Mountains, honey, and Madeira wine in one day.

I especially like the off-road north-coast viewpoints and the way the schedule mixes scenery with two proper tastings, not just a quick pour. I also love that you get a hands-on look at how honey is made in a local, sustainable setup. One thing to consider: the day runs long (about 7.5 hours) and you’ll be on your feet between viewpoints and tastings, so bring comfortable shoes and plan for some walking.

The tour also feels thoughtfully paced for a small group—up to 8 people—with real safety briefings and an experienced driver handling the tight roads. If you want the big Madeira hits—views, food pairing, and wine history—this one checks a lot of boxes. The main drawback is simple: lunch is a break, but meals are not included, so you’ll still pay for food on your own during that time.

Key highlights in plain terms

• Off-roading with big north-side views on the way toward São Vicente
• Mel da Laurissilva honey museum focused on local, sustainable production
• Two wine experiences: a guided table wine tasting plus a Madeira wine flight by age
• Cabo Girão Skywalk at 580 meters (entrance fee not included)
• Small group size (limited to 8) with a guide who keeps the day flowing
• No pressure buying for wine, with tastings that help you choose what you actually like

The real vibe: a Madeira day that mixes nature and serious drinking

This tour is for people who want more than one pretty viewpoint and a token sip of wine. You start in Funchal and head inland and up, then you get pulled toward the north side of the island—where the terrain gets rugged and the views go wide. Along the way, you get a real theme: nature first (honey and cliffs), then wine, then a finale in a classic fishing-town setting.

It works well because the wine isn’t just a menu item. You learn how Madeira wine is made and how it fits Madeira culture, then you taste it in two different formats: a guided set of table wines and then a Madeira flight by sweetness and age. By the time you finish in Câmara de Lobos, you’re not guessing what you’re drinking.

One more practical note: the tour runs with a small-group feel, but it’s still a full day with driving. If you’re the type who likes to wander slowly on your own all afternoon, you’ll need to accept that this is more of a structured loop.

Pickup and the quick start in Funchal

You’ll get picked up with free pickup and drop-off from Funchal’s central area and next to the port. If you’re staying outside that zone, there’s an extra fee—so check your exact pickup point.

Once everyone’s aboard, there’s a safety briefing. You’ll also notice the extra care details included with the service, like sanitized vehicles (ozone treatment) and alcohol-gel available. It’s not just a feel-good gesture; it matters because later you’ll be on narrower, steeper roads and in off-road terrain.

You’ll want to dress for temperature swings. One of the consistent pieces of advice: it can get chilly on the drive up to the first viewpoints, even when Funchal feels warm.

Serra d’Água and Miradouro da Encumeada: start with the north-coast drama

The first big stop is Serra d’Água, with a photo stop and sightseeing. From there, you move along with another planned viewpoint experience at Miradouro da Encumeada—a scenic drive with views on the way.

This is where the tour earns its keep: the island opens up, and you get that north-side look at places you might not reach by bus or a rental car without nerves. If you like getting your bearings early, you’ll be glad this day begins with high ground and wide angles.

Practical tip: bring your camera strap and keep an eye on footing around edges. Viewpoints are great, but they aren’t theme-park smooth.

São Vicente off-road adventure: Land Rover energy and big, earned views

Next comes São Vicente, Madeira, and the off-roading portion. This is one of the most praised parts of the day because it turns travel into an experience. You’re not just passing scenery; you’re feeling the island’s terrain.

In past departures, the vehicle experience has included a Land Rover Defender style setup. That fits the route: tight turns, steep grades, and those roads where a driver’s confidence makes the difference between stressful and fun.

If you get motion-sick, plan accordingly. The route is designed for views, and it may feel bumpy at times, especially as you gain and lose elevation. (This is also why the tour isn’t ideal for very small children or anyone who prefers flat, predictable transport.)

Mel da Laurissilva: the honey museum that actually makes you think

After the rugged road fun, you switch gears to something calmer and smarter: Mel da Laurissilva (Museu do Mel), a honey museum tied to local production. It’s described as sustainable and even organic, with an emphasis on tools used in the past compared to today.

