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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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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
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Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Mar 18 - Mar 27, 2025
Starting at
2,999
Filling Fast!
Apr 8 - Apr 17, 2025
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2,999
May 6 - May 15, 2025
Starting at
2,999
Full Inventory
May 27 - Jun 5, 2025
Starting at
2,999
Sep 16 - Sep 25, 2025
Starting at
2,999
Sep 30 - Oct 9, 2025
Starting at
2,999
Oct 21 - Oct 30, 2025
Starting at
2,999
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Mar 18 - Mar 27, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Filling Fast!
Apr 8 - Apr 17, 2025
Starting at
3,599
May 6 - May 15, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Full Inventory
May 27 - Jun 5, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Sep 16 - Sep 25, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Sep 30 - Oct 9, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Oct 21 - Oct 30, 2025
Starting at
3,599
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.
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.
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
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
17 meals | 8B | 6L | 3D |
11 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
8 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 2:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Hotel check-in is available at 2:00 PM. 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 PM for an optional orientation walk. At 6:00 PM, meet fellow participants and the Group Leader for a welcome drink and introductions.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and the flight to Madeira in the morning.
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.
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.
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 and basket weaving.
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.
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:
Explore local fare on your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Approximately 1.5 – 2 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 enjoy beautiful views of the sea while our Group Leader tells us about this typical fisherman town. At the end of the walk we will have a typical Madeira drink.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will walk to the nearest bus station and take the local bus back to the hotel. 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.
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.
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 the flight to Lisbon in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 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
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.
Participant Reviews
5
Based on 10 Reviews
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This participant did not give a star rating.
Carol – Class of 2024 | Callao, VA
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
Judith | New York, NY
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
William – Class of 2024 | Grantham, NH
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
Irene – Class of 2016 | Montauk, NY
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
Judith – Class of 2023 | Camden, ME
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
Susan – Class of 2017 | Chicago, IL
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
Gloria – Class of 2008 | Jacksonville, FL
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
Janice – Class of 2023 | Brattleboro, VT
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
Carolyn – Class of 2018 | Minneapolis, MN
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
Marilyn – Class of 2017 | Fredonia, KS
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





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