Discounted
Child Ages: 7+
NEW
Centre-based

Family Madeira Adventure

Portugal - Trip code FMD Family
Carbon Footprint Leaf Icon
285Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Discover the ultimate family adventure on the volcanic island of Madeira. From stand-up paddle boarding sessions to an unforgettable catamaran trip to see whales and dolphins up close, there's plenty to entertain and delight. Dive into the local culture with opportunities to taste Madeiran specialties and embark on a jeep safari to explore the island's dramatic landscapes. Nestled in the vibrant city of Funchal, close to the famous lido, there's plenty of time to unwind each day, creating the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Why we love this trip
  • Jeep safari - Explore the island on a thrilling 4x4 ride
  • Mountain views - Hike along mountain trails, taking in panoramic views and enjoy a picnic with the family
  • Ocean adventure - Embark on a catamaran trip for dolphin and whale watching, followed by a relaxing beach day and a swim in the Atlantic
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

    Lunch: 2

    Dinner: 1

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Activity Guide(s)

    Driver(s)

  • Transport

    Boat

    Cable Car

    Minibus

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    Accommodation

    7 nights comfortable hotel

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    Trip pace:

    Moderate

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    Group Size:

    12 - 18

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Funchal

Our family adventure kicks off in Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira known for its cultural heritage and natural beauty.

For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Funchal at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Madeira International Airport (FNC), which is a 25-minute drive from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Tour Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

We'll be based at the 4-star Hotel Muthu Raga, about 2km from the centre of Funchal and with easy access to the lido and Atlantic Ocean. The hotel has a range of facilities including an outdoor pool (open April to October), games room, bar and restaurant and is a great place to relax after a day of adventure.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Balcony walk; Santana visit

Madeira offers some fantastic walks with memorable views of the island's rugged landscape, lush forests and dramatic cliffs. We walk the Vereda Balcoes, a popular trail known for its great views over the surrounding valleys and the highest peak, Pico Ruivo. Starting from Ribeiro Frio just outside Funchal, we'll walk for approximately 2 hours on well-maintained trails, often alongside the Levada da Serra do Faial, a traditional irrigation channel, with only a moderate elevation gain. Along the way we'll be treated to panoramic vistas of the UNESCO-listed laurissilva forest, the imposing bluffs and the vast Atlantic Ocean. At the end of our walk we'll visit Santana, a charming village famous for its traditional triangular-roofed houses, a distinctive feature of Madeiran architecture. Santana offers a fascinating glimpse into local culture. We then transfer back to our hotel, with time to relax before dinner.

On our Christmas departure we'll then transfer a short distance to the Christmas market in Funchal. The market showcases local crafts, delicacies, and vibrant flowers, and a 'village' is set up in the Town Hall square featuring wooden houses, a Christmas train, and Santa's sleigh for younger children.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Funchal city tour, pasteis da Nata tasting, cable car to Monte for toboggan ride

For our first day in Funchal we'll start with a peaceful stroll through the Santa Catarina Botanical Garden, home to exotic plants from around the world as well as various parrot species such as cockatoos and macaws. We then visit the historic Joao Goncalves Zarco Square and the majestic cathedral. Having built up an appetite on our stroll we'll try the famous pasteis da Nata (custard tarts) and indulge in cookies and biscuits at a traditional local store and factory. The taste tour isn't over however, the local market awaits with a blind fruit tasting challenge, before a leisurely walk along Funchal's oldest street leads us to a delicious bolo do caco (sweet flatbread) tasting.

To top it all off, we'll take a cable car ride to Monte and experience a ride on a unique 'toboggan' back down to Funchal. The toboggan ride starts at the Nossa Senhora do Monte Church in Monte and takes you on an exhilarating two-kilometre descent to Livramento, just below Funchal. The iconic toboggans are two-seater wicker sledges, guided by two carreiros (toboggan men) dressed in traditional white outfits. They skillfully steer and brake the sledges using their rubber-soled boots, reaching speeds of up to 48 km/hour!

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4 - Full day jeep tour including beach time at Seixal

A jeep tour is a fantastic way to discover more of the island, and today we set off for the west side of Madeira. We'll kick off our journey in Ribeira Brava, a charming town known for its colourful houses and scenic harbour. From there, we head off-road to the picturesque Ponta de Sol, famous for its beautiful beach and relaxed atmosphere, before making our way to Paul da Serra, the largest plateau on Madeira, offering fabulous views and a chance to see the island's unique flora and fauna. Our next stop is the impressive Ribeira da Janela Viewpoint, providing sweeping vistas of the north coast with its dramatic cliffs and the blue Atlantic Ocean.

Continuing on, we reach Porto Moniz on the island's north coast, where we'll take a refreshing swim in the natural volcanic pools of crystal-clear waters. Then, it's off to Seixal Beach, a serene black sand beach. Our adventure concludes with a visit to Sao Vicente, a village known for its vineyards and the famous Vu da Noiva waterfall, whose name means 'bride's veil' in Portuguese, in reference to its fine sheet of water.

