Check into your hotel in the charming coastal village of Porto da Cruz or 'Port of the Cross'. Nestled on the north-eastern coast of the island, surrounded by steep volcanic landscape, the village gained its name from the single cross on the beach which indicated to Portuguese explorers their arrival at the correct port. Depending on your time of arrival you may wish to relax on the black sandy beach or take a swim in the village's fantastic swimming complex which was developed in 2004 for the village and its visitors to enjoy, and consists of 2 pools, a sun terrace and restaurant area- perfect for relaxing after your journey. Alternatively, you may wish to delve straight into the culture of the island and pay a visit it the last remaining sugar mill on the island where they have been distilling the sugar since 1927. Sugar cane was one of the main agricultural produces on the island and it is possible to visit the distillery and sample 'Poncha', a popular local drink made from sugar cane liquor, honey and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Your first day walking begins with a short transfer to Machico, the first landing point on Madeira when the island was discovered back in 1419. Today the first pioneers of the island wouldn't recognise the town, with its man-made sandy beach made from sand shipped from Morocco. Your route will take you away from the town between the hillside and along the impressive north-eastern coast. This sparsely populated coastline makes for some spectacular walking as you follow an ancient supply route, once used for cultivating the vineyards. Along your way you will be accompanied by breath-taking panoramas towards neighbouring island Porto Santo. Your route leads you all the way back to Porto da Cruz where you may have time to enjoy the village swimming complex or relax with a coffee before heading out for dinner.

Your day begins with a short transfer to the town of Santana, renowned for its brightly painted triangular wooden dwellings with sloping thatched roofs, known as 'casas de colmo'. These lovingly restored farm labourers' houses bear testimony to the local natural resources, and are very photogenic. After soaking up this traditional Madeiran ambiance, you will be taken to cafe Quinta Levada do Rei, where you will begin today's walk. On this relaxing hike along the wonderful Levada do Rei, you will feel immersed in an almost primeval atmosphere as you are surrounded by other-worldly vegetation with its evocative sights and scents. Tap into the relaxing energy of the gently-running water that moves alongside you in the irrigation channel, sometimes even passing through short tunnels, and feel refreshed by the spray as you pass small waterfalls - remember your waterproofs! Meander along until you reach the springs and main waterfall of Ribeiro Bonito, an almost magical place at the head of the river valley. Pause for a while and soak up the moment, before making your way back along the levada to the Quinta where you can enjoy a bite to eat and a drink, surrounded by nature. You will then be collected by your driver and taken to Sao Vicente, your home for tonight.

Feeling refreshed, today you will head away from the coast and into the mountains, taking a transfer to the Paul da Serra high plateau. This fantastic plateau is the largest on the island at approx. 24km square and at a lofty average altitude of 1500m making for some great easy walking and even better panoramas over steep valleys. Your route will take you through UNESCO protected shady laurel forest, through colourful blooming broom bushes to Fanal and on to fairy-tale like wood forest and pastures. Here crooked trees, green meadows and grazing highland cattle create a beautiful peaceful experience, and you will pass several viewpoints providing the perfect picnic spot to end your walk. A short transfer will take you down towards the coast once more, still accompanied by beautiful vistas out to the turquoise ocean, to reach your final goal of the day, Porto Moniz, a charming and well known spot for swimming. Here the natural pools were created by the hot powerful rock lava as it meets the cooling blue waters. You will have time to enjoy the natural swimming complex before checking in to your hotel for the evening.

Today's walk will explore the south west coast of the island where you will discover the island's colourful wild growing flora. This part of the island, where the lush green hills fall steeply into the sea, is full of traditional charm. Your route begins in the small village of Prazeres, known as one of the loveliest villages on the island. Here there is time to stroll the quaint streets and perhaps enjoy a morning coffee before continuing on your way through fragrant eucalyptus forests. Depending on the time of your visit you may also find the colourful Calla Lillies, Amarryllis and Agapanthus which grow here in the fertile soils. You will enjoy a lovely levada walk before your route finally takes you back down towards the coast, towards your home for the night in the lively coastal village of Calheta. This popular holiday village is home to an elegant marina which makes for a lovely evening stroll before dinner, and there are some great restaurants to sample the island's delicacies.

Your day begins with a short transfer along the coast to the start of your walk on Levada do Norte above Ribeira Brava. From the start you will be greeted by amazing views down the Ribeira Brava valley cut deep into the mountainside. Levada do Norte is the longest and oldest levada on the island and has played an important role in the irrigation of the precious farmlands in the area. You will need to be surefooted today as you follow the levada towards the small villages of Campanario and Quinta Grande. Along the way you will witness the importance of the levada engineering as you walk through the farmed terraces and discover the vast varieties of fruits which it waters. You will soon arrive at Cabo Girao, the highest cliff in Europe, which whilst you may need a head for heights the views this lofty spot provide are spectacular. Here you will have time to enjoy the vistas over the terraced fields and along the coastline before hopping on the bus to Funchal. An alternative walk on this day begins above the spectacular cliffs of Cabo Girao from where you will make your way along the coast with wonderful vistas over the sea, through Camara de Lobos to Funchal.

Your final walk of the week begins with a transfer with a difference, taking the cable car to the pilgrimage site of Monte, with its impressive panoramic view over the city of Funchal. The cable car station is located in Funchal's old town, characterised by its narrow cobbled streets; the perfect spot for a morning coffee before ascending on the cable car to Monte. Arriving at Monte we recommend you pay a visit to the church of Nossa Senhora do Monte (Our Lady of Monte). The church not only contains spectacular chandeliers but the tomb of Charles I of Habsburg, the last emperor of Austria, who was exiled to Madeira in 1921. We also recommend a visit to the colourful Botanical Gardens, home to over 100,000 exotic plants and the location of the Nossa Senhora do Monte festival. After exploring Monte, the church and the beautiful gardens you have a choice of undertaking a final walk through subtropical landscapes to the coast, or taking an exhilarating ride on one of the traditional wicker basket cars back to Funchal. These iconic cars date back to the 19th century as a mode of transport for Monte's wealthy and today is a popular experience for visitors looking for an adrenaline rush. NOSSA SENHORA DO MONTE FESTIVAL: Each year on the 14th August thousands gather in Monte to celebrate the patron saint of Funchal. The festival is a celebration of tradition with food stall selling traditional bolo do caco while people dance in the streets to traditional music.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and perhaps a final stroll around town if you are making your onward journey today. However, there is so much to do in and around Funchal, you might like to add an additional night or two here. We can arrange this for you - please ask our Sales Team for more information.