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Seven Nights exploring Porto and Madeira
Seven nights in two of Portugal's most exciting cities
Highlights
A walking tour of Porto, including a visit to the Sandeman’s Porthouse.
A whale and dolphin watching trip from Funchal marina.
A guided tour of Santana and eastern Madeira.
A guided tour of Porto Moniz and north-west Madeira.
Porto and Madeira are two of Portugal’s most exciting destinations.
Sitting on the banks of the beautiful Douro river, Porto is the historic gateway to Portugal’s Douro wine region, famous for its Port Wines. You’ll have a chance to visit the city’s Porthouse district with our resident guide, and free time to explore at your own pace.
Porto’s medieval criss-crossing streets and baroque architecture clash with modern 21st Century life, making Porto an energetic and inspiring place to be.
Madeira’s capital Funchal offers something very different – a laid-back, relaxing island attitude and a slower pace of life make Funchal the perfect place to unwind. You’ll also spend some time exploring the island’s magnificent mountain scenery with our resident guide:
We’ve suggested a seven-night stay but it’s easy to personalise your holiday into ten nights or a full two weeks.
Just fill out an enquiry form and we’ll do the rest.
1
You’ll begin your holiday by flying from the UK to Porto. Your accommodation is on the northern bank of the Douro River, close to Porto’s most famous landmark: the Ponte Luiz I bridge.
Accommodation on this day: Porto River Apartments
2
Our resident guide Ana will take you on a half-day walking tour of Porto. It’s a great introduction to the city – you’ll visit Porto’s beautiful Sé Cathedral, the famous mosaics at São Bento train station, and there’s a chance to learn more about Porto’s most famous export with a visit to the Port Wine houses in Vila Nova da Gaia.
Accommodation on this day: Porto River Apartments
3
I’ve left today free, so you can spend more time exploring Porto under your own steam – including a visit to one of Portugal’s oldest bookshops, the Livaria Lello, followed by a climb up the baroque Clerigos Tower for the 360⁰ view of the whole city.
Accommodation on this day: Porto River Apartments
4
You’ll leave Porto today, flying to the island of Madeira. Our driver will collect you from your flight once again, for your transfer into the island’s capital Funchal.
Accommodation on this day: Quintinha São João
5
You’ll spend today exploring Funchal: Portugal’s largest city outside of the mainland. In the morning, you can take the cable car up to the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens – returning on a Carro de Cesto – the famous wicker toboggans. In the afternoon, you’ll head to sea on a whale and dolphin watching trip – returning to dryland to end the day with a tour of the famous Blandy’s wine lodge.
Accommodation on this day: Quintinha São João
6
You’ll spend today exploring the spectacular landscapes across eastern Madeira with our resident guide. Your day includes visits to Pico do Arieiro (one of the highest points on the island at 1816m), the forest park at Ribeiro Frio, the rum distillery at Porto da Cruz, and the Ponta de Sao Lourenco peninsula.
Accommodation on this day: Quintinha São João
7
Your second tour will take you through the island’s central mountains to the magnificent seacliffs seacliffs on the north coast. You’ll begin the day with a visit to Camara de Lobos and the glass skywalk at Cabo Girao, before over the high Paul de Serra plain to the village of Porto Moniz – one of the best swimming spots on the island. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Casacata Veu da Noiva waterfall and the Volcanism Centre in Sao Vicente where you can explore 800,000-year-old lava tunnels.
Accommodation on this day: Quintinha São João
8
You’ll be transferred to the airport for your (direct) flight home.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Madeira’s position in the North Atlantic makes it the ideal destination for Whale and Dolphin watching. Add in the island’s temperate Winter weather, and you’ve arguably got the best year-round destination for Cetaceans (and for humans to spot them).
Canyoning
Madeira is fast becoming Europe’s most popular destination for canyoning. Our guides will lead you down a mountain stream as it winds its way to the valley floor - abseiling down a series of increasingly spectacular waterfalls.
Guided tours
Madeira looks like a small island on paper. Once you’re here, you’ll see that the steep terrain and sinuous, winding roads make it tricky to explore the entire island in just one week. Our private tours take you to those lesser visited parts of Madeira you might otherwise miss.
Mountain Biking
Perhaps more than any other pursuit, it’s mountain biking that's at the heart of the changing face of tourism on the Madeira. The island’s seemingly endless network of trails are attracting more and more riders each year - whatever your preferred style of riding, there’s a trail for you on Madeira.
Levada Trails
Whether self-guided or as part of a small group, the hiking trails on Madeira are outstanding. The way-marked paths along the famous levada water channels are the most popular way to explore he island on foot, and we can recommend the walks we'll think you'll enjoy the most.
