Atlantic & Mediterranean Horizons

Witness Madeira’s dramatic mountainous terrain and sample legendary beverages produced in its subtropical climate. Drive with your guide into the coastal hills from Funchal, passing the village of Câmara de Lobos, “the sea wolves’ lair,” a picturesque fishing village once painted by Sir Winston Churchill. You will stop at a local bar to sample poncha, a local drink made with rum and honey. Continue into the steep mountains and valleys then traverse the fragrant pine and eucalyptus forest to Cabo Girão, the world’s second highest sea cliff and the highest in Europe. It emerges sheer from the sea and provides breathtaking panoramas. Step onto its glass platform overhanding the cliff top if you dare, and browse the gift shop for handicrafts. En route back to your ship, stop in historic Funchal and enjoy free time to explore what is thought to be one of Europe’s most hidden gems.

Follow Madeira’s complex irrigation system by foot, tracing hillsides and connecting with a rich agricultural past. Known as the “Garden Island” for its rich agriculture, terraced hills and beautiful flowers, Madeira is an enchanting Atlantic paradise and a horticulturalist’s dream. The island’s ubiquitous irrigation aqueducts, or levadas, were dug into the steep hillsides in the 1800s so that early farmers could make use of every patch of land and channel mountain waters to their fields. Today, footpaths follow some of the 1,350 miles of aqueducts, giving you a fascinating way to explore. With your guide, you will drive to Vale do Paraíso, where your walk begins gently for about a half hour on level trails to Camacha. After refreshments here, continue to Rochão, a magnificent stroll along a century-old levada that passes cultivated terraces, stunning gardens and breathtaking vistas. This excursion requires strenuous walking for two hours, covering 3½ miles.

Discover Madeira’s volcanic origins, visiting a charming village to spelunk its natural lava caves and tunnels. With your guide, drive along the island’s southwestern coast. Pause in the picturesque village of Serra de Água, nestled in a scenic ravine. Here, you will visit a local bar for a taste of poncha, a favorite island drink made with rum and honey. Continue to the village of São Vicente, home of a spectacular cave system. At the São Vicente Caves and Volcanism Center, you will enjoy a brief film that illustrates the birth of Madeira in 3-D and later stroll through magnificent volcanic tunnels and past dramatic stalactites and lava caves. After, explore the restored village center of São Vicente, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. Its whitewashed buildings with red roofs form a delightful patchwork amid its emerald-green setting. You will have time on your own here before returning to your ship.

Discover Madeira from the comfort of a 4x4 during an invigorating journey through this Portuguese island. Disembark your ship, meet your driver and set out in your vehicle to explore Madeira. Settle back and take in the sights as you encounter the difficult-to-reach forest areas of this volcanic island, accessible only via 4x4. See the island from a new perspective as you drive past lush vegetation, mountains and—whenever possible—off-road areas. Along the way, your driver will share fascinating insights into the island landscapes and the sights that you encounter off the beaten track. Pause at designated stops to take photographs, enjoy breathtaking views and soak up the beauty of your surroundings. Cap your excursion with a visit to a local venue for refreshments before beginning the journey back to your awaiting ship.

See verdant fields and traditional triangular-shaped houses emblematic of Madeira’s bucolic charm. On this tour, admire these distinctive thatched houses and beautiful island vistas. First, visit Camacha, famous center of Madeira’s willow craft industry, to explore a local wickerwork store. Continue to Pico do Arieiro, the island’s second highest point, before visiting the local trout hatchery in Ribeiro Frio. Your tour’s highlight will be a visit to delightful Santana, a picture of domestic and agricultural prosperity. The village’s predominant colors, the green of terraced fields and the gold of hay meadows, are interspersed with apple, pear and cherry orchards. Dotted among the haystacks are triangular thatched buildings. After lunch, enjoy free time to explore Santana independently. Then return to Funchal via Porto da Cruz and Portela for fine views over the island’s north side, stopping briefly in Machico, ancient capital of Madeira. Please note that the itinerary may operate in reverse order.

Experience Funchal by foot and cable car, then visit the magnificent Monte Palace Botanical Garden. A short coach ride delivers you to the marina for your walking tour; view highlights of the island’s capital. Via cable car, take a picturesque trip up to Monte. From here, view the twin-towered facade of the city’s landmark 18th-century church. Continue to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a 17-acre expanse showcasing exotic plants from around the world. Ducks and swans swim in the garden’s charming lake. Along the walkways and amid the lush foliage, pieces of a valuable collection of 15th–16th century Hispanic-Moorish tiles and 19th–20th century Portuguese panels are installed. Highlights include a 40-panel array depicting Portugal’s history. Additional features include koi ponds and pagodas. After, the coach will return you to your ship.

Ascend to hillside Monte and hop a wicker toboggan for a partial descent, marveling at breathtaking vistas. You will transfer with your guide to Funchal’s cable car station and board your 15-minute ride up to the village of Monte, a favored destination since the 19th century because of its cooler clime. On a clear day, you will enjoy magnificent panoramas from your ski-lift style gondola and admire the twin towers of Monte’s 18th-century church as you approach the top. If you would like, you can descend to Livramento via Funchal’s famous toboggans, wicker basket sleds piloted by two drivers with rubber soles for braking. Enjoy an exhilarating ride down through the winding neighborhood streets, your skilled drivers rounding the sharp corners with ease. Continue to the Pico dos Barcelos overlook for fantastic views. En route back to your ship, stop at Blandy’s Wine Lodge to sample the island’s famous namesake wine.

Sample the delicacies of Madeira, from its eponymous wine to its sweets. Travel to Pereira D’Oliveira Wine Cellars, a local family-owned winery that traces its roots back to the early 19th century. Here, you will learn about the island’s long-standing wine-making tradition and sample three different types of its famous Madeira wine. A unique aging process, in which the wine is exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time, gives Madeira its distinctive taste; it was a favorite of colonial Americans and even used to toast the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. You will also visit the Fábrica de Santo António. Founded in 1893, this factory produces typical Madeiran sweets such as biscuits, cookies, fennel candies, jams and honey cane syrup cake. Tour the production facilities and sample some of their creations. At the end of your excursion, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Tour the sights of southwestern Madeira before enjoying a delicious traditional lunch. Embark on a scenic drive down the rugged coastline, passing charming villages along the way. Make stops in Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Brava, where you will have free time to explore these quaint towns at your leisure. In Ribeira Brava, visit the 15th-century church of São Bento and admire its beautiful, Flemish-influenced adornments. Before lunch, stop at Cabo Girão—the highest seaside promontory in Europe at 1,900 feet above sea level—and step out onto its skywalk for stunning views of the cliff and the Atlantic Ocean. Be sure to look down, as the walkway is made of transparent glass. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you will be welcomed with a glass of poncha, the national drink. Savor espetada, or marinated beef grilled over an open fire, paired with milho frito (fried polenta) before returning to your ship.