Portugal
Walking Madeira: Portugal’s Isle of Flowers By Foot
Program No. 20367RJ
Portugal’s botanical wonders, sun-warmed coasts, renowned vineyards and exquisite Mediterranean cuisine make this European gem a real-life paradise for exploration and adventure.
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
May 6 - May 15, 2025
Starting at
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
10 days
9 nights
18 meals
8B 6L 4D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
2
Arrive Madeira, Check-in, Welcome Dinner
Funchal - Madeira
3
Southwest Coast
Funchal - Madeira
4
Botanical Garden, Levada da Serra do Faial
Funchal - Madeira
5
Market Day in Funchal, Free Time
Funchal - Madeira
6
North Coast
Funchal - Madeira
7
Câmara de Lobos
Funchal - Madeira
8
Porto Moniz
Funchal - Madeira
9
Ponta de São Lourenço, Free Time
Funchal - Madeira
10
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
With its reputation as the “Isle of Flowers,” Madeira’s rich, volcanic soil and levadas — or carriage ways and mini-canals — offer pristine walkways that wind along its coastlines, weave through gardens and lead to the islands most scenic vistas. Meander along one of Portugal’s most beautiful regions as you join local experts for a walking exploration of Madeira’s capital city of Funchal, a city wedged between the sea and mountain slopes.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Low level walks of 3-5 miles, approximately 2-4 hours per day. Elevations up to 5964 feet, with 500-800 feet elevation change over two miles. Private coach or local transportation to travel to different day locations. Sturdy walking/hiking shoes are required (ankle-high shoes are not required, but highly recommended).
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Admire indigenous and exotic plants of the Botanical Gardens on the grounds of the Quinta do Bom Sucesso.
- Hike in a pristine laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Visit the colorful market where local purveyors offer fresh fish, exotic vegetables, fruits, spices and herbs.
Suggested Reading List
(16 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Walking Madeira: Portugal’s Isle of Flowers By Foot
Program Number: 20367
Lonely Planet Pocket Madeira
A practical city guide to region of Madeira that fits in your pocket, with the top sites, the best walks, food, art, shopping, views, nightlife and more. Includes pull out city map.
A Traveller's History of Portugal
A lively, admirably concise survey from prehistory to the present, great for travelers to Portugal who would like an overview of the country's history and culture.
Small Memories
In this contemplative memoir, the Portuguese Nobel laureate recalls a childhood both dark and magical, split between the growing city of Lisbon and the tiny village of Azinhaga.
Journey to Portugal, In Pursuit of Portugal's History and Culture
Jose Saramago's richly detailed account of his journey across Portugal in 1979. He combines his vivid impressions of the Portuguese landscape and people with a dose of history, fiction and meditation.
Cork Boat, A True Story of the Unlikeliest Boat Ever Built
This endearing tale of family, loss and friendship revolves around a deliciously absurd childhood quest to build a boat of cork and sail it 133 miles on Portugal's Douro River.
Baltasar and Blimunda
This tale of two unlikely lovers in Inquisition-era Portugal is arguably Saramago's masterwork: a philosophically charged, intellectually rigorous historical drama which is also a captivating read.
Alentejo Blue
These short stories set in the Alentejo province of Portugal star a range of colorful expats and locals, including Teresa, a beautiful young girl from the village engaged to a suitable man who yearns to see the world and Vasco, a cafe owner losing business to the new Internet cafe down the road.
Oceans of Wine, Madeira and the Emergence of American Trade and Taste
Hancock's unexpectedly engrossing book explores the culture of wine in Madeira and trade in 18th-century America.
Authentic Portuguese Cooking
With over 200 recipes, this is the biggest and most comprehensive book available on Portuguese cooking. In delicious detail, Chef Ana Patuleia Ortins explains recipes like Madeiran Wine and Garlic Beef Kabobs, Mushroom-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Pomegranate Sauce and Sauteed Kale with Pine Nuts and Onions.
A Birdwatchers' Guide to Portugal, the Azores & Madeira Archipelagos
The first and only birdwatching guide to cover all of Portugal, this enlarged second edition features several new sites (44 in all) and includes the Azores and Madeira archipelagos.
Tango in Madeira, A Dance of Life, Love and Death
A tangled web of ambitions, romance and murder featuring Agatha Christie, George Bernard Shaw, the exiled emperor of Austria, a WWI veteran and a priest with dubious political intentions, set on the isolated island of Madeira.
Walking in Madeira
Featuring a rich and varied selection of walks on Madeira and neighboring Porto Santo.
Madeira, The Mid-Atlantic Wine
Originally published in 1998, this engaging history tells the story of Madeira. Once shunned by wine connoisseurs as just a cooking wine, Madeira has been growing in popularity worldwide as a drink. Liddell provides a robust, full-flavored history, taking readers from the 1500s to the present and covering all aspects of the wine's production. A revised second edition.
Europe Between the Oceans: 9000 BC-AD 1000
In this magnificent book, distinguished archaeologist Cunliffe boldly recasts European history through the lens of geography, showing its seas and rivers as the conduits to trade and culture. With lucid maps and choice illustrations.
