Adult price from £1,155pp
All prices include: transfers, accommodation, meals and guided activities; all as listed.
VISITING: Madeira
BROCHURE CODE: 4037

Key facts

  • Duration:7 nights
  • Suitable for: Anybody aged 8 years or over (younger children may join the holiday, but may not be able to participate in all the activities). Please see terms for details
Download Holiday Overview Download Trip Notes

What's included?

  • Transfers: All transfers included
  • Accommodation: 7 nights’ hotel accommodation in double/twin rooms*
  • Meals: 7 breakfasts
  • The following activities are included in the holiday: east island jeep expedition, sea kayaking and snorkelling, whale and dolphin watching, snorkelling with dolphins**, canyoning, northwest island jeep expedition and swimming in lava pools, levada biking tour (the order of activities is subject to change)
  • Fully qualified guides and instructors during activities

*a city tax of approximately 2 euros per person per night is payable locally on arrival. This amount may change without notice.

**you can only snorkel with the dolphins if the conditions are right. There is also the possibility that not all the members of the group will be able to do it before the dolphins move on.


Madeira is the perfect place for families to enjoy a holiday of discovery: warm waters, sun-filled days and exciting activities make this a fantastic place to explore.

You’ll be based in Funchal, the island’s small and fascinating capital and from here you can take part in all sorts of adventures. On your first day, you will explore the island as you enjoy a jeep adventure from one amazing viewpoint to another, over mountains and through valleys and along the winding coastline as you go! Stopping for a walk in the colourful mountains of Madeira, you’ll head to the stunning Balcões viewpoint, which looks out to the island’s central mountain range. From here, you’ll then go for a short walk along one of the island’s many levadas, traversing across the forested hills, filled with emerald green trees and bursting with colourful flowers and bubbling streams.

Moving from land to sea, you’ll have the chance to explore the coves and bays of the island by sea kayak, as you paddle across the beautiful blue sea in search of wildlife and adventure. You’ll then take to the seas again, aboard a RIB in search of marine life. Madeira is renowned for its whale and dolphin watching, so there’s no way we could leave this out during your time here. The boat trip will take you across the waters that surround Madeira and if nature is on your side, you’ll even get the chance to snorkel with the wild dolphins that call these waters home! A truly brilliant experience, this is sure to leave your family with fun-filled, lasting memories. 

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After the excitement of the ocean, you’ll head deep into the island for a half-day of family-friendly canyoning. It’s a fantastic way to explore the island from another point of view – water slides, refreshing pools and rappels will certainly keep the family entertained!

Back on the road you will explore the Serra D’Água, the dramatic valley dividing the massif from the only plateau on the island. This tour takes you to the lush northwest, where waterfalls melt into the ocean and lava has been shaped into unique pools, perfect for a refreshing swim. You cannot help but appreciate the power of nature in this landscape dominated by ancient forests, but you will also be able to walk alongside the famous man-made channels - called Levada’s – which supply the island’s farms with plentiful water and are the basis for its amazing array of fruit and vegetables.

Finally, you’ll take to the trails as you enjoy an easy biking tour along a wide levada, surrounded by luscious forest; a fantastic way to explore the famous irrigation channels of Madeira!

Based in a family-run hotel, which is full of charm and character, you’ll be staying close to the sea and the old town section of Funchal, so this is the perfect trip for families looking for a fun-filled adventure holiday with nearby shops, restaurants and excitement!


Image credits: Loko Loko, Rota dos Cetaceus, Madeira Promotion Bureau, Francisco Correia, Terras de Aventura, Visit Madeira
Show full agenda

Please note that a city tax of approximately 2 euros per person per night is payable locally on arrival. This amount may change without notice.

