ravines and luscious forests.

From east to west, the island has a huge variety of stunning vistas and dramatic landscapes, which is why this itinerary includes tours to both parts of the island so that you can appreciate the overwhelming beauty of this fantastic archipelago. Wine tasting, fresh local food and swimming in the warm waters that surround Madeira will create lasting memories.

Furthermore, you’ll even get to enjoy a day trip to the smaller, neighbouring island of Porto Santo, which is home to a fabulous sandy beach and charming town.

Based in Funchal, you can take a walk along the harbour and venture into the old town, which is filled with local restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as incredible art galleries, markets and shops. This vibrant and friendly town is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the fabulous culture and history of Madeira.


Credit: Visit Madeira, Carlos Viveiros, Francisco Correia & Quinta Bela Sao Tiago
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Key facts

Duration: 7 nights
Pace: Balanced
Suitable for: Minimum age is 12 (wine tasting 18 & over only). See our terms for further information.
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We include more, no hidden costs

On each of our holidays you will see a clear outline of exactly what's included in the price of your holiday. We never use 'headline' or 'lead-in' prices like so many tour operators, as we prefer to include as much as we can, rather than see our clients incur considerable additional costs in our destinations.
Price guarantee

Single travellers: please speak to our Travel Experts for a quotation

From 2024, visitors to Madeira are required to pay a €2 per person per night tax directly to their hotel. This tax applies only to those aged 13 and over and is payable up to a maximum of seven nights only.

Departure dates between
Fri 03 May 2024
to Fri 28 Jun 2024
Adults £ 1,015 To £ 1,155
Fri 05 Jul 2024
to Fri 18 Oct 2024
Adults £ 995 To £ 1,115

Departure day: this trip departs on a Friday during the date range displayed above.

For our full booking terms and conditions please click here

The Specifics

Holiday group size (approximate)

Approximately 2 - 30 people (please note that on the boat trip to Porto Santo, you will be on a public ferry, so group sizes will be larger for this trip)

Group Size

We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.

Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.

Minimum and maximum age

If a specific minimum age applies to this holiday, it can be found in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page.

Unless otherwise stated in the in the Key Facts box on the holiday Overview page, the minimum age for participation in an Artisan holiday is typically 8 years old (there may be younger children in some destinations who have booked with other companies). If an adult-only environment is important to you, then please contact our Travel Experts and they will advise on the best dates and destinations for you. If you are looking for a holiday designed specifically for families then please see our sister company www.activitiesabroad.com

Itinerary amendments

The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.

Medical History and Advice

We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.

In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.

In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.

Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.

Insurance

Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.

It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.

If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.

The UK Foreign Office Advice

Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice

We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.

The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/                                                   

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/                                                 

Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/                                                                                                     

The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html

If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.

If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.

If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.

If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.

Booking activities locally

Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).

When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.

In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are properly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.

Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.

Brexit information for British Passport holders

For the most up to date information on how the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your holiday please click here to view our Brexit information for British Passport holders.

Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation

On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.

Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.

Booking your own flights - cancellation disclaimer

If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.

If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.

Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.

Terms and Conditions

Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.artisantravel.co.uk/booking-conditions

Minimum travellers 10, Maximum travellers 20

Additional Cancellation & Payment Terms and Conditions

Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede those mentioned in section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.

- Up to balance due date (This is normally 12 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)                                                        

- between balance due date and 43 days prior to departure - 50%                                                

- 42 to 22 days prior to departure - 75%                                                   

- 21 or less days - 100%                                                    

  • After arriving at Funchal Airport, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel the Quinta Bela Sao Tiago, which is located close to the sea and the old town section of Funchal. It even has its own beautifully presented gardens: perfect for exploring!

    The activities included in your itinerary are largely group-based, focusing on island exploration and discovery. With so much to see and do, you’ll no doubt create lasting memories of your trip to this fantastic island.


    Changes to the itinerary: very occasionally, the itinerary and/or duration of activities may change according to local conditions, events or guest preferences. Decisions will be based first and foremost on your safety and comfort.

    Included Meals:  None
  • After breakfast at your hotel, you will have the morning free to relax, or perhaps explore your surroundings. Close to the old town section of Funchal, you are perfectly placed to explore the city and all it has to offer. Buzzing cafes and restaurants and exciting shops and markets mean you’ll have plenty to see and do.

    In the early afternoon, you will be picked up and taken to Palheiro Gardens in the hills behind Funchal. These gardens were planted during the 18th Century with all sorts of colourful flowers and trees. Thanks to its prominence as a historical stop for traders and travellers, plants from all over the world can be found here. The gardens are currently owned by the Blandy family, one of the most prosperous on Madeira and owners of the famous Blandy’s vineyards.

