Exploring the eastern side of Madeira just got more engaging with the ‘East of Madeira Great Guide Great Tour.’ This captivating excursion showcases the island’s historic landmarks and natural wonders, providing a relaxing journey with personalized attention from a local guide. However, there’s a catch – a minimum of 2 people is required to operate the tour, excluding private tours, accommodation pickups outside Funchal, and on-board cruise ship pickups. What makes this tour stand out, and why might it be worth considering for your Madeira adventure? Let’s dive deeper.
Key Points
- This guided tour explores the eastern side of Madeira, showcasing the island’s historic landmarks and natural wonders.
- The tour provides a personalized experience with a local guide and a small group size capped at 8 participants.
- Pickup is included from hotels in Funchal, but no accommodation pickup is available outside Funchal or from cruise ship ports.
- A minimum of 2 people is required to operate the tour, and no food, drinks, or private tour option is included.
- The tour is subject to good weather conditions and requires confirmation at the time of booking, with a 24-hour cancellation policy.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
East of Madeira Great Guide Great Tour.Attention Minimum 2 People for This Tour.
This small-group day trip explores the eastern side of Madeira, showcasing the island’s historic landmarks and natural wonders. Travelers will embark on a relaxing journey with hotel pickup, enjoying personalized attention from a local guide in a group capped at 8 participants.
The tour doesn’t include lunch, coffee, tea, ice cream, or drinks, but it provides a chance to visit mountain peaks like Pico de Arieiro, explore island attractions like a rum factory, and stop at charming villages and scenic viewpoints.
With the guide’s expertise and the small-group setting, participants can capture impressive photographs and gain a deeper understanding of Madeira’s unique culture and landscape.
Inclusions
The tour includes a local guide who provides small-group access, allowing for a more personalized experience. However, it does not cover lunch, coffee, tea, ice cream, or other drinks. This means travelers will need to plan and budget for their own refreshments throughout the day.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Local guide | Private tour |
| Small-group access to guide | No accommodation pickup outside Funchal |
| No pickup from cruise ship port | |
| Minimum 2 clients required | |
| No food or drinks provided |
While the lack of included meals and drinks may require some additional planning, the intimate small-group setting and knowledgeable local guide are likely to enhance the overall tour experience.
Exclusions
Why does this tour not offer private transportation or pickup options outside of Funchal? The tour is marketed as a small-group experience, so it seems to focus on providing a shared service to a minimum of two travelers rather than customized private arrangements. Plus, the exclusion of cruise ship port pickup suggests the tour may cater more to hotel-based travelers in the Funchal area.
The key exclusions for this tour include:
- No private tour option – it’s a shared tour experience.
- No accommodation pickup outside of Funchal.
- No pickup from the cruise ship port.
- A minimum of 2 clients is required for the tour to operate.
This tour appears to be designed for efficiency and scalability, prioritizing a small-group format over more personalized private arrangements.
Policies
This tour comes with a clear set of policies that travelers should be aware of. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.
However, the tour requires good weather conditions and a minimum number of travelers to operate, which means it may need to be rescheduled if these requirements aren’t met. The minimum number of travelers is two, so the tour can’t depart with just one person.
These policies are in place to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants. By understanding the tour’s requirements, travelers can plan their trip accordingly and have peace of mind during their East Madeira adventure.
Highlights
Travelers on the East Madeira tour can expect to visit impressive mountain peaks like Pico de Arieiro, providing breathtaking vantage points for stunning photographs.
The tour also includes visits to the island’s unique attractions, such as a local rum factory. Along the way, guests will have the chance to stop in charming villages and take in the panoramic views from various scenic lookout points.
The small-group size allows for a more personalized experience, with the guide offering closer attention and insights.