Birdwatching
Our Bird Watching trips are more like in-depth sightseeing tours of Madeira with extras. Accompanied by a passionate naturalist, you’ll get closer to the birds, plants and butterflies you'd otherwise have missed - including the Trocaz pigeon the rare Zino’s Petrel.
Porto River Apartments
The Porto River Apartments sit on the northern bank of the Douro River, in the Bairro da Ribeira, our favourite district of Porto.
The skyline is dominated by the stone architecture of the riverside warehouses which hark back to Porto’s industrial past when the city relied heavily on the Douro to export to the wider world. Away from the busy streets of central Porto, this timeless architecture now houses some of the city’s most popular riverside restaurants, hotels and apartments.
The Porto River Apartments have sixteen rooms in all; snug studios, spacious suites, and one and two bedroom apartments. The latter offer the best of both worlds; the feel of a private apartment with the convenience of a B&B. There’s a living room, bathroom, a well-equipped kitchenette, A/C and wi-fi.
The apartments are the perfect base from which to explore the city on foot and Porto’s most famous landmark, the Ponte Luis I bridge, is just a stone’s throw away as is Douro’s southern bank and the historic port warehouses of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Quintinha São João
Quintinha São João is a charming, family run hotel providing a relaxing escape from the bustle of downtown Funchal.
The hotel’s forty rooms are spacious and bright, and the décor is towards the more traditional Portuguese style: there are some lovely pieces of antique furniture and artwork dotted around the hotel. The hotel is a member of the “Quintas da Madeira” – an association working to preserve Madeira’s valuable heritage: specifically the beautiful 150-year-old manor house which sits within the grounds of the Quintinha São João, and is home to the Barreto Family (owners and builders of the hotel).
We particularly love their deluxe rooms, with balconies overlooking the gardens and the Vasco da Gama bar and terrace. There are also indoor and outdoor pools, extensive spa facilities for those days when you just want a bit of pampering, and their Morgadinha restaurant is excellent.
The hotel is owned and managed by Senhor André Barreto and his ‘right-hand’ Rosie Borges. Their staff are all hand-picked and it really shows – their friendly service and attention to detail make Quintinha São João one of the most welcoming hotels on Madeira.
“Excellent service, expert knowledge, nothing too much trouble + always go the extra mile”
Greg
Where is Madeira?
Madeira is 880km south west of mainland Portugal and 460km north of Tenerife.
When is the best time to visit Madeira?
Madeira’s seasons follow a similar pattern to our own: it’s mild in Spring and Autumn and hot from around May through to November. The winter can be a bit showery but the temperature’s usually still up in the high teens. Christmas and New Year are the busiest times to visit so we advise booking early.
How do I get to Madeira?
From the UK you can fly direct from Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds/Bradford and Glasgow.
What languages do they speak on Madeira?
Portuguese, and English is widely spoken.
Is it safe to drive on Madeira?
Very; the quality of the roads is excellent and it’s very easy to navigate around the island.
Do I need an international driver’s license for Madeira?
All you require is a valid UK driving licence.
Do I need travel insurance to visit Madeira?
We highly recommend that you have the right type of travel insurance that will cover your medical expenses, baggage loss, accidents and personal liability and repatriation.
Can I get WiFi on Madeira?
All our hotels offer WiFi – mostly in your room but in some smaller places it’s available in the shared, public areas.
Can I use my mobile phone on Madeira?
There’s an excellent mobile reception right across the island.
What is the food like on Madeira?
As you’d expect on a small Atlantic island, Madeiran restaurants serve excellent fresh fish. The restaurants in Funchal have a good mix of Portuguese more European-style menus, and there’s usually a nice selection of vegetarian options available. In the smaller towns and villages, you’ll tend to find more traditional-Portuguese menus. If you have any food allergies, just let us know.
Are credit & debit cards accepted in Madeira?
Yes, although some smaller bars and cafes are cash only.
What type of plug adapter do I need in Madeira?
You will need a type F plug adaptor in Madeira.
Is tap water safe to drink in Madeira?
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink on Madeira.
Do I need to tip in Madeira?
Tipping is not compulsory but if you feel your guide or driver has done a good job then they’ll always be happy to receive a tip.
How do I go about booking my holiday to Madeira with Archipelago Choice?
We offer two options, either book one of our ‘Best of’ holidays from the website. Alternatively, many people choose the bespoke approach where we have an insightful conversation and create a personalised itinerary that gives you the unique holiday experience you’re looking for.
How far in advance should I book my trip to Madeira?
Our advice is to start planning around nine months prior your visit, as this helps us offer the best value airfares and secure your hotels of choice.
Can I book a last-minute holiday to Madeira?
Absolutely; it helps if you have a bit flexibility with your dates as some of our hotels might be fully booked.
