Jan 24 - Jan 31, 2025
Starting at
1,999
Portugal
Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira
Program No. 23492RJ
Explore the landscapes of Madeira, the “island of eternal springtime,” during the quieter winter months. Sea-faring tradition, exotic plants and sweet treats await on this lush island.
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We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
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800-454-5768
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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jan 31 - Feb 7, 2025
Starting at
1,999Feb 14 - Feb 21, 2025
Starting at
1,999Feb 21 - Feb 28, 2025
Starting at
1,999Mar 14 - Mar 21, 2025
Starting at
1,999DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jan 24 - Jan 31, 2025
Starting at
2,319Jan 31 - Feb 7, 2025
Starting at
2,319Feb 14 - Feb 21, 2025
Starting at
2,319Feb 21 - Feb 28, 2025
Starting at
2,319Mar 7 - Mar 14, 2025
Starting at
2,319Mar 14 - Mar 21, 2025
Starting at
2,319Nov 14 - Nov 21, 2025
Starting at
2,319Not seeing the date you're looking for?
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
8 days
7 nights
13 meals
6B 4L 3D
1
In Transit To Program
In Flight
2
Arrive Madeira, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Funchal, Madeira Island
3
Madeira Introduction, Porto da Cruz, Whaling Museum
Funchal, Madeira Island
4
Funchal, Typical Toboggans, Wine Cellar
Funchal, Madeira Island
5
Madeira's West Coast, Laurisilva, Quinta da Casa Branca
Funchal, Madeira Island
6
Jardim do Lago, Câmara do Lobos, Folklore Performance
Funchal, Madeira Island
7
National Parks, A Levada Walk
Funchal, Madeira Island
At a Glance
When explorers first laid eyes on Madeira, they could hardly believe the haven of beauty that stood before them. Black lava pools curled at the feet of stoic volcanoes, lush subtropical forest gave way to plummeting cliffs, and bird-of-paradise flowers sat vigil over the island. Thanks to its position between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, Madeira grew up as an important trading post, and today the island is as rich in tradition as it is lush in landscapes. Experience the best of this “island of eternal springtime” during the quieter winter months, while floral scents still fill Madeira's sea-washed air but the crowds have thinned. Uncover the history behind its vital artisan industries, explore its world-renowned vistas and variety of endemic plants, savor its eponymous wine, and more on this remote but lush island.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking 2-3 miles per day, uneven terrain, steps, cobble stones and steep slopes all around the island.
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…
- Explore the many gardens and forests of Madeira — also known as the floating garden of the Atlantic — including the renowned Botanical Gardens, featuring 2,500 species of endemic plants of the island.
- Learn about the island’s most important industries as you visit a local wine cellar, an embroidery factory and a sugar mill.
- Soar to the tops of Funchal’s hills by cable car for breathtaking views before returning on an exhilarating toboggan ride.
General Notes
Give us a call to combine this learning adventure with select dates of "Winter in Portugal: Rich History & Culture from Cascais to Lisbon" (#22583) for even more learning in Southern Europe! This program can only be combined in the following order : "Winter in Portugal: Rich History & Culture from Cascais to Lisbon" followed by "Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira".
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Ana Cristina Silva
Ana Cristina Silva is a Portuguese group leader and certified by SNATTI, a union of Portuguese group leaders, managers and drivers. She has worked on Madeira Island for over 30 years guiding and leading groups. Her knowledge is constantly growing as years go by with her natural interest in subjects such as social life, history and botany. Fluent in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish, she loves sharing Madeira with visitors.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Mary-Anne de Freitas
View biography
Mary Anne de Freitas is an experienced group leader and international courier with over 18 years in the travel industry, leading groups in Portugal and overseas. In addition to her master's in tourism management and planning as well as other education in tourism, she regularly participates in conferences to update her knowledge on the latest trends in the travel industry. She has worked for both local and international travel companies. Mary Anne is fluent in Portuguese, English, Dutch and French.
