Canary Islands
R919 - Aurora - 07 December 2009 for 12 nights
Shore excursions by port
Please note: The excursion(s) listed are typical for this port. During the 12 weeks before departure,
confirmed excursions can be viewed and pre-reserved via the Cruise Personaliser.
Flowers, Wicker & Wine
Arts and crafts abound in Madeira and this excursion aims to show you some of the traditional methods and produce available.
Arts and crafts abound in Madeira and this excursion aims to show you some of the traditional methods and produce available.
Funchal Market is a social and commercial occasion; the market is integral to Portuguese life. As you wander around the stalls, you’ll find an infinite variety of tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers and local crafts. See one of the island’s largest inland villages, Camacha, which is the centre of the osier industry producing the well-known Madeira wickerwork. You’ll have time to browse in the show rooms and perhaps purchase a few souvenirs. Tea or coffee and a local cake will be provided during your stop in Camacha.
A visit to a leading embroidery factory in Funchal will let you see exquisite examples of the handicraft, traditional to Madeira since the last century. Crafts can be purchased and a sample of the Madeira Wine will be served. A brief stop will be made at a local wine lodge for another opportunity to taste the famous wine.
Aqua Park
Head to the south eastern side of Madeira for a day of fun, thrills and spills at Aqua Park!
Head to the south eastern side of Madeira for a day of fun, thrills and spills at Aqua Park!
One of Madeira’s most recent additions is the Aqua Park in Santa Cruz. This great water park, with capacity for over 1,000 people, boasts five toboggan rides and four fast slides, two swimming pools (one of which is reserved for children), a lazy river running around the pools, a bar and locker rooms. Aqua Park guarantees a fun day out for all the family. So, don’t forget your swimsuit and get into the holiday spirit!
Lunch has not been included in your fare. Make your choice from a variety of bars and fast-food outlets throughout the Park.
Leisurely Madeira - BEST SELLER
This tour has been designed to show you the delightful scenery and stunning views of this beautiful island at a leisurely pace.
This tour has been designed to show you the delightful scenery and stunning views of this beautiful island at a leisurely pace.
Enjoy unsurpassed scenery as you leave Funchal via Sao Martinho into the Socorrido Ravine. Travelling to the northwest, you’ll soon arrive at Pico dos Barcelos. After admiring the amazing views of Funchal and the southern coast, continue along a winding road to Eira do Serrado. A short ascent will lead you to Pico do Serrado, where a brief photo stop will be made. There are superb views of Madeira’s highest peaks and the Curral das Freiras village below, a hamlet so remote the Santa Clara Convent nuns used it as an escape from the pirate raids of the 16th century.
At a leading hotel in Eira do Serrado relax and enjoy tea or coffee, sandwiches, biscuits, scones with strawberry jam and chantilly cream, before moving on to the viewpoint at Terreiro da Luta.
On the return journey, you’ll pass through the picturesque and historic small village of Monte, which is perched up in the hills overlooking Funchal.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Hop on a boat and sail out to sea and along Madeira’s beautiful coastline. Viewing the island from the sea is a must!
Hop on a boat and sail out to sea and along Madeira’s beautiful coastline. Viewing the island from the sea is a must!
As your catamaran sets sail, be on the lookout for whales and dolphins. Due to its unique location in the mid-ocean, the island of Madeira is blessed with the presence of visiting whales and dolphins. Some of the species that can be spotted are the Fin Whale, Sperm Whale, Sei Whale, Oceanic Dolphin, Atlantic Spotted Dolphin and Bottle Nose Dolphin to name but a few. As well as having the chance to spot whales and dolphins, you may also catch a glimpse of ocean wandering sea birds, some of which are found nowhere else in the world!
A short stop will be made for swimming (weather permitting) in the crystal blue ocean, surrounded by outstanding scenery. The return journey takes you nearer to the coastline for close up views of the cliffs, Cabo Girao and Camara de Lobos.
Jeep Adventure
Driving on and off road in 4x4’s to some of the most unspoilt locations is the ideal way to discover the island’s paradises.
Driving on and off road in 4x4’s to some of the most unspoilt locations is the ideal way to discover the island’s paradises.
The route takes you on tracks that meander through the mountains, across small rivers and along valleys providing incredible views. You’ll be presented with an excellent opportunity to see the native flora of the island, the ‘Laurissilva’. The route the jeeps take is subject to weather conditions across the island, and your driver will give you a detailed itinerary.
A short break will be made during the tour for you to enjoy a refreshing coffee, tea or soft drink.
All you need to bring is a spirit of adventure and a desire to have the time of your life!
Scenes of Madeira - BEST SELLER
Enjoy the delightful scenery of Madeira and sample its renowned wine on this great introductory tour.
