8 Day Tour Portugal’s Islands See and Experience

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Leaving a Good First Impression Upon Arrival
1 stop
1
Your tour to Portugal starts on the island of São Miguel. After getting settled in, we are taken to natural pools called Zona Balnear do Cruzeiro (a.k.a. Poças de Atalhada). This is a popular and open-to-the-public natural swimming spot known for its clear and cool Atlantic waters. It has a stunning ocean view and a relaxing atmosphere. Here we experience swimming in natural rock pools protected from the open ocean. We are then taken back to your hotel.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Indulging in God’s Natural Jacuzzi & Why Was This Once-Beautiful Hotel Now Abandoned?
1 stop
2
Caldeira das Sete Cidades
Today’s excursion begins at Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras, where we enjoy views of the Sete Cidades volcanic massif. We then visit Miradouro da Vista do Rei, followed by a short hike to the stunning Miradouro da Boca do Inferno. Next, we travel to Mosteiros Beach, known for its dramatic rock formations, with time to purchase lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s oldest operating tea plantation, featuring a guided tour, tastings, and scenic plantations. We continue to Parque Terra Nostra, where guests can explore botanical gardens and relax in the thermal pool. This is followed by a visit to Poça da Dona Beija for a soothing thermal bath. We then explore Parque da Grená, with waterfalls, Furnas Lake views, and geysers nearby. The day ends at Caldeiras e Vulcões, where we recommend dinner with the traditional Cozido das Furnas, before returning to the hotel.
12 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Our Friends in the Open Seas & Seeing a Whole New World Under Water
1 stop
3
Vila Franca do Campo
We are going on a boat daytrip today, to see whales and dolphins as well as visit an islet called Vila Franca do Campo. Snorkeling gear (mask, tube and fins) and lunch are included on today’s tour. Upon returning to town, we are taken by car to the old town. There we are provided with a guided walking tour. Afterwards, we can be left in the old town or be taken back to your hotel, as we prefer.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
A Waterfall Resembling a Bridal Veil
1 stop
4
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools
Today we fly from São Miguel Island to Madeira Island. Upon arrival, we transfer to your hotel and have time to purchase lunch. In the afternoon, we visit Paul de Serra, a high-altitude plateau, stopping at Miradouro da Bica da Cana and Miradouro Molinas for scenic views. We then continue to Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, a famous north coast viewpoint overlooking a waterfall cascading into the Atlantic Ocean. Next, we stop at Seixal Beach, a striking black-sand beach surrounded by lush green mountains, with time for swimming. We proceed to Miradouro da Ribeira da Janela, known for its dramatic volcanic sea stacks, including one with a natural window. The day concludes at the Porto Moniz Natural Pools, naturally formed volcanic seawater pools where guests can swim before returning to the hotel.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Is This the Best Hiking Trail in All of Europe?
1 stop
5
Pico Do Areeiro
Today we are heading to the mountains. Specifically, we are taken by car to a mountain called Achada do Teixeira. Upon arrival, we walk to the base of a mountain peak called Pico Ruivo. This is where the beautiful trail begins. Vereda do Areeiro is the trail that connects three iconic spots in Madeira. The hike starts at Pico do Areeiro. It then continues across Pico das Torres. It ends at Pico Ruivo. From there, we return to Achada do Teixeira by ride-share and go back to your hotel.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 6
Don’t Be Getting Drunk From the Chestnut Liqueur
1 stop
6
Pico Do Areeiro
We begin the day with a scenic drive to Miradouro da Eira do Serrado, offering breathtaking panoramic views over Curral das Freiras (Nun’s Valley) from over 1,000 meters above sea level. We then descend to the village of Curral das Freiras, known for its chestnut-based dishes, cakes, and liqueur. Next, we visit Miradouro do Paredão, followed by a dramatic drive up the steep mountain road to Pico do Areeiro, one of Madeira’s highest peaks. The tour continues to the coastal town of Câmara de Lobos, stopping at Miradouro Winston Churchill, then walking to Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição. Enjoy free time for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we visit Cabo Girão Skywalk for stunning ocean views, then stop at Cascata dos Anjos, where bathing is allowed. We proceed to Levada das 25 Fontes, take a short walk to Risco Waterfall, then relax at Praia da Calheta for swimming. The day ends with dinner nearby and sunset views at Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse, before returning to the hotel.
11 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Farmers Markets, Clear-Glass Viewing Platforms, Cable Car Rides & a Garden Best Described as an Open-Air Museum
1 stop
7
Monte Palace Madeira
Today we explore areas close to your hotel. We begin at Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmer’s Market), then enjoy a short walk along Rua de Santa Maria, famous for its colorful painted doors and street art. Next, we take the cable car up to Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a stunning open-air museum blending exotic plants, cultural art, Portuguese history, and Asian influences, all set among panoramic views. A guided tour is included. We then take a second cable car to the Madeira Botanical Gardens, known for its beautifully designed geometric flower beds overlooking Funchal. Afterward, we drive to the Vereda da Ponta do São Lourenço, a dramatic coastal trail, hiking to Cais do Sardinha and back. The journey continues to Porto da Cruz, followed by photo stops at Miradouro do Guindaste with its glass platforms. We visit Santana, famous for its traditional thatched houses, then enjoy a scenic walk at Balcões de Ribeiro Frio before returning to your hotel in Funchal.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 8
Our Tour Ends Today
1 stop
8
Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport on Madeira Island.
1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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