Excursion Madeira & wine tasting tour at Funchal

The island of Madeira is noted for its natural beauty and exotic vegetation abounds in a carpet of green. The terrain is rugged with imposing valleys and some of the highest sea-cliffs in the world while the climate is temperate and the winters are mild, perfect for growing grapes. Madeiran wine is a trademark of Portugal, and its value is almost equal to gold. The wine has a long history, dating back to the discovery of the New World. This tour will help you discover the Madeiran wine tradition in Funchal.

Cabo Girão

Depart the pier area and drive west from Funchal to Cabo Girão, the second highest sea cliff in the world, and the highest in Europe.  It rises sheer from the sea, so that the viewpoint offers breathtaking views along the coast, over Funchal, and out over the distant horizon.

The road then heads down towards the coast passing by the vineyards of Estreito de Câmara Lobos, one of the most important winegrowing areas of the island.  The steep valleys offer good examples of the terraced cultivation seen throughout Madeira.

Câmara de Lobos

Reaching the village of Câmara de Lobos "The Sea Wolves' Lair", a picturesque fishing village, once painted by Sir Winston Churchill.  The village was given its name by the explorers João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira because of the shape of its bay and the many sea lions ("lobos") living there at the time.  Have the opportunity to view this fishing village from a viewpoint.

Blandy Wine Lodge

On return to Funchal, the tour stops at The Blandy Wine Lodge and here you will have the chance to sample four of the world famous Madeira wines for centuries. Acquired in 1840 by Charles Ridpath Blandy, the Blandy's Wine Lodge has always been and is still an integral part of the production of Blandy's Madeira Wine. Blandy's Madeira celebrated its bicentennial in 2011. Blandy Wine Lodge gives you a privileged perspective on 200 years of Madeira Wine. Located in the centre of Funchal, Blandy's Wine Lodge allows visitors to Madeira an opportunity to experience first-hand wine in the making.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Fishing Village of Camara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, Pico dos Barcelos, Funchal City and Harbour, The Blandy Wine Lodge

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking over uneven ground and cobblestones, and a short 5 minute walk from the bus to the Wine Lodge. Approximate total distance walked is 1km (.62 miles). This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Visibility from all scenic outlooks is weather dependent and views cannot be guaranteed. Tour itinerary order may be reversed.