Hafen
Funchal

Diesen Ausflug im Geländewagen auf der Insel Madeira kann man sich nicht entgehen lassen. Wir fahren über typische Straßen in bewaldete Gegenden und unberührte Naturschutzgebiete und kommen dabei an kleinen Flüssen und Wasserfällen vorbei.

• Waldige Gegenden
• Typische Straßen, auf denen Landwirtschaftsprodukte befördert werden
• Naturschutzgebiete
• Pfade  und Täler 

• Wir fahren mit dem Geländewagen im Hafen los und begeben uns in eines der schönsten Waldgebiete. Dabei kommen wir über typische Straßen, die vor allem genutzt werden, um Landwirtschaftsprodukte zu den Bewohnern dieses Gebietes zu bringen.
• Dieses Tour bietet uns die Gelegenheit, Naturschutzgebiete zu entdecken, in denen die charakteristische Vegetation dieser Vulkaninsel üppig wächst. Das ist zweifellos die beste Art, unberührte Gegenden der Insel zu erkunden, die ruhig und erhaben sind und nicht auf andere Weise besucht werden könnten.
• Wir werden Wege erkunden, die durchs Gebirge, Wasserläufe und Täler führen und an kleinen Wasserfällen vorbeikommen.

• Cabo Girão
• Camara de Lobos
• Pico dos Barcelos
• Innenstadt von Funchal: Laden mit lokalem Handwerk und Verkostung typischer Weine

• Wenn wir die Küstenstraße weiterfahren, erreichen wir den Cabo Girão, der höchste Kap Europas (580 m), wo die Landwirte auch mit den Steilhängen fertig wurden.
• Wir erreichen den malerischen Ort Camara de Lobos, wo wir eine Pause machen, um die typischen Häuser der Fischer auf den felsigen Abhängen und die Weinberg-Terrassen hinter dem Strand zu fotografieren. Man sieht diese Landschaft auf vielen der Bilder, die Winston Churchill während seiner häufigen Aufenthalte im Winter malte.
• Wir fahren weiter nach Pico dos Barcelos, von wo aus man einen wunderschönen Blick auf die Südküste von Madeira hat.
• In Funchal besuchen wir ein lokales Handwerksgeschäft, in dem wir eine Ausstellung von typischen Spitzen bewundern und der Madeira Wein kosten, der  aus der berühmten lokalen Rebsorte Madera gemacht werden, dank der diese Insel weltberühmt geworden ist.

• Monte
• Bucht von Funchal: Panoramablick von der Seilbahn
• Botanischer Garten 
• Innenstadt von Funchal: Markt mit typischen Produkten, Laden mit lokalem Handwerk und Verkostung typischer Weine

• Wir beginnen unsere Tour mit der Besichtigung von Monte, einem Dorf auf den Hügeln über Funchal. Dieser Ort, der auch Nossa Senhora do Monte genannt wird, befindet sich 6 km von der Innenstadt der Hauptstadt entfernt. Er war früher als Kurort bei der europäischen Oberschicht beliebt.
• Wir fahren mit der Seilbahn zu dem berühmten botanischen Garten, in dem es zahlreiche exotische Pflanzen gibt. So machen wir eine kurze, aber unvergessliche Reise mit Blick auf die wunderschöne Bucht von Funchal und auf den Fluss João Gomes, einem exotischen Ort, der seine Schönheit auch dem üppigen Lorbeerwald verdankt.
• Bevor wir die Gärten besichtigen, machen wir an der Hauptstation im botanischen Garten halt. Dort gibt es ein großes Restaurant und ein Café mit Blick auf Funchal sowie einige nette Läden. Wir können ein erfrischendes Getränk zu uns nehmen, eine Portion der typischen Süßigkeit probieren und dabei einen eindrucksvollen Blick auf die Bucht von Funchal genießen.
• Schließlich sind wir bereit, den botanischen Garten zu besichtigen, der sich auf dem Grundstück der Quinta do Bom Successo befindet, einem Anwesen, das früher der Familie Reid gehörte und besondere klimatische Bedingungen aufweist, was dazu führt, dass es dort eine üppige Vegetation gibt.
• Zurück in der Innenstadt von Funchal besuchen wir den Markt mit typischen Produkten: Hier gibt es unendlich viel Obst, Gemüse, Blumen, Fisch und Handwerksprodukte.
• Wir besuchen ein lokales Handwerksgeschäft, in dem wir eine Ausstellung von typischen Spitzen bewundern und die Weine kosten, die aus der berühmten lokalen Rebsorte Madera gemacht werden, dank der diese Insel weltberühmt geworden ist.

Ein Ausflug mit dem Bus, um zwischen Parks, Aussichtspunkten, Vorstadtvierteln und Monumenten den natürlichen und den künstlerischen Reichtum von Funchal zu entdecken.

• Wohngegend von Funchal
• Estrada Monumental
• Pico dos Barcelos: Blick auf die Stadt
• Santa Catarina Park: Blick auf den Hafen
• Kathedrale Sé und historischer Stadtkern

• Wir kommen durch die Wohngegend von Funchal und bewundern ihre Schönheit. Dann gelangen wir über die Estrada Monumental zum Pico dos Barcelos mit einer Höhe von 350 Metern, von dem aus man einen wunderbaren Blick auf die Stadt hat.
• Unsere Tour geht weiter bis zum Santa Catarina Park, der ebenfalls wegen dem wunderbaren Blick auf den Hafen sowie der Vielfalt an botanischen Arten, die er beherbergt, bekannt ist.
• Auf dem Rückweg in die Innenstadt von Funchal haben wir die Gelegenheit, die Kathedrale Sé, die 1517 geweiht wurde, von außen zu besichtigen. Ihre Architektur ist ein Zeugnis einer wunderschönen Kombination verschiedener Stile, von der europäischen Gotik bis zum maurischen Stil und dem Emanuelismus sowie lokalen Einflüssen.
• Nachdem wir die Kathedrale besichtigt haben, um den historischen Stadtkern mit seinen schmalen Gassen und hundertjährigen Plätzen zu besichtigen.

