Madeira
Get ready to explore a rugged, evergreen paradise with dramatic rock formations, lush vegetation, and spectacular views over fascinating volcanic landscapes and the vast Atlantic. Hike along blossoming slopes and roaring waterfalls, and in the evening relax with a glass of local vinho. Madeira has the ingredients for adventure.
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​Discover the island on easy to moderate hiking trails
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Wine tasting and visit to a rum distillery
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Optional sailing or kayaking excursion
Visual inspiration
Details
Day 1, Wed, 07.08.2024: Bem-vindo a Madeira!
Upon your arrival in Funchal (flights not included), you’ll be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel where you’ll meet the other guys and start getting excited about your gay adventure over dinner.
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Day 2, Thu, 08.08.2024: Olá, Madeira!
After a hearty breakfast, your guide Pedro will take you on a jam-packed city tour of Funchal, the capital of the island. You’ll explore the old town with its idyllic city gardens, stroll down the spacious Avenida Arriaga, and marvel at the Gothic cathedral. At the indoor market, you’ll take in the rich colours and delicious smells of the delicacies, flowers, herbs, and exotic fruits sold there. Afterwards, you’ll soar over Funchal in a cable car to Monte, a quarter situated high above the city. If you’re up for a thrilling experience, why not take a toboggan ride down to Funchal? The afternoon is yours to “see and be seen” on the Avenida do Mar or maybe even to go kayaking! Pedro will show you where you can rent a kayak at the pier (additional fee).
Day 3, Fri, 09.08.2024: Follow the levada
Lace up your hiking boots! It’s time to go hiking. Once you’ve reached Marocos in the east of the island, you’ll set off on a two-and-a-half-hour tour along a levada (a typical Madeiran aqueduct) through lively towns and deep valleys. Back in Funchal, spend the afternoon relaxing either at the hotel pool or on a one-of-a-kind sailing excursion (additional fee) on a replica of Columbus’ flagship the Santa Maria. The tour is an experience in itself – and with a bit of luck, dolphins will leap out of the waves as you sail past. The perfect end to another day of your gay holiday.
Day 4, Sat, 10.08.2024: Jagged slopes and ocean views
Follow the call of Madeira’s west coast – your first stop is Cabo Girão! Those brave enough to walk on the glass floor of the viewing platform will be rewarded with a breathtaking view down the jagged slopes. Back on solid ground, you’ll learn all there is to know about Madeiran culture at the Ethnographic Museum of Ribeira Brava. Now you’re off to Madalena do Mar, where you’ll take a leisurely two-kilometre stroll along a levada through lush banana plantations. The hike ends at Ponta do Pargo, the island’s westernmost point. You’ll take a quick detour to the Garganta Funda waterfall with yet another thrilling vertical drop to behold. To round off the day, you’ll have a glass of vinho at an organic winery before heading back to Funchal with a smile on your face.
Day 5, Sun, 11.08.2024: Volcanic discoveries
Get ready for a “rocky” time on the São Lourenço peninsula. Following close behind your guide Pedro, you’ll hike for about three hours along the rugged eastern tip of the island. The stunning rock formations along the way hint at the force with which the island was catapulted out of the sea 20 million years ago. You’ll learn about the volcanic eruptions that shaped the island and left their mark in the form of red and ochre layers in the cliffs. On the way back, you’ll stop at Porto da Cruz, where one of the island’s liquid delights awaits you: rum! Your gay taste buds will be thrilled, as you taste your way through a distillery before taking the bus back to Funchal.
Day 6, Mon, 12.08.2024: Up on the roof of Madeira
Make sure to have a good breakfast – today you’ll be embarking on a majestic tour of Pico do Arieiro (approx. 5 hours, steady footing required). Up and down the narrow paths you’ll go, sometimes rather steep, around sharp rocky ridges to Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak. From here, the island lies at your feet – a sight to behold! After a well-deserved break, you’ll hike down to Achada do Teixeira. From there the bus will take you to the quaint village of Santana, which is known for its colourful thatched farmhouses. At a quinta, you’ll learn how to make the island’s No. 1 beverage – poncha! After mixing your own drink, you’ll enjoy every sip while recalling the day’s gay adventure.
