Madeira Itinerary

A guide to your trip

Quality Christian Holidays

With so much to do in Madeira, we've put together an outline programme to help set the scene for your holiday. There will be options for local explorations of the gardens, markets, seafront, group lunches, evening drinks and more throughout the week. We’ll also be taking time for early morning rooftop prayers and evening times of teaching and worship. There is the opportunity to sign up for more significant, bookable excursions, which we have outlined below.

The Itinerary

We hope this itinerary will capture your interest and show you the best of Madeira, whether exploring central Madeira, spending time with others in the group on an organised excursion or enjoying a spa treatment in the hotel.

We have planned four fantastic excursions each week, which are available to pre-book using the booking request form at the bottom of the page. We’d recommend booking on to at least one or two excursions to see other parts of the island – more may be fun for the more adventurous but with so much going on, it’s important to allow time to relax too!

Day 1 - Monday

Welcome to Madeira! We will be greeting you personally or via our wonderful transfer company from Madeira airport – look out for a Richmond sign (more information on arriving is in your pre-departure letter). We’ll help you get settled in and host our first meal to get to know one another in the evening.

Day 2 - Tuesday

For the early risers among you, we’ll have the first of our daily sunrise prayers on the rooftop. Today is about finding your feet: we’ll enjoy our first impressive breakfast and then hear about the week in a welcome meeting from your tour leader Jerry.

We’re looking forward to exploring Funchal with an opportunity for lunch together in the Old City. We’ll finish our day with the first of our daily ministry times from Ian and Jan, followed by a three-course meal together.

Day 3 - Wednesday

Madeira is known for its walking, and today there are two opportunities – one easy and one more challenging. For those who are keeping rest and relaxation in mind: take time to explore the local neighborhood, enjoy the rooftop pool and spa and interrogate the team on the must-see places on the island.

Excursion - Levada Walks

Join the private Richmond walk, where our guide will take us off the beaten track along one of the beautiful ‘levada’ waterways which are found all over the island.

Half Day Levada Walk – Easy – £30

A slower pace walk, on flatter terrain taking just the morning

Full Day Levada Walk – Challenging – £40

This will be a challenging Levada route around 10km, or a stunning coastal hike depending on the weather.

What to pack: walking shoes or boots, an extra layer, a rain jacket and plenty of water

Day 4 - THURSDAY

Today we have different options on week one and week two of the tour. We think both are excellent and exciting opportunities to see the island or the surrounding areas. If you want to remain more local, this is also a nice opportunity to explore Funchal.

Excursion - Island Tour or Porto Santo Island Trip

Join the team on a tour of the island, including the highly requested black sand beach or for our second week, come away with us to Porto Santo and its golden sands.

Week 1 – 12 Oct – Island Tour – £35

Visit the incredible black sand beach and experience the viewpoints which are often above the clouds on this spectacular day trip.

Week 2 – 19 Oct – Porto Santo – £75

This all day trip will depart at 07:30 and return at 22:30 and will experience the beautiful island of Porto Santo, a 2h 30m ferry away. This gorgeous island is where locals flock to on a sunny day to enjoy the expansive sandy beach.

Day 5 - Friday

In the morning, look forward to heading to the local market or Funchal cable cars together. In the afternoon, we highly recommend taking the brilliant opportunity to see the island from the sea. Over 80% of trips see some significant wildlife. Waters in Madeira are around 18 degrees, so bring your swimmers.

Excursion - Catamaran Boat Trip

Join us on a Catamaran boat trip and enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the island from the sea.

Catamaran Boat Trip – £30

Departing after lunch, the tour will last approximately 3 hours with a chance to see dolphins and whales. We’ll stop for a dip in the sea if weather allows.

What to pack: an extra layer, towel and swimmers just in case, shoes for walking on the boat deck, a rain jacket

Day 6 - Saturday

After another of our daily sunrise prayers, we look forward to a hard decision: taking on Madeira by foot or heading on a half day bus trip into the mystical Valley of the Nuns.

Excursion - Peaks Walk or Valley of the Nuns

Join the private Richmond walk, and weather permitting, we will take on the heights of Madeira. Alternatively, join us on a bus tour to the breath-taking views of the Valley of the Nuns and stop off at Câmara de Lobos on the way home.

Full Day Peaks Walk – Hard – £40

This is a challenging walk, around 10km in distance with significant elevation.

What to pack: walking shoes or boots, an extra layer, a rain jacket and plenty of water

Half Day Valley of the Nuns – £20

We will take the winding roads to a viewpoint of the extinct volcano crater, in which the Valley of the Nuns is hidden, before heading down into the village itself. On the way home, look forward to stopping in the colourful fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. This is a great option if you’re less comfortable walking but want to see some of the beautiful views the island has to offer.

Day 7 - Sunday

Take your time over breakfast before coming together for a communion service. This afternoon you’ll be able to return to your favourite spot in Funchal and use this Sunday to really relax and reflect on your week. Maybe even head into the spa! We’ll look forward to rounding off the week with some celebratory drinks before dinner.

Day 8 - Monday

After our final delicious Castanheiro breakfast, you’ll be heading back to the airport. Our team, alongside our brilliant partner company, will be on hand to support with the logistics of the day and ensure your journey home is smooth and easy.