The Taste of Conquest, The Rise and Fall of the Three Great Cities of Spice
Weaving travel and history, Michael Krondl writes of a world where pepper, cinnamon and cloves were as valuable as gold -- and Venice, Lisbon and Amsterdam jockeyed for global control of the spice trade.
Prince Henry "The Navigator," A Life
A complicated yet rewarding portrait and the first biography of this empire-minded Portuguese prince in more than a hundred years.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
10 days
9 nights
What's Included
18 meals (
8B, 6L, 4D
)
11 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
8 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Madeira, Check-in, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Funchal - Madeira
Meals:
D
Stay:
Pestana Casino Park
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Hotel check-in is available at 3:00 p.m. We may store our luggage at the hotel and explore the area on our own while we wait for our rooms to be available. After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before meeting the group leader and fellow participants in the lobby at 4:00 p.m. for an orientation walk. We will enjoy a brief introduction to Madeira Island as we walk through the Lido area. Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our knowledgeable Group Leader and local experts will conduct the educational program including hiking and walking field trips. Program related travel will be by private motorcoach unless otherwise noted. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night's rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Southwest Coast
Location:
Funchal - Madeira
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Pestana Casino Park
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 40 miles, approximately 2 hours total riding time. Walking about 5 miles, approximately 3 hours on trails. There are areas of the trails with steep drops off the side, with the steepest area without railings reaching around 30 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach to the start of our walk along the Levada Nova de Calheta through one of the regions with the hottest climate and most spectacular landscapes of the island. We will learn from the Group Leader about the history of the agriculture of the island and how difficult it was to tame the rugged land with its big cliffs. At the conclusion of our hike, we will board the motorcoach and drive to lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we will explore the ethnographic museum of Madeira and learn from a local expert about how the locals lived throughout the centuries. Then, we’ll take in breathtaking views from the Cabo Girão viewpoint (1,902 feet), the second highest sea cliff in Europe. Below this point, there are small vineyards and vegetable patches that can only be reached by boat. For natives, every bit of land is precious.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
During dinner, we will be treated to live fado singing. Fado is a form of Portuguese music which invokes a feeling of “saudade,” which has no direct English translation but is akin to nostalgic desire for something or someone that is absent. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Day
4
Botanical Garden, Levada da Serra do Faial
Location:
Funchal - Madeira
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Pestana Casino Park
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 25 miles, approximately 1 hour total riding time. Walking about 4 miles, approximately 2 hours on dirt trails and paved roads through villages. There are areas of the trails with steep drops off the side, with the steepest area without railings reaching around 15 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will set out by motorcoach to Monte, where we will visit the gardens and church. The twin towers of the church are visible from all over the town of Funchal. The visit will end with a fun toboggan run sitting on baskets! We will then drive to Camacha (2,300 feet) where we will have a walking field trip along the Levada da Serra do Faial. Upon approaching the village, we will notice bundles of long canes. This area is known as basket country, where wicker working is a traditional industry. Today’s field lectures from the Group Leader will educate us on the area’s indigenous plants.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will drive to the Botanical Gardens, created in 1960 on the grounds of the Quinta do Bom Sucesso, overlooking the town of Funchal. Most of the displayed plants are from around the world, with a section for indigenous flora. At the end of the afternoon, we will return to the hotel.
Dinner:
Explore local fare on your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Market Day in Funchal, Free Time
Location:
Funchal - Madeira
Meals:
B
Stay:
Pestana Casino Park
Activity Note
Walking about 4 miles, approximately 3 hours on uneven surfaces, and cobblestones. Extent/duration of walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today, we will set off from the hotel on foot for a walking field trip to the city center. Along the way, we will have the chance to visit some gardens, the cathedral, the main street, and the colorful market of Funchal, where vendors selling fish, vegetables, and fruit can be found. After the market, we’ll walk along the old town area and enjoy some street art. During today’s field lectures, we’ll learn about the lifestyle of Funchal’s inhabitants, the economics of Funchal, and the history of the Funchal Cathedral.