Day 7, Tue, 13.08.2024: Let your imagination run free
Take the day to discover other fascinating spots on the island or maybe you just want to chill out at the beach! It’s entirely up to you – make the most of your gay holiday. In the evening you’ll meet up with the guys one last time to celebrate before it’s time to say “goodbye” – but hopefully not forever!
Day 8, Wed, 14.08.2024: Adeus, Garden of Eden!
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end – even amazing gay holidays! It’s time to depart for home (flight not included).
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With its diverse landscape made up of rugged cliffs, captivating bays, breathtaking waterfalls and mist-covered mountain plateaus, Madeira is a hiker’s paradise (video).
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The island is famous for its flowers, which are in full bloom all year round. Humans have developed a fascinating cultural landscape here consisting of lush banana plantations, blossoming fields, quaint harbour villages and extensive irrigation canals.
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Despite Catholicism being the most predominant religion, the Portuguese are extremely tolerant.
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On “rural” Madeira, tolerance is steadily increasing despite the absence of a gay community. Same-sex couples no longer draw attention.
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As early as 2001, a law was passed protecting same-sex partnerships. Marriage has been recognised by law since 2010. There is also a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Hotel
For the duration of your stay, you’ll be staying at The Views Baía, a fabulous and conveniently located adult’s only hotel with stunning panoramic views of the bay and harbour.
The Views Baía | Funchal
Add-ons
Day 2 – Kayak tour (+ €49):
The afternoon is yours to go kayaking! Pedro will show you where you can rent a kayak at the pier.
Day 3 – Sailing tour (+ €59):
Spend the afternoon on a one-of-a-kind sailing excursion on a replica of Columbus’ flagship the Santa Maria. The tour is an experience in itself – and with a bit of luck, dolphins will leap out of the waves as you sail past.
Tour operator
This Guys.travel gay tour is organised and carried out by Marco Polo Reisen, a renowned specialist for worldwide discovery trips for over 60 years.
Prices and services
Have a room all to yourself
€ 1939,-
Share a room with a partner/friend
€ 1640,-
Price per person includes:
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Individual transfer from/to the airport
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Excursions and round-trip transportation by customary, air-conditioned coach
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7 nights in a single room
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Meals as indicated in the itinerary
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English-speaking Marco Polo tour guide
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Wine tasting session
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Rum tasting session
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Poncha making session
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Farewell dinner
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Entrance fees according to the itinerary (PDF)
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CO2 compensation – climate neutral gay tour
FEEDBACK
Tim & Karl | Austria
The trip was wonderfully relaxing, varied, perfectly organised, actually unforgettable and we really enjoyed meeting new people. All in all, we are perfectly happy. Thanks a lot!
Chris | UK
I had a really great time in Madeira. The hikes were spectacular and Oliver is the best hiking guide you could ask for. His experience, knowledge, strong empathy, and intuition regarding the weather made it possible for us to go on all the planned hikes with a flexible itinerary. It was simply awesome!
Eddi | Germany
It was really wonderful! Every single one of us! We got on really well, the group supported and complemented each other well. And the guide loved us all too! We won't be losing contact, that's for sure.
Book your trip now
Travel cancellation insurance:
You can purchase travel cancellation insurance from us immediately after booking by clicking on the link provided in the confirmation e-mail.
Next steps
STEP 1:
After submitting the booking form, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt from Guys.travel with a comprehensive overview of the next steps.
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STEP 2:
You will receive a booking confirmation by e-mail from the tour operator Marco Polo with an invoice and secured payment certificate. You will be asked to make a 10% deposit up front (full payment also possible).
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STEP 3:
Once the minimum number of participants for the tour has been reached, you will be notified by Marco Polo and it is safe to book your flights.
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STEP 4:
Marco Polo will send you your travel documents by e-mail 10 to 14 days before the start of the tour.
