Madeira, the stunning Portuguese island, beckons explorers to discover its enchanting east coast. This guided tour promises an unforgettable adventure, unveiling breathtaking vistas, enchanting landscapes, and cultural gems. From the majestic Pico do Arieiro to the picturesque Ribeiro Frio and the captivating Miradouro do Guindaste, each stop on this tour offers a unique glimpse into Madeira’s natural and architectural wonders. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, visitors can enjoy the island’s rich history and traditions, leaving them eager to uncover more of Madeira’s captivating allure.
Key Points
- Explore the highlights of Madeira’s picturesque east coast, including the highest peak Pico do Arieiro, the Ribeiro Frio levada walk, and traditional Madeiran villages.
- Benefit from a personalized small-group tour experience with a knowledgeable guide, comprehensive insurance coverage, and comfortable transportation.
- Appreciate stunning panoramic vistas, volcanic landscapes, and cultural heritage sites like the Casinhas de Santana and Miradouro do Guindaste.
- Discover the region’s natural beauty, from lush laurel forests to dramatic cliffscapes, with opportunities for photography and local interaction.
- Enjoy a flexible and affordable 8-hour excursion with free cancellation and a pay-later option, catering to diverse traveler preferences.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Madeira Guided Tour provides an in-depth exploration of the island’s stunning East Coast, showcasing its breathtaking natural wonders and rich cultural heritage. Priced at an affordable £43.85 per person, this comprehensive 8-hour excursion immerses visitors in the captivating landscapes and authentic experiences that make Madeira a renowned island destination.
With a small group size limited to just 5 participants, the tour offers a personalized and intimate experience, allowing for greater flexibility and interactions with the knowledgeable local guide.
Plus, the free cancellation policy and reserve now, pay later option make booking this tour a hassle-free experience.
Whether you’re seeking stunning viewpoints, traditional Madeiran architecture, or mouthwatering local cuisine, this guided tour promises to unveil the very best of Madeira’s East Coast.
Itinerary Highlights
Visitors embark on a captivating journey through Madeira’s breathtaking East Coast, where they’ll discover Pico do Arieiro – the island’s highest point offering panoramic vistas.
From there, they’ll venture to the charming Ribeiro Frio, indulging in a leisurely 1.5 km levada walk leading to a picturesque viewpoint.
The tour continues to mesmerizing destinations, including:
- The glass platforms of Miradouro do Guindaste, which hover dizzingly over dramatic cliffs
- The traditional Madeiran houses with thatched roofs in Casinhas de Santana
- The historical ruins of Calhau de São Jorge, dating back to the 17th century
After enjoying a local cuisine lunch at Quinta do Furão, guests will be treated to panoramic vistas from Pico do Facho and Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto.
Included Services
This guided tour includes essential services that ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Travelers can expect comprehensive insurance coverage and fees required by Portuguese law, as well as comfortable, air-conditioned transportation.
Plus, a knowledgeable live guide fluent in both English and Portuguese will accompany the group, providing valuable insights throughout the journey.
To keep guests refreshed, mineral water is provided during the tour.
While meals, drinks, and personal expenses aren’t included, this tour package streamlines the logistics, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning East Coast of Madeira without the hassle of coordinating transportation or guides.
With these robust inclusions, guests can focus on creating unforgettable memories.
Important Information
For this guided tour, pickup is included, and travelers should wait at their hotel or accommodation reception 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
Unfortunately, the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
Please note that pets, smoking in the vehicle, alcohol, drugs, and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed. Plus, a hotel pickup fee may apply for accommodations outside Funchal or Caniço.
Some key things to keep in mind:
- The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
- Bring comfortable attire for the day’s activities.
- No smoking, drinking, or pets allowed in the vehicle.
With these important details in mind, you can look forward to an unforgettable journey exploring the breathtaking East Coast of Madeira.
Customer Reviews
Travelers have generally praised this guided tour, awarding it an impressive 4 out of 5 stars based on 3 reviews.
While many highlight the incredible views and less crowded destinations, some felt the tour guide’s English proficiency could be improved to provide better historical insights.
