Lisbon and the Island of Madeira: The Tapestry of Portugal

When you arrive in Lisbon, take a taxi from the airport, or we can arrange your transportation to Hotel Pousada Lisboa, a charming and historic 5-star hotel in the heart of the city. After checking in, settle in and unwind from your journey. You might want to explore the hotel’s beautiful surroundings or simply relax in your room, soaking in the atmosphere of this 18th-century building where Kings and Queens once roamed. 

We’ll meet for a welcome drink around sunset before dinner at RIB Beef & Wine, the hotel’s signature restaurant. This is our first opportunity to gather as a group, relax, and enjoy a warm introduction to Lisbon’s culinary scene. Savor expertly prepared dishes highlighting local flavors, including succulent steaks and Portuguese wines. 

We’ll begin with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a walking tour through Lisbon’s most iconic districts: Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto. We’ll start at Praça do Comércio and stroll down Rua Augusta, learning about the 1755 earthquake and Lisbon’s reconstruction led by the Marquis of Pombal.

Along the way, we’ll visit the Santa Justa Elevator for sweeping views of the city, Rossio Square, and São Domingos Church. We’ll also stop to taste Ginjinha, a traditional cherry liquor. A ride on the Gloria Funicular will take us to São Pedro de Alcantara for a breathtaking lookout over the city. We’ll continue through Bairro Alto, touching on the history of Fado music, and Carmo Square, where we’ll discuss the Carnation Revolution. A stroll through Chiado will include visits to Portuguese cotton and porcelain shops.

Lunch is at By the Wine, after which we’ll hop on the Bica Funicular and head to Belém for a panoramic tour. Highlights include the Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, and an exterior visit to Jeronimos Monastery. We’ll wrap up the day with a taste of Pastéis de Belém before heading back to the hotel. 

Dinner is at Suba Restaurant, a Michelin recommended restaurant set in a historic Lisbon palace with a rooftop bar & stunning 360º views.

Following breakfast, we’ll head to the magnificent Palácio Marquês Fronteira, a true hidden 17th-century gem. This estate is a masterpiece of the Portuguese baroque period, offering a glimpse into the aristocratic life of the time. 

Next, we’ll visit the Tile Museum to immerse ourselves in Portugal’s deep tradition of ceramic artistry. Here, we’ll discover how tiles have symbolized Portuguese identity for centuries as decoration and cultural expression. The museum is housed in a former convent, and as we walk through its historic corridors, we’ll see everything from the earliest Islamic-inspired tiles to vibrant modern pieces. 

We’ll head to Zambeze for lunch, where Portuguese cuisine meets African influences. This unique restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. 

The afternoon is yours to enjoy – whether you want to shop in Lisbon’s charming streets or relax and take in the city at your own pace.

We’ll meet again for dinner at SÁLA de João Sá, a one-star Michelin experience. This intimate and stylish restaurant blends tradition and innovation. With a focus on modern Portuguese flavors, it is the perfect place to savor creative dishes, each an exciting interpretation of the local culinary scene. 

Today, we’ll set off for a day of discovery in Sintra, one of Portugal’s most enchanting towns. Our first stop is the stunning Pena Palace, where we’ll enjoy fast-track access to this vibrant and whimsical UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll dedicate the entire morning to exploring the palace, with its eclectic mix of architectural styles and the expansive park surrounding it. As we make our way down through the gardens, enjoy the diverse flora, hidden pathways, and stunning views that seem to transport you to another world.

For lunch, we’ll head to Tascantiga, a charming restaurant in the heart of Sintra, where we’ll enjoy a tapas-style meal that celebrates local flavors.

After lunch, you'll have free time to wander Sintra's historic center at your own pace. You’ll have the opportunity to browse local shops, visit quaint cafés, or soak in the beauty of this fairy-tale town. Don’t miss the chance to try Sintra’s famous Travesseiros, a delicious puff pastry filled with almond cream, perfect for an afternoon treat.

We’ll return to Lisbon in the evening to freshen up before a special night. Dinner will be at A Severa, a traditional Fado restaurant. The soulful sounds of this beloved Portuguese music will accompany our meal. It’s the perfect way to end a day filled with history, beauty, and unforgettable experiences.

Savor a leisurely breakfast and a calm morning before we head to the airport around 11 am for our flight to Madeira. A van will be waiting to take us to Castanheiro Boutique Hotel in the heart of Funchal, where we’ll check in and get settled.

