International Airfare *For those holding VIP membership (ask for details)
Lodging
Tours in English
Male or Female English-Speaking Tour Guide & Driver
Private Vehicle
All Ground & Water Transportation
All Activities in Itinerary Below
All Entry Fees
Breakfasts
Dinners x 1
Our tour to Portugal starts on the island of São Miguel. After getting settled in, we are taken to natural pools called Zona Balnear do Cruzeiro (a.k.a. Poças de Atalhada). This is a popular and open-to-the-public natural swimming spot known for its clear and cool Atlantic waters. It has a stunning ocean view and a relaxing atmosphere. Here we experience swimming in natural rock pools protected from the open ocean. We are then taken back to our hotel.
We are making an excursion today. Firstly, we are taken to a lookout point called Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras. There we see a stratovolcanic complex called Sete Cidades Massif. Next, we are taken to a viewpoint called Miradouro da Vista do Rei. The best lookout can be seen from the roof of the abandoned hotel right next to the viewpoint. Next, we are taken to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno. This is an amazing lookout point that we reach after a hike.
Next, we are taken by car to Mosterios Beach. Here we find some fascinating rocks sticking out of the water. Afterwards, we recommend you purchase lunch. After our meal, we are taken to the Gorreana Tea Factory. This is Europe’s oldest tea plantation, still in operation since 1883. It is also a unique family-run business showcasing sustainable, chemical-free tea production in an ideal volcanic environment. Gorreana Tea Factory is a major cultural/tourist site offering free tastings and displays of traditional machinery. What’s more, the plantations surrounding this factory are quite stunning. We are provided with a guided tour there.
After our tour, we continue to a thermal spa and botanical garden called Parque Terra Nostra. It offers unique relaxation in its iron-rich, volcanic thermal pool (around 40°C/104°F) and showcases vast collections of rare plants. There we have time to both enjoy the gardens and bathe in the hot springs. Afterwards, we are taken by car to a popular, naturally heated thermal spring complex called Poça da Dona Beija. It is famous for its mineral-rich, iron-tinted waters (around 39°C/102°F) linked to the island’s volcanic geology. We have time here for bathing and relaxing. Next, we are taken to a park called Parque da Grená. It is known for its lush forests, waterfalls with natural pools, stunning views of Furnas Lake, rich endemic flora/fauna and a historic manor house. There we are provided with a guided tour. Geysers can be found just in front of the park entrance.
Next, we are taken by car to a volcanic area called Caldeiras e Vulcões. There we see several hot springs. We then take a walk from Caldeiras e Vulcões to a popular restaurant. We recommend you purchase dinner at this time, specifically a dish called ‘Cozido das Furnas.’ This is a traditional Portuguese stew, uniquely cooked for hours underground using natural volcanic steam and heat in the geothermal area. After our meal, we are taken by car back to our hotel.
We are going on a boat daytrip today, to see whales and dolphins as well as visit an islet called Vila Franca do Campo. Snorkeling gear (mask, tube and fins) and lunch are included on today’s tour. Upon our return to town, we are taken by car to the old town. There we are provided with a guided walking tour. Afterwards, we can be left in the old town or be taken back to our hotel, as we prefer.
Today we relocate by flight from Sao Miguel Island to Madeira Island. Upon arrival, we are taken to our hotel and then purchase lunch. After settling in, we are taken to an expansive, relatively flat, high-altitude area called Paul de Serra. There we find two nice viewpoints, Miradouro da Bica da Cana and Miradouro Molinas. Next, we are taken by car to a viewpoint called Miradouro do Véu da Noiva. This is a famous viewpoint on Madeira’s north coast, known for its stunning view of a waterfall that plunges into the Atlantic Ocean. This waterfall resembles a bridal veil. Next, we are taken to Seixal Beach. This is a black-sand beach contrasting with the overlooking green mountains and the crystal-clear sea. There we have time for swimming.
