Family Madeira Adventure
Family Madeira Adventure
Family Madeira Adventure
8 Days Starting and ending in Funchal, Portugal
Visiting: Funchal, Camara de Lobos, Madeira
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FMD
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
7-
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the ultimate family adventure on the volcanic island of Madeira. From stand-up paddle boarding sessions to an unforgettable catamaran trip to see whales and dolphins up close, there's plenty to entertain and delight. Dive into the local culture with opportunities to taste Madeiran specialties and embark on a jeep safari to explore the island's dramatic landscapes. Nestled in the vibrant city of Funchal, close to the famous lido, there's plenty of time to unwind each day, creating the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Jeep safari - Explore the island on a thrilling 4x4 ride
Mountain views - Hike along mountain trails, taking in panoramic views and enjoy a picnic with the family
Ocean adventure - Embark on a catamaran trip for dolphin and whale watching, followed by a relaxing beach day and a swim in the Atlantic
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join In Funchal
Location: Funchal
Accommodation Name: Hotel Raga
Our family adventure kicks off in Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira known for its cultural heritage and natural beauty. For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Funchal at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Madeira International Airport (FNC), which is a 25-minute drive from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Tour Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. Our family adventure kicks off in Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira known for its cultural heritage and natural beauty. For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Funchal at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Madeira International Airport (FNC), which is a 25-minute drive from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Tour Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. We'll be based at the 4-star Hotel Muthu Raga, about 2km from the centre of Funchal and with easy access to the lido and Atlantic Ocean. The hotel has a range of facilities including pool, games room, bar and restaurant and is a great place to relax after a day of adventure.
Day 2: Balcony Walk, Boat Trip To Ponta De Sao Lorenco
Location: Camara de Lobos
Accommodation Name: Hotel Raga
Meals Included: Breakfast
We start with a stand-up paddleboarding experience in Camara de Lobos Bay. After an introduction to the basic techniques there's time to have a go and venture further out across the water. There's also time to take a refreshing swim or explore the underwater world with snorkeling equipment. After our aquatic adventures, there's time for lunch and the chance to take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Camara de Lobos itself. Discover quaint shops, traditional fishing boats, and picturesque viewpoints that offer vistas of the bay. We then transfer back to the hotel arriving late afternoon with time to relax before dinner. younger children.
Day 3: Funchal City Tour, Pasteis Da Nata Tasting, Cable Car To Monte For Toboggan Ride,
Location: Funchal
Accommodation Name: Hotel Raga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
For our first day in Funchal we'll start with a peaceful stroll through the Santa Catarina Botanical Garden, home to exotic plants from around the world as well as various parrot species like cockatoos and macaws. We then visit the historic Joao Goncalves Zarco Square and the majestic cathedral. Having built up an appetite on our stroll we will try the famous Pasteis da Nata (custard tarts) and indulge in cookies and biscuits at a traditional local store and factory. The taste tour isn't over however, and the local market awaits with a blind fruit tasting challenge, before a leisurely walk along Funchal's oldest street leads us to a delicious Bolo do Caco (sweet flatbread) tasting. To top it all off, we'll take a cable car ride to Monte and experience the unique toboggan ride back down to Funchal. The toboggan ride starts at the Nossa Senhora do Monte Church in Monte and takes you on a 2-kilometre descent to Livramento, just below Funchal. The ride is done on two-seater wicker sledges, guided by two "carreiros" (toboggan men) dressed in traditional white outfits. They skillfully steer and brake the sledges using their rubber-soled boots, reaching speeds of up to 48 km/hour!
Day 4: Fully Day Jeep Tour, Beach Time At Seixal
Location: Madeira
Accommodation Name: Hotel Raga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
A jeep tour is a fantastic way to discover more of the island, and today we set off for the west side of Madeira. We'll kick off our journey in Ribeira Brava, a charming town known for its colourful houses and scenic harbour. From there, we head off-road to the picturesque Ponta de Sol, famous for its beautiful beach and relaxed atmosphere, before making our way to Paul da Serra, the largest plateau on Madeira, offering fabulous views and a chance to see the island's unique flora and fauna. Our next stop is the impressive Ribeira da Janela Viewpoint, providing sweeping vistas of the north coast with its dramatic cliffs and the blue Atlantic Ocean. Continuing on, we reach Porto Moniz, where we'll take a refreshing swim in the natural volcanic pools of crystal-clear waters. Then, it's off to Seixal Beach, a serene black sand beach. Our adventure concludes with a visit to Sao Vicente, a village known for its vineyards and the famous Vu da Noiva waterfall, whose name means 'bride's veil' in Portuguese, in reference to its fine sheet of water. Along the way, we?ll enjoy a delightful picnic featuring 'prego no bolo do caco', a traditional Madeiran dish of sweet flatbread and a small steak. The steak is often accompanied by ingredients like ham, cheese, salad, and eggs with homemade potato crisps. For those preferring a vegan option, there's a delicious sandwich with olive and almond spread, fresh mushrooms, zucchini, lettuce, tomato, and homemade potato chips. Juice or water are available along with a fresh fruit salad. A jeep tour is a fantastic way to discover more of the island, and today we set off for the west side of Madeira. We'll kick off our journey in Ribeira Brava, a charming town known for its colourful houses and scenic harbour. From there, we head off-road to the picturesque Ponta de Sol, famous for its beautiful beach and relaxed atmosphere, before making our way to Paul da Serra, the largest plateau on Madeira, offering fabulous views and a chance to see the island's unique flora and fauna. Our next stop is the impressive Ribeira da Janela Viewpoint, providing sweeping vistas of the north coast with its dramatic cliffs and the blue Atlantic Ocean. Continuing on, we reach Porto Moniz, where we'll take a refreshing swim in the natural volcanic pools of crystal-clear waters. Then, it's off to Seixal Beach, a serene black sand beach. Our adventure concludes with a visit to Sao Vicente, a village known for its vineyards and the famous Vu da Noiva waterfall, whose name means 'bride's veil' in Portuguese, in reference to its fine sheet of water. Along the way, we?ll enjoy a delightful picnic featuring 'prego no bolo do caco', a traditional Madeiran dish of sweet flatbread and a small steak. The steak is often accompanied by ingredients like ham, cheese, salad, and eggs with homemade potato crisps. For those preferring a vegan option, there's a delicious sandwich with olive and almond spread, fresh mushrooms, zucchini, lettuce, tomato, and homemade potato chips. Juice or water are available along with a fresh fruit salad.