    After exploring the gardens, you will set off on a short and relatively easy guided walk (approximately one hour) to the Jasmin Tea House. This beautiful walk will take you along the first section of the Levada Dos Tornos, which is lined with trees and shrubs, offering views down towards Funchal. The levada is regarded as one of the easier options on Madeira and you are only walking along a short section of it, however, it should be noted that suitable walking footwear should be worn and there are a couple of points with relatively steep drops. On arrival, the Jasmin Tea House is the perfect place to stop for refreshments, savour the gardens and enjoy the views over Funchal.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch
  • The Madeiran landscape varies from coast to coast in a fascinating way and today you will take part in a tour of the east portion of the island, travelling through picturesque villages, along the winding coast and across the dramatic mountains. The scenery is utterly breathtaking and this is the perfect way to get a sense of the island’s changing beauty.

    Your journey today will take you from Funchal towards Pico do Arieiro, which offers magnificent views on a clear day. Driving on to the charming village of Ribeiro Frio, high up in the hills of Madeira, you will pass through thick green forests, savouring the natural beauty of the island. Here you will enjoy a short walk to Balcoes – an outstanding balcony viewpoint, which looks out onto the mountains and villages below; hopefully, you will be greeted with clear views today.

    On to Faial and Santana, you will see the famous thatched rooves of the traditional Madeiran houses and the terraced vineyards that stretch far across the hillsides. Lunch will be served in the beautiful Hotel Quinta do Furao, which commands incredible views of the imposing coastline and beautiful blue seas. Here you will also get to taste some local Madeiran wine and learn about the different techniques used in their creation. After this, it is on to Porto da Cruz, Portela and finally, Machico, before heading back to Funchal to relax after a day of wonderful exploration.

    For dinner, why not head into town to try one of the many excellent local restaurants.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch
  • After breakfast in the hotel, this morning you will be transferred to the valley of Machico, where you will enjoy a guided walk along the Levada dos Maroços.

    This levada walk takes approximately two hours and covers roughly four miles, journeying along the agricultural terraces that line the hills (shorter levada walks are available on request). Bordered with flowers, crops and beautiful vegetation, this walk will take you through farmland, past traditional houses and gardens and along beautiful sections of the countryside; sometimes the local farmers even sell their fresh produce to those walking the levada!

    Although this walk is relatively easy, there are some sections with steep drops, so please use appropriate footwear. A picnic lunch is included today, so you can enjoy some refreshments as you take in the scenery of this part of Madeira.

    Returning to the hotel, you will have the afternoon free to relax by the pool, or perhaps explore Funchal.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch
  • After exploring the wonders of the east, today you will journey over to the west to experience the varying beauty of this island.

    From your hotel, you will drive to the charming village of Camara de Lobos; a traditional fishing village with an attractive harbour, surrounded by terracotta-roofed houses and tree-lined roads. Heading inland, you’ll head up to Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe, to enjoy the wonderful views of the endless ocean.

    Through the luscious mountains and on to the north coast and the town of Sao Vicente where you will be greeted with wonderful views of the dramatic coastline. Driving on to Porto Moniz, you will break for lunch at a local restaurant and then have the chance to swim in the lava pools, which offer some of the best saltwater swimming on the island. These natural pools were formed by cooling lava and they are filled with crystal-clear sea water; perfect for a refreshing dip. Make sure to bring your swimming gear, towel and a change of clothes for the journey back.

    Climbing sharply from Porto Moniz, you will arrive at the magnificent Paul da Serra plateau, which is 1500m above sea level and offers a stark contrast to the thick, luscious forests lower down. This heathland is beautifully flat and, thanks to its height, you can often drive through the clouds as you journey across the island. Driving back to Funchal, you’ll pass through Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Brava along gorgeous, flower-lined roads, before returning to your hotel.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch
  • Discovered in 1418, Porto Santo is often referred to as the ‘Paradise Island’ and for good reason; this small island boasts a nine-kilometre beach of beautiful, golden sand and turquoise waters. Although only twenty-seven miles northeast of Madeira, the landscape is very different and largely free of dense vegetation, however, it is still incredibly stunning and a wonderful place to explore.

    Departing early in the morning, you will be transferred to Funchal harbour and then take the local ferry to Porto Santo at 8 am (check-in is at 7:30 am), which takes two and a half hours. Watch out for whales and dolphins and admire the other islands as you cruise through the blue sea.

    Upon arrival, a local bus transfer will take you and the other passengers into the town centre, or you can choose to walk along the beach (approximately 15-20 minutes). You will have plenty of time to swim in the warm sea, relax on the beach and explore the town with its restaurants, cafes and shops. There are also plenty of activities to book locally, such as horse-riding and guided hiking, as well as several museums and galleries to enjoy.

    The ferry will depart in the evening and you can either walk back to the ferry port or take the bus. Arriving at Funchal, you will be met at the harbour and transferred back to your hotel.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast
  • Today has been left free for you to do as you wish.

    After a week of adventure, you may want to rest and relax by the pool, or perhaps you’ll want to head into Funchal and explore the shops, restaurants and cafes. The local markets are bursting with all sorts of fresh fruit, vegetables, spices and sweets and you can lose yourself for hours going from one tasting to another.