Lunch:
Explore local fare on your own in Funchal.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
Explore local fare on your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
North Coast
Location:
Funchal - Madeira
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Pestana Casino Park
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach, driving 50 miles, under 3 hours riding time. Walking about 3 miles, approximately 2 hours on dirt trails (compacted soil, occasional roots or rocks, can be slippery if wet, railings along drop-offs), and through villages. There are areas of the trails with steep drops off the side, with the steepest area without railings reaching around 15 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach and head to the green north coast, where we’ll enjoy a hike along the Levada do Castelejo through picturesque small orchards and stunning views over rock formations and the ocean. We will learn from the Group Leader about the geology and the production of local drinks during a field lecture. At the conclusion of our hike, we will board a motorcoach and continue to the next stop, Santana, known for its triangular thatched cottages that became an island icon.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will go to Ribeiro Frio for a brief visit to the gardens surrounded by the lush vegetation of the pristine forest, followed by a stop at Pico do Areiro (5,964 feet) to experience the magnificent views of the highest peaks of Madeira Island.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Câmara de Lobos
Location:
Funchal - Madeira
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Pestana Casino Park
Activity Note
Approximately 2 - 2.5 hours of walking for approximately 5.5 miles along the coast on trails and through villages.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will set out on foot for today's walking field trip along the coast to Câmara de Lobos. As we walk, we will go through the hotel area of Funchal, with its beautiful gardens, and follow along the coastal promenade, with multiple beaches and restaurants, enjoying beautiful views of the sea while our Group Leader tells us about this typical fisherman town painted by Winston Churchill during his visit to Madeira.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will transfer back to the hotel by motorcoach. The remainder of the afternoon is free for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Porto Moniz
Location:
Funchal - Madeira
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Pestana Casino Park
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 60 miles, approximately 2 hours total riding time. Walking about 5 miles, approximately 3 hours on dirt trails (compacted soil, occasional roots or rocks, can be slippery if wet). There are areas of the trails with steep drops off the side, with the steepest area without railings reaching around 30 feet. Swimming in Porto Moniz pool.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will travel by motorcoach in the direction of Ribeira Brava, a seaside resort at the mouth of a steep valley. After crossing the island to the North coast, we will start the romantic walk through a wooded area. We will learn about the Laurissilva forest – designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1999 – during a field lecture from our Group Leader.
Lunch:
We will enjoy a picnic lunch while on the trail.
Afternoon:
We will transfer to Porto Moniz to relax in one of the large natural swimming pools. We will then return to the hotel.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Ponta de São Lourenço, Free Time
Location:
Funchal - Madeira
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Pestana Casino Park
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 50 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking about 2 miles, approximately 2 hours on coastal trails with some stone and dirt stairs and loose gravel. The most dangerous sections of this trail will have railings to prevent falls.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will set out by motorcoach to Machico, the spot where humans first set foot on the island. We will continue on to Ponta de São Lourenço, where the landscape is drier and looks almost lunar. We will hear from the Group Leader about the biodiversity and geology of the region during the hike along the serrated line of cliffs tapering into jagged rocky islets.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant where the unique Madeiran beef kebab is served. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
10
Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 a.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
18 Meals
8 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025
- Mar 18, 2025 - Mar 27, 2025
- Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025
- May 06, 2025 - May 15, 2025
- May 27, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025
- Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025
- Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025
- Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 10 Reviews
Sort By:
The trip was wonderful. Our group leader, Roberto, was knowledgeable about the plant life and history and culture of his beautiful island. We saw a variety of microclimates, enjoyed the walks along the levadas, ate traditional foods, and listened to folk music and dances. Hotels were great, plenty of room and amenities. Only downside was 2 days for travel on either end to get to and from Madeira to Lisbon and home. Loved the small group size.
— Review left October 1, 2024
What a wonderful experience I had in Madeira. It was one of the best vacations I have ever had. We had an extraordinary leader. Roberto shared his passion and knowledge of Madeira. He inspired our group to enjoy learning about Madeira and Portugal; led us on great hikes and fostered a positive group experience. Roberto #2 also led us on wonderful hikes.
— Review left May 17, 2024
Great experience, really exceptional guide who added immensely to our enjoyment and understanding of the land, people, culture, and history.
— Review left March 28, 2024
I highly recommend this wonderful trip. I enjoyed the combination of hiking and sightseeing the food and wine were delicious. Our guide Roberto was knowledgeable, fun and passionate about the breathtaking island of Madeira.
— Review left October 11, 2023
Beautiful walks along the levadas through spectacular landscapes! This was a great program with a wonderful, knowledgable guide and fun, interesting group of fellow travelers to Madeira. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, with exception of travel arrangements. I would highly recommend direct flights to & from USA vs the connecting flights that were arranged for me.
— Review left September 23, 2023
Madeira is an incredibly beautiful island. I can't even imagine how it looks in the spring when in full bloom, because it was unbelievably beautiful in September. Our leader's love of the island and its flora was contagious. On a scale of one-to-ten, I would give it a fifteen!
— Review left September 23, 2023
It's a beautiful, fascinating place, but the hikes have really narrow parts. Bring hiking poles and learn to use them, if you have any concerns about balance.
— Review left June 11, 2023
The walking in Madeira trip surpassed my expectations. It is a beautiful island with stunning scenery, delicious food and wine, and excellent weather. Flowers, ocean, walking and hiking...what more could you ask for?
— Review left April 14, 2023
Beautiful walks on a garden island! Plants, Plants, Plants everywhere and having a guided tour every day is a gardener's dream.
— Review left May 4, 2019
Hiking Madeira, the Isle of Flowers was an interesting, informative and active experience. The beauty of Madeira makes a wonderful setting for outdoor activities. The leader is knowledgeable and interesting, and being able to look at flowers and have a leader sho can answer questions is helpful. Madeira is beautiful, the weather was perfect and the experience exhilarating!
— Review left May 3, 2019