Included in price


Other options

We include more, no hidden costs

On each of our holidays you will see a clear outline of exactly what's included in the price of your holiday. We never use 'headline' or 'lead-in' prices like so many tour operators, as we prefer to include as much as we can, rather than see our clients incur considerable additional costs in our destinations.
Price guarantee

Price based on 2 adults (12 and over) sharing with 1 child (8-11) on an extra bed

From 2024, visitors to Madeira are required to pay a €2 per person per night tax directly to their hotel. This tax applies only to those aged 13 and over and is payable up to a maximum of seven nights only.

Special Offer

⭐Summer offer - save £50 per person⭐


Book before 31st July 2023 and save £50 per person on this holiday - a huge saving of £200 for a family of four!

(Maximum saving per booking is £200. T&Cs apply. Can only be used for direct bookings, not in conjunction with third-party referrals. Please ask our Travel Experts for details.)


 

Departure dates between
Sat 25 May 2024 Adult price (per person): £1185.00
to £1325.00
Child (age 8 - 11): £925.00
to £1035.00
Enquire
Sat 29 Jun 2024 Adult price (per person): £1185.00
to £1325.00
Child (age 8 - 11): £925.00
to £1035.00
Enquire
Sat 19 Oct 2024 Adult price (per person): £1155.00
to £1295.00
Child (age 8 - 11): £905.00
to £1015.00
Enquire

For our full booking terms and conditions please click here

The Specifics

Holiday group size (approximate)

Minimum 4 people, maximum 25 (approximately)

Group Size

We always try to provide an approximation of the group size you can expect to be with for the duration of each of our holidays. It may be that you are joined by others for parts of your holiday (such as transfers and particular activities) but the above number reflects those you can normally expect to be with from beginning to end. If group size is something which is particularly important to you, please speak to our Travel Experts and they can suggest the best holidays for you.

Tailor-made holiday group sizes will vary for all activities as will the group size for any additional activities you book.

Minimum numbers required for a holiday to operate

Some of our holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate (as listed in the ‘Group Size’ section). If your holiday departure has not yet reached the minimum number, you will be told at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that your chosen date is not guaranteed by nine weeks before your scheduled departure date, we will contact you to discuss the available options as per our booking conditions.

Minimum and maximum age

The minimum age for this holiday can be found in the ‘Key Facts’ section of the holiday overview.

Younger family members may be able to participate but may not be able to take part in all activities. Please contact one of our Travel Experts if you have any questions.

Itinerary amendments

The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only, your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which are uploaded into your online account around a week prior to departure) or upon arrival.

Medical History and Advice

We want our holidays to be accessible as they can be and will do our best to accommodate any special requests and requirements where possible. We have a wide range of holidays and destinations and so our travel experts will help find the best holiday for you.

In order to give us the best possible chance to do this we ask that if you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday or has any special requirements, that you tell us at the time of enquiry or booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. You may need to provide a doctor’s note and proof of insurance in some cases as the health and safety of our clients is absolutely paramount.

In providing this information you are allowing us to work with our expert local partners to ensure that your whole party can enjoy the holiday. By letting us know in advance we can discreetly work with you to adapt any part of the holiday which may potentially be challenging. Being able to prepare for this in advance makes an incredible difference to what we can offer and minimises any impact on your party and the rest of the group.

Unfortunately, if you choose not to share this information with us in advance then it may limit some or all of the itinerary you have booked, and we cannot be held accountable for any additional costs or missed activities resulting from this.

It is vitally important that you advise us prior to departure of any medical or dietary condition relating to any member of your party so that we may notify our local staff before you arrive. We recommend only drinking bottled water from bottles with unbroken seals and be vigilant about the use of ice in drinks and ice cream.

Insurance

Insurance is not included in your holiday, but it is a pre-requisite to travelling with us. You will need to ensure that you have cover for all the activities that you will be participating in during your holiday.

It is extremely important that you take out a suitable travel insurance policy at the time of booking. Plans do sometimes change, and you will need this policy should you need to cancel your holiday.

If you are struggling to find a suitable policy then details of our preferred provider, who will cover you for all the activities we offer, can be found on our website by clicking here. Please note that this policy is available to EU residents under the age of 75 only.