Eine Panoramatour, die uns erlaubt dasZentrum von Funchal zu bewundern, vorbei an Weinbergen und Zuckerrohr -Plantagen und anschliessend, die malerische Stadt Faial und Terreiro da Lutamit seiner schönen Aussicht über die Stadt Funchal.

• Funchal: Panoramafahrt

• Faial

• Mittagessen im Restaurant

• Terreiro da Luta

• Abstieg mit den *Cestinos *

• Funchal Zentruml: lokaleHandwerksgeschäfte und Verkostung von typischen Weinen

• Nach dem Verlassen des Hafens, werdenwir eine Stadtrundfahrt in der Innenstadt von Funchal unternehmen,bis nach Aguade Pena, Portela und weiter nach Porto da Cruz. * Nach einer Fahrt durch dieWeinberge und den Zuckerrohrpflanzen, kommen wir nach Faial. * Wir halten zumMittagessen in einem Restaurant und am Nachmittag fahren wir weiter nachTerreiro de Luta, die einen Panoramablick auf die Stadt Funchal bietet. 
• Vonhier haben wir die Möglichkeit, in den typischen Cestinhos nach Funchal zufahren, traditionelle von Hand geflochtene Weidenkörbe. 
• In Funchal, halten wirin einem lokalen Handwerksgeschäft, wo wir eine Ausstellung von typischen Spitzen bewundern können und den bekannten Wein aus renommiertenlokalen Rebsorte hergestellt; der Madeira, dank ihm wurde die Insel Weltberühmt.

Ein Ausflug, um die außergewöhnlichsten Orte und Bräuche von Madeira, die Fahrt bergab mit den traditionellen Cestinhos, den Weidenkörben, und den typischen lokalen Wein zu entdecken.

• Pico dos Barcelos
• Monte
• Funchal: Gebäude aus dem 17. Jahrhundert mit Verkostung typischer Weine, Innenstadt

• Wir fahren mit dem Bus zum Pico dos Barcelos, einem wunderschönen Aussichtspunkt auf einer Höhe von 350 Metern, von dem aus man auf Funchal und seine Gebirgslandschaft blicken kann. Es geht weiter nach Monte, einem Ort, der nicht nur für seine wunderschönen subtropischen Gärten bekannt ist, sondern auch weil sich in seiner Kirche das Grab von Karl I., dem letzten Kaiser von Österreich, befindet.
• Am Ende des Ausflugs kommen wir mit einem typischen lokalen Verkehrsmittel vom Berg herunter, den Cestinhos, das sind Schlitten in Form von Weidenkörben. In Funchal besuchen wir ein altes Gebäude aus dem 17. Jahrhundert, um an einer Verkostung des Madera teilzunehmen, dem weltbekannten Wein von dieser Insel.
• Nach dem besonderen Genuss dieses Weines haben um die Innenstadt zu besuchen, bevor wir aufs Schiff zurückkehren.

Auf dieser Tour kommen wir aus dem hoch gelegenen Ponta do Garajau herab . Dann besuchen wir die Innenstadt von Funchal mit ihren kleinen Handwerksläden. Danach geht es wieder bergauf nach Monte.

• Ponta do Garajau
• Christusstatue
• Innenstadt von Funchal mit Besuch eines lokalen Handwerksladen und Verkostung typischer Weine
• Monte

• Wir fahren im Hafen los in Richtung Ostküste, wo die Region Funchal ihre Ausdehnung begann. Wir halten in Ponta do Garajau: Dieser Ort ist wegen der Christusstatue bekannt, welche mit offenen Armen auf das Meer schaut und einen wunderschönen Ausblick auf Funchal und auf das Naturschutzgebiet von Garajau bietet.
• In Funchal besuchen wir ein lokales Handwerksgeschäft, in dem wir eine Ausstellung von typischen Spitzen bewundern und die Weine kosten, die aus der berühmten lokalen Rebsorte Madera gemacht werden, dank der diese Insel weltberühmt geworden ist.
• Wir fahren mit der Seilbahn bis nach Monte, wo wir einen wunderbaren Ausblick haben. Der eindrucksvolle Ort Monte, der sich 660 Meter über dem Meeresspiegel befindet, ist nicht nur für seine wunderschönen subtropischen Gärten bekannt, sondern auch weil sich in seiner Kirche das Grab von Karl I., dem letzten Kaiser von Österreich, befindet.

Erkunden Sie die Quinta Pedagogica da Camacha, eine Farm, die sich der nachhaltigen Landwirtschaft und dem gemeindebasierten Tourismus verschrieben hat. Erfahren Sie mehr über die Auswirkungen bestimmter landwirtschaftlicher Prozesse auf die Umwelt, während Sie an praktischen Workshops teilnehmen, die vom Hofbesitzer der Farm geleitet werden. Ernten Sie reife Früchte, helfen Sie bei der Pflege der Felder mit und lernen Sie, wie man Saatgut in frischen Boden sät, bevor Sie hausgemachten Kuchen und frisch gebrühten Tee genießen.