Enjoy the delightful scenery of Madeira and sample its renowned wine on this great introductory tour.
Your scenic extravaganza starts off along the rugged west coast road and through the picturesque fishing village of Camara de Lobos, once painted by Sir Winston Churchill. The beauty of Funchal is best admired from the Pico da Torre viewpoint.
Driving through eucalyptus forests, you’ll reach Cabo Girao. From a superb viewpoint, see the second highest sea cliff in the world. From here, you can also see mountain slopes that have been carved into terraces.
At Pico dos Barcelos the true beauty of the island is revealed. See Funchal in the distance and the surrounding villages scattered on green slopes.
An essential part of any visit to Madeira is experiencing its well-known wine. Enjoy sampling several different types of Madeira wine and the opportunity to purchase a bottle to take home with you.
Levada Walk
Keen walkers will enjoy this gentle stroll along Madeira’s unique Levada irrigation system.
Keen walkers will enjoy this gentle stroll along Madeira’s unique Levada irrigation system.
Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of your surroundings as you walk through cool green tree-lined tunnels, discovering exotic flowers and plants along the way.
Madeira possesses a unique irrigation system that enables the rain from the north of the island to be distributed to the dry, sunny south. Rainfall is fed into the network of levadas that ring the island. A network of footpaths runs alongside these levadas, reaching into remote parts, and so this is the best way to see the interior of the island.
The walk will commence from Vale Paraiso. A gentle stroll, mostly on level ground, leads to Camacha, where a stop will be made for refreshments before completing the walk to Rochao.
Cable Car and Monte Palace Gardens
Enjoy the stunning views of Funchal from a cable car followed by a visit to the famous Monte Palace Gardens.
Enjoy the stunning views of Funchal from a cable car followed by a visit to the famous Monte Palace Gardens.
The cable car takes you on a picturesque trip up to Monte, where the first image you see is the twin-towered façade of the 18th Century church. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes. (The cable car access is similar to a ski lift. The car does not stop for boarding; it just slows in motion).
You continue to the tropical Monte Palace Gardens, with its excellent collection of tress and exotic plants from all over the world. The Gardens also have several lagoons and waterfalls where you will be able to marvel at the Koi Carp.
After the visit to the Gardens you’ll travel to Pico do Barcelos, which offers a panoramic view of Funchal, the bay and surrounding hills.
Tea at Reids
Enjoy one of Madeira’s oldest traditions – tea at Reid’s Palace Hotel, overlooking the Bay of Funchal.
Enjoy one of Madeira’s oldest traditions – tea at Reid’s Palace Hotel, overlooking the Bay of Funchal.
Before visiting the hotel, you’ll be taken to the viewpoint of Pico dos Barcelos for a magnificent view over Funchal.
Built in the last century, Reid’s Palace has always had a special place in the history of Madeira. Located on the outskirts of Funchal, perched on a cliff top headland overlooking the bay, Reid’s is set in ten acres of lush semi tropical gardens, where hanging vines jostle for room with stunning displays of geraniums, hibiscus and salvias.
Upon arrival, you will be taken on a short walk through the hote gardens before tea is served, giving you an opportunity to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere. The tea menu includes a choice of teas, scones, and cakes.
A Taste of Madeira
Combine a drive through Madeira’s mountains and villages with a visit to a typical distillery to sample honey cake and ‘Poncha’.
Combine a drive through Madeira’s mountains and villages with a visit to a typical distillery to sample honey cake and ‘Poncha’.
Winding along the coast, you’ll pass through the village of Câmara de Lobos ‘The Sea Wolves' Lair’. A picturesque fishing village, once painted by Sir Winston Churchill, it is well known for its quaint red tile roofed houses and brightly painted fishing boats anchored in the harbour.
The steep valleys and vineyards of Estreito de Câmara Lobos, offer good examples of the terraced cultivation seen throughout Madeira, some of the most important vinicultural areas of the island.
To reach Cabo Girão, you pass pine woods and eucalyptus trees, easily identifiable by their scent. Cabo Girão is 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.
At Ribeira Brava you’ll take a brief village tour before continuing along the south west coast to the village of Calheta, a charming place where bananas, wine and sugar cane are widely produced by the locals. Visit Calheta´s own rum distillery and see how white rum is made. Sample honey cake and a famous local drink called ‘Poncha’, made from rum and honey, before retuning back to the ship.
Helicopter Odyssey - SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Experience a bird’s eye view of Madeira on a thrilling helicopter ride.
Experience a bird’s eye view of Madeira on a thrilling helicopter ride.