Once we're feeling refreshed, we’ll take a walking tour of Funchal, exploring the city’s charming old town. Our guide will lead us through the spirited streets, sharing insights about local culture and history. Along the way, you’ll admire Funchal’s colorful doors and murals, a hallmark of the city’s artistic revival.

To cap the tour, our guide will introduce us to Poncha, Madeira’s famous local drink. Poncha is a blend of aguardente, honey, and citrus, offering a sweet, tangy taste of the local culture. We’ll then stop at a traditional spot to toast our arrival on the island. 

We’ll gather for dinner at the hotel's restaurant, where we can enjoy a relaxing meal before getting some rest for the upcoming adventures.

After breakfast, we’ll take a scenic coach ride to Ribeiro Frio, a beautiful area known for its lush forests and tranquil atmosphere. The drive takes approximately one hour and offers lovely views of the Madeira countryside along the way. 

Once we arrive, we’ll embark on the Levada dos Balcões walk, a must-do in Madeira. This easy and picturesque trail follows one of Madeira’s famous levadas (irrigation channels), providing stunning panoramic views of the island’s verdant landscapes.

We’ll continue to Santana Village, known for its traditional thatched houses, for a brief stop to soak in the charming atmosphere and unique architecture. 

Lunch will be a delightful affair at Quinta do Furão Restaurante, where we can enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean over lunch. Combining fresh local ingredients and spectacular scenery makes for a memorable experience.

On the way back to Funchal, we’ll make a quick photo stop at São Lourenço. Take the time to capture one of Madeira’s most picturesque spots. 

We’ll end the day with a visit to Blandy’s Wine Lodge, where we’ll enjoy a guided tasting of Madeira wines paired with a selection of local cheeses. The snacks will serve as a light dinner. The tasting perfectly introduces Madeira’s winemaking heritage in one of the island’s oldest and most famous wine lodges.

We’ll start our day with a delicious breakfast and a visit to the Funchal Farmer’s Market. You can explore the local produce and vibrant flowers on our way to the Teleférico Funchal-Monte Cable Car there. From there, we’ll take the first cable car ride up to Monte, where you can visit the Monte Public Garden, Quinta do Monte, and the stunning Monte Palace Tropical Garden.

We’ll have free time for lunch, so we can choose from local spots and enjoy a relaxed meal with beautiful views.

Afterward, you can experience the Monte Sledges (carros de cesto), an exhilarating ride to the city center. The option is available at an additional cost.

The afternoon and evening are free to explore or relax at your own pace.

Our final day in the captivating archipelago of Madeira begins with an unforgettable encounter with its vibrant marine life. A dedicated whale and dolphin tour will immerse us in the beauty of the island's coastal waters, offering the chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. 

Following this aquatic adventure, we'll journey by coach towards the unique and secluded Fajã dos Padres. Here, a thrilling cable car descent will unveil breathtaking panoramic vistas of Madeira's dramatic landscape, showcasing its verdant slopes plunging towards the azure Atlantic. 

Upon reaching this hidden gem at sea level, we'll have ample time to explore its tranquil shores, perhaps take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, and savor a delicious lunch of fresh, local delicacies with the ocean breeze as our companion.

The afternoon will then lead us to the awe-inspiring Cabo Girão, renowned for its dizzying glass-floored skywalk perched atop Europe's second-highest sea cliff. From this spectacular vantage point, we'll be treated to unparalleled views of the coastline and the vast expanse of the ocean, a testament to Madeira's dramatic volcanic origins. 

As our incredible journey draws to a close, we'll return to Funchal for a special farewell dinner at the exquisite Quinta Jardins do Lago. Surrounded by lush botanical gardens and an air of refined elegance, we'll raise a toast to the unforgettable memories created amidst the unique beauty and charm of Madeira Island, a truly distinctive destination unlike any other.

It’s our final day, and while it’s hard to say goodbye, the friendships and connections we’ve made will stay with us long after we leave. After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we’ll pack up and head to the airport for our flight back to Lisbon and beyond. 

As we take one last look at Madeira’s stunning beauty, let’s not forget the incredible women we’ve met along the way—each one bringing something special to this journey. From shared laughter to quiet moments of awe, we’ve built memories and bonds that will last far beyond this trip.