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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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10 days
9 nights
17 meals
8B 6L 3D
3
Southwest Coast
Funchal - Madeira
6
North Coast
Funchal - Madeira
7
Câmara de Lobos
Funchal - Madeira
8
Porto Moniz
Funchal - Madeira
View Full Itinerary

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
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.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Roberto Camacho
Roberto was born in 1978 in Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in biodiversity and conservation, both from the University of Madeira, as well as a bachelor's degree in tourism. In addition, he has taken courses on mountain leading, teaching and the flora of Madeira. He speaks fluent English, French and Spanish; he is also knowledgeable in German. Before he began leading adventures, he worked as a geneticist and graduate tutor at the University of Madeira.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Roberto Camacho
Roberto Camacho View biography
Roberto was born in 1978 in Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in biodiversity and conservation, both from the University of Madeira, as well as a bachelor's degree in tourism. In addition, he has taken courses on mountain leading, teaching and the flora of Madeira. He speaks fluent English, French and Spanish; he is also knowledgeable in German. Before he began leading adventures, he worked as a geneticist and graduate tutor at the University of Madeira.
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.
Program No.
20367
Duration
10 days
Program Begins
Funchal - Madeira
Program Concludes
Funchal - Madeira
Group Type
Small Group
Activity Level
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.
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.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Roberto Camacho
Roberto was born in 1978 in Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in biodiversity and conservation, both from the University of Madeira, as well as a bachelor's degree in tourism. In addition, he has taken courses on mountain leading, teaching and the flora of Madeira. He speaks fluent English, French and Spanish; he is also knowledgeable in German. Before he began leading adventures, he worked as a geneticist and graduate tutor at the University of Madeira.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
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.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List: 16 Books
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
MEALS
17 Meals
8 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
3 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Vegetarian, Low Salt, Gluten Free
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
  • 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
8 nights
Location: Funchal
The Pestana Casino Park in Madeira is surrounded by 15,000 square meters of private gardens, where there is an abundance of open-air green spaces, century-old trees, and typical plants of the island. All the buildings of this 5-star hotel were designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, considered to be one of the masters of design and modern construction, who was part of the team that designed the city of Brasilia. The space and the integration of natural light are the principal characteristics of this magnificent example of modern art.
8 nights
Location: Funchal
The Pestana Casino Park in Madeira is surrounded by 15,000 square meters of private gardens, where there is an abundance of open-air green spaces, century-old trees, and typical plants of the island. All the buildings of this 5-star hotel were designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, considered to be one of the masters of design and modern construction, who was part of the team that designed the city of Brasilia. The space and the integration of natural light are the principal characteristics of this magnificent example of modern art.
8 nights
Location: Funchal
The Pestana Casino Park in Madeira is surrounded by 15,000 square meters of private gardens, where there is an abundance of open-air green spaces, century-old trees, and typical plants of the island. All the buildings of this 5-star hotel were designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, considered to be one of the masters of design and modern construction, who was part of the team that designed the city of Brasilia. The space and the integration of natural light are the principal characteristics of this magnificent example of modern art.
8 nights
Location: Funchal
The Pestana Casino Park in Madeira is surrounded by 15,000 square meters of private gardens, where there is an abundance of open-air green spaces, century-old trees, and typical plants of the island. All the buildings of this 5-star hotel were designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, considered to be one of the masters of design and modern construction, who was part of the team that designed the city of Brasilia. The space and the integration of natural light are the principal characteristics of this magnificent example of modern art.
8 nights
Location: Funchal
The Pestana Casino Park in Madeira is surrounded by 15,000 square meters of private gardens, where there is an abundance of open-air green spaces, century-old trees, and typical plants of the island. All the buildings of this 5-star hotel were designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, considered to be one of the masters of design and modern construction, who was part of the team that designed the city of Brasilia. The space and the integration of natural light are the principal characteristics of this magnificent example of modern art.
8 nights
Location: Funchal
The Pestana Casino Park in Madeira is surrounded by 15,000 square meters of private gardens, where there is an abundance of open-air green spaces, century-old trees, and typical plants of the island. All the buildings of this 5-star hotel were designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, considered to be one of the masters of design and modern construction, who was part of the team that designed the city of Brasilia. The space and the integration of natural light are the principal characteristics of this magnificent example of modern art.
8 nights
Location: Funchal
The Pestana Casino Park in Madeira is surrounded by 15,000 square meters of private gardens, where there is an abundance of open-air green spaces, century-old trees, and typical plants of the island. All the buildings of this 5-star hotel were designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, considered to be one of the masters of design and modern construction, who was part of the team that designed the city of Brasilia. The space and the integration of natural light are the principal characteristics of this magnificent example of modern art.





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