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Excursions - Monday 12 October
Excursions are designed to help you explore the island of Madeira ahead of the main programme activities. Book when registering for the Convention or email the Convention office.
Funchal Tour
Monte, Toboggan and Wine lodge
Timing: Half day tour
Price: £48 + 22% VAT
Take a scenic cable car to Monte for sweeping views and lush surroundings, enjoy the iconic toboggan ride back towards the city, and finish at Blandy’s Wine Lodge with a guided tour, museum visit, and tasting of Madeira’s finest wines.
Highlights
- Cable Car Ride to Monte: Enjoy breath-taking views over Funchal and its surrounding hills.
- Monte church and surrounding gardens: admire the architecture and murals inside the church, and historic gardens surrounding the area
- Monte Toboggan ride: glide down Funchal’s winding streets in a traditional wicker sled.
- Blandy’s Wine Lodge and Museum: learn about Madeira’s winemaking legacy and enjoy a guided tasting of premium wines.
South Southwest Coast
Jeep Safari & Poncha Workshop
Timing: Half day tour
Price: £53 + 22% VAT
Embark on a 4-hour off-road adventure along Madeira’s south and southwest coast, exploring mountain trails, terraces, and traditional farmland. Pass vineyards, sugar cane fields, and banana plantations before ending with a hands-on Poncha workshop, where you’ll learn its history and craft your own.
Highlights
- Off-road mountain trails: experience the thrill of a 4x4 Jeep ride through rugged mountain paths and scenic ridges.
- Agricultural discovery: drive through the heart of Madeira’s farming regions, exploring vineyards, sugar cane, and banana plantations.
- Southwest coast views: enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the coastal villages of the South.
- Authentic Poncha workshop: learn the secrets of Madeira’s traditional drink, its history, and enjoy a tasting session with the group.
Please note: the itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions.
Food on Foot
Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour
Timing: Half day tour
Price: £90 + 22% VAT
Discover Funchal through its flavours on this immersive walking tour. Stroll the historic centre, from the vibrant Farmers’ Market to hidden taverns, sampling traditional delicacies, local fruits, and iconic drinks while uncovering the island’s rich culinary and cultural heritage
Highlights
- Historic Funchal walk: explore the charming "Old Town" (Zona Velha) and its paved streets filled with art and history.
- Mercado dos Lavradores: visit the famous Farmers' Market to discover exotic subtropical fruits and the bustling fish market.
- Local delicacies tasting: stop at authentic spots to try "Bolo do Caco" (garlic bread), regional cheeses, and traditional pastries.
- The story of Sugarcane: visit a local producer to learn about the importance of honey cake (Bolo de Mel) and sugarcane syrup.
- Madeira Wine & Drinks: Conclude with a tasting of the world-famous Madeira Wine and a traditional aperitif in a local setting.
- Cultural insights: benefit from a local guide’s knowledge of the city’s traditions, legends, and culinary secrets.
Ponta de São Lourenço Hike
Timing: Pick up 07:00 / return 14:00pm
Price: £60 + 22% VAT
A morning hike on the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula is easily one of Madeira’s unmissable adventures, a breath-taking walk where dramatic volcanic cliffs plunge into the Atlantic. Unlike the island’s lush interior, this eastern tip reveals a wild, otherworldly landscape of red and ochre rock, sculpted by wind and waves into some of the most striking scenery Madeira has to offer.
The trail, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8), follows a narrow, windswept peninsula that feels like the edge of the world. With constant 360° views, turquoise coves below, distant islands ahead, and towering cliffs all around, every step is a photo moment. It’s a route that stays unforgettable long after your trip ends.
Expect about 2.5–3 hours (3km each way, 6km in total) with roughly 260 meters of total elevation gain as you climb and descend the ridgeline. The path is well‑maintained and considered moderate, making it accessible for most hikers who enjoy a bit of challenge without anything extreme. A few exposed spots add a sense of adventure, but nothing beyond what a confident walker can handle.
And the perfect ending? A stop at the Sardine House Café on your way back. After the wind, sunshine, and incredible views, this laid‑back spot is the ideal place to unwind, and we’ve arranged some drinks and nibbles for everyone to enjoy. It’s a lovely moment to soak in the coastal atmosphere before heading to the bus, and a little reward that makes the whole experience feel complete.
Photography by Francisco Correia
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