The UK Foreign Office Advice

Our clients’ safety is at the centre of everything we do, and our operations team continually assesses and monitors the destinations we feature. We carry out thorough risk assessments and work closely with all of our suppliers to continually follow best practice. For up to date travel advice the UK government offers its Travel Aware website as well as the advice detailed below.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice

We receive all updates from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) with regards to travel advice and we always ensure that we follow this advice in our operations. The FCO issues travel advisories for countries based on a very wide range of factors. They may provide notification about things as simple as a football match and crowds, or they may go so far as to advise against all travel to a region. We ask all our clients to refer to the relevant Travel Advice by Country for the destinations they are visiting in order to make an informed decision on the safety of the destination based on the details provided. It also provides vital information regarding entry requirements, embassy information, local laws and customs as well as specific safety and health. Guests should take responsibility for keeping themselves up to date with this advice. Please also ensure that, if you are transiting through another country, you have read the advice and meet the entry requirements for that destination too.

The FCO travel advice is applicable to British Passport Holders. Most governments will issue their own travel advice for a region and, if you are not a UK resident then you can find some helpful links below:

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/                                                   

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/                                                 

Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/                                                                                                     

The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html

If the FCO deems that there is an unacceptable level of risk for UK citizens then, together with the government, they may issue an advisory against all travel to a region or country. If such an advisory is published, then we will act accordingly, and this may require the cancellation, curtailment or amendment of a holiday itinerary. These decisions are made on the basis of ensuring our clients’ safety and will affect all clients on the holiday, regardless of their nationality.

If one of our local experts suggests an amendment due to a situation which develops locally then we may also take the decision to amend an itinerary appropriately.

If we have to cancel your holiday prior to departure you will be offered the option of an alternative trip (where any price difference will either be refunded to or covered by you) or a full refund of the monies paid.

If we have to curtail a holiday, then you will be refunded for any costs for the elements we have been unable to deliver, where we have been able to secure a refund from our suppliers. If we must reroute a holiday, then any basis for refund is determined on a case by case basis and dependent on whether the central holiday experience was provided or not.

Booking activities locally

Additional activities can be booked locally in almost all our destinations. However, as per our booking conditions, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss incurred through participation in activities which are booked at your destination outside of our holiday itinerary (see our ‘Terms and Conditions’ for further details).

When arranging any such activity please always ensure that safety is your primary concern.

In some of our destinations, you can borrow or hire equipment for use in your free time. You do so entirely at your own risk. You must ensure that you are correctly prepared, have the necessary equipment and knowledge (maps, etc.) and ensure that where applicable, you follow marked routes. We recommend discussing your plans with the local teams who will be able to advise on the most suitable options for you.

Always let the reception/guide know where you are planning to go and take a torch and mobile phone (with the hotel/guide’s phone number stored). It is also a good idea to leave your contact number and the time you expect to return to the hotel should the hotel need to contact you.

Flight schedule changes and connecting transportation

On your documentation, we will confirm your flight schedule. Sometimes the flight number, routing and timings might change prior to your departure. If the change is classed as a significant change then we will contact you to discuss this. Please see our booking conditions for details.

Flight schedule changes can impact on your pre and post-holiday travel arrangements if these have been booked separately to your holiday. We strongly recommend that you do not book transport (such as trains or transfers), car parking or non-connecting flights to the departure point for your holiday until you have received your final confirmed travel times when your final travel documents are issued. We are not responsible for the effect of any schedule change on your pre or post travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase non-flexible or non-refundable tickets to avoid cancellation and penalty charges.

Booking your own flights cancellation disclaimer

If you have chosen to book your own flights, then you will need to wait until we confirm to you that the holiday departure has met the minimum numbers required to run (if applicable to your chosen holiday). Once the holiday is guaranteed to run, you will be informed and you can then make your arrangements.

