Portugal Island of Madeira Private Hiking Tour

Touch down at Madeira Airport and transfer inland to Santo Antonio da Serra. Check into your boutique hotel and spa, surrounded by gardens with lush vegetation. Meet your guide for a briefing this evening, followed by a festive welcome dinner.

If you’re in Santo da Serra on a Sunday, start the day with a visit to the village’s colorful market selling farm products. Far from the tourist markets of the city, here you'll learn about the local producers and some traditional foods of the island: sweet potatoes, anones, the fruit of the rhododendron, and also some atypical drinks like coffee with lemon. Later in the morning, head east towards Sao Lourenco, where the landscape changes due to a semi-arid climate. Hike along basalt cliffs carved by wind and waves and marvel at the different flora and fauna in this part of the island. Enjoy a picnic lunch with scenic surroundings on your hike and then return to Santo da Serra. If desired, you may return by zodiac for a scenic view of the headland from the ocean.

Embark on a fun hike following a levada (irrigation channel) through crop terraces and tunnels carved into the rocks. Your destination is Caldeirao Verde, a misty, fairy-tale jungle with waterfalls and lush vegetation. The scenic return journey takes you above the terraces and affords more panoramic ocean views.

Wake for a panoramic coastal hike on the Boca do Risco Coastal Path at 1,000 feet above sea level. Following a rocky volcanic trail, you'll enjoy sweeping views of the ocean surf below - and simply stunning island vistas from the top of the pass. After a while, the path becomes forested with pine and eucalyptus trees before descending, past small hamlets and terraced crops, towards the village of Porto da Cruz. Toast your hike on a visit to Porta da Cruz's rum factory! Next, transfer to Porto Moniz and your second 4-star hotel of the trip.

After breakfast, set off on a drive up to Paul da Serra Plateau, one of the island's most popular walking destinations. At 3,940 feet, the plateau affords incredible panoramic views over mountains and lush valleys. Enjoy a scenic hike along levadas and through fields of heather, stopping off to view several pretty waterfalls including the Cascada do Risco.

Starting in the village of Rasposeira, follow a levada to the village of Prazeres. Enjoy incredible ocean and village views (as well as a cha de limao, a local tea flavored with lemon peel) before beginning the descent to Paul do Mar on a spectacular path marked by poios (terraced farmland), succulents and prickly pear trees. This path is part of the vast network of "royal" paths, which once allowed the fishermen of Paul do Mar to access other villages to sell their fish. Transfer to your hotel in Funchal, the capital of the island.

This morning, savor Madeira's local delicacies on a guided gourmet tour. Starting from the hotel, you'll head through historic streets to Mercado dos Lavradores — the city's vibrant market, brimming with flowers, vegetables and exotic fruits. Stroll the stalls before tasting a traditional hot sandwich made with fresh garlic bread. In the afternoon, board a cable car to Monte for a breathtaking view over Funchal Bay and stroll among 18th- and 19th-century quintas (agricultural estates) and botanical gardens. Take the traditional route downhill riding in a wicker basket. A farewell dinner awaits tonight!

Your trip ends after breakfast with a transfer from the hotel to Madeira Airport.