Discover Portugal With Madeira

• Day 1 Liverpool

  Departure: late afternoon

• Day 4 Lisbon

  Visiting Lisbon in October allows for opportunities to explore at a slower pace, including marvelling at views across the city from the many miradouros (viewpoints). You will also be ideally placed for wandering along the labyrinth of cobblestoned streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, which offers a captivating journey through the city, from the grandeur of São Jorge Castle to the stirring rhythms of Fado music. There will also be opportunities to try local dishes like grilled sardines or the deliciously crumbly Pastéis de Nata custard tart with a crisp glass of Vinho Verde wine, ride through the city on a vintage tram, and visit the nearby fairytale-like town of Sintra, set against the backdrop of rolling hills.

• Day 5 Cádiz

  One of Europe’s oldest cities, Cadiz is well-known for the golden dome atop the cathedral, which gleams in the pleasant October sunshine. You will be perfectly placed to wander through the narrow streets of the old town or ascend the 173 steps of the former watchtower, Torre Tavira, for outstanding views across the city. There will be opportunities for you to witness a traditional Flamenco show in its place of origin and dine at authentic tapas bars, offering delectable small plates like fried anchovies, garlic prawns, and shrimp fritters, accompanied by local wines or the famously sweet and nutty-tasting Jerez sherry.

• Day 6 Málaga

  Visiting Malaga in the autumn makes for a pleasant exploration of peaceful streets lined with orange trees and historical buildings. You could explore Pablo Picasso’s birthplace and the museum dedicated to his work in Buenavista Palace, or discover the well-preserved Moorish fortress of Alcazaba, which offers beautiful panoramas over the city and the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Amidst your exploration, savour opportunities to experience local dishes of espetos (sardines on skewers and cooked over coals), tapas in authentic Spanish bard, and a traditionally sweet Moscatel wine. Alternatively, you can enjoy a hike to Gibralfaro Castle, which offers vistas of the surrounding city and a fascinating history dating back to Phoenician times.

• Day 7 Ceuta

  Ceuta is an autonomous Spanish town on the North African coastline of Morocco. Located on a peninsula jutting out into the Mediterranean, Cueta offers a blend of fine architecture, intriguing museums, excellent cuisine and stunning natural landscapes. The city’s museums include the Museo de la Basilica Tardorromana and the Military Museum of the Legion, established in 1940 to celebrate the Spanish Legion. The Parque Marítimo del Mediterráneo is a leisure complex consisting of three artificial lakes of salt water, filtered directly from the sea.

• Day 9 Funchal, Madeira

  The glorious island of Madeira is known as the ‘Garden Island’ due to its array of subtropical flowers and plants that seem to burst from every direction. From Funchal, you’ll be able to witness the floral beauty of the island at the exquisite garden in Monte, featuring themed gardens and tropical plants, while its levada walking trails offer unique views of enchanting forests and flowing streams. During October, you will have the opportunity to sample traditional foods and the renowned fortified Madeiran wine, witness local Bailinho dances, or visit one of Europe’s tallest cliffs, Cabo Girao, standing 580 metres above sea level, with a suspended glass platform viewpoint.

• Day 11 Leixões

  Leixoes is a delightful town to explore, where an autumnal stroll along the promenade offers a laidback atmosphere, and just outside the town is a lovely beach at Matosinhos. Venture further afield to Oporto, Matosinhos is a delightful town to explore, where a summer stroll along the promenade offers a laidback atmosphere and a lovely beach located just outside the town. Venture further afield to Porto, and you’ll be offered opportunities to explore the narrow, cobbled streets and colourful houses of Ribeira, or perhaps take a boat trip along the Douro River to witness scenic landscapes of terraced vineyards and traditional wine estates known as quintas. Meanwhile, the city is well known for its production of Port wine, which can be sampled at one of the many wine cellars, or for enjoying Porto’s signature dish, Francesinha, a mouth-watering hearty sandwich of meat covered with melted cheese and a hot, thick sauce in an authentic Portuguese restaurant. 

• Day 14 Liverpool

  Arrival: early morning

Andalusia & Portugal with Madeira Itinerary