Ana Cristina Silva
View biography
Ana Cristina Silva is a Portuguese group leader and certified by SNATTI, a union of Portuguese group leaders, managers and drivers. She has worked on Madeira Island for over 30 years guiding and leading groups. Her knowledge is constantly growing as years go by with her natural interest in subjects such as social life, history and botany. Fluent in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish, she loves sharing Madeira with visitors.
Suggested Reading List
(8 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.
Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira
Program Number: 23492
Lonely Planet Portuguese Phrasebook
A handy pocket phrasebook for Portuguese basics, covering pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.
Eyewitness Guide Portugal
A compact, visual travel guide to the country featuring hundreds of photographs and drawings, an excellent overview of the culture and history of Portugal and good information about where to go and what to do. With many excellent regional, local and neighborhood maps.
Top 10 Travel Guide: Madeira
Compact guide to Madeira.
Journal of a visit to Madeira and Portugal (1853-1854)
Isabella de França was an English woman, married to a portuguese merchant and owner of numerous properties on the island of Madeira. This is her diary describing her trip to Madeira and Portugal, in the years 1853 and 1854. It contains the description and watercolors of her entire stay, the walks around Funchal and other places on the south coast of the island.
The Portuguese: A Modern History
Barry Hatton, veteran journalist and commentator on Portugal, shines a light on this enigmatic corner of Europe by blending historical analysis with entertaining personal anecdotes.
Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empirer
This epic narrative history by bestselling author Roger Crowley (City of Fortune, MED185) chronicles the rise of Portugal as the small nation forged a dominant share in the global spice trade. His cast of characters (the ambitious King Manuel I, marauding governors and intrepid seamen) built a trade monopoly with the ferocity of a holy crusade, forever shifting Europe's center of power from the Mediterranean to Western Europe.
Scandal in Madeira : the story of Richard Thomas Lowe
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.
Year
- 2025
- 2026
Date
- Jan 24 - Jan 31
- Jan 31 - Feb 07
- Feb 14 - Feb 21
- Feb 21 - Feb 28
- Mar 07 - Mar 14
- Mar 14 - Mar 21
- Mar 21 - Mar 28
- Nov 07 - Nov 14
- Nov 14 - Nov 21
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Nov 14 - Nov 21, 2025 Itinerary Differences: Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Nov. 08, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: Rich History & Culture from Cascais to Lisbon" (#22583) to combine two learning experiences in Portugal.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- 2026
- Jan 24 - Jan 31
- Jan 31 - Feb 07
- Feb 14 - Feb 21
- Feb 21 - Feb 28
- Mar 07 - Mar 14
- Mar 14 - Mar 21
- Mar 21 - Mar 28
- Nov 07 - Nov 14
- Nov 14 - Nov 21
Nov 14 - Nov 21, 2025 Itinerary Differences: Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Nov. 08, 2025 departure of "Winter in Portugal: Rich History & Culture from Cascais to Lisbon" (#22583) to combine two learning experiences in Portugal.
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
8 days
7 nights
What's Included
13 meals (
6B, 4L, 3D
)
3 expert-led lectures
8 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
6 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, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Funchal, Madeira Island
Meals:
D
Stay:
Meliá Madeira Mare Hotel & Spa
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions in our private meeting room. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Transportation will be provided primarily by private motorcoach, unless otherwise specified. The program activity level is Keep The Pace and will include up to 2-3 miles of walking on most days, with lots of uneven terrain, cobblestones and very steep slopes all around the island. The island of Madeira has many narrow, winding mountain roads, which can be disorienting at high elevations. Periods in the daily 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, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner with wine, coffee, tea, water included.
