Itinerary
10 Days – 9 Nights
DAY 1 – LISBON
- Arrival at Lisbon. Meet your driver and transfer to the hotel in Lisbon.
- Check in at the hotel and rest of the day at leisure.
- Overnight at the hotel in Lisbon.
DAY 2 – LISBON
Lisbon is the country’s first city and is considered one of the oldest capitals in Europe. Discover on foot the old Alfama district, with its winding alleys, narrow streets, colorful houses, and endless stairs. Walk to Praça do Comércio and the downtown area, essential places in the city’s history. Proceed to the historic district of Belém, where we can find many of the most prestigious monuments of the city, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, both good examples of the 16th century’s Manueline style, and finally the Monument to the Discoveries.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Waking guided visit of Lisbon.
- Afternoon free for leisure.
- Overnight at the hotel in Lisbon.
DAY 3 – LISBON > SINTRA > CASCAIS > ESTORIL > LISBON
Visit Sintra, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the charms and history of the town that enchanted kings and poets. Visit to the romantic National Pena Palace. If weather permits, we will then stop at the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Cabo da Roca. On the way to Cascais along the coast, be dazzled by the seascape. Fishing port and tourist center, Cascais is the former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family. In Estoril, place where Ian Fleming got the idea for the James Bond character, we highlight the gardens of one of the largest Casinos in Europe.
- Departure from the hotel towards Sintra.
- Visit Cabo da Roca (weather permitting).
- Visit Cascais.
- Visti Estoril.
- Return to Lisbon.
- Overnight at the hotel in Lisbon.
DAY 4 – LISBON > EVORA > LISBON
Évora. Capital of the Alentejo, a large region that occupies almost all southern Portugal, from the Atlantic coast to the Andalusian border. We will wander through its welcoming historic center by discovering the city’s monuments, such as the Roman
Temple, the best preserved in the Iberian Peninsula, built in the Augustan period. We will then descend into the bowels of the Church of San Francesco, to visit the Capela dos Ossos, as disturbing as it is interesting, whose walls are dotted with skulls and bones.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- In the morning visit Evora.
- Return to Lisbon.
- Overnight at the hotel in Lisbon.
DAY 5 – LISBON > MADEIRA: FUNCHAL
- Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
- Departure from the hotel in Lisbon-to-Lisbon airport. (Flight from Lisbon to Funchal).
- At the arrival in Funchal, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel.
- Rest of the day at leisure.
- Overnight at the hotel in Funchal.
DAY 6 – MADEIRA /FUNCHAL: HALF DAY CURRAL DE FREIRAS
This is a journey to the centre of Madeira Island where dramatic, cloud-topped mountains descend to verdant valleys in a most spectacular way. After boarding the minibus in the centre of Lido we first make our way up to Eira do Serrado where you will find one of the most exclusive and beautiful views, not to mention a great “green” location unlike any other in Madeira.
The journey down to the Nuns Valley (Curral da Freiras) village takes approximately 20 minutes where guests will enjoy the countryside, forest brushes mixed with populated areas with quaint houses typical of the Madeiran society. Once the tour reaches Nuns Valley, you will immediately see a small village nestling between almost perpendicular mountains in the heart of the island.
The huge cauldron in which Nuns Valley is sitting was either formed by erosion, which is the more recent theory, or as many still believe, by volcanic activity. The village is very isolated, and locals mainly live off what they cultivate. The local chestnuts are delicious and are used in everyday cooking. Every year locals celebrate the ‘Chestnut Festival’ for which the village is famous.
Upon your return we stop at the stunning fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. This is where Winston Churchill spent his time painting his beautiful landscapes and where you will be able to try the famous local drink – Poncha (not included).
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visit Eira do Serrado.
- Continue to Curral da Freiras.
- Visit Câmara de Lobos.
- Overnight at the hotel in Funchal.