Next, we are taken to Miradouro da Ribeira da Janela. This famous viewpoint is renowned for its dramatic volcanic sea stacks rising from the Atlantic, especially one with a natural window in it. Miradouro da Ribeira da Janela offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, powerful waves and beautiful sunrises. After visiting this viewpoint, we are taken to Porto Moniz Natural Pools. These are stunning, naturally formed seawater swimming pools created by volcanic lava, where the ocean fills these protected rock basins. Here we go swimming. Once we are done, we are taken back to our hotel.
Today we are heading to the mountains. Specifically, we are taken by car to a mountain called Achada do Teixeira. Upon arrival, we walk to the base of a mountain peak called Pico Ruivo. This is where the beautiful trail begins. Vereda do Areeiro is the trail that connects three iconic spots in Madeira. The hike starts at Pico do Areeiro. It then continues across Pico das Torres. It ends at Pico Ruivo. From there, we return to Achada do Teixeira by ride-share and go back to our hotel.
We are making an excursion today. Firstly, we are taken via a scenic drive to Miradouro da Eira do Serrado. This is a stunning viewpoint which offers breathtaking, panoramic views over the dramatic Curral das Freiras (a.k.a. Nun’s Valley) from over 1000 meters high. Miradouro da Eira do Serrado showcases lush mountains, terraced fields and the village nestled deep within. After visiting this viewpoint, we are taken by car to a village called Curral Das Freiras. It is in the middle of Nuns Valley. This village is known for its chestnut specialties, from soup to cakes and even chestnut liqueur. Next, we are taken by car to a viewpoint called Miradouro do Paredão. It is accessible via a scenic but challenging drive. Afterwards, we are taken along a very steep mountain road, all the way to the mountain Pico do Areeiro.
Next, we are taken to Câmara de Lobos. This is a coastal suburb of Funchal. Here we get a view of the town from a viewpoint called Miradouro Winston Churchill. We are then taken by foot to a chapel called Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição. There are lots of cafes in town where we can purchase a drink and/or lunch. We recommend you purchase lunch at one of the popular restaurants in town.
After our meal, we are taken by car to a lookout point called Miradouro do Cabo Girão. There we enjoy the views from the skywalk. We then continue to a cascade called Cascata dos Anjos. Bathing is permitted under this cascade and we can stand right under the water. Next, we are taken by car to a point called Levada das 25 Fontes. It is from there we take a van ride to the restaurant located inside the valley. Once there, we are taken by foot to the top of Risco Waterfall. We then walk back to the restaurant and then take the van until we reach our car. After visiting this valley, we are taken by car to a nice beach called Praia da Calheta. There we have time for swimming. Next, we recommend you purchase dinner at a popular restaurant in the area. After our meal, we are taken by car to the lighthouse at a point called Ponta do Pargo. There we enjoy the cliffside views. We are then taken back to our hotel.
Today we explore closer to our hotel. Firstly, we are taken to the Mercado dos Lavradores (a.k.a. Farmer’s Market). Next, we are taken by foot to Rua de Santa Maria. This street has artwork displayed on many of its buildings. It is quite nice to walk through it. Afterwards, we are taken to the base of a cable car. There we ascend to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. It serves as a stunning fusion of exotic flora, diverse fauna and rich cultural art. This garden can be best described as an open-air museum showcasing Portuguese history, Asian culture and world art, all set on a beautiful estate with panoramic views. We are provided with a guided tour here.
Next, we take the second cable car (near the tropical garden) to the Madeira Botanical Gardens. The most impressive and most photographed section is the geometric topiary garden, with colorful flowers and nice views over Funchal and its surroundings. Upon our return, we are taken by car to a breathtaking coastal hiking trail called Vereda da Ponta do São Lourenço. We walk from there until we reach a bay called Cais do Sardinha. After visiting it, we turn back and walk towards the starting point.