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
Madeira Introduction, Porto da Cruz, Whaling Museum
Location:
Funchal, Madeira Island
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Meliá Madeira Mare Hotel & Spa
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day, uneven terrain; periods of standing on site. Getting on/off motorcoach, requiring going up/down a few steps; driving about 90 miles; approximately 6 hours total; stops for field trips.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, the buffet features a variety of choices including hot and cold items, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
We’ll start the morning in our hotel meeting room with an introductory lecture on Madeira by a local expert. Later, we’ll drive north of Madeira with our local expert and stop at Porto da Cruz, known in the past for its production of sugar cane and wine. Today, it is a popular center for surf and water sports. We will stop to explore the town as our expert leads us and offers insightful commentary before we continue along the mountain roads towards Santana to see the typical, colorful thatched roof cottages of the region, dating from the 16th century.
Lunch:
At a local quinta, or country villa, located in its own vineyards.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, we’ll continue by motorcoach to the eastern parts of the island: Ponta de São Lourenço and Machico – the sites where the discoverers of Madeira first landed. Here, we will learn from our local expert about the history of the early settlements and the island's sea-faring traditions. We’ll also visit a nearby museum dedicated to the island’s whaling traditions before returning to our hotel.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Funchal, Typical Toboggans, Wine Cellar
Location:
Funchal, Madeira Island
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Meliá Madeira Mare Hotel & Spa
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles; uneven terrain, slopes and cobblestones, periods of standing on site. Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 15 miles around the city; about 6 hours total; stops for field trips. Toboggan experience involves a rapid downhill ride over uneven surfaces; participants may opt out of this activity and ride down by motorcoach.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Setting out via motorcoach with our local expert, we’ll go on a visit to Funchal, including the Park of Santa Catarina with its statues of Henry the Navigator and Christopher Columbus, followed by a stop at a local Madeira wine cellar for a tasting and onsite lecture given by a wine expert about the history and production of the world-famous Madeira wine. We will continue to the 15th Century Cathedral – the first to be constructed outside of mainland Portugal. We will then head to the city center with its historic buildings and old quarters. Next, we’ll continue to a Madeiran embroidery factory where we will learn about this ancient artisan trade. We will stop en route at Funchal’s market to view the tropical fruits, which are an essential part of the island’s economy. We will end at the Fort of São Tiago (the fort of Saint James) for lunch.
Lunch:
At Funchal's historic fortress of São Tiago.
Afternoon:
Afterwards, we’ll continue to Funchal's Monte (hilltop) area by cable car for some breathtaking vistas. After a short break to enjoy the scenery, we will return part of the way to Funchal by “toboggan,” a once common means of downhill transportation. En route back to the hotel in the late afternoon. We will visit the renowned Botanical Gardens, which cover an area of 35,000 square meters and contains 2,500 species of endemic plants of the island.
Dinner:
On your own to explore the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Madeira's West Coast, Laurisilva, Quinta da Casa Branca
Location:
Funchal, Madeira Island
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Meliá Madeira Mare Hotel & Spa
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach, requiring going up/down a few steps; driving about 100 miles total; approximately 8 hours throughout the day; stops for field trips. Walking up to 2 miles total for the day; periods of standing during field trips. Many winding mountain roads throughout the day, much cooler temperatures at higher altitudes.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Boarding our motorcoach with our local expert, we’ll drive to Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe at roughly 1,900 feet (580 meters). It offers spectacular and vertiginous views from the glass platform suspended over the ocean below. From the cape, we’ll transfer to the western side of the island stopping at Ponta do Sol. Here at the birthplace of the American writer, John dos Passos, we will learn about the Chicago-born "father" of Madeira. We’ll then continue to a nearby sugar cane mill where we will learn from our local expert about one of the most important small industries in the region as we discover the process of producing the local sweet drink, "aguardente" (firewater). While here, our expert will show us around the facility. Later, we’ll drive north to Porto Moniz, known for its crystal clear natural swimming pools that were formed by volcanic activity. On site, we’ll learn about the decline of the traditional fishing industry and the former whaling community of the island.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we will drive south through part of Madeira’s endemic Laurisilva, a unique type of laurel forest that was once widespread throughout southern Europe and northwestern Africa. It is now a protected UNESCO site on the island. Aboard the bus, a local expert will provide commentary about the site, the animals, and the history. Later, we will go to Quinta da Casa Branca, a property which history begins in the mid 19th century when the British Leacock family started planting vines and banana trees on this ground. This family had started the Madeira wine trade with England in the mid 18th century and became one of the largest producers of Madeira wine until 1925. Here, we will enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with selection of cakes and scones as we admire unique species of trees and flowers in an atmosphere of serenity and explosion of colors.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to explore local cuisine. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Jardim do Lago, Câmara do Lobos, Folklore Performance