Highlights
A walking tour of Porto, including a visit to the Sandeman’s Porthouse.
A whale and dolphin watching trip from Funchal marina.
A guided tour of Santana and eastern Madeira.
A guided tour of Porto Moniz and north-west Madeira.
Porto and Madeira are two of Portugal’s most exciting destinations.
Sitting on the banks of the beautiful Douro river, Porto is the historic gateway to Portugal’s Douro wine region, famous for its Port Wines. You’ll have a chance to visit the city’s Porthouse district with our resident guide, and free time to explore at your own pace.
Porto’s medieval criss-crossing streets and baroque architecture clash with modern 21st Century life, making Porto an energetic and inspiring place to be.
Madeira’s capital Funchal offers something very different – a laid-back, relaxing island attitude and a slower pace of life make Funchal the perfect place to unwind. You’ll also spend some time exploring the island’s magnificent mountain scenery with our resident guide:
We’ve suggested a seven-night stay but it’s easy to personalise your holiday into ten nights or a full two weeks.
Just fill out an enquiry form and we’ll do the rest.
1
You’ll begin your holiday by flying from the UK to Porto. Your accommodation is on the northern bank of the Douro River, close to Porto’s most famous landmark: the Ponte Luiz I bridge.
Accommodation on this day: Porto River Apartments
2
Our resident guide Ana will take you on a half-day walking tour of Porto. It’s a great introduction to the city – you’ll visit Porto’s beautiful Sé Cathedral, the famous mosaics at São Bento train station, and there’s a chance to learn more about Porto’s most famous export with a visit to the Port Wine houses in Vila Nova da Gaia.
Accommodation on this day: Porto River Apartments
3
I’ve left today free, so you can spend more time exploring Porto under your own steam – including a visit to one of Portugal’s oldest bookshops, the Livaria Lello, followed by a climb up the baroque Clerigos Tower for the 360⁰ view of the whole city.
Accommodation on this day: Porto River Apartments
4
You’ll leave Porto today, flying to the island of Madeira. Our driver will collect you from your flight once again, for your transfer into the island’s capital Funchal.
Accommodation on this day: Quintinha São João
5
You’ll spend today exploring Funchal: Portugal’s largest city outside of the mainland. In the morning, you can take the cable car up to the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens – returning on a Carro de Cesto – the famous wicker toboggans. In the afternoon, you’ll head to sea on a whale and dolphin watching trip – returning to dryland to end the day with a tour of the famous Blandy’s wine lodge.
Accommodation on this day: Quintinha São João
6
You’ll spend today exploring the spectacular landscapes across eastern Madeira with our resident guide. Your day includes visits to Pico do Arieiro (one of the highest points on the island at 1816m), the forest park at Ribeiro Frio, the rum distillery at Porto da Cruz, and the Ponta de Sao Lourenco peninsula.
Accommodation on this day: Quintinha São João
7
Your second tour will take you through the island’s central mountains to the magnificent seacliffs seacliffs on the north coast. You’ll begin the day with a visit to Camara de Lobos and the glass skywalk at Cabo Girao, before over the high Paul de Serra plain to the village of Porto Moniz – one of the best swimming spots on the island. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Casacata Veu da Noiva waterfall and the Volcanism Centre in Sao Vicente where you can explore 800,000-year-old lava tunnels.
Accommodation on this day: Quintinha São João
8
You’ll be transferred to the airport for your (direct) flight home.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Madeira’s position in the North Atlantic makes it the ideal destination for Whale and Dolphin watching. Add in the island’s temperate Winter weather, and you’ve arguably got the best year-round destination for Cetaceans (and for humans to spot them).
Canyoning
Madeira is fast becoming Europe’s most popular destination for canyoning. Our guides will lead you down a mountain stream as it winds its way to the valley floor - abseiling down a series of increasingly spectacular waterfalls.
Guided tours
Madeira looks like a small island on paper. Once you’re here, you’ll see that the steep terrain and sinuous, winding roads make it tricky to explore the entire island in just one week. Our private tours take you to those lesser visited parts of Madeira you might otherwise miss.
Mountain Biking
Perhaps more than any other pursuit, it’s mountain biking that's at the heart of the changing face of tourism on the Madeira. The island’s seemingly endless network of trails are attracting more and more riders each year - whatever your preferred style of riding, there’s a trail for you on Madeira.
Levada Trails
Whether self-guided or as part of a small group, the hiking trails on Madeira are outstanding. The way-marked paths along the famous levada water channels are the most popular way to explore he island on foot, and we can recommend the walks we'll think you'll enjoy the most.
Birdwatching
Our Bird Watching trips are more like in-depth sightseeing tours of Madeira with extras. Accompanied by a passionate naturalist, you’ll get closer to the birds, plants and butterflies you'd otherwise have missed - including the Trocaz pigeon the rare Zino’s Petrel.