This stop is valuable because it teaches you what you’re tasting. You’ll learn how honey is produced, what makes local honey special, and how the benefits connect back to the island’s environment. Instead of a generic tasting room, this feels like a working relationship with Madeira’s ecosystem.

You’ll also be offered a local honey sweet treat while you enjoy panoramic valley views. On some days, you might get a small extra local sample as part of the vibe—one guide-led visit has included a poncha-style tasting element—but the core is the honey education and tasting.

Who this is for: if you’re even mildly curious about how food connects to place, you’ll enjoy this stop. It also breaks up the wine-heavy schedule, so you don’t feel like you’re just driving and drinking all day.

Quinta do Barbusano vineyards: learn Madeira wine culture, then taste

Now you head to the heart of Madeira’s wine region for Quinta do Barbusano Winery and a vineyard-focused experience. You’ll get guided insight into the largest extension of vineyards in Madeira and the culture behind the wines.

This is where you’ll want to pay attention, because Madeira wine is not the same thing as what many people expect when they think of wine. The tour explains production techniques and history in a practical way, then moves into tasting.

You’ll join a professional wine tasting featuring:

• one rose
• three whites
• two red wines

with Portuguese cheese and chorizo as pairings.

This part is one of the best values on the day because you’re not just tasting Madeira wine at the end. You’re getting a broad, guided range that helps you understand the style spectrum—then you’ll return to Madeira specifically at Henriques & Henriques.

A quick realism check: this is tasting, not a big meal. You’ll be ready for lunch afterward, and you’ll also likely want water between pours.

São Vicente break and lunch time: plan for extra costs

After the winery portion, there’s a break time and free time in São Vicente, with a lunch break. Meals are not included. That means you’ll pick up food on your own at your own pace.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to sit and watch scenery while you eat, this break is a good reset. But if you hate decision-making during vacations, you may want to have a quick plan in mind for where you’ll eat during this window.

Because you’ll later do more wine tasting, keep lunch lighter if you can—especially if you’re driving yourself in the rest of your trip after the tour ends.

Cabo Girão Skywalk at 580 meters: the cliff moment

Next, you hit Cabo Girão, known for Europe’s highest sea cliff and its suspended glass platform. The cliff is 580 meters, and the views reach over the Atlantic, plus Câmara de Lobos and Funchal.

There’s also an easy-to-miss detail: entrance to Cabo Girão costs €3 and is not included. The tour includes the visit/photo stop from the itinerary, but you’ll still want a few euros ready if you plan to step onto the platform.

If you’re afraid of heights, be honest with yourself here. You don’t have to do the platform, but the view from nearby areas is still dramatic. If you do go on, move slowly, keep your phone steady, and don’t rush the glass-your-mind moment.

This stop tends to be the photo peak of the day. Even if you don’t do the platform entrance, you’ll still get that cliff-at-the-end-of-the-road feeling.

Henriques & Henriques in Câmara de Lobos: the Madeira flight finale

Your tour closes in Câmara de Lobos, a traditional fishing village. You’ll visit Henriques & Henriques Madeira Wine Lodge for wine tasting, and this is included.

The included tasting includes Madeira wines listed by style and age:

• Sweet and Dry (3 years old)
• Sweet (10 years old)
• Dry (15 years old)

So yes, you’ll taste both sweetness levels and older aging styles. That helps you catch how Madeira changes with time and how its flavor profile can run from lighter and dry to more complex and honeyed as it ages.

In past tours, this finale has been described as the main reason people choose the day. It’s also a good place to buy if you want, because you’re tasting with context—and the schedule doesn’t rush you out immediately after your last sip.

Important holiday note: on some Portuguese holidays, the Henriques & Henriques visit isn’t available. In that case, the tour swaps in a 20-minute visit to the traditional Fishing Village in Camara de Lobos Bay instead. If you’re traveling around a holiday period, it’s worth confirming which option your date includes.