Location:
Funchal, Madeira Island
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Meliá Madeira Mare Hotel & Spa
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach, requiring going up/down a few steps; driving about 20 miles maximum; approximately 2 hours total aboard vehicle. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; uneven surfaces and cobblestones; periods of standing at field trip sites.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will head out by motorcoach for a visit to the Jardim do Lago, which features an extensive variety of trees and plants in its garden, many dating from the 18th century. Our expert study leader will enlighten us on the ecosystems and endemic plants of the island, many of which are endangered. Later, we will drive to Câmara de Lobos, originally a small fishing village. It was here that Winston Churchill spent many hours painting the picturesque scenery, during his time spent on the island. With our expert, we will visit a tavern to discover the local poncha – a powerful cocktail of a sugarcane spirit, lemon and honey. Next, we’ll head to a nearby venue where we will enjoy a traditional folklore performance, accompanied by light snacks and drinks, before returning to Funchal.
Lunch:
On your own to sample more of the local fare.
Afternoon:
Free time. This block of time has been set aside for your 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. Later in the afternoon we will enjoy a short talk given by a local journalist on life today in Madeira.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
National Parks, A Levada Walk
Location:
Funchal, Madeira Island
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Meliá Madeira Mare Hotel & Spa
Activity Note
Walking up to 3 miles total throughout the day; periods of standing during field trips; some uneven terrain on gentle morning trek. Getting on/off a motorcoach, requiring going up/down a few steps; driving about 30 miles throughout the day; approximately 4 hours total; stops for field trips.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Setting out from the hotel, we’ll ride to the central region of the island through lush valleys and national parks where we will view the highest mountain peaks of Madeira: Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo. The highest peak on Madeira Island, Pico Ruivo, reaches an altitude of about 6,100 feet (1,861 meters) and can only be reached on foot, but we will enjoy a scenic visit of the area by bus.From the national park, we will head to the valley of Ribeiro Frio where our local expert will lead us on a gentle nature walk through the local forest as we follow the route of one of Madeira’s levadas, or irrigation channels: Levada dos Balcões. Here, amidst magnificent mountain scenery, we will learn about the island's unique irrigation system, initiated by the earliest settlers and now comprising more than 200 water channels covering 1,864 miles of land. We’ll then return to Funchal.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
We’ll have time to relax and pack at the hotel or to enjoy some time in Funchal. Later, in the hotel lounge, our Group Leader will lead a wrap-up session to review program highlights and say farewell to new Road Scholar friends.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Day
8
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Airport transfers begin at approximately 4:00 a.m. See your program’s “Transportation Information” regarding transfers. Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet, flight times permitting. 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
13 Meals
6 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
3 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025
- Jan 24, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025
- Jan 31, 2025 - Feb 07, 2025
- Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025
- Feb 21, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
- Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025
- Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025
- Mar 21, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025
- Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025
- Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025
- Jan 23, 2026 - Jan 30, 2026
- Jan 30, 2026 - Feb 06, 2026
- Feb 06, 2026 - Feb 13, 2026
- Feb 20, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026
- Feb 27, 2026 - Mar 06, 2026
- Mar 06, 2026 - Mar 13, 2026
- Mar 13, 2026 - Mar 20, 2026
- Mar 20, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026
- Nov 06, 2026 - Nov 13, 2026
- Nov 13, 2026 - Nov 20, 2026
- Dec 11, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026
Participant Reviews
Based on 32 Reviews
Sort By:
This is an Island worth visiting, so beautiful! Wonderful experience, delicious food and friendly people.