Day 5: Dolphin And Whale Watching Trip Aboard A Catamaran, Time For Snorkelling.
Location: Funchal
Accommodation Name: Hotel Raga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we set sail on a 3-hour catamaran cruise to discover Madeira's rich marine life. Depending on the season, we may encounter bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, sperm whales, or even the majestic humpback whale (typically present between January and March). We should be back at the hotel in the early afternoon, with time to walk down to the lido, try the hotel games room or perhaps take a wander into Funchal's Old Town and explore the narrow streets and traditional shops.
Day 6: Free Day; Optional Canyoning (14+), Aquapark, Cr7 Museum
Location: Madeira
Accommodation Name: Hotel Raga
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on a day of adventure or relaxation during your free day in Madeira. Thrill-seekers can explore the island's dramatic gorges and waterfalls on a canyoning expedition, or enjoy a fun-filled day at a local aquapark. Football fans can visit the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, dedicated to the world-renowned Madeira native. Whether you prefer a leisurely day by the pool or an adventure, there are plenty of options.
Day 7: Introduction To Stand Up Paddle Boarding,
Location: Madeira
Accommodation Name: Hotel Raga
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day starts with a pickup from our hotel at 9:00 AM. We then take a scenic hike from Baia d'Abra to Ponta de Sao Lourenco, exploring the easternmost tip of Madeira Island together. The coastal views are unmissable and and we discover the unique flora and fauna of this remote area. The hike is approximately 3 kilometres and takes about 2.5 hours. After the hike, we board an open RIB-style boat at Ponta de Sao Lourenco and enjoy a scenic boat trip to Marina Quinta do Lorde. There is no better way to enjoy the views of Baia d'Abra and to explore its impressive caves.
Day 8: Tour Ends In Funchal
Location: Funchal
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour ends this morning at our hotel in Funchal. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Funchal at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to depart from Madeira International Airport (FNC), which is a 25-minute drive from our hotel.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at the 4-star Hotel Muthu Raga in Funchal, with facilities including a pool, games room, bar, and restaurant.
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Meals
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner.
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Activities
Activities include a stand-up paddleboarding experience, a Funchal city tour, a jeep tour, a catamaran cruise for dolphin and whale watching, and a scenic hike from Baia d'Abra to Ponta de Sao Lourenco.
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Transportation
Transportation for activities and excursions as described in the itinerary.
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Tour Leader
A tour leader will be available to guide and provide essential information throughout the trip.
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included and need to be arranged separately if required.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as canyoning, aquapark visits, and the CR7 museum are not included in the tour price.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all participants.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes a mix of jeep tours, catamaran cruises, and scenic hikes. Transfers are provided for activities, with a pickup from the hotel at 9:00 AM for certain excursions. Airport transfers are available upon request.
Accommodation
Stay at the 4-star Hotel Muthu Raga, located about 2km from the center of Funchal. The hotel offers a range of facilities including a pool, games room, bar, and restaurant, providing a relaxing retreat after a day of adventure.
Meals
Breakfasts: 7
Lunches: 2
Dinners: 1
Check out our Q&As
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What activities are included on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, the tour kicks off in Funchal with a welcome meeting at the hotel reception at 7pm. There are no other planned activities, so you are free to arrive at any time and explore the city or relax at the hotel.
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What can we expect during the jeep tour on Day 4?
The jeep tour on Day 4 takes you to the west side of Madeira, starting in Ribeira Brava. You'll visit Ponta de Sol, Paul da Serra, and the Ribeira da Janela Viewpoint. The tour includes a swim in the natural volcanic pools at Porto Moniz and a visit to Seixal Beach. It concludes with a visit to Sao Vicente and a picnic featuring traditional Madeiran dishes.
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What marine life might we see during the catamaran cruise?
During the 3-hour catamaran cruise, you may encounter bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, sperm whales, or humpback whales, depending on the season.
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What is the toboggan ride experience like on Day 3?
The toboggan ride starts at the Nossa Senhora do Monte Church in Monte and takes you on a 2-kilometre descent to Livramento. The ride is done on two-seater wicker sledges, guided by two 'carreiros' who steer and brake the sledges using their rubber-soled boots, reaching speeds of up to 48 km/hour.
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What options are available on the free day of the tour?
On the free day, you can choose to go canyoning, visit a local aquapark, or explore the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum. Alternatively, you can relax by the pool or explore more of Madeira at your leisure.
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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