Essence of Maderia & Lisbon

Madeira is a Portuguese possession situated off the west coast of North Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. It is actually made up of two islands, Madeira and Porto Santo. As a destination it offers natural beauty with springtime temperatures that prevail all year round. The capital is Funchal, a 500-year-old city. It is known for its many top-class restaurants, excellent hotels and a vibrant nightlife and has a background of dramatic mountains, banana plantations and exotic gardens. It is known as one of the safest and cleanest cities in Europe.

On arrival at Funchal Airport, meet your drive and transfer to the hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Head to the north coast to Sao Vicente in the North Coast, known for its vineyards, volcanic caves and Madeira table wine production. Then visit Seixal´s lava pools to see one of the most famous waterfall that by resembling a bride ́s veil got its name Véu da Noiva. Afterwards, stop at the natural volcanic pools in Porto Moniz, one of the most visited places in Madeira, having the opportunity to swim in crystalline waters (entry not included) and enjoy the beautiful scenery around them. After this, go uphill to Fanal, a place of rare beauty with centenary trees in the heart of the Laurissilva Forest (the largest in the world), which is one of the 7th Natural Wonders of Portugal. Continuing to Paúl da Serra, the biggest plateau of the island at nearly 1500 mts high with stunning views. To finish our tour, drive to Cabo Girao, the highest Sea Cliff in Europe and the second in the World with 580 mts., better known for its suspended glass floor Viewpoint.

The Forestry Station of Rabaçal, in the area of Paúl da Serra, is the starting point for the trail that gives access to the Risco Levada and the New Rabaçal Levada. First, you will follow the Risco Levada to the waterfall of the same name, and then head down to the 900m elevation to follow the New Rabaçal Levada, which takes you to the pool at 25 Fontes, which gets its name from the many waterfalls there. The path is lined with the indigenous and endemic flora of the island, especially the high-altitude vegetation, and there are indescribable views over this protected area. The return to the south coast of the island is through the Cavaleiro Tunnel (about 800m long). The walk along these two levadas is rated as moderate in difficulty and is about 11 km in length.

At full day to explore Madeira at your own pace.

Following breakfast you will be transfered to the airport for your flight to Lisbon. (Flight not included in price).

Lisbon spreads across steep hillsides that overlook the River Tagus. It is made up of tree-lined avenues, green parks, old and new neighbourhoods and narrow inviting streets. The city is located on the Atlantic coast. Lisbon is recognized as a global city because of its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education and tourism. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and the oldest in Western Europe predating other modern European capitals such as London, Paris and Rome by centuries. Lisbon enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Among all the cities in Europe, it has the warmest winters on the continent.

On arrival you are transfered to the hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.

You will go to the most historical quarters of Lisbon - The Discoveries Quarter of Belem to discover the monuments that pay tribute to the golden era of Portuguese Discoveries. See the Jeronimos Monastery, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By the Tagus River, find the Belém Tower - a landmark from the time of the Portuguese Discoveries, and the Monument to the Discoveries - a monument alluding to Portugal's glorious past. Visit the Ajuda National Palace, the former Royal Palace and national monument, the largest Portuguese royal residence, also known as a Museum of Decorative Art for all the pieces that can be found inside. In addition to your bus tour, 2 digital walking tours of Lisboa's traditional quarters are also included with the Vox City app. After the guided portion of the tour, you will be dropped off downtown at Restauradores Square to freely discover the downtown quarters independently with the use of the digital app or in the tour terminal at Marquês de Pombal Square. The access to the digital walking tours is only valid on the tour day. The Alfama is one of Lisbon's oldest and most traditional quarters, where Fado echoes around every corner and the Baixa-Chiado is the commercial heart of Lisbon Instructions for access to the digital walking tours (Vox city) to be informed on the tour check in.

On this shared tour, you will enter in the fantasy of Pena Palace, the most notable example of Portuguese romantic architecture. Discover the town of Sintra (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which enchanted kings and inspired poets. Take in the beauty of the landscape at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. The day ends along the coast, stopping off at the towns of Cascais and Estoril.

Following breakfast you will be transfered to the airport for your onward flight.