The highlights of the East Madeira tour include:
- Admiring the majestic Pico de Arieiro mountain peak
- Exploring a traditional rum factory
- Discovering picturesque villages
- Capturing awe-inspiring vistas from scenic viewpoints
Pickup and Dropoff
The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Funchal, the capital city of Madeira. Guests won’t be able to get picked up from the cruise ship port or from accommodations outside Funchal, as the tour requires a minimum of 2 travelers.
| Pickup Location | Included | Excluded |
|---|---|---|
| Funchal hotels | ✓ | ✗ |
| Cruise ship port | ✗ | ✗ |
| Accommodations outside Funchal | ✗ | ✗ |
The tour provider will not offer private tours, as this is a shared group experience. Guests should be prepared to meet the minimum group size, as the tour may be rescheduled if the requirement is not met.
Tour Duration and Schedule
The tour typically runs from morning until early afternoon, lasting approximately 6-7 hours. Participants can expect to depart their Funchal hotels around 9 AM and return by 3-4 PM, depending on traffic and other factors.
This tour allows travelers to make the most of their day as they explore the highlights of East Madeira. The schedule includes:
- Visiting the iconic Pico de Arieiro peak, offering breathtaking views.
- Exploring a local rum factory to learn about the island’s distilling traditions.
- Stopping at charming villages and scenic viewpoints along the way.
- Enjoying ample time to take photos and soak in the natural beauty of the region.
Tour Experiences
During the tour, participants enjoy Madeira’s rich cultural heritage and awe-inspiring natural landscapes. They begin their journey at the iconic Pico de Arieiro, where they’re greeted with panoramic vistas of the island’s rugged mountainous terrain. Next, they explore a renowned local rum factory, delving into the distilling traditions that have shaped Madeira’s distinctive spirit.
| Sights | Experiences | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Pico de Arieiro | Rum Factory Tour | Photography |
| Picturesque Villages | Cultural Exploration | Hiking |
| Dramatic Viewpoints | Tastings and Sampling | Relaxation |
The tour offers participants the opportunity to capture breathtaking photos at these impressive vantage points, while also enjoying the personalized attention of a knowledgeable local guide in the intimate small-group setting.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book This Tour for a Solo Traveler?
Unfortunately, this tour requires a minimum of 2 travelers. As a solo traveler, you won’t be able to book this particular tour. However, there may be other Madeira day trip options available that are suitable for individual travelers.
Is This Tour Suitable for Children?
This tour may not be suitable for young children. The tour requires a minimum of 2 travelers, and it focuses on exploring historic landmarks and natural sights that may not be as engaging for kids. Parents should consider the child’s interests and stamina before booking.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour doesn’t offer any specific discounts for seniors or students. However, as a small-group tour, it may be more affordable than a private tour option. Customers should inquire about any potential discounted rates when booking.
Can I Request a Specific Language for the Guide?
Yes, you can request a specific language for the guide. The tour provider offers guides who speak multiple languages, so you can inquire about your preferred language when booking the tour.
Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Customizing the tour itinerary may be possible, but it’s best to check with the tour operator. They’ll likely provide options to personalize the experience within the existing tour structure and itinerary. Additional fees or restrictions may apply for custom arrangements.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Madeira: Sunny South Side – Cabo Girão, Waterfall Anjos
- Camara De Lobos and Funchal Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Funchal City Tour
- Portugal/Europe: 5G Esim Mobile Data Plan
- From Funchal: Transfer to Pico Do Arieiro / Pico Ruivo
- Madeira: Guided Tour Discovering the East Coast
- Exclusive Wine Tasting Tour in the Wine Region of Boaventura
- Genuine Madeira Food Experience at Re-Canto
- Madeira: Whale Watching Excursion in a Traditional Vessel
- Funchal: Madeira Island Group Surf Lesson
- Funchal: Advanced Scuba Diving Afonso Cerqueira Wreck
- Madeira Private Sunset Boat Tour From Funchal
- PR6 25 Fountains/Risco Levada Private Transfer
- Funchal: Atlantic Festival Fireworks & Bay Sailing Trip
- Quinta Do Lorde: Kayak Experience to Ponta De São Lourenço
Recap
The East of Madeira Great Guide Great Tour provides an intimate and immersive exploration of the island’s eastern side.
With its focus on historic landmarks and natural wonders, the tour offers a relaxing and personalized experience.
However, a minimum of 2 people is required to operate the tour, excluding private tours, accommodation pickups outside Funchal, and on-board cruise ship pickups.