DAY 7 – MADEIRA/FUNCHAL: FULL DAY MADEIRA WEST
Departing from the heart of the Lido we pass through the first traditional fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. Our drive continues to Cabo Girão, the second highest sea cliff in the world and the highest sea cliff in Europe. Next we make our way to Ribeira Brava and head north, up through the deep and narrow valleys of Serra D’Água. From sea-level in Funchal, we cross the mountain pass (from where both sides of the island are visible) down to the rugged beauty of the north coast, where Atlantic rollers describe a line of white surf below heroic cliffs. We make our way to São Vicente, one of the most predominant villages of the northern coast of Madeira. Our next stop is at the beautiful village of Porto Moniz where you will have approximately 1 hour for lunch as well as time to admire the amazing volcanic swimming pools. After lunch (not included) we traverse Madeira’s highest plateau with all its spectacular panoramas before heading for home again. Driving to Paul da Serra lies one of the biggest natural park reserves of the world.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Drive to Cabo Girão.
- Continue to Ribeira Brava.
- On to São Vicente.
- Journey to Paul da Serra.
- Return to Funchal.
- Overnight at the hotel in Funchal.
DAY 8 – MADEIRA/FUNCHAL: FULL DAY MADEIRA EAST
Leaving Lido where our tour begins, the first stop is at a viewpoint overlooking Funchal.
Our drive continues towards the mountain Pico do Arieiro. At an altitude of 1818 metres it is the third highest peak on the island and affords breathtaking views.
After visiting the highest (driveable) peak in Madeira, we head down to the coast through original forest to the last home of Madeira’s emblematic straw-roofed houses. Passing pretty villages and stunning seascapes, we arrive at the very eastern point for some superb views of the bold north and sunny south coasts in one panoramic vista.
On the northern slopes of the island the tour reaches a popular starting point for ‘levada’ walks, Ribeiro Frio. With its interesting trout pools, this area still has much of its original vegetation. The island was once completely covered by ‘Laurissilva’ forest, a relic from prehistoric times. Time for lunch in Santana that is characterised by its small thatched triangular houses.
Then we will go towards Ponta de São Lourenço, situated in the eastern part of the island, this is the place where a fantastic combination of rocks, sea and nature combine. The last town to be visit is Machico, a point view where you can look over the bay and the golden sandy beach.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Journey to Mount Pico do Arieiro.
- Continue to Ribeiro Frio.
- Lunch in Santana.
- Journey to Ponta de São Lourenço.
- On to Machico.
- Overnight at the hotel in Funchal.
DAY 9 – MADEIRA/FUNCHAL: FREE DAY
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Free day for leisure.
- Overnight at the hotel in Funchal.
DAY 10 – MADEIRA/FUNCHAL
- Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
- Departure from the hotel to Funchal airport.
Price Includes
- 4 nights in Lisbon accommodation in bed & breakfast basis.
- 5 nights in Funchal accommodation in bed & breakfast basis.
- Private transfer in Lisbon from the airport to the hotel.
- Private half day Lisbon guided walking tour.
- Private full day tour to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril with official guide and entrance fees to the Pena Palace.
- Private full day tour to Évora with half day local guide with entrance at the San Fracisco Church and Bones Chapel.
- Visit of a winery in the Alentejo with wine and olive tastings (shared tour).
- Private transfer in Lisbon from the hotel to the airport in Lisbon.
- Private transfer in Funchal from airport to the hotel.
- Private half day tour to Curral de Freiras.
- Private full day tour to Madeira West.\
- Private full day tour to Madeira East.
- Private transfer in Funchal the to the airport.
Price Does Not Include
- Meals and beverages;
- Porterage service;
- Personal expenses;
- Tips or gratuities;
- Flights Lisbon » Ponta Delgada;
- The city tax per person per night;
- Other services not mentioned in the program.
Hotels
Our prices are based on 4 Star hotel category.
Customize
These tours are examples of some of the places to visit and the sights and activities you can experience. They are completely customizable to your time and budget. Please use the “Design Your Own” form to start planning your next vacation with us!