What’s included (and what to pay for yourself)

Here’s the included core that makes this feel like a real day of experiences for the money:

• Professional local guide in English
• Free pickup/drop-off from Funchal central area and next to the port
• Madeira wine tasting with table wines (rose, whites, reds) plus Portuguese cheese and chorizo
• Madeira wine tasting at Henriques & Henriques (3-, 10-, and 15-year sweet/dry selections)
• Honey museum visit
• Ongoing safety support and first aid coverage, plus vehicle sanitation and alcohol-gel
• Wi-Fi on the vehicle

What’s not included:

• Cabo Girão entrance fee (€3)
• Lunch and any other food/drinks besides wines and snacks

Price and value: why $104 can work for wine people

At $104 per person for 7.5 hours, the price feels fair if your goal is tasting and learning rather than just sightseeing. You’re paying for guided access to:

• a sustainable honey museum experience
• a winery tasting with pairings (cheese and chorizo)
• a second Madeira tasting with age-based flights
• the Skywalk area and multiple viewpoint stops
• transportation for a small group

If you tried to do this on your own, you’d spend time solving logistics: finding the right wine lodge tasting slots, planning the right north-side route, and figuring out how to build in Cabo Girão without wasting daylight. This tour compresses the planning and adds a driver who handles the rougher parts without you thinking about it.

Is it expensive? It’s not budget travel. But for a day that includes two wine tastings plus the honey and major cliff stop, it’s solid value.

Small group pacing: why you feel the tour more than you count it

The tour is limited to 8 participants, which matters. It means the guide can keep the day moving without losing people, and you get enough attention during tastings and viewpoint stops. It also makes the off-road segments feel safer and more manageable, because everyone is together and the guide can check up quickly.

You’ll also have Wi-Fi on board and sanitizer on hand. Not thrilling, but it helps on long days.

Comfort checklist for a smoother day

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll be stopping and standing at multiple points)

Consider:

• A light jacket or layers for the early climbs. Even in pleasant weather, it can turn cooler as you drive up.
• Minimal luggage. No luggage or large bags is allowed, and the tour doesn’t take pets.
• Motion planning for off-road. If you’re sensitive, prep for bumpy terrain.

Not suitable for:

• Wheelchair users
• Children under 3
• Pregnant women

Who should book this Madeira day trip

This tour is a great fit if you:

• love wine and want structured tastings, not just a walk-through
• want north Madeira viewpoints without driving stress
• enjoy pairing food and drink with actual explanation
• like nature themes that connect to local production (honey matters here)

It’s less ideal if you want slow travel or lots of free wandering. This day is built to hit key points and taste along the way.

FAQ

FAQ

What is the duration of the Madeira Signature Wine Tasting, Skywalk & Nature Expedition?

The tour lasts about 7.5 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $104 per person.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Pickup and drop-off are free if you’re in Funchal’s Central Area and next to Funchal’s port. Pickup outside that area has an extra fee.

What wine tastings are included?

You get a Madeira table wine tasting (one rose, three whites, two reds) plus a second Madeira wine tasting of sweet or dry wines aged 3, 10, and 15 years.

Is food included?

Meals are not included. Lunch is a break in the itinerary, and food and drinks excluding wines and snacks are not included.

Is Cabo Girão admission included?

No. Entrance to Cabo Girão costs €3 and is not included.

How many people are in the group?

The tour is a small group limited to 8 participants.

What happens on Portuguese holidays when Henriques & Henriques is unavailable?

On some Portuguese holidays, Henriques & Henriques isn’t available. The tour replaces it with a 20-minute visit to the traditional fishing village in Câmara de Lobos Bay.

Should you book this tour?

If you want a single day that gives you two wine experiences, a sustainable honey stop, serious viewpoint time, and a true cliff finale, I’d book it. The structure is what makes it work: you’re not just driving around; you’re learning, tasting, and seeing Madeira’s north and coast in a tight loop.

Skip it only if you strongly prefer independence and slow wandering, or if you know your body won’t enjoy off-road terrain and multiple stops. Otherwise, this is a very Madeira-style day—nature first, then wine, then that Skywalk feeling when the ocean drops away below you.