Guided Group Tours of Madeira for Solo Travellers

About this trip...

Join Solos as we head to Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean and known for its stunning landscapes, lush green mountains, and vibrant culture. Starting in Funchal's charming old town and pristine squares, we head above the city to Monte to explore its gardens, waterfalls and breathtaking views. Covering the east and the west side of the island, join your fellow solo travellers to discover dramatic landscapes, picturesque villages and stunning scenery on this incredible guided group tour of Madeira.

Activity Level: Activity Level Rating

What's this?

What's included

Return flights & transfers
Room for sole use
Half board and three lunches
City tour of Funchal
Full day excursion discovering Western Madeira
Visit the garden in Monte
Full day excursion discovering Eastern Madeira
Witness the spectacular scenery of Eira do Serrado
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
Fully financially protected

What's extra:

City tax is currently 2,00 euros per pax/night, paid locally.

Itinerary

Arrival day
Funchal
Western Madeira
Monte
Eastern Madeira
Free day
Eira do Serrado
Return home

What you'll be doing

Day One: Arrive into Madeira

Today we arrive into Funchal, the capital of Madeira, and transfer to our hotel. We gather later today for a welcome drink and dinner.

Dinner included

Day Two: Funchal

This morning we will be exploring Funchal. The bustling port city has kept its authentic character which we will witness as we wander past baroque churches, picturesque squares and colonial houses. Mercado dos Lavradores, a vibrant market with fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts. We visit an embroidery workplace and experience a Madeira Wine tasting.

This afternoon we will have free time to explore further. A popular attraction is the Funchal Cable Car, a scenic ride offering panoramic views over the city and coastline.

Breakfast & dinner included

Day Three: Western Madeira

We have a full day of exploring the western side of this fascinating island where we can expect breathtaking landscapes. We start the day visiting Câmara de Lobos - a picturesque fishing village just west of Funchal, Madeira. It's famous for its colourful fishing boats, stunning coastal views, and connection to Winston Churchill, who once painted its landscape. From here we head to Cabo Girão, one of Europe's highest sea cliffs, with a glass-floored viewpoint. We will take the Encumeada, a stunning mountain pass, to the beautiful coastal village of Sexial, known for its dramatic landscapes, natural pools, and black sand beach. It’s a quieter, more authentic alternative to the busier areas of the island. Our next stop will be Porto Moniz, famous for its natural volcanic pools, rugged scenery and breathtaking ocean views.

After lunch, we continue onwards to the largest and highest plateau on the island, Paul da Serra then to Madalena do Mar, a charming seaside village on Madeira’s southwest coast, known for its banana plantations. We will return to Funchal for dinner.

Breakfast, lunch & dinner included

Day Four: Monte

Today we head above Funchal to the beautiful hillside parish above Funchal, known for its lush gardens, historic landmarks, and the famous Monte Toboggan Ride. It’s one of Madeira’s most iconic spots, offering sensational views. We visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden - a breathtaking garden with exotic plants, waterfalls, koi ponds, and stunning tile art. We will also pay a visit to Nossa Senhora do Monte Church, a beautiful church where Emperor Charles I of Austria is buried. Those who wish to choose, can descend back down to Funchal by the famous toboggan (paid locally).

This afternoon we have free time to relax or explore further.

Breakfast, lunch & dinner included

Day Five: Eastern Madeira

We have another full day exploring today as we begin the day at one of the island's highest points, Pico do Arieiro, standing at 1,818 meters offering breathtaking views, dramatic landscapes. We head onto Ribeiro Frio for the starting point of the popular Levada dos Balcões walk, offering incredible panoramic views of the valley, forests, and mountains. It’s a relatively short and easy hike, perfect for all levels. We will drive to the stunning rock formation of Penha de Águia and have lunch at Santana, known for its traditional thatched houses and stunning natural landscapes. It offers visitors a glimpse of Madeira’s rural culture.

Making our way back to Funchal, we will stop at Porto da Cruz Sugar Cane Rum Distillery. Porto da Cruz is known for its traditional rum distillery and we will get to try some of the Rum too. On the way back, we will also enjoy a visit to the Cristo Rei monument.

Breakfast, lunch & dinner included

Day Six: Free Day

After a busy few days exploring, today we have a free day to spend as we wish. We can relax around the hotel, walk along the seafront or Funchal is close to some of the most famous levada trails on the island, such as the Levada do Rei and Levada dos Tornos, offering incredible hikes through the island's beautiful landscapes for those who want to hit the trails.

Breakfast & dinner included

Day Seven: Eira do Serrado

Today we head back into the mountains of Madeira. We take a unique winding road to an altitude of 1049m in Eira do Serrado located in the central mountains of Madeira, offering some of the most dramatic landscapes on the island. From the viewpoint, we can see the picturesque Curral das Freiras village nestled in the valley below, surrounded by the towering peaks of the central mountains. The sight is especially breathtaking on clear days, with lush green slopes and dramatic cliffs. The small village of Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns), was historically a place of refuge for nuns fleeing from pirate attacks.

Breakfast & dinner included

Day Eight: Return home

We gather one final time for breakfast before making our way back to Funchal Airport for our flight home.

Breakfast included

Accommodation

Vila Baleira Funchal Four-star

The hotel is located in the heart of Funchal's Lido area with many restaurants, bars and shops in the area, just a 30 minute walk into the city centre.

The hotel has an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, sun terrace, a bar, a restaurant, a gym and views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Each rooms have air conditioning, a private bathroom, a hairdryer, a TV, a mini bar and free WiFi.