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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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Small Group
Length
8 days
Rating (4.93)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,899
Special Offer
Flights start at
850

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

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
8
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
In Flight
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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
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.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore the many gardens and forests of Madeira— also known as the floating garden of the Atlantic—including the renowned Botanical Gardens, featuring 2500 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
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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.

Profile Image of Ana Cristina Silva
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.
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