Charms of Funchal

Visit Funchal, capital of Madeira, where many buildings have survived from the flourishing ‘sugar town’ of the 15th and 16th centuries, including Sé Cathedral, the Fortress, Bishop’s Palace, the Seminary and the Jesuit College. You'll also have time to hunt for bargains at the market and do a little exploration independently on this action-packed walking tour.

Included on departures up until August 2019

Full day

Northern Wonders Tour

Discover the north of the island on one of the most dramatic scenery tours on offer. Drive along the coastal road taking-in villages like mountainous Boaventura, which is regarded as a sanctuary of nature. Arco de Sao Jorge takes its name from the arc shape mountains that surround it, a graceful town which has a Rose Garden which is open at certain times of the year and boasts the largest collections of roses in Portugal.

Half day

West Coast Tour

Journey to the west of the island, a tour encompassing waterfalls where the majestic green of the hillsides contrasts with the crystalline blue sea. Your first stop if Chao de Ribeira, a wide valley featuring a rich variety of plants and trees which form part of the glorious Laurissilva Forest, classified as a World Natural Heritage Site. The coastal settlement of Seixal boasts a trout farm and a picturesque waterfall, ‘The Brides Veil.’ Continue through the tunnels to Porto Moniz. This is the most north-western point of the island and also one of the most spectacular with volcanic pools forming a natural lido on the shore.

Half day

Nuns’ Valley

Enjoy a trip through beautiful countryside to the panoramic viewpoint of Eira do Serrado. From here you can see Nuns’ Valley, lying at the bottom of a volcanic crater. The views from here — or simply through the glass wall in the restaurant/shop at the summit — are stunning so have your camera handy. You then travel down into the crater to the village, where there's time to visit a bar to sample the local cherry liqueur and Madeira cake.

Included on departures from September 2019.

half day

Ribeira Brava and Cabo Girao

Spend a pleasant morning heading towards the picture-postcard village of Ribeira Brava, which translates as ‘Mad River.’ The name comes from a terrible storm 90 years ago which saw a torrent of floodwater wash much of the north of the island down to the south west and into the sea. Discover more about the island culture at Madeira's Ethnographic Museum in the village (entrance not included), and afterwards stroll the cobbled streets to see the church and market. You then travel via the old road to Cabo Girão. Rising to nearly 2,000 feet, it's said to be the second highest sea cliff in the world, so there are spectacular views of the ocean and mountains - don't forget your camera!

Available on departures up until September 2019.

Half Day

Nuns Valley and Monte

Enjoy a trip through beautiful countryside to the panoramic viewpoint of Eira do Serrado. 

From here you can see Nuns’ Valley, lying at the bottom of a volcanic crater. The views from here are stunning so have your camera handy. 

You then travel down into the crater to the village, where there's time to sample the local cherry liqueur and Madeira cake. Then it's on to pretty Monte, famed for its beautiful church and its wicker toboggan rides down the sloping streets towards Funchal. These snowless toboggans, called carros de cesto, are guided by straw-hatted men and rides are available for approximately €15 (not included) and are payable by participants directly to the drivers. If you'd like to try this novel experience, please note you do so at your own expense and your own risk – Saga cannot take responsibility for your safety.

Half Day

East Coast Tour

Travel along roads surrounded in lush vegetation, and stop at several panoramic view points along the way. Follow the coast road to Faial, where lunch is included, before continuing on to Ribeiro Frio which boasts a trout farm hatchery surrounded by a beautiful garden. A pleasant walk along the Levada dos Balcões is included in the outing, though if you do not wish to walk there is plenty to see around the Ribeiro Frio area. Continue on to Santana Village which is known for its ‘A’ frame houses and then marvel at Portela’s view point before seeing the eastern tip of the Island at Caniçal.

Included on 14 night departures from September 2019.

Full Day