• Bauernhof Quinta Pedagogica da Camacha: Spaziergang durch den Wald mit dem Besitzer, um etwas über die Verwendung von Kräutern zu erfahren
• Erlebnis mit mehreren landwirtschaftlichen Workshops
• Verkostung von hausgemachten Kuchen und Tee und Brot mit Marmelade aus der Region

• Besuchen Sie die Quinta Pedagogica da Camacha, eine kleine Farm, die sich für nachhaltige Landwirtschaft und gemeindebasierten Tourismus einsetzt. Ihr von National Geographic zertifizierter Tourguide wird Ihnen Einblicke in die Region geben und Ihnen den Hofbesitzer, Bruno Santos, vorstellen. Nachdem dieser die Buchhaltung zugunsten der Landwirtschaft aufgegeben hat, widmet Bruno Santos sein Leben nun der Unterstützung seiner örtlichen Gemeinschaft durch nachhaltige Landwirtschaft, einen geringeren Umweltverbrauch und gemeinnützige Arbeit.
• Folgen Sie Bruno durch blühende Haine und saftige Graswege, während Sie das Anwesen erkunden und mehr über die vielen Verwendungsmöglichkeiten der frisch angebauten Kräuter erfahren. Zudem besteht ein kleiner Markt, den Bruno ins Leben gerufen hat, um anderen lokalen Anbietern zu helfen, eine größere Gemeinschaft sowie Touristen zu erreichen.
• Sie werden auch eine Reihe von saisonalen Aktivitäten entdecken, die exklusiv für National Geographic-Reisende angeboten werden. Ernten Sie reife Früchte, lernen Sie die besten Methoden der Feldpflege kennen und säen Sie Samen in einem Pflanz-Workshop. Entspannen Sie anschließend bei einem frisch gebrühten Tee aus hofeigenen Kräutern begleitet von hausgemachten Kuchen, Toast und Marmelade aus lokalen Früchten.

Ein Ausflug in den reichsten Meeresgebietenvon Madeira, im südlichen Teil des Archipels. Delfine und Wale: Einunvergessliches Abenteuer, um die beliebtesten Meeressäugetiere  zu entdecken.

• Rota dos Cetáceos

• Wir besuchen die Rota dos Cetáceos, aufder 'Cetacean-Route', wo die Nachkommen einer Walfängfamilie, alteMethoden anwendeten, um an Beobachtungspunkten, Jagd auf die Wale machten, undentlang der Küste mit großen Teleskopen das Meer jeden Tag beobachten. 
• InÜbereinstimmung mit den Tieren und in einer völlig natürlichen Umgebung, folgenund beobachten wir dem Weg der Wale an Bord eines Bootes, von einemMeeresbiologen  begleitet, derverschiedene Aspekte der beobachteten Spezien erklärt. Dieses Erlbenis wirdempfohlen für alle Liebhaber von Abenteuer, begleitet von einer Beobachtungdieser erstaunlichen Meeressäuger  inihrem natürlichen Lebensraum.

Ein Ausflug, um die malerischsten und berühmtesten Dörfer von Madeira zu entdecken. Unterwegs machen wir Pausen auf den Kaps der Insel, unter anderem auf dem Cabo Girão, einer der höchsten Klippen Europas. Außerdem besuchen wir die Innenstadt von Funchal.

• Monte 
• Cestinhos
• Pico dos Barcelos und Blick auf Funchal 
• Cabo Girão 
• Ribeira Brava 
• São Vicente 
• Câmara de Lobos 
• Innenstadt von Funchal: Verkostung typischer Weine in einem Gebäude aus dem 17. Jahrhundert.
• Mahlzeit inbegriffen

• Vom Hafen aus fahren wir in einige der charakteristischsten Orte von Madeira, die sich an der Küste und im Binnenland befinden.
• Die erste Station unserer Tour ist Monte. Dieses Dorf ist für seinen exotischen botanischen Garten und für die Kirche Nossa Senhora do Monte berühmt.
• Hier haben wir eine Gelegenheit, die wir uns nicht entgehen lassen können. Wir können mit einem alten Verkehrsmittel fahren, das heute eine wichtige Touristenattraktion ist, den Korbwagen. Das sind traditionelle Weidenkörbe, die von zwei erfahrenen Fahrern gesteuert werden.
• Wir halten am Pico dos Barcelos, einem 350 Meter hohen Aussichtspunkt, um einige Fotos zu machen und den wunderbaren Blick auf Funchal und seine Hügel zu verewigen.
• Unsere nächste Station ist eine der höchsten Klippen Europas, Cabo Girão. Diese Klippe erreicht tatsächlich eine Höhe von 600 Metern und fällt dann ins Meer.
• An Bord unseres Reisebusses besuchen wir Ribeira Brava, ein Dorf am Meer, und wir fahren in unserem Reisebus in das Hochland der Insel bis wir auf einer Höhe von 1000 Metern zum Encumenada Pass kommen. Hier können wir den Ausblick der Insel vom Norden bis in den Süden bewundern.
• Wir fahren weiter nach São Vicente, dabei legen wir eine Strecke zurück, auf der uns ein eindrucksvolles Panorama der Gipfel der Vulkane geboten wird.
• Nach dem Mittagessen fahren wir zurück. Auf dem Rückweg halten wir in Câmara de Lobos, einem Dorf, das oft auf den Bildern von Winston Churchill verewigt wurde, der hier gewöhnlich den Winter verbrachte.
• In Funchal besuchen wir ein Gebäude aus dem 17. Jahrhundert, wo wir die Gelegenheit haben, den weltberühmten Wein Madera zu probieren.
• Am Ende der Verkostung schlendern wir durch die Innenstadt, bevor wir endgültig zum Schiff zurückkehren.

Departing your ship, drive along Avenida do Mar to reach the terminal. There you’ll board your cable car for a ride over the city and harbor on the way to the Village of Monte, located in the outskirts of Funchal. At Monte you'll have the opportunity to take a trip back to the past when you join the toboggan ride to Livramento. The ride downhill in a wicker sledge is an exciting one, providing you with a taste of the Madeira of past decades, when this was the established form of transport from Monte to Funchal. After a short drive along a winding road you’ll reach Eira do Serrado, offering spectacular views of the interior of the island.