Madeira with its rugged terrain and mountainous interior is best seen from the air. This helicopter flight takes you around the Funchal area, with its banana plantations, modern buildings mixing with the old-fashioned houses and their secluded gardens. In the background see the woodland areas and superb views of some of Madeira's highest peaks including Pico Ruivo, Pico do Arieiro, and the Curral das Freiras village below.
Duration:
40 minutes (20 minutes flight)
Porto Moniz and Scenic Delights
Experience the stunning island scenery and visit some idyllic villages on this full day tour.
Experience the stunning island scenery and visit some idyllic villages on this full day tour.
A drive into the spectacular mountains will reward you with stunning views of the north and south coasts, and to the Atlantic Ocean at the view point of Cabo Girão.
After a coffee stop in Ribeira Brava, continue to the village of Ponta do Sol. See how banana plants are actively reproduced as an important part of the Madeira economy at the banana farm.
Continue along the south west coast to the village of Calheta, a charming village set below a steep cliff and blessed with a wide variety of natural beauty. Bananas, wine and sugar cane are widely produced here by the locals.
Driving to the plateau of Paul da Serra, the scenery changes dramatically. Take a moment for a photo stop before driving across the plateau and heading back down to the coastal area on the north side. Explore the village of Porto Moniz, known for its beautiful natural swimming pool and Mole Island, formed from black lava. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading back into the mountains towards the plateau of Paul da Serra.
See the beautiful waterfalls and rock formations as you drive along the spectacular north coast, and arrive in the village of São Vicente. Travel back to the ship, via Encumeada with beautiful views of the south and north side of the island on clear days.
Sport Fishing - SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Try your luck at ‘hooking’ a large fish on the high seas.
Try your luck at ‘hooking’ a large fish on the high seas.
Madeira is ideally situated on the migratory routes of large game fish and in addition there other species that are resident throughout the year.
The target species are mainly Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Spearfish, Albacore, Wahoo and Dorado. The Giant Blue Marlin is the one every angler dreams of, and Madeira has become world known for the size and quality of its Blue Marlin. From novice to expert you can experience the fishing trip of a lifetime. This tour is suitable for beginners as well as experienced fishermen!
Enjoy some snacks and drinks whilst waiting for the ‘Big One’ to bite.
Famous Toboggan Ride - SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Combine the thrill of the toboggan ride with the fabulous scenery of Madeira.
Combine the thrill of the toboggan ride with the fabulous scenery of Madeira.
Leaving Funchal, you’ll head through the outskirts to Monte, noted for its many fine properties and gardens. Perched on a hill above Funchal is the twin-towered 18th century Church of our Lady. (time and opening permitting, there is an optional visit to the Church). In the centre of the high altar stands the statue of Our Lady of Monte, credited with being the source of many miracles.
Drivers in straw hats are waiting just outside the church to take you on your wicker basket ride, which covers the 2 mile descent in 10 minutes. A cushioned seat softens the ride and you’ll be in the safe hands of the drivers, who run alongside, pushing and steering using their rubber-soled boots as brakes. Heading inland to Pico dos Barcelos, enjoy stunning views of the town of Funchal and the southern coast with villages scattered on green slopes. The tour ends at the Old Blandy’s Wine Lodge with ‘tastings’ of the heart-warming nectar synonymous with this enchanting island.
Cable Car and Toboggan Ride
This picturesque trip gives a new dimension to Madeira, with stunning views from a cable car and a thrilling toboggan ride.
This picturesque trip gives a new dimension to Madeira, with stunning views from a cable car and a thrilling toboggan ride.
A rack and pinion railway once took passengers up the hillside from Funchal and the return to the coast was by toboggan. The railway closed in 1939, but an Austrian company has constructed a Cable Car for the trip up to Monte, noted for its many fine properties and gardens. The Funchal station is situated in the old part of town, and the journey from Funchal to Monte takes 15 minutes. (The cable car access is similar to a ski lift. The car does not stop for boarding; it just slows in motion).
Experience the ancient wicker-sled transport on a thrilling 10 minute toboggan ride. The drivers run alongside the toboggans, pushing and steering and using their rubber-soled boots as brakes. Continue by coach to Pico Dos Barcelos, a flower-decked belvedere where you’ll have possibly the best view towards the east.
Your excursion ends at a wine lodge in Funchal, where you have the opportunity to sample the different types of Madeira wine, ranging from the dry Sercial to sweet Malmsey.
Guide to Symbols
Pop up symbol guide
Please note: The excursion(s) listed are typical for this port. During the 12 weeks before departure,
confirmed excursions can be viewed and pre-reserved via the Cruise Personaliser.
Pricing benefits
Prices shown include Pricebreaker discounts of up to 45% off the full brochure fare.
The Online Prices shown include an extra 5% discount.
What's included in the price?
Shared stateroom reductions
Single occupancy
Fare notes
Stateroom notes