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. Seafaring tradition, exotic plants and sweet treats await on this lush island.
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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
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
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Explore the many gardens and forests of Madeira — also known as the floating garden of the Atlantic — including the renowned Botanical Gardens, featuring 2,500 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
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.
Mary-Anne de Freitas
View biography
Mary Anne de Freitas is an experienced group leader and international courier with over 18 years in the travel industry, leading groups in Portugal and overseas. In addition to her master's in tourism management and planning as well as other education in tourism, she regularly participates in conferences to update her knowledge on the latest trends in the travel industry. She has worked for both local and international travel companies. Mary Anne is fluent in Portuguese, English, Dutch and French.
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.
Suggested Reading List
(8 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Winter in Portugal: The Colorful Island Culture of Madeira
Program Number: 23492
The Portuguese: A Modern History
Barry Hatton, veteran journalist and commentator on Portugal, shines a light on this enigmatic corner of Europe by blending historical analysis with entertaining personal anecdotes.
Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empirer
This epic narrative history by bestselling author Roger Crowley (City of Fortune, MED185) chronicles the rise of Portugal as the small nation forged a dominant share in the global spice trade. His cast of characters (the ambitious King Manuel I, marauding governors and intrepid seamen) built a trade monopoly with the ferocity of a holy crusade, forever shifting Europe's center of power from the Mediterranean to Western Europe.
Journal of a visit to Madeira and Portugal (1853-1854)
Isabella de França was an English woman, married to a portuguese merchant and owner of numerous properties on the island of Madeira. This is her diary describing her trip to Madeira and Portugal, in the years 1853 and 1854. It contains the description and watercolors of her entire stay, the walks around Funchal and other places on the south coast of the island.
Lonely Planet Portuguese Phrasebook
A handy pocket phrasebook for Portuguese basics, covering pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.
Eyewitness Guide Portugal
A compact, visual travel guide to the country featuring hundreds of photographs and drawings, an excellent overview of the culture and history of Portugal and good information about where to go and what to do. With many excellent regional, local and neighborhood maps.
Top 10 Travel Guide: Madeira
Compact guide to Madeira.
Scandal in Madeira : the story of Richard Thomas Lowe
A Traveller's History of Portugal
A lively, admirably concise survey from prehistory to the present, great for travelers to Portugal who would like an overview of the country's history and culture.