Lapped by the waters of the Gulf Stream, Madeira has warm summers and mild winters, and has much to offer from its breathtaking landscapes and picturesque villages to its enchanting capital, Funchal.
The following optional excursions should be available during your holiday, although the content and availability may change from time to time due to weather, local conditions and demand. Please see your Saga representative for full details of which excursions are available during your stay.
Enjoy a trip through beautiful countryside to the panoramic viewpoint of Eira do Serrado.
From here you can view the Nun’s Valley (Curral das Freiras), lying at the bottom of a volcanic crater. Stunning views can be enjoyed from here - a real photographer’s dream.
To add to the thrill of your afternoon, you also go down into the crater, where the village is situated. Here you have time to sample the local cherry liqueur and Madeira cake.
You also visit pretty Monte, famed for its beautiful church and its toboggan rides down the sloping streets to Funchal.
These snowless toboggans, called carros de cesto, are guided by straw-hatted men and rides are available for approximately €10 (not included).
Enjoy a scenic tour up to the second highest point of the island accessible by road, Pico de Arieiro. You then visit Camacha, the island’s wickerwork centre, where you have an opportunity to buy some local wicker goods.
Leaving the hotel, you travel east towards São Jorge. Here you can admire the view from Cabanas, before continuing to Santana, where you view the typical A-frame houses.
You travel on to Ribeira Frio, where you have the opportunity to participate in an easy level walk to Balcões. After this, you have time for lunch in Faial.
From Faial you proceed to Portela and on to Ponta de São Lourenço, the most easterly point of the island.
Afterwards, you journey back to Ponta Delgada, taking the road that follows the south coast of the island.