Next, we are taken by car to a spot called Porto da Cruz, best known for its stunning, dramatic scenery with rugged cliffs. Afterwards, we are taken to a viewpoint called Miradouro do Guindaste. The two clear-glass viewing platforms there provide great photo opportunities. Next, we are taken to a village called Santana. It’s known for its traditional stone houses with steep, triangular-shaped thatched roofs. Afterwards, we are taken to the starting point of a popular walk called Balcões de Ribeiro Frio. We take a hike to the stunning viewpoint and back. We then return to our hotel in Funchal.
Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport on Madeira Island.
If you are seeking an adventurous yet luxury tour in which you see and do it all stress-free, in which all the planning is done for you by experts, in which 5-star hotels, ground transportation, tour guides and entry fees are all included in the package, then you have come to the right place. Welcome to CharlieTheTraveler, an international tour operation company providing tailormade or packaged tours. Read some of our over 800 5-star reviews found across the Internet.
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We are open to customizing this tour to your liking, even though the itinerary we recommend is rock solid. As our tour is currently advertised, you absolutely will not find another one out there as packed with activities and attractions. What’s more, you will not find another tour out there that offers it all "FIRST CLASS," yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year, and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price & substance.
All participants are required to book travel insurance within 72 hours of booking this tour. At a minimum, such insurance must cover cancellations, medical expenses, evacuations, flight loss or delays and 24/7 assistance.
A 4-installment payment plan is available, often with 0 percent interest to those with at least decent credit. Ask us for details. Our luxury-oriented and itinerary-packed “Portugal’s Best Islands in 8 Days” tour is available for $3,830 USD per person. This price includes all transportation, except airfare. It also includes an English-speaking tour guide and driver, food, all activities mentioned in the standard itinerary and all entry fees. If you would like lodging included for all nights on this tour, then the combined (transportation, tour guide and driver, food, activities, entry fees and lodging) total would be $4,775 USD per person. This price is based on 2 per room and is offered to those booking at least 6 weeks in advance. Note that there is a $30 USD fee if paying by bank transfer or a 4.6 percent surcharge for payments made by credit card. We accept both forms of payment. We do not accept checks. Moving forward, to better understand your specific circumstances and wishes, and for us to accurately quote you, please tell us:
1. Do you prefer getting domestic airfare through us or directly with the airlines? You have both options. Either way, we tell you the exact flights you would need for this tour. Note there is a $50 USD ‘booking fee’ which guarantees not only booking airfare but also that a CharlieTheTraveler representative would be on the phone and/or using live chat with the airlines should there need to be a possible change to your flight(s).
2. Would you like to extend the duration of this tour so you have some free days just to relax and if so, then how many? If you have extra time, then we recommend you spend it specifically on Sao Miguel Island.
3. Do you prefer a female tour guide and driver over a male one?
4. Lastly, many of our customers combine our ‘Portugal Best Islands Tour’ with our Morocco 11-day tour. You can find our Morocco tour here: charliethetraveler.com/our-multiday-tours/Morocco. Would you like to combine Portugal with Morocco?
Any airfare, alcohol, travel insurance, any government-imposed visa fees and anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Although airfare is not included in the price, we will find you the exact flights you need. Just ask.
Below is the only domestic flight needed for this tour:
Day 4: Sao Miguel Island to Madeira Island
After booking our tour package, we would send you screenshots of what you need to purchase (airlines, flight number and date) and you would then book directly with the carrier. You should almost never book airfare through a third party. The exception is when booking specifically international business class airfare from the United States. Sometimes this specific scenario provides a significant saving for the customer. Does CharlieTheTraveler book airfare on customers' behalf? Yes, both international and domestic. Ask us for details.
Note that CharlieTheTraveler cannot guarantee the airfare type it quotes you will be fully refundable. This is one of the reasons why we require customers to have travel insurance. Some airlines offer fully refundable airfare with a relatively low upcharge while others offer strictly non-refundable. Equally unsurprising, some airlines offer fully refundable airfare but with significant upcharges. If you are seeking airfare which guarantees cancellation without penalty, then please state this in writing when asking CharlieTheTraveler to book on your behalf.