    Furthermore, there are a variety of public parks and gardens in and around the city, which are brimming with bright flowers and beautiful landscaping. You can also take one of the many cable cars to the hills above Funchal and enjoy the dramatic views below; a real highlight is the one that leads to the incredible Monte Palace Tropical Garden, which is renowned for its collection of plants and waterways.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast
  • Sadly the time has come for you to bid farewell to Madeira. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

    Included Meals:  Breakfast

Whilst we have preferred hotel options for our Madeira itineraries, the pressure on hotel rooms on this charming and popular islands means that on rare occasions we may make alternative hotel suggestions. These suggestions are themselves carefully chosen to ensure there will be minimal impact on the operation of your itinerary.

Included in price

Quinta Bela Sao Tiago

Nights: 1-7

This fabulous historic Quinta lies just to the east of Funchal’s historic Old Town. Built in 1834, this former manor house has its own beautiful gardens, perfectly manicured and bursting with colour.

The historic building has been extended to provide fantastic accommodation which is perfectly situated to explore the best parts of Funchal and get the most out of your time here. A fabulous terrace looks out onto the ocean and the harbour below and the swimming pool is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the sun after a day of exploration. With only 64 guest rooms, this hotel has a wonderfully intimate and traditional atmosphere.

Hotel facilities

  • Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the hotel’s sub-tropical gardens, filled with colour and gorgeous scents
  • Take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool, which sits on the terrace, overlooking the gardens
  • Relax in the hotel’s sauna and Jacuzzi, or for those wanting to exercise, there is also an on-site gym
  • Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and guests are provided with a 24-hour voucher for free usage

Room options

Double/twin standard land view room
Our package includes accommodation in a double or twin-bedded standard land view room. Each room has an en-suite bathroom, as well as air-conditioning, TV and minibar. Other room types, including garden view and sea view, are available for an additional cost.


Image credits: Quinta Bela Sao Tiago

Other options

Porto Mare Hotel

During your stay in Madeira, if you wanted to stay in a larger resort style hotel or just to be further out from the city of Funchal itself, you could choose to upgrade to the Porto Mare Hotel. Located around a 40-minute walk from Funchal (or take the free hotel bus), the resort has beautiful ocean and tropical garden surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Hotel facilities

  • Take a refreshing dip in any one of the five pools on site (outdoor and indoor) which are shared between its 2 sister hotels
  • Stroll through the luscious surrounding gardens before stopping at the ice cream parlour to cool down
  • Keep busy with squash, tennis, table tennis, snooker and minigolf all available on site
  • Make use of the fitness room before unwinding in spa area complete with treatments, jacuzzis, sauna and steam bath
  • The hotel also offers free WiFi in all areas

Personalise this tour


Our pick

Old town tour of Funchal

Funchal’s Old Town is a fascinating place to explore. This guided tour will take you to the local market ‘Mercado dos Lavradores’ where you’ll find a huge array of fruits, flowers, spices and local delicacies.

After the market, you’ll venture further into Funchal’s Old Town, past the amazing ‘Art of Open Doors’ where artists have painted fascinating scenes on the historic doors that line the cobbled streets. The local shops and cafes are buzzing with excitement and atmosphere; it is a wonderful place to discover.

Read more

The tour ends with a chance to enjoy some wine tasting at The Wine Lodge, where you can sample some of Madeira’s famous vintages.

Minimum numbers: 4

Please speak to our Travel Experts for a quotation.

Image credit: Visit Madeira & Francisco Correia

Other options

Activities

Ponta de Sao Lourenco guided walk

Ponta de Sao Lourenco is the easternmost point of Madeira. The peninsula’s terrain is completely different to the rest of the island, with towering sea cliffs of red, brown and orange. With little vegetation, the walk has unobstructed views out to sea and back towards the inner mountains of Madeira.

The sea cliffs are home to numerous species of bird, such as terns, canaries and the Madeiran Storm-Petrel and on a clear day, the Desertas Islands and Porto Santo can be seen.

Read more about this activity

This guided walk takes you along the sea cliffs and to the end of the peninsula. You will be picked up from your hotel and the walk will cover approximately 8 kilometres, lasting for around 4 hours, not including transfer time.

Minimum numbers: 2

Please speak to our Travel Experts for a quotation

Traveller Reviews

A really well-planned holiday 28 September 2019 by Jane Dawson & Elisabeth Pugh

Overall a really well-planned holiday with good balance of time to yourself and activities. One of us had already visited the island for long weekend a couple of times and felt this gave an excellent overview of the feel of Madeira which is such a wonderful place to explore. We both enjoyed the day exploring the lesser frequented East and North of the island most especially the Quinta do Feraio -
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fantastic setting, viewpoint and restaurant. We also loved the Palheiro gardens, levada near trout farm and the Jasmin Tea House which we would be unlikely to have located for ourselves. We would totally recommend the Quinta Bel Tiago to anyone. Excellent accommodation, beautiful setting and lovely ( if cold!) pool. Great location to explore Old Town. All staff very friendly and most helpful Thank you!
Read less

We loved the hotel 09 April 2018 by Dianne & Patrick McGrath

We loved the hotel - beautiful furnishings in the communal areas, extremely clean and very helpful and friendly staff. The transfers on the day to/from Porto Santo were particular good and very helpful. Our local driver/guide (Abel) was excellent. The local rep was very helpful



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