If transfers are included in your holiday, please ensure that any potential flights will be met by our standard transfers (speak to one of our Travel Experts for advice) otherwise private transfer supplements may be applicable. Once your flights are booked, please send us a copy of your detailed flight itinerary.

Please be aware that most tickets are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason, we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket and check the limitations of your cancellation insurance before booking. We cannot be held liable, in the unlikely eventuality that we should be forced to cancel or amend your trip, for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made.

Madeira - Additional Cancellation and Payment T&Cs

Additional Cancellation & Payment Terms and Conditions

Please note that the following cancellation terms supersede those mentioned in section 7 of our general booking terms and conditions.

- Up to balance due date (This is normally 12 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) - Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)                                                        

- between balance due date and 43 days prior to departure - 50%                                                

- 42 to 22 days prior to departure - 75%                                                   

- 21 or less days - 100%                                                    

Terms and Conditions

Our full booking terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.activitiesabroad.com/booking-conditions

 

Please note: our payment and cancellation terms will be unique to each booking – they will be confirmed with you at the time of quotation. The terms listed above are noted as a guide only

Traveller Reviews

  • We would definitely book again with Activities Abroad 16 August 2019 by The Rink Family

    We enjoyed a full week of activity with Activities Abroad in Funchal. The hotel was beautiful with a stunning aspect over the sea and ancient town wall and plenty of opportunity for jumping in and swimming in the sea, as well as in the lovely saltwater seafront pool. We loved staying in the older part of the hotel, with its old world charm. We could not fault the activities - all ran very smoothly
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    and our hosts/guides were all very enthusiastic and kind and keen to share their knowledge of the island. We would definitely book again with Activities Abroad. It really suited our need to be active but not feel like processed peas! There is exactly the right amount of organisation versus being left to your own devices. Many thanks to all who looked after us so well.
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  • Whales, Dolphins and Volcanic Landscapes 09 August 2019 by The Reindl-Lattaway Family

    We saw so many whales (incl. babies) and dolphins right beside our boat. Your subcontractor Kokoloko was excellent: knowledgable, friendly, helpful, always keen to make the holidays for us as enjoyable as possible.

  • Really well-balanced family holiday 17 August 2018 by The Nelson Family

    This holiday had everything - amazing weather, great hotel with time to swim in the hotel pool and snorkel in the sea beside the hotel every day, lots of lovely places to eat close to the hotel and fantastic scenery and activities arranged by Activities Abroad. The transfer from the airport was very short and we had an early flight,  so ended up arriving at the hotel at 11 am (and they were
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    great and let us have our rooms straight away). We travelled with our sons aged 8 and 10 - they had an absolutely brilliant time and thoroughly enjoyed the kayaking, canyoning and mountain biking. I would just say that my youngest is strong and fit and fearless for his age - I would be cautious of taking an under 10 on this holiday if they were of a more cautious disposition or less robust as the activities are quite physical and could be overwhelming for nervous children! Having said that,  the activity guides were absolutely lovely and I am sure that they would be able to adapt things as needed to keep everyone happy. We felt that the itinerary was extremely well worked out - we left feeling we really understood the island and had a good balance of history, culture, sightseeing, nature and physical activities. The welcome and farewell dinners were much appreciated but we also enjoyed finding our own places to eat in Funchal as there are so many options  (and amazing ice cream along the seafront open until late every night!). There was exactly the right amount of free time for us and it was spaced out through the week in a very thoughtful way.
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  • FAMILY SPECIALISTS

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    Experience real adventures enjoyed safely

    Family friendly destinations and accommodation

    Maximising your precious family time

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    Family time, not screen time

    Family memories to treasure

    For toddlers, young children, teenagers & adults alike

    Enjoy the company of like-minded families

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    ATOL and ABTA Financial protection available

    Customers rate us 4.8/5 Stars

    Award-Winning: Best Travel Company for Adventure Holidays 2023

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