— Review left November 30, 2024
Our trip to Madeira was fabulous! Our guide Mary-Anne was very friendly and knowledgeable. We learned about the traditional foods, wines, plants and life on the island. Our driver, Roy always greeted us every morning with “Bomdia, alegria”! He was a master at maneuvering the bus around the narrow roads of the city.
This was our first program with Road Scholar and I look forward to the next one.
— Review left April 13, 2024
Everything about this trip was wonderful. Mary Anne was a fantastic tour guide. I can't wait to take my next Road Scholar trip!
— Review left April 3, 2024
This was a wonderful, amazing trip. I believe Madeira is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Ana Cristina was a fabulous, and delightful group leader. She made each of us feel welcomed and respected.
— Review left April 1, 2024
Madeira Island is one of the top programs out of 50 I have taken--it has it all including breathtaking scenery, lovely gardens and plants (native to many parts of the world), great lessons in history that influenced what we have in USA, and many very unique cultural experiences.
— Review left March 31, 2024
Amazing adventure. Would recommend this 7 day adventure.
— Review left March 23, 2024
After the trip to Maderia, I felt I had a good overview of the island and thoroughly enjoyed the information presented. I enjoyed my interactions with my fellow travelers and feel that I have many new friends.
— Review left March 18, 2024
what an amazing journey! Our guide MaryAnne and driver Roy were fabulous and this island is unmatched in its beauty, complex geography and history.
— Review left March 16, 2024
This trip is well worth doing. Madeira is a little piece of heaven on earth!
— Review left March 16, 2024
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Madeira. Cristina is an excellent leader and host who clearly knows and loves her island. Madeira is a beautiful place with a lot of history and culture.
— Review left March 9, 2024
This trip was amazing! I have never been disappointed in a Road Scholar trip and this one was was nearly perfect from the moment I left home to the minute I returned. Highly recommend!!!
— Review left March 4, 2024
Madeira is a charming destination. It was much more interesting and attractive than I expected. I was looking for a simple getaway and got a holiday.
— Review left March 2, 2024
The visit to Madeira was fabulous! It's a wonderful place to visit, I can't say enough good things about this program. It's a beautiful island and it's very welcoming to tourists.
— Review left March 2, 2024
The only change I would make would be to add the Valley of the Nuns to the itinerary. Our leader arranged a separate trip during our free time for this excursion, and many thought it was the best excursion we did.
— Review left February 21, 2024
This is a must-do, must-see experience. Madeira is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. This tour is well organized and allow you to see the entire island. I highly recommend a "winter" (albeit mild temps) in Madeira!
— Review left February 20, 2024
"Hawaii of the Atlantic" says it all. Perfect temperature, beautiful ocean views from all points, lush vegetation, flowers galore. Our local expert, Cristina, went above and beyond to make the trip memorable and fun. The knowledge she has acquired as a lifelong resident is priceless. Do It!
— Review left December 11, 2023
Wonderful program, wonderful leader, wonderful week.
— Review left November 27, 2023
Madeira Island offers extraordinary views of nature while walking its trails and has fabulous meals. "Keep the Pace" accurately describes the commitment you need to make. Our tour guide, Ms DeFreitas, was exceptional. So enjoyed her personality, expertise, and concern in planning for us.
— Review left November 26, 2023
I highly recommend this trip to Madeira. The Melia Mare Hotel is located on the waterfront which affords a view of the ocean and easy access to the waterfront promenade. It is also an easy walk or ride into Funchal. Groceries, ATMs, taxis and buses are readily available minutes from the hotel. Our guide, Ana Christina Silva, was exceptional, as was our wonderful driver Artur. This is an active trip with a lot to see and do, yet there is ample free time for independent activity. Christina arranged access to some very special gardens located in luxury hotels on the island. At one of them we met a pet Galapagos turtle named Colombo and we had high tea on the beautiful terrace. When the line for the toboggan ride was very long on the day we were scheduled for it, Christina arranged for us to go another time when we had a minimal wait. This ride is a very unique experience not to be missed. One final word about the meals - all were exceptional. We were able to taste many local fish such as scabbard, soal and sea bass. Excellent wines accompanied all the meals. The passion fruit pudding was a big hit with our group. It was delicious.
