A Portuguese island located off the coast of Africa, magical Madeira is dramatic, encompassing remote mountain villages, misty forests, seaside resorts and wild, craggy coastlines. Its food is unique and delicious, with subtropical offerings, local delicacies and the famed Madeira wine. It is blessed with a subtropical climate, with an average temperature of 21°C - making it the perfect getaway for a Northern Hemisphere winter.
Portuguese sailors stumbled upon this uncharted territory in 1419, when it was a densely forested, uninhabited volcanic island. They named it for its lush forests - ‘Madeira’ means ‘wood’ in Portuguese - and colonised it over several years, planting sugar cane on its steep slopes and setting the island on its path to being the world’s biggest ‘white gold’ producer by the early 1500s. Its strategic location in the Atlantic Ocean made it an invaluable stopover and refueling point for ships embarking on long voyages to Africa and America and would later play a crucial role in Portugal's expanding maritime trade routes during the Age of Discovery. Madeira wine gave another boost to Madeira’s economy in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Today, Madeira’s unique history and setting intertwine in a laidback lifestyle and a rich and diverse culture, evident in every aspect of island life. From its stunning natural beauty to its historical landmarks, vibrant festivals, and delicious cuisine, a visit to Madeira immerses you in a culture that has been shaped by centuries of history, tradition, and a blend of global influences.
From its UNESCO World Heritage listed Laurisilva forests, to the network of levadas (irrigation channels) that provide stunning walking paths - Madeira is a destination that will tilt your expectations in the most delightful ways.
Explore the rich culture, food and history of this beautiful, subtropical island.
Enjoy a private tour, lunch and wine tasting at the historic Blandy’s Wine Lodge, where Madeira’s finest wines have aged for over 200 years.
Learn about the history of Monte Palace and visit its tropical gardens, covering an area of 70,000 square meters and housing a huge exotic plant collection.
Visit Curral Das Freitas, one of the most picturesque towns on the island, which is located in a volcanic crater, and sample its famous chestnuts.
Experience the world famous Monte Sledges route (note - this is an optional activity).
Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.
We like charm, comfort, convenience in location, and of course, excellence in service.
If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.
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