Take a short walk up to the viewpoint on Pico do Serrado at an altitude of approximately 3,592 feet (1,095 meters), for an amazing view down onto the village of Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley), a small village located in the heart of the island, nestled between almost perpendicular mountains. In 1566, the nuns from the Santa Clara convent fled from pirates attacking Funchal and found seclusion here where they also brought the convent’s treasure. Your last stop before returning to your ship will be at one of the famous wine lodges in Funchal, where you'll sample and may purchase the world famous Madeira wine.

Climbing up towards the central mountain range, your tour takes the road that leads to Monte, a village notable for its many fine properties and gardens. At Monte you'll have the opportunity to take a trip back to the past when you join the toboggan ride back to Livramento. The ride down the hill on the wicker sledges is an exciting one, providing you with a taste of the Madeira of the past decades, when this was the established form of transport. Then, proceed to Pico do Arieiro, the third highest peak on the island with an altitude of almost 6,000 feet (1,818 meters). Views are spectacular up here and on a clear day, it is even possible to see Porto Santo, the neighboring island, which is situated 30 nautical miles to the north.

Continue towards the south eastern coast, where your driver will take you to Ponta do Garajau. Here, you’ll find a towering statue of Christ inaugurated in 1927, before the Christo Rei in Rio de Janeiro. Looking out to sea with outstretched arms, this viewpoint is definitely worth a visit to capture the views of Funchal in the far distance. The coastline is a conservation area and has one of the first underwater nature reserves in Europe. It provides sanctuary to whales, dolphins and seals.

Leaving the pier you'll proceed towards Pico dos Barcelos, where you can see distant Funchal and the surrounding villages scattered over the green slopes. Continue towards Camara de Lobos, a well-known fishing village used by Sir Winston Churchill to create beautiful island paintings. There, you’ll see its lovely, quaint setting of red-tile-roofed houses clustered on the rocky point and the brightly painted fishing boats anchored in the harbor. Your tour will then proceed to Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world. Soaring 1,900 feet (579 meters), its etched face tells the tale of its volcanic origins.

From this impressive promontory, enjoy breathtaking views along the island’s southern coast. Pass by Estreito de Camara de Lobos, known for its vineyards, arriving at Quinta do Estreito which nestled among vineyards on the southern slopes of the main wine producing area of Madeira, offering a wonderfully close contact with nature and a marvelous view over the south coast of Madeira Island. In the typical Adega da Quinta Restaurant you’ll sample some of the local wines and Portuguese cheeses.

Your tour begins with a visit to a typical market, in Funchal’s center, where an infinite variety of tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish and regional items can be seen. A few steps from the local market you'll have the chance to visit the embroidery factory and taste the world-famous Madeira wine. The tour continues to the village of Monte, where you'll have time to explore this small village perched up in the hills overlooking Funchal. After this visit, you'll have the opportunity to experience a voyage by cable car with nature at your feet! Made up by 12 cabins of eight seats each, this unforgettable voyage to the Botanical Gardens will take about seven minutes and offers its visitors a new panoramic route with privileged sights of not only Funchal’s bay but also over the River of Joao Gomes, a place of rare and exotic beauty made up by the nucleus of Laurissilva forest.

Since the 17th century, Madeira Island had been waiting for a botanical garden, a dream that came true in 1960. Located less than two miles from the center of Funchal at Quinta do Bom Sucesso - a private Quinta belonging to the Reid’s family - where the climatic conditions are much in favor of exuberant vegetation, the Botanical Garden boasts harmonious forms, contrasting colors and more than 2,000 plants. Throughout the gardens you can find the plants labeled with their scientific names, common name and origin.

See Funchal from the top of a private double-decker bus, an elevated open-air setting that will provide panoramic views of the city and beyond. You will pass contemporary attractions such as the museum devoted to famed Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and historical highlights that will include Old Town, an area first settled in the 1420s. Photo stops at scenic lookouts along the sea and inland will present sweeping views of the urban downtown and Madeira’s gorgeous southern coastline. You will also pause at the seaside promenade in Camara de Lobos, the neighboring town where Winston Churchill penned his memoirs in between painting landscapes. Expect to be inspired by the stunning natural beauty. Back in Funchal, you will drive along the pebbled and black-sand beach Praia Formosa, once home to Christopher Columbus and now home to the beloved sports figure Ronaldo. Passing the lush Lido gardens further confirms Funchal’s boundless beauty.

Ride a double-decker bus around Funchal and into the villages on the outskirts, hopping on and off at places that interest you most. With a detailed map in hand that describes the more than 20 destinations where the buses stop, you will find all sorts of attractions to your liking. For the ultimate sweeping view, head out Pico dos Barcelo’s, the highest point in Funchal, where amazing views are waiting for you. If you’re interested in shopping, be sure to hop off the bus at Funchal’s vibrant Farmer’s Market and at Bordal, an extraordinary embroidery factory. The serene Municipal Gardens is a must-see for nature lovers, just as Old Town attracts history buffs and those who appreciate architecture. Funchal Cathedral is yet another glorious venue well worth a visit. An interesting highlight of our tour is the connection with Camara de Lobos, a beautiful villa near Funchal with views of the Atlantic Ocean and small colorful boats moored in the bay. Included in your tour is a wine tasting at Blandy's Wine Lodge, a place with more than 200 years of experience in Funchal's wine history, just show your Hop On Hop Off ticket!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a double-decker bus around Funchal, taking in the sights along the way.
• Hop off the bus at attractions that you find most intriguing and stay as long as you like.
• Hop on another bus whenever you wish and ride it to the next interesting attraction.
• Hear commentary that describes each attraction, so you can easily pick your favorites.

