Portugal
Walking Madeira: Portugal’s Isle of Flowers By Foot
Program No. 20367RJ
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Walking Madeira: Portugal’s Isle of Flowers By Foot
Walking Madeira: Portugal’s Isle of Flowers By Foot
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Participant Reviews
Based on 17 Reviews
SHOWING
This was our first Road Scholar trip and our first time traveling with a group, so we did not know what to expect. Well, it was WONDERFUL! I would run out of superlatives to describe every aspect, so I'll just say it was all exceptionally wonderful -- the lodgings, the sites, the experiences, the food and especially the people. Our fellow travelers were helpful, considerate, enthusiastic and just plain great to be around. Our leader Roberto always had a smile on his face and he was so knowledgeable about his island and communicated so well. Guide Roberto was also friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Even the bus driver (also a Roberto!) was friendly and efficient.
We made friends of our fellow travelers and look forward to more trips with Road Scholar and new friends!
— Review left October 22, 2025
This is a great program for anyone interested in learning about the culture, the habitats, the history and the rich heritage of the island of Madeira while also enjoying daily walks and hikes through varied environments. Each day was different as we explored coastal pathways and communities, levadas that carry water from the wetter north to the drier south of the island and trails through Madeira's habitats. Our guide, Roberto, was excellent and went above and beyond to make this experience very special for all of us! I can highly recommend this adventure!
— Review left October 10, 2025
This program surpassed my expectations.
— Review left September 28, 2025
Our guide team -Roberto (primary), Robbie (second guide), and Flavio (driver) made this trip. Madeira is a beautiful and interesting island. Levada hiking - you NEED waterproof shoes and there will be mud, even on sunny days. An added benefit was the Funchal Flower Festival, which was going on at the same time as our trip. That was fun, although it added a lot of tourists.
— Review left May 16, 2025
I LOVED this trip. The hikes were outstanding, and the island is beautiful. The pace was just right, and mixed program and free time in good mix.
— Review left April 22, 2025
The Walking Madeira: Portugal’s Isle of Flowers is a fabulous trip. Hikes in the morning, lunches at local restaurants, cultural activities in the afternoon. The guides (Roberto and Christina) have lived in Madeira their entire lives and are so proud of their island and enthusiastic about sharing it with the
guests. They are both extremely well educated in botany (flora and fauna) and the history of Madeiran culture and politics. They masterfully planned a schedule to cover so much of the diversity of Madeira in the given time. We saw so much in six days and time was used wisely. I would go back and stay a few days at the end to enjoy the Pestana Hotel. It’s beautiful but we were so busy that free time was limited. There was nothing I wanted to skip to sit by the pool…so stay longer and do that! Book this trip! You will love it!
— Review left April 20, 2025
A beautiful island, spectacular scenery, expertly guided hikes, combined with a wonderful group of like-minded Road Scholars, made this trip a truly memorable experience. I give it five stars.
— Review left April 4, 2025
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