Porto River Apartments
The Porto River Apartments sit on the northern bank of the Douro River, in the Bairro da Ribeira, our favourite district of Porto.
The skyline is dominated by the stone architecture of the riverside warehouses which hark back to Porto’s industrial past when the city relied heavily on the Douro to export to the wider world. Away from the busy streets of central Porto, this timeless architecture now houses some of the city’s most popular riverside restaurants, hotels and apartments.
The Porto River Apartments have sixteen rooms in all; snug studios, spacious suites, and one and two bedroom apartments. The latter offer the best of both worlds; the feel of a private apartment with the convenience of a B&B. There’s a living room, bathroom, a well-equipped kitchenette, A/C and wi-fi.
The apartments are the perfect base from which to explore the city on foot and Porto’s most famous landmark, the Ponte Luis I bridge, is just a stone’s throw away as is Douro’s southern bank and the historic port warehouses of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Quintinha São João
Quintinha São João is a charming, family run hotel providing a relaxing escape from the bustle of downtown Funchal.
The hotel’s forty rooms are spacious and bright, and the décor is towards the more traditional Portuguese style: there are some lovely pieces of antique furniture and artwork dotted around the hotel. The hotel is a member of the “Quintas da Madeira” – an association working to preserve Madeira’s valuable heritage: specifically the beautiful 150-year-old manor house which sits within the grounds of the Quintinha São João, and is home to the Barreto Family (owners and builders of the hotel).
We particularly love their deluxe rooms, with balconies overlooking the gardens and the Vasco da Gama bar and terrace. There are also indoor and outdoor pools, extensive spa facilities for those days when you just want a bit of pampering, and their Morgadinha restaurant is excellent.
The hotel is owned and managed by Senhor André Barreto and his ‘right-hand’ Rosie Borges. Their staff are all hand-picked and it really shows – their friendly service and attention to detail make Quintinha São João one of the most welcoming hotels on Madeira.
“Excellent service, expert knowledge, nothing too much trouble + always go the extra mile”
- Greg
Where is Madeira?
Madeira is 880km south west of mainland Portugal and 460km north of Tenerife.
When is the best time to visit Madeira?
Madeira’s seasons follow a similar pattern to our own: it’s mild in Spring and Autumn and hot from around May through to November. The winter can be a bit showery but the temperature’s usually still up in the high teens. Christmas and New Year are the busiest times to visit so we advise booking early.
How do I get to Madeira?
From the UK you can fly direct from Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds/Bradford and Glasgow.
What languages do they speak on Madeira?
Portuguese, and English is widely spoken.
Is it safe to drive on Madeira?
Very; the quality of the roads is excellent and it’s very easy to navigate around the island.
Do I need an international driver’s license for Madeira?
All you require is a valid UK driving licence.
Do I need travel insurance to visit Madeira?
We highly recommend that you have the right type of travel insurance that will cover your medical expenses, baggage loss, accidents and personal liability and repatriation.
Can I get WiFi on Madeira?
All our hotels offer WiFi – mostly in your room but in some smaller places it’s available in the shared, public areas.
Can I use my mobile phone on Madeira?
There’s an excellent mobile reception right across the island.
What is the food like on Madeira?
As you’d expect on a small Atlantic island, Madeiran restaurants serve excellent fresh fish. The restaurants in Funchal have a good mix of Portuguese more European-style menus, and there’s usually a nice selection of vegetarian options available. In the smaller towns and villages, you’ll tend to find more traditional-Portuguese menus. If you have any food allergies, just let us know.
Are credit & debit cards accepted in Madeira?
Yes, although some smaller bars and cafes are cash only.
What type of plug adapter do I need in Madeira?
You will need a type F plug adaptor in Madeira.
Is tap water safe to drink in Madeira?
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink on Madeira.
Do I need to tip in Madeira?
Tipping is not compulsory but if you feel your guide or driver has done a good job then they’ll always be happy to receive a tip.
How do I go about booking my holiday to Madeira with Archipelago Choice?
We offer two options, either book one of our ‘Best of’ holidays from the website. Alternatively, many people choose the bespoke approach where we have an insightful conversation and create a personalised itinerary that gives you the unique holiday experience you’re looking for.
How far in advance should I book my trip to Madeira?
Our advice is to start planning around nine months prior your visit, as this helps us offer the best value airfares and secure your hotels of choice.
Can I book a last-minute holiday to Madeira?
Absolutely; it helps if you have a bit flexibility with your dates as some of our hotels might be fully booked.
Talk to someone who loves Madeira!
If you’re interested in our holidays and want to know more, then send us a few details using this quick fill form.