Savor a variety of traditional Madeira beverages and dishes in the mountain village Serra D’Agua and in a private home in the suburbs of Funchal. As an introduction to the island’s gastronomy, you will be served a glass of poncho in the village. This traditional drink of Madeira may have originated in India with the British then introducing it to the island. Although poncho is sometimes made with the juice of passion fruit or tangerines, it typically contains lemon juice, honey and alcohol distilled from cane sugar. Continuing on to a private home in the Funchal suburb of Santo António, you will delve into the local cuisine with a tasting of various delicacies. Chances are, the menu will include Carne Vinho e Alhos, a traditional dish of pork marinated in wine and garlic. Side dishes may include favorites such as artisanal bread, sweet potatoes, fried corn and local cheeses.

• Gain a remarkably in-depth understanding of Madeira’s cuisine and drinks through tastings.
• Sample poncho, a traditional citrus drink that made have originated in India.
• Imbibe and dine in a mountain village and in a suburb of Funchal, two representative settings.

OVERVIEW

Sample several characteristic Madeira wines followed by an extraordinary lunch of grilled fish prepared in a simple and traditional way. The venues for these inspiring experiences are along the island’s precipitous southern coast, where you will first pause at Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. From the glass-floored skywalk that juts over the escarpment, the views will be breathtaking. Nearby, you will find Otavio Ferraz, a family-owned winery on a property that was once a banana plantation. The terroir is even better suited for growing red grapes such as Tempranillo and whites that include Verdelho and Arnsburger. A tasting of varietals and blends will reveal their attributes. At the restaurant Vila do Peixe in the Old Town section of Câmara de Lobos, you will dine on fresh fish caught that day. It will be seasoned solely with rock salt and olive oil before being grilled over an open flame.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the views from a skywalk that extends over one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs.
• Enjoy a sampling of wines that reflect the unique terroir of southern Madeira.
• Dine on a Madeira specialty – grilled fish seasoned with rock salt and olive oil only.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover the natural wonders and seaside parishes that define Madeira’s northern coast, which you will reach on a circuitous drive through the interior’s forested mountains. The parish of Porto da Cruz is distinguished by its black sand beaches, the result of past volcanic activity. On the outskirts of this beautiful little spot, you will tour a distillery that produces its white rum from sugar cane using steam-powered machinery. It is one of the few distilleries in Europe to do so. A tasting of the finished rum will confirm that this traditional means of production is well worth the effort. Just up the coast lies the parish of Faial, which is named for the area’s indigenous shrubbery. From the nearby Guindaste lookout on the edge of the sea, you will enjoy a sweeping view of the island’s northern coast. You will then dine – most likely on the deep-sea fish black scabbard – in the larger village of Santana.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through Madeira’s lushly forested interior to the island’s gorgeous northern coast.
• Tour a unique distillery that produces its sugar-cane rum with steam-powered machinery.
• Enjoy a rum sampling to whet your appetite for lunch in the nearby village of Santana.
• Admire the panoramic view of Madeira’s northern coast from the Guindaste lookout.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Take a leisurely walk-through Funchal’s atmospheric Old Town and then see the island of Madeira from an entirely different perspective while cruising along the coast. The historical highlights will include an exterior view of the 16th-century Sé Cathedral and cobblestone Santa Maria Street, many of whose buildings feature brilliantly painted doors that have transformed the neighborhood into an outdoor art gallery. The equally colorful, modern Madeira sign is another photo-worthy spot. For an authentic look at daily life, you will browse a vibrant market that the locals frequent. Your cruise will be just memorable. Besides taking in the extraordinary views, keep an eye out for dolphins and whales breaching the water’s surface.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through Funchal’s atmospheric Old Town while admiring its historical treasures.
• See icons ranging from the 16th-century Sé Cathedral to the modern Madeira sign.
• Sail off Madeira in a boat for a memorable experience while enjoying stunning views.
• If you are lucky, you might see dolphins and whales as you cruise along the island’s coast.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Funchal, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie expert guide will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Funchal, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint
• Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo Statue
• Madeira sign at Praça do Povo
• São João Evangelista Church
• Rua Santa Maria painted doors

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Funchal.
• Follow tips from your selfie expert guide to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Pause at the artistically painted doors on Rua Santa Maria and at the colorful Madeira sign.
• See the statue of legendary football player Cristiano Ronaldo, who was born in Funchal.
• Browse Dos Lavradores Market, the go-to spot for fresh produce, flowers and fish.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

This panoramic tour will take you to Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world offering breathtaking views. Next you’ll visit Camara de Lobos, the traditional fishing village that inspired Sir Winston Churchill to paint its lovely surroundings. It was named by explorers Joao Goncalves Zarco and Tristao Vaz Teixeira because of the shape of its bay and the many sea lions (lobos de mar) that lived there at the time. Here you’ll have free time to explore this traditional, picturesque village. You’ll then be driven towards Funchal to sample the famous Madeira wine at the Madeira Wine Company.

Head towards Camara de Lobos to a well-known fishing village used by Sir Winston Churchill to create beautiful island paintings. You’ll see its lovely, quaint setting of red-tile-roofed houses clustered on the rocky point and the brightly painted fishing boats anchored in the harbor. Passing by Estreito de Camara de Lobos, known for its vineyards, you’ll reach Quinta do Estreito which is found among vineyards on the southern slopes of the main wine producing area of Madeira, offering a wonderful close contact with nature and a marvelous view over the south coast of Madeira Island. Then proceed to Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world. Soaring 1,900 feet (579 meters), its etched face tells the tale of its volcanic origins.

