Portugal island hopping The Azores and Madeira

Today, discover the pristine landscapes of the Azores as you tour the island with your private driver guide. Your first stop is Lagoa da Foga, Portuguese for “Lake of Fire”, a deep caldera with striking shades of blue and green that seem to change in the light. Take in the panorama from several viewpoints before traveling onwards to the valley of Furnas known for its geothermal hot springs. You’ll have the chance to sample the iconic “Cozido das Furnas”, a traditional Portuguese stew, cooked underground by the steam from the hot springs. After lunch, your drive will take you to Vila Franca do Campo, the first capital of the Azores, to uncover the fascinating history and witness the “Ilheu” a picturesque, submerged volcano with an almost perfectly circular shape.

Explore at your own leisure today. You may wish to visit the nearby towns of Povoação and Nordeste or visit the beach at Ribeira Quente.

This morning, travel back to Ponta Delgada Airport in a private vehicle and board your flight to Madeira. When you arrive in Funchal, you will be met and taken by private transfer to your boutique hotel in the heart of the city. Your hotel is in the pretty old town with its cobbled streets and vibrant atmosphere. Once you’ve settled in, get to know the capital on a privately guided tour of the city and immerse yourself into the food culture and culinary delights.

Discover Madeira on a private excursion by Jeep today. Your expert driver guide will take you to the quaint fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, with its pretty harbor and colorful fishing boats. From here, take in the dramatic views of the landscape and traditional red terracotta-roofed houses before arriving at a family-run winery, surrounded by lush vineyards. After your shared tour, you’ll settle down for a tasting accompanied by a traditional lunch. After lunch, you’ll travel to Porto Moniz on the northwestern tip of the island and have a chance to swim in the natural seawater pools, formed by volcanic rocks, before returning to your hotel.

Today, enjoy a cooking experience at a classic Madeiran Quinta, surrounded by picturesque tropical gardens. Learn to make poncha, a well-loved rum cocktail, as well as a variety of simple and authentic local dishes, before sampling your creations with a glass of wine. Many of the ingredients for today's meal will come from the onsite garden, the local community or the market and will highlight the abundance of fresh food on offer on the island. This evening, travel to the port for your private boat trip along Madeira’s impressive coastline. Spend time on the water taking in the views of the island, dotted with charming towns and a carpet of green. Enjoy a swimming stop and watch the sun set on the horizon casting shades of pink and orange over the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.

Spend today at your leisure in Funchal. The abundance of plants carpeting the steep slopes of the city contrasts with the everyday hum of urban life, making for a compelling combination. Perhaps spend the day in one of the many manicured gardens or explore the mural-rich streets of the old town.

Your private driver will take you southwest as you leave Funchal behind and travel to Calheta, a coastal area that was once the heart of the sugar industry. Today it’s a vibrant community with a charming marina and known for its natural beauty with verdant forests and a dramatic coastline. Your hotel is an elegant retreat that sublimely blends historical industrial charm with a strong focus on wellness. Your premium experience room boasts magnificent views of the ocean and includes exclusive access to the club lounge and premium sundeck with direct access to the Atlantic. You have the rest of the day at leisure to make the most of the many facilities on offer or to explore the area.

Meet your specialist hiking guide this morning to explore the island’s remote hinterland on foot. You’ll follow the Levadas, a system of stone channels carrying rainwater from the mountains to the towns, deep into the forest and enjoy the panoramic views and diverse flora. After your hike you’ll be taken back to your hotel, where you can while the rest of the day away. Maybe visit the exquisite spa or take in the magnificent views of the rolling hills and Atlantic Ocean from one of the pools.

After a final morning at your hotel, you will be met for your private transfer to Madeira Airport and your flight home.