Reviewers were in awe of the stunning vistas from Pico do Arieiro and the tranquil Ribeiro Frio levada walk. The glass platforms at Miradouro do Guindaste and the charming Casinhas de Santana were also tour highlights.
Though a few wished for more in-depth commentary, the overall experience of exploring Madeira’s East Coast through this small-group excursion has left visitors eager to return and delve deeper into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Pico Do Arieiro
Why does the Pico do Arieiro stand out as a highlight of this guided tour? Towering at an impressive 1,818 meters, it’s the third-highest peak in Madeira and offers visitors unparalleled panoramic views across the island’s rugged, mountainous landscape.
From this lofty vantage point, guests can gaze out over the dramatic volcanic ridges, deep ravines, and lush, forested valleys that define Madeira’s breathtaking East Coast. The Pico do Arieiro provides:
- A unique perspective on Madeira’s spectacular natural beauty
- Opportunities for incredible photography and unforgettable memories
- A chance to connect with the island’s dramatic volcanic origins
This quintessential Madeiran landmark is undoubtedly a highlight of the guided tour, leaving visitors in awe of the island’s stunning scenery.
Ribeiro Frio and Levada Walk
In the central highlands of Madeira, the levada walk through Ribeiro Frio offers visitors a serene and enchanting interlude amidst the island’s rugged landscapes.
This 1.5 km trail leads explorers along a historic water channel, immersing them in Madeira’s lush, verdant splendor. Towering laurel trees, cascading waterfalls, and a quaint trout hatchery create an idyllic atmosphere, inviting guests to slow down and appreciate the island’s natural beauty.
The walk culminates at a viewpoint overlooking the Ribeiro Frio valley, showcasing the dramatic mountainous terrain that defines this stunning region.
This gentle stroll provides a peaceful respite from the day’s adventures, leaving visitors refreshed and inspired by Madeira’s remarkable natural wonders.
Miradouro Do Guindaste and Casinhas De Santana
One of the highlights of the Madeira guided tour is the visit to the Miradouro do Guindaste, where adventurous guests can admire the island’s dramatic cliffscapes from unique glass platforms suspended over the rugged coastline.
After this breathtaking viewpoint, the tour takes visitors to the charming Casinhas de Santana, a village known for its traditional Madeiran houses with distinctive thatched roofs.
Here, guests can:
- Wander the quaint streets and admire the picturesque architecture
- Learn about the island’s rich cultural heritage and the significance of these historic dwellings
- Interact with local residents and gain a deeper understanding of daily life on Madeira
This immersive experience offers a captivating glimpse into Madeira’s unique blend of natural beauty and time-honored traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, mineral water is provided, and a local cuisine lunch at a restaurant with spectacular views is included in the tour itinerary. The choice is up to the individual.
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Age Requirement for Participants?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, so participants of all ages are welcome. However, it may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues, as the itinerary involves some walking over uneven terrain.
Are There Any Special Dietary Accommodations Available?
The tour doesn’t offer special dietary accommodations, but the included lunch at Restaurante Quinta do Furão features local Madeiran cuisine that can likely accommodate most dietary needs. Guests should inquire about any specific requirements when booking.
Can I Stop to Take Additional Photos During the Tour?
Yes, the tour encourages taking photos along the way. Guests can stop and capture the breathtaking views and historic sites at their own pace during the 8-hour excursion. The small group size allows for a personalized experience.
Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour’s itinerary is set, but you can inquire about extending or customizing it. The tour operator may accommodate requests to spend more time at certain sites or incorporate additional stops, depending on availability and group consensus.
Recap
This guided tour of Madeira’s stunning East Coast offers a chance to experience the island’s breathtaking natural beauty.
From the panoramic vistas of Pico do Arieiro to the picturesque Ribeiro Frio levada walk, and the unique Miradouro do Guindaste, this affordable adventure showcases Madeira’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
With an expert guide and small group size, it’s an intimate and unforgettable way to discover the wonders of this enchanting Portuguese island.