From this impressive promontory, you’ll have breathtaking views along the island’s southern coast. Before reaching Cabo Girao, you’ll have the opportunity to taste Poncha, a famous local drink made out of rum and honey. Continue in the old street towards Ribeira Brava (wild stream), a small town on the southwest coast of the island. The town boasts many street cafes and shops and is certainly a place to spend some time taking in the sights and sounds. Ribeira Brava was one of the first parishes of the island and was inhabited early in the island’s history.

Leaving the pier on your 4x4 vehicle, this tour takes you inland to one of the most beautiful forest areas of the island, passing through typical streets which are mainly used to transport agricultural goods that supply the population living in these rural areas. Explore the best examples of the protected environment and natural vegetation hidden by the mountains of this island of volcanic origin. This is beyond a doubt the best way to discover truly unspoiled, peaceful and majestic areas which can’t be seen any other way, as the routes will take you on tracks that meander through the mountains, across small rivers, through valleys and amongst small waterfalls, providing incredible views.

Join one of the most thrilling marine wildlife observations along Madeira’s southern coast. Your host will be “Rota dos Cetáceos” (Cetaceans Path) owners and descendants from a family of whalers who still use the old methods of searching for whales. They will guide you on an unforgettable adventure, a very close observation of dolphins and whales.

You’ll be briefed by a marine biologist before boarding a Zodiac-type boat which will allow you a close range observation of marine life in a very ecological and animal friendly manner - that follows the worldwide Voluntary Viewing Guidelines. At all times the marine biologist will be there and explain the different aspects and curiosities of the species observed. This eco-adventure is designed for adventurous, active people who are in good health and like to watch marine mammals in their own environment.

Experience the wonderful views of Funchal all the way up to Monte in a unique and exciting new way during this half-day excursion coach and cable car. This picturesque city is set perfectly on the sunny south coast of Madeira; it's backdrop a protective ring of green mountains; a huge natural amphitheatre that faces the balmy blue Atlantic Ocean.

Cable Car Ride

Depart the pier for the brief drive to the cable car station and board your cable car for a panoramic, approximate 20-minute ride to Monte.

Monte

Perched on a hill 1,677 feet (511 metres) above Funchal, the village is renowned for its lovely setting and landmark twin-towered church. Monte has been a favourite destination for visitors to Madeira since the late-19th century, when a rack and pinion railway was built to haul cruise-ship passengers up from Funchal. Once at the village of MONTE (1,677 ft.,550m), a path leads up to the church of Our Lady of the Monte, which holds the tomb of Karl I, the last Emperor of Austria, who died here in exile in 1922.

Monte Palace Madeira Garden

From here is a short walk to Monte Palace Madeira Garden, one of the most unique places on the Island of Madeira, marked by its exotic flora and the art that surrounds it.

Its History takes us back to the 18th century, when Charles Murray, English consul, bought the property, located south of Monte Church, and converted it into an estate. In 1897, it was bought by Alfredo Guilherme Rodrigues, who built a palatial residence here, later transformed into a hotel named 'Monte Palace Hotel'.

The Monte Palace Madeira Garden now displays some 100,000 plant species from all over the world. Standing out from this vast collection, spread over an area of 70,000 m, are the centenary cycads, considered living fossils.

You will be surprised by the ornamentation that punctuates the various areas, between the dense vegetation and the lakes. From different eras and geographic locations, this space displays stonework, several Buddhist sculptures, stone lanterns or a famous collection of tiles (15th-20th century). In addition, the Monte Palace Madeira Garden is home to a rich fauna, with majestic swans, peacocks and the Asian Koi fish.

The tour then continues to Pico dos Barcelos, which offers a fantastic panorama of the whole of Funchal city, the bay, including the harbor, and the surrounding hills before returning back to port.

Take a guided electric bike tour through the picturesque neighborhoods of Funchal. Discover the wonders and sensational scenery this fantastic city has to offer.

Avenida do Mar, Palácio de São Lourenço, Old Town, Rua de Santa Maria

After tendering ashore and a 200-meter walk, meet at the pier for a short safety briefing. You'll then set off on your guided e-bike adventure, visiting various sites in the city center. You'll first breeze down Avenida do Mar, a street lined with charming cafés and local restaurants. You'll then continue on to Palácio de São Lourenço, a historical complex including a fortress and palace. The complex now serves as Official Residence of the Representative of the Republic for the Autonomous Region of Madeira.. You'll then reach the Old Town neighborhood, where you'll have 15 minutes to wander Rua de Santa Maria, a historic street famous for its elaborately painted doors.

Local Farmer's Market

Time is made available to browse the Mercado dos Lavradores, a farmer's market popular with the locals. Lined with traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles, pass vendors selling tropical produce, exotic flowers, local cheeses, "bolo do caco" (type of bread cooked in a stone called "caco") and fresh fish. After you've gotten your fix of the market, your guided e-bike tour will resume, continuing on to additional sites in the city center.

Rua 31 de Janeiro, Largo do Colégio, Jardim Municipal, Avenida Arriaga, Avenida do Infante, Estrada Monumental, Praça da Assicom

Next, bike down Rua 31 de Janeiro, another iconic street in the city center, stopping at Largo do Colégio for a 5-10-minute exploration of this historic plaza. Continue on to Jardim Muncipal, a beautiful botanical garden located right in the city center. Bike down Avenida Arraga, passing by authentic Madeiran works of art such as the statue of João Gonçalves Zarco, one of the discoverers of the island. Breeze through other iconic streets such as Avenida do Infante and Estrada Monumental, winding along authentic Madeiran neighborhoods along the way. Make a 5-minute photo stop at Praça da Assicom, a unique, swinging monument.