Below are the names of the hotels where we commonly have our customers stay. Note this is subject to availability.
Nights 1–3: Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel Island, Preferred Accommodation: Grand Hotel Açores Atlantico or Azor Hotel or Octant Hotels Ponta Delgada
Nights 4-7: Funchal, Madeira Island, Preferred Accommodation: Pestana Casino Park
Other than the boat ride off Sao Miguel Island, this tour is exclusive to you and whomever else you may book on behalf of.
Your room is exclusive to you and whomever is in your party. Strangers (meaning customers who book on the same start date but do not know each other) do not share rooms on this tour. On a side note, please let us know if you and the other person(s) in your booking want separate rooms.
Although we get customers of all ages and from several countries, our statistics show most people who book are 30 to 65 years old and from USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
We welcome your kids specifically and only when the tour is exclusive to you and your group-meaning other customers are not joining you. We define kids as anyone under 18 years old. In order to make the tour exclusive to you and your group, your booking would need to be for 4 persons or more for any of our tours except Iceland. For our Iceland tour, your booking would need to be for 8 persons or more. Regarding the cost of bringing a non-adult, we do deduct from the total based on the amount of activities you request we remove from the tour. Note that reducing the total price of the tour by removing activities is something offered for non-adults only. Adults can opt out of activities but the total price does not change.
We do not expect you to be an Olympic champion. We know some of the tour members are more fit than others…and we are well prepared for this. However, we do hope you take into consideration this is a very active tour, just like every other tour we offer.
Please let us know about any disability you have. Some disabilities would not affect you taking this tour. Others would prevent you from joining altogether. Although we want all of our customers to have fun, your safety is our first priority.
Of course. Once each day’s tour is over, you have the rest of the evening to yourself. Because our tours tend to be very active, our customers typically want to simply relax once the sun sets.
Notify us as soon as possible and we will do our very best to arrange a meeting point. Please note that we do not refund for any days or activities that you miss.
Generally speaking, you can opt out as long as we are given adequate notice. Please note that opting out of certain activities does not reduce the price of this tour.
We would do our best to keep you safe and make you as comfortable as possible, as well as make special arrangements to address your situation. Partial refunds are not offered if you cannot continue with the tour. However, most travel insurances reimburse you for such situations. This is one of many reasons why we require our customers to purchase travel insurance before taking this tour.
To confirm your tour, full payment is needed at the time of your purchase. However, refunds are offered. You will receive a full refund if canceling at least 91 days in advance from the departure date. Cancelling between 90-60 days prior to departure entitles you to a 50 percent refund. Cancelling between 59-31 days prior to departure entitles you to a 25 percent refund. Canceling 30 days or less prior to departure is not eligible for a refund. Cancellation requests need to be made by email and become effective on the date received by CharlieTheTraveler.
In the unlikely event CharlieTheTraveler needs to cancel this trip, such as because of very poor weather conditions, we will give you a full refund for the tour within 14 business days of the cancellation.
You should receive an email from us within 24 hours of purchasing this tour as well as a week before departure. The first email gives details about what to bring, how to prepare yourself, etc. The second email gives details mostly about the hotels.
Bring a lockable waterproof backpack (to bring onto the boat), a waterproof case for your identification card and credit cards (when swimming) and water shoes. On a different note, you may need to bring adapters for your electronic devices.
Our tour guides/drivers are licensed, speak English and know how to bring excitement to your day. What we deliver is the complete opposite of the cookie-cutting tours the big corporations offer, leaving you in complete boredom. Although our tour guides/drivers are attentive, accommodating and engaged, they also know when to give you your private space and free time. It's a perfect balance.
All of our tours are offered in English. If you prefer another language, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Absolutely not. We make the arrangements for you.
Yes! You have your own concierge for this tour who is at your disposal. You could reach this person when you need anything.
Please visit CharlieTheTraveler.com/Tours-Terms-and-Conditions
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