With so much to do in Madeira, we've put together an outline itinerary 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 in advance for more significant, bookable excursions, 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 leaders Claire, Ian and Jan.

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 at the hotel’s fantastic Tipografia restaurant 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 neighbourhood, 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. We’ll go on different walks each week, so if you’re booked for two weeks, you can see more of the island. Transport and the expertise of a local guide are included in the price.

Half Day Levada Walk – £32

This walk will be around 6km and will be taken at a slower pace over the course of a morning.

Full Day Levada Walk – £42

This will be a challenging Levada route around 12km, with stunning views across valleys and waterfalls.

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

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Day 4 - THURSDAY

Today we have our popular Island Tour or if you want to remain more local, this is also a nice opportunity to explore Funchal.

Excursion - Island Tour

Join the team on a full-day tour of the island, seeing the varied landscapes and incredible scenery that Madeira has to offer – don’t forget your camera!

Island Tour – £38

We will start with traditional fishing villages as we go west along the island’s south coast before heading north, climbing higher into the mountains as we cross over to the Northern coast. We’ll stop for lunch in the beautiful village of Porto Moniz, home to amazing volcanic swimming pools (lunch not included).

What to pack: an extra layer, rain jacket, towel and swimmers just in case

 

Madeira plantation (free to use)
Northern Coast of Madeira

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 – £32

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

Sao Vicente OR Boat Trip

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 - Fanal Assobiadores Mountain Walk or Valley of the Nuns Bus Tour

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 Mountain Walk – £42

This is a moderately challenging walk, with a distance of around 11km with significant elevation and several steps. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views as you trek across the Paul da Serra plateau and end the walk in the Fanal forest and the possibility of some birdspotting. A chance to enjoy the unique view of the Laurissilva vegetation that makes up the ancient subtropical rainforest, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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

Half Day Valley of the Nuns Bus Tour – £24

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.

Madeira Peaks Walk
Valley of the Nuns

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.

Book My Excursions Now

To book, just complete this quick form. We’ll add the excursions to your booking and send you a payment link for the balance to secure your place!