Jardins do Lido, Monumental Road, Parque de Santa Catarina

Return to the center of Funchal via Estrada Monumental and stop at Jardins do Lido for a 15-minute comfort stop. In these gardens, you'll see native Madeiran flora such as the dragon tree, barbosano and the beech of the islands. Continue along Monumental road and make a 10-minute photo stop at Parque de Santa Catarina, a park offering stunning views of the bay. Lastly, enjoy a scenic biking route back to the pier, passing for a second time down Avenida do Mar.

Explore the culture, history and flavours of Madeira on-foot during this half-day Silversea Experience to Funchal.

Funchal, City Centre, Cultural and Foodie Walking Tour

Depart the pier for the short drive to Funchal's city centre. Upon arrival, meet your guide and begin your approximately 3.5-hour foodie walking tour through the streets of Funchal. Along the way, explore the culture and history of the city, roads less-travelled and popular local foodie favourites. Stops are made at various food-tasting locations that have been carefully chosen to highlight the best regional flavours that Madeira has to offer.

Food and Beverage Tastings

Today's food-lovers' excursion features a wide array of epicurean delights. Included are the best homemade local pastry in Funchal, famous Madeira honey cake, the best pork in wine and garlic sandwich in town, delicious local fish, or 'espada', succulent grilled tuna, grilled Portuguese sausage, or 'chorizo', home-baked bread, exotic fruit from the local farmer's market, Madeira wine, local beer, quality Portuguese wines, cherry brandy and 'poncha'.

Wine Tasting at Blandy's Wine Lodge or Blandy's Madeira

One of the highlights of your foodie walking tour is a tasting of the world famous and renowned Madeira Wine at The Blandy Wine Lodge. The wine lodge was once a 17th Century monastery, it now provides an ageing store for thousands of liters of the highest quality Madeira wines, namely Blandy's Leacock's, Cossart Gordon and Miles.

At the conclusion of your foodie tour, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Once described as one of the world's most beautiful places to play golf, Madeira is home to the Palheiro Golf Club Championship course. At nearly 500 metres (1640 feet) above sea level, this course offers stunning views over the Bay of Funchal across the ocean and due to the climate; golf can be played all year round.

Palheiro Golf

Depart the pier for the approximate 30-minutes drive to the golf course. Designed by renowned golf architect Cabell B. Robinson, this picturesque layout with year-round appeal takes full advantage of Madeira's hilly terrain, with abrupt ridges and deep valleys providing a compelling challenge for even the most seasoned golfer.

Teeing off here is to walk through a verdant and tranquil 200-year-old country estate, and an abundance of fragrant, exotic flora lends the course a unique and singular quality. Melodic birdsong enriches the experience.

Play calls for a fair degree of accuracy - the contoured fairways and strategically placed bunkers guarding fast, undulating greens mean there's little room for error. A halfway house, The Tea House, offers refreshments and a chance to pause and assess scorecards. Indeed, a round of golf at Palheiro engages all the senses and rewards those of all abilities with an enjoyable and memorable experience.

The 6086 meters, par 72 course is set amongst magnificent trees, shrubs and formal gardens, and makes full use of the hills; ridges and deep valleys of the Quinta do Palheiro estate. Nearly two thirds of the course has been carved out of pine forest and botanical woodland established over the last 100 years.

Palheiro Golf in Madeira has been ranked in the new Golf World´s TOP 200 European Courses list.

Kindly note that any refreshment & lunch are at your own expense.

Venture outside of the city on this 4x4 tour into the interior of the island, visiting Laurissilva of Madeira, a biodiverse nature reserve containing the largest surviving area of laurel forest, a unique type of vegetation only found in the Azores, Madeira and The Canary Islands. Here you have the possibility of seeing a wide array of ecological niches, including intricate food webs and co-habituation of endemic flora and fauna.

Ribeira Brava Viewpoint

After tendering ashore and a 200-meter walk, depart Funchal for an approximately 45-minute transfer to Ribeira Brava for a 15-minute photo stop. The viewpoint overlooks the town of Ribeira Brava and offers a panoramic bird's eye view of the breathtaking coastline.

Panoramic drive from Serra d'Agua up to Encumeada Viewpoint

Re-board your 4x4 Land Rover for a panoramic drive into the mountains. You'll begin in the valley of Serra d'Agua, ascending 1007 meters above sea level for a beautiful view of the North and South coasts and the valleys of Ribeira Brava and São Vicente. A photo stop will be made at the Encumeada viewpoint.

4x4 Ride through Laurissilva

On your 4x4 land rover, traverse the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Laurissilva, for an exhilarating ride. From an open roof off-roading vehicle, you'll have optimal views of the largest forest of Laurissilva trees in existence. The forest is mainly comprised of evergreen trees and bushes, with flat, dark green leaves. Zoom past ancient trees, waterfalls and cliffs while keeping an eye out for wildlife.

Quinta Barbusano Vineyard, Snack and Wine

Lastly, reach the fabulous Northern vineyards of Madeira and visit Quinta do Barbusano. Verdelho is the most prominent grape variety of the vineyard, producing high-quality white wines -- although the reds have been increasingly in demand. Taste their local rosé, red and white table wines along with a snack. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your 4x4 Land Rover for an approximately 1-hour transfer back to the ship.

The island of Madeira is noted for its natural beauty and exotic vegetation abounds in a carpet of green. The terrain is rugged with imposing valleys and some of the highest sea-cliffs in the world while the climate is temperate and the winters are mild, perfect for growing grapes. Madeiran wine is a trademark of Portugal, and its value is almost equal to gold. The wine has a long history, dating back to the discovery of the New World. This tour will help you discover the Madeiran wine tradition in Funchal.