— Review left April 1, 2023
The program was wonderful. However, the Road Scholar choice of airlines was terribel. Sata/Azores Airlines was one of the worst lines that I have ever
experienced.
— Review left March 18, 2023
Madeira Island is a hidden gem. A sub-tropical paradise that is well worth exploring.
— Review left March 17, 2023
I highly recommend this tour! Madeira is a beautiful island with exceptional scenery, local foods and wine. We enjoyed our accommodations, small group size, diversity of tours, and excellent as well as knowledgeable local tour guide. Loved the local fishermen playing cards in the fishing village!
— Review left March 12, 2023
Wonderful trip. The leader Maryann was terrific and the bus driver was amazing on those hilly winding roads Beautiful scenery, great food, wine and liquor, many varied activities. Really enjoyed all my fellow Road Scholars. And the hotel was also great.Maryann has us all convinced to return to beautiful Madeira any time of year because every month has a special festival. Maybe Carnaval?
— Review left February 5, 2023
If you'd like to visit paradise in winter, this is the trip for you! Madeira is an amazing island with gorgeous views, flowers in bloom everywhere, seaside landscapes, and well worth a visit. Mary Anne was a wonderful group leader with lots of knowledge and fun sense of humor. We all learned a lot, visited nearly every corner of the island, ate some delicious food, and the hotel was in a great location. Very happy I chose this trip, and I recommend it!
— Review left January 29, 2023
This was a short but impactful tour of the beautiful island of Madeira and so worth doing. A really well organized and presented tour. The island has diverse topography and incredible views. Magnificent gardens and fun walking. Hilly though with lots of steps so be aware of that. The food and wine and rum were Fantastic. The tea was lovely. Our group leader was one of the very best I have ever had and the group was a friendly mix of extensive travelers. I could not have chosen a better introduction to Road Scholar.
— Review left January 29, 2023
I had heard of Madeira Wine but did not know it came with an island. What a wonderful winter getaway!. The views of Funchal, the mountain valleys and quaint villages are amazing. Experiencing the wonderful food and culture completes the experience. The Melia Madeira Mare Hotel is conveniently located with wonderful walking paths and streets into the city or along the ocean. It is hilly, so bring food footwear. Be sure and take the toboggan ride down the mountain road!. Try the Black Scabbard fish before you see it. Consider spending more time in the area to extend your trip.
— Review left January 28, 2023
This is a great trip to a beautiful, lush, historic island! Christina is a wonderful guide and the pacing and sights are just right. Plenty of time to explore on your own, with excellent trips by bus to see so many incredible sights. We loved staying in the same ocean-front 5-star hotel located within walking distance to anything you might want to do for the entire trip. Weather in November was sunny and 73 degrees! There is so much to see and do in an unbelievably beautiful place.
— Review left November 21, 2022
The Island of Madeira is beautiful & unique, the food & drink was great and our leader, Cristina, absolutely awesome.
— Review left November 21, 2022
Madeira Island was the perfect February get-away. Temps were in 60's, flowers were abundant, mountains were green!!
— Review left February 22, 2022
Escape winter and go to a place that is sunny and warm. See flowers blooming everywhere in a dramatic and stunning landscape. Good food, interesting history and culture to learn about, lots to see and do in Madeira.
— Review left April 29, 2020
Madeira is a beautiful island and our group leader outstanding, but the pre trip information and flight arrangements were less than satisfactory. We have taken many group trips with other organizations and never been disappointed with the trip preparation and staff willingness to correct or make changes as they occurred.
This was our first and LAST Roads Scholar trip. Go to Madeira but NOT WITH ROADS SCHOLAR.
— Review left February 26, 2020
A superb winter break which includes fabulous scenery, ocean waves, local beverages to die for, and of course terrific food.
— Review left February 14, 2020