Along the way, we'll enjoy a delightful picnic featuring 'prego no bolo do caco', a traditional Madeiran dish of sweet flatbread and a small steak. The steak is often accompanied by ingredients like ham, cheese, salad, and eggs with homemade potato crisps. For those preferring a vegan option, there's a delicious sandwich with olive and almond spread, fresh mushrooms, zucchini, lettuce, tomato, and homemade potato chips. Juice or water are available along with a fresh fruit salad.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 5 - Dolphin and whale watching trip aboard a catamaran, time for snorkelling

This morning we set sail on a three-hour catamaran cruise to discover Madeira's rich marine life. Depending on the season, we may encounter bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins and perhaps sperm whales. We should be back at the hotel in the early afternoon, with time to walk down to the lido, try the hotel games room or perhaps take a wander into Funchal's Old Town and explore the narrow streets and traditional shops.

Christmas Departure:

Tonight, we experience the market night at the Farmers' Market in Funchal. Join the locals as they shop for Christmas essentials like fruit, vegetables, mistletoe, and wheat pots. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and listen to carol singing in the fish market square.

For the parents there's delicious homemade liquors, and the whole family can tuck in to traditional sandwiches of 'carne de vinha d'alhos' (pork cubes in wine and garlic).

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 - Free day in Funchal

Embark on a day of adventure or relaxation during your free day in Madeira. Football fans can visit the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, dedicated to the world-renowned Madeira native, or perhaps head over to Porto Moniz to try the volcanically heated natural pools. Whether you prefer a leisurely day by the pool or an adventure, there are plenty of options.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Banana plantation visit

We travel to Ponta do Sol and visit the BAM banana plantation and museum and enjoy a variety of banana tastings, including a fresh banana, crispy banana chips, and sweet dried banana. There's the chance to try a creamy banana smoothie. For the adults, there's also a sample of the banana beer or banana liqueur for a true taste of Madeira.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Tour ends in Funchal

Our tour ends this morning at our hotel in Funchal. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Funchal at any time.

If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to depart from Madeira International Airport (FNC), which is a 25-minute drive from our hotel.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Portugal

Climate

Overall, spring, early summer and autumn are ideal times for a trip to Portugal - though the weather varies enormously from region to region. The northern high plains has both extremes, stiflingly hot in summer, bitterly cold and swept by freezing winds in winter. The Atlantic coast, in contrast, has a tendency to damp and mist, and a relatively brief, humid summer. The Mediterranean south is warm virtually all year round. The islands have very different weather patterns due to their positioning and can have sudden rain falls throughout the year so waterproofs are recommended even in the summer.

Time difference to GMT

0

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Portuguese

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


3D Fun Art Museum (Funchal) - Open 10h to 19h, Adults: €11, Children 5-12 years: €8, Family (2 adults + 1 child): €27
CR7 Museum (Funchal) - Open Monday to Friday 10h to 17h, Adults: €5, children under 5: free
Canyoning Experience - + 14 years, beginner level from €65, Intermediate level from €80
Aquapark - Open from July to August, family ticket from €20
Lido Bathing Complex - Opening Hours 0900 - 1830, Adults: €5, children under 6 years: free
Barreirinha Bathing Complex, Adults: €5.20. Children under 6: Free
Formosa beach

Clothing

July and August are the hottest months, but early and late in the season go prepared with clothing to suit drops in temperature and the showers. You'll need your swimming gear, light rainwear may be needed at any time of year, and a warm fleece/jacket is recommended for cooler evenings and nights.

Footwear

We recommend taking lightweight walking shoes/trainers and sandals for walks and for visiting the sites and towns. Bring some water shoes or sports sandals for the stand up paddle boarding.

Luggage

20Kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece and a daysack.

Equipment

Take a water bottle, insect repellent, sun hat, sun glasses and sun cream. A beach towel will be handy for the day out by boat as well as the stand up paddle boarding, snorkelling and beach time.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend €20 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approximately €15 of local currency for tipping. In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leader may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip.

Portugal

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£15.00 - 20.00
Dinner price
£25.00 - 30.00
Beer price
£3.00 - 4.00 depending on your location, well touristed areas are usually slightly more expensive.
Water price
£2.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Take the majority of your spending money in Euros cash.
Where To Exchange
We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Bureau de Change are generally only found in major cities and large airports.
ATM Availability
Cash-point machines are available in all major towns. Bankcards with the Cirrus logo are accepted.
Credit Card Acceptance
Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted in larger restaurants and some shops.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Boat, Cable Car, Minibus

Accommodation notes

In Funchal, we stay at the Hotel Muthu Raga, ideally situated near the the beautiful Lido promenade and just a few kilometres from the city centre. The hotel offers modern amenities including free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant and games room. During the summer months guests can also enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool with views of the Atlantic Ocean, however please note that the pool does usually close from late October to April.

Portugal

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Portugal: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

Portugal

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory but Tetanus is usually recommended as a precaution. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Family information
Triple Rooms: This trip allows the option for a limited amount of triple rooms to be included within the booking on all nights of the holiday. If you would like this option please ask our Sales team for further information.


Minimum age: This trip is ideal for children of all ages over 7 and is an ideal introduction to small group family adventures for younger families. On certain trips there may be some flexibility to accept children from the age of 5 if travelling with older siblings, please speak to our reservations team for details.
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