Cabo Girão

Depart the pier area and drive west from Funchal to Cabo Girão, the second highest sea cliff in the world, and the highest in Europe. It rises sheer from the sea, so that the viewpoint offers breathtaking views along the coast, over Funchal, and out over the distant horizon.

The road then heads down towards the coast passing by the vineyards of Estreito de Câmara Lobos, one of the most important winegrowing areas of the island. The steep valleys offer good examples of the terraced cultivation seen throughout Madeira.

Câmara de Lobos

Reaching the village of Câmara de Lobos "The Sea Wolves' Lair", a picturesque fishing village, once painted by Sir Winston Churchill. The village was given its name by the explorers João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira because of the shape of its bay and the many sea lions ("lobos") living there at the time. Have the opportunity to view this fishing village from a viewpoint.

Blandy Wine Lodge

On return to Funchal, the tour stops at The Blandy Wine Lodge and here you will have the chance to sample four of the world famous Madeira wines for centuries. Acquired in 1840 by Charles Ridpath Blandy, the Blandy's Wine Lodge has always been and is still an integral part of the production of Blandy's Madeira Wine. Blandy's Madeira celebrated its bicentennial in 2011. Blandy Wine Lodge gives you a privileged perspective on 200 years of Madeira Wine. Located in the centre of Funchal, Blandy's Wine Lodge allows visitors to Madeira an opportunity to experience first-hand wine in the making.

The village of Monte sits above Funchal at a height of 550 metres (1,804 feet). The cool mountain air and dramatic views made it a healthy retreat for the islands wealthy in the mid-19th century. The Monte Cable Car connects the historic centre of Funchal and Monte. Visit the village of Monte, known for its twin towered church of Our Lady of Monte and the Botanical Gardens with more than 2000 plants.

Depart the pier for the approximate 30-minute drive to Monte Village.

Monte

On arrival to the village of Monte enjoy some time to explore this small village perched up in the hills overlooking Funchal, approximately 3.7 miles (6 km) away from the centre of the capital, and formerly a health resort for Europe's high society.

Cable Car Ride

Next, experience an unforgettable voyage by cable car with Nature at your feet. This unforgettable voyage to the Botanical Gardens will take about 8 minutes and offers its visitors a new panoramic route with privileged sights of not only the Funchal bay but also over the River of João Gomes, a place of rare and exotic beauty made up by an important nucleus of Laurissilva forest. The Laurissilva of Madeira is an outstanding relic of a previously widespread laurel forest type. It is the largest surviving area of laurel forest and is believed to be 90% primary forest. It contains a unique array of plants and animals, including many endemic species such as the Madeiran long-toed pigeon.

Botanical Gardens

At the end of the cable car ride the tour continues at the Botanical Gardens located 1.8 miles (3 km) from the centre of Funchal at Quinta do Bom Sucesso - a private Quinta belonging to the Reid family - where the climatic conditions are much in favour of exuberant vegetation. The Botanical Garden boasts harmonious forms, contrasting colours and more than 2000 plants. Throughout the gardens you can find the plants labeled with their scientific names, common name and origin.

Re-board your coach for the drive back to the pier.

Experience some of the most spectacular scenery for which Madeira is renowned. Right in the middle of the Atlantic, the island of Madeira is a haven of natural beauty. The exotic colours of the flowers stand out from the blue sea and the emerald green vegetation; this is an archipelago where two thirds are a protected area and where the largest Laurisilva forest in the world is located.

Ponta do Garajau

Depart the pier for the 30-minute drive to Ponta do Garajau which is famous for the statue of Christ the Redeemer that stands looking out at the sea with outstretched arms, as well as its views over Funchal and the Natural Park of Garajau.

Machico

Continue along the Southern coast past the village of Machico, hidden in the bay and stretching out over the hillsides. Legend has it that the first two settlers to Madeira landed at Machico: Robert Machim (hence the name of the town) and Ana D'Arafet. Once a small fishing village, Machico is now a holiday resort.

Next, the road continues to the north of the island and a stop at Portela Pass (2,197 ft. / 670m), where the views over the mountains and down to the sea are magnificent on all sides.

Ribeiro Frio

The route turns inland past Faial to Ribeiro Frio, where a short stop is made to visit the carefully cultivated grounds of the trout hatchery. From here, the road climbs steeply through woodlands and lush green vegetation, passing through Poiso Pass (4,308 ft. / 1413m), from where the summits of the island's highest peaks Pico Ruivo (6,104 ft. / 1862m), and Pico do Arieiro (5,937 ft. / 1818m) should be visible at a distance.

Once over the pass, the road descends rapidly to Terreiro da Luta. At approximately 2670 feet (886m), this was once the terminus of the old funicular railway, long since dismantled, by which visitors traveled from town to the mountain scenery. The nearby Peace Monument is a large column of rough basalt erected in 1925 and surmounted by a statue of the Virgin and Child.

The tour concludes back at the pier, passing by the village of Monte.

Explore Funchal at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking driver/guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier. Driver/Guides are able to assist with itinerary planning and provide some commentary. Guests who desire detailed commentary should reserve the services of a guide to accompany them. This may be requested on board the ship.

Explore Funchal at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking driver/guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier. Driver/Guides are able to assist with itinerary planning and provide some commentary. Guests who desire detailed commentary should reserve the services of a guide to accompany them. This may be requested on board the ship.

Explore Funchal at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking driver/guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier. Driver/Guides are able to assist with itinerary planning and provide some commentary. Guests who desire detailed commentary should reserve the services of a guide to accompany them. This may be requested on board the ship.

Explore Funchal at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking driver/guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier. Driver/Guides are able to assist with itinerary planning and provide some commentary. Guests who desire detailed commentary should reserve the services of a guide to accompany